Julia Vaughn of Triumvir

For those unfamiliar with Orange Country, it’s a unique area nestled between Los Angeles and San Diego in the Southern California area. With a wide range of influences from skate to hip hop, punks to hipsters — it’s strong cultural diverseness spawned independent lifestyle and apparel company Triumvir. Built by the experiences of several individuals, this streetwear brand discovers a notable face in the heart of it all, Triumvir model Julia Vaughn.

Where’d you grow up?
Oh man… Born in Taipei, Taiwan… then moved to Korea when I was 6… then to India… then to Egypt… then to Florida… then to California. I’m a nomad so to speak.

Why all the hopping around to different continents?
My dad was a corporate man, and part of his job description was being transferred from one branch to another every three or four years. Initially, I hated it because, as a kid growing up, I wanted to have the “life-long” friends everyone else seemed to have… but that obviously wasn’t going to happen. Looking back at it now though, I consider myself really lucky to have been able to travel so much, and at such a young age. Really, really lucky.

How long have you been in California?
I moved back from Taiwan about three years ago (when I was introduced to the Triumvir family), but I went to University High School in Irvine for my junior and senior year so in total… about 6 years. My first move over here (the US) was when I was 16, I was still attending Saddlebrook (a Tennis Academy / Boarding school) in Tampa, FL. when my dad had passed away and my mom felt it was best for the family to stay as close together as humanly possible… My older brother Richard couldn’t move to Florida at the time so we moved here in the beginning of 2002.

Sorry to hear…
Thanks… no worries. I’ve grown from it.

Do you speak Taiwanese?
Mandarin. I wish I spoke Taiwanese. I would be a lot more badass.

Are you full Taiwanese?
nope… I’m a mut.

We like muts!
half Chinese, half White

What kinda “White?”
I guess mostly Welsh and German. I like that… what kinda white… usually it’s “what kinda Asian?”

I’m guessing the Tennis Academy didn’t turn you into a Serena Williams because you’re modeling for Triumvir and not at the Australian Open.
hahhahahahahhah. No…. not quite. For one.. she’s got an ass.

lol.. ass… have you seen her arms??? I think she could bench press her opponents with one hand!
hahhahahahhaha. this could be the best off topic, topic I’ve ever encountered loving it! but you are right… she’s def…. built.

How did your gig as a model for Triumvir begin?
Interestingly short story. First of all, my mother must have paid Richard (my older bro) to give me a job here (I hung around the wrong crowd while working in Taiwan), as a “Company Admin” (I’m a firm believer than men are born without admin organizational skills… women are) and since I was the only girl at the office, I was used as a prop in our first lookbook and one of the images was used as an ad-filler since we didn’t have time to get a photoshoot or models ready… The response from the picture took us all by surprise so… I guess they decided to stick with it ever since. I personally think it’s just to cut costs. haha

Free labor from sis… brilliant!
Yeah. Having a background in cosmetics and hair styling, they must’ve figured they could milk every bone from my body… and they have. A model, a makeup artist and a hair stylist all in one convenient package? Since I can’t charge them… I guess it beats having to pay three different people on their end.

Smart thinkers. How do you like being in front of the camera and seeing your face in ads?
At first, it was really unnatural and a bit surreal… not to mention awkward as hell – because by no means am I a camera loving attention whore… but I got the hang of it and now… its actually quite fun. Quang (our photographer) is great so he helps with the whole “feeling uncomfortable” in front of the camera deal. I try my hardest not to look like a complete douche bag while having pictures taken but even if I do… it’s because I’m having a ball. What does help is the fact that there is always food present… it’s the only request I have. I eat when I get nervous… which is all the freagin time but especially at shoots. I’m either always eating or talking about food. No lie. I’m “The Eater.”

How many tacos could you eat in a sitting?
More than I could probably count.

Favorite sushi?
Spicy tuna hand rolls… drooling as I type.

What’s the drill at Triumvir?
I get to the office around nine-ish (I have to drop off my darling beagle Chubby, in Fountain Valley before work). There’s usually a short company meeting in the morning (attend meeting and eat at the same time); E-mails follow, then preparing interviews or getting a post up on the blog. Marketing meetings are throughout the afternoon (special ops. meetings with Richard are spontaneous and happen throughout the day as well) Mind you… I’m great at multitasking and can snack the entire day. Eating, typing… talking… what have you. Then we’re usually off to lunch. Yumm, I’m having an OCC “AMAZING CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE” as we AIM!

Do you enjoy blogging?

I’ve always loved writing so I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I was stunned though when offered to blog for them, initially. I had always been the one to write product descriptions, concepts and design stories so blogging really came out of nowhere.

What’s your workout regimen to burn all those lovely calories?
It’s called watching TV with your ass glued to the couch… it seems to be working. I just have to be careful… the worst thing that could happen is slowly developing that “Corporate Ass.” That’s when your ass profile becomes flat from sitting on a chair all day. No bueno. That’ll be a sign to start going to the gym. Dunno… maybe the lack of ass will become a fad… there are more ridiculous things in right now…

How’s it like working with a bunch of rowdy guys and being the only girl?
Yuri (Yuri Tag) was here for a minute but had to leave for American’s Best Dance Crew. It’s not as great as some think. I get my fair share of beatings but the guys here are the greatest people I know and I really don’t see myself working for anyone else. We’re a family and it’s really hard not love the guys here. Although I do have my moments.

Are there separate restrooms or do you have to share?
Two restrooms and I refuse to use either. I drive home to use the restroom. I’m being serious. I’ve given up. I’d consider it a phobia.

You eat all day, and no restroom? I hope home is close.
Three miles “ish” hhahahahaha.

What’s playing on your iPod right now?
The Republic Tigers – “Buildings and Mountains”

Favorite kicks?
chucks

Hottest model?
hmmmm… that’s a really good question. I’ll give you three… Chanel Iman, Jessica Stam, Agyness Deyn.. ok 4… and Kate… we can’t forget about Kate (Moss). She’s practically a given.

The druggie?!
I could care less… whatever makes her sleep at night you know.

What turns you off about a guy?
Noisy eaters. I don’t mind messy but I hate the sound some of the guys make when they eat. It makes me not wanna eat and that makes me mad!

Does slurping noodles count?
No. You have to slurp noodles! They taste better that way. It’s the “chap chap chap” noise of them smacking their food and tongue and mouth all at once that drives me insane.

Any last words to your fans?
Pay checks are going out today so they should receive pay within a few days.

Huh?
bad joke I guess. you asked if I had anything to say to the fans.

oh… lol.
ugh. Oh yeah, another thing you don’t know about me… I’ve got bad jokes. They never work.

that was a BAD one. lol. random as hell
you got me. you got me good… Thanks to everyone for all the support!

This just came in my inbox… porn clip was shown during the Superbowl in Tuscan, Arizona.
OMG. Now I do hate myself for not watching. FREE PORN? uhh… this is when I realize how desperately we’re in need of another girl… free porn? Slap me!

Gotta love cable!
I’m kinda jealous I missed it! I would have loved to seen that… ridiculous… absolutely ridiculous.

Someone posted a copy online… check it out!
watching it… oh, there she goes… omg… omg!!!!!! what the hell was that “shake” the dude did?! Thwat* thwat* thwat* ugh (cringing at the mere image). HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA…. SLDKFJA;LSHGKADHGAHDSGOIAFGLAJKSDFLKAJESKHADGAGHALKJFLAES;DJFAHGJJ aosdihga sodigaeishgajd… that’s what I have to say to that. it’s going on replay… that was hilarious! Thanks for sharing… that was special. BEST INTERVIEW EVER!