Beyond the Feed: An Inside Look at Eva Meloche’s Fashion Philosophies
At the risk of starting this article off too casually, I want to say, I know a lot of you read the article headline and saw Eva’s name and started jumping up and down. That’s a very valid response. I did the same thing shortly before I spoke to her. It’s been a few weeks since we spoke, and I think I’ll spend several more recovering from how wonderful of an experience it was talking to someone who is so reflective and well spoken.
Eva Meloche is very possibly the coolest 22-year-old in Montreal (and no, I’m not biased). As one of the best fashion curators on YouTube with a travel repertoire beyond most of our wildest dreams, Eva is not new to sharing pieces of her life online. Between work, travel, and studying Cultural Studies at McGill University, it’s safe to say she is busy. In her world, style is king, and inspiration is an everyday occurrence. Through a desire to explore her creativity and capture the moments that are most important to her, she’s built a platform that so many of us admire and are inspired by. I’m excited to give all of you a peek into her world and all the things that make Eva who she is beyond the feed.
You’ve built an impressive following on YouTube and Instagram. What motivated you to create content, and how has your approach changed over the years?
I watched YouTube a lot in high school, and I loved long-form vlog style content, especially of creators who were currently in high school and college because it was so relatable to me. I wanted to capture the special final moments of my last year of high school. I spent the balance in my bank account on a camera a year before I used it for the first time. I brought it to school and captured the memories I was making with my friends, and then edited and posted those mini-vlogs to YouTube. I loved editing and incorporating the music I was listening to into the videos. The product felt like a home video, and I enjoyed that filming style. I had one video go viral, and things took off from there. It’s become my passion, and I love how creative it allows me to be. I’ve stayed true to the initial process, I love capturing the mundane and romanticizing my life. Making YouTube videos got me excited about my life, and that’s still at the core of my creative process.
What goes into planning and creating your most popular content, like your travel diaries or “favorites” videos?
My first real travel series was the one in Italy from a few years back. I remember being in a huge rut, and wanting to find new formats for my videos. I wanted to experiment with the storytelling in a way that was new and different. When I went to Italy, I wrote in my journal each day, and I wrote what we were doing and trying on our trip. When I got home, I did voiceovers based on those entries so I could set each scene of the trip. I was randomly really inspired by Bridget Jones’ Diary and the narration style at the time, and I’ve gone back to that style again and again when I want to feel more vulnerable and explore the emotions of the moments in my life. For my “favorites” videos, I just think of what I am loving at the moment, and I try to brainstorm a little in my journal. It’s really enjoyable for me.
You are absolutely one of my favorite girls when it comes to anything fashion-related. You always look so effortless and chic. How do you curate your wardrobe, and what are your favorite go-to pieces?
Social media has helped me discover a lot of brands that I really love. Traveling and my time abroad in Copenhagen was very inspiring as well. I left for Denmark not knowing much about my personal style, and I came back feeling more sure about what I felt the best in. The experience of thrifting also helped me build my wardrobe, especially when I was in high school. I still love finding unique, vintage pieces that I know I’ll keep forever because they are so special. My favorite way to shop is by looking for secondhand pieces. You’ll find things that tell a story, and that are very unique to you. I’ve become pickier over time with what I purchase, and curating my wardrobe has involved finding really good basics with an edge to have more of an effortless look. A white t-shirt is just a white t-shirt unless it has a really nice cut and silhouette, and that’s what takes a look to the next level. Most of my favorite go-to pieces are very versatile and funky. I also really love accessorizing with jewelry or bags. What’s most important is how you feel while you’re wearing a piece and showing up as your most confident self.
What are some of your favorite recent fashion discoveries or brands you’ve recently fallen in love with?
If you could swap wardrobes with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
What a hard question. I’m going with Ella Karberg (@ellakarberg) of gem-wear. She has the best vintage designer collection, and she knows so much about fashion. Her sense of style is unmatched. I would trust her to rebuild my entire wardrobe. She dresses so effortlessly and is just so cool.
Living in Montreal, how does the city influence your style and content? Are there specific neighborhoods or spots that inspire you?
I love Montreal in the winter, but I feel more inspired in the spring and summer. I learned everything I know about filming by experimenting with my camera in the city. I feel a sense of gratitude after growing up here, and I have so much love for all the different neighborhoods. A lot of my creative growth has happened away from home, but Montreal is very comforting and my most frequented spots inspire me the most. Places like Osmo, Café Saint-Louis, and Mount Royal come to mind as places that remind me of how things began for me, and they are such a comfort.
You often share restaurant and cafe recommendations in your vlogs. What are your top Montreal food spots right now?
Larry’s. According to Eva, they have great brunch and lunch, it’s beautiful with lots of natural light, and a very sweet staff.
OSMO. This cafe has some of the strongest matcha, with fun great music and fun vibes.
September Cafe. This is a go-to for breakfast with pancakes that are to die for.
Mano Cornuto. An Italian restaurant with great pasta. Eva highly recommends the burrata with pistachio cream.
Dumpling Hut. This spot is located near the McGill campus. They make their dumplings by hand, and this is a go-to spot for socializing.
Elena. Located in Saint-Marie, this is another Italian place notable for having some of the most amazing pizza.
Liverpool House. This place is well known for their oyster bar and seafood option. It’s best for special occasions.
Pichai. Some of the best Thai food in Montreal!
Le Violin. Beautiful ambiance, and so pretty. Eva recommends the mint frozen yogurt ice cream.
What’s one thing your followers would be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to hear that I don’t watch anything but reality television. I used to binge watch a lot of TV to the point where it was starting to take over my life. A while back, I resolved to start reading more, so I haven’t seen any of the good recent TV shows, and I have limited myself to reality TV clips on YouTube. I can’t be chill about watching TV, so I don’t like to indulge in it even though I want to.
You’re a big traveler. How does traveling internationally and experiencing new cultures inspire you?
I’ve seen a lot of Europe, and a bit of Central America, which isn’t really a lot of the world. Traveling has made me a lot more observant of the world around me, and having my camera makes me more present. As it relates to fashion, it’s so inspiring to discover new brands and look at how people in new places dress. Otherwise, Montreal is very multicultural, and I have always been encouraged to try various foods and new things and be curious. Traveling makes me re-examine how I live my life, and I felt this a lot when I lived in Copenhagen. I brought back some of the attitudes around work-life balance that we don’t really have here. I come back from trips with a newfound sense of inspiration to create new things. I cherish the people I meet and the things I learn from them. How I experience language is super important, being from Quebec, and this is something I am curious about when I’m in a new place or when I come home from a trip.
What’s your favorite video or post that you’ve created, and why does it hold a special place for you?
I love this question. Some of my favorite videos revolve around really great memories. The Paris video from July 2022 was so special. I was traveling with my sister, and I had so much fun editing this one. Any video in New York is so fun. Going there is such an escape. Another favorite is one from May 2023 in Copenhagen. This video captured the essence of what it’s like being abroad and the highs and lows of it all. That video helped me sort through the complicated feelings of being away from home, and it felt like a huge turning point for me. The best videos I’ve made are not just about the great moments, but about the harder periods and the journey of coming out on the other side of them.
What are your long-term goals as a creator? Do you see yourself branching out into other areas, like launching a fashion line or starting a lifestyle brand?
I love magazines, I love production, and I love the idea of creating advertisements or short films that tug at people's heartstrings. I would like to mix in fashion somehow, too. I’m excited to try something new after I finish university. I am also excited to write after I am done with school, and maybe starting a blog or website as a creative outlet. I haven’t thought about a fashion line because there are people who are experts in that, and I think my talent lies more in seeking those people out and showcasing their work. I would love to maybe collaborate with an already existing line.
If you could collaborate with any designer, influencer, or brand, who would it be and why?
One brand that feels very aligned with me is With Jean. I wear a lot of their clothes, and to work with them would be a dream. Another brand I would also die to work with is, of course, Gimaguas. They do an excellent job on their own, but I would be honored to be a part of any project of theirs. I would also love to work on a Glossier campaign. I love their campaigns, and they always do such a beautiful job with their creative direction.
Off the Record
I am excited to share something new I am trying, where I allow my interview guests to ask me anything they want in our last 5 minutes together. I have titled this segment of the interview Off the Record and this will be a chance for not just my guests to get to know me, but for you all to get to know me a little bit better as well.
What is your holy grail perfume? Also, what is your favorite brand right now?
It’s such a cult classic, but I will ride or die for Black Opium by YSL. I always get compliments on this one, and I love layering it with other perfumes like Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs. I love wearing it to bed. For brands, anyone who knows me knows I love the vintage Americana look of Ralph Lauren. I am a huge fan of the brand aesthetic, being originally from the Midwest. They are the pinnacle of timeless elegance and quality in my mind.
Final Notes
It was genuinely such a pleasure speaking with Eva about all things fashion, culture, and travel. If you want to keep up with her, be sure to follow her @evameloche on Instagram. You can also keep up with her on YouTube to see the behind-the-scenes of her incredible travels, adventures at McGill, and new discoveries in fashion. If you have any questions for me, you can always reach me @itgirlarchive__ on Instagram, or by email, and I will respond as soon as I can. Much love to all of you!