Born and raised in New York City, the former Nylon fashion director and Teen Vogue senior fashion editor now lives a charmed bicoastal life shuttling between her Brooklyn and Los Angeles homes and freelance styling full-time under the representation of community.NYC for a consummate and eclectic client roster based on both coasts. Ever since I first had the honor of meeting Aya in 2008 while being styled for a Teen Vogue piece photographed in my old apartment, I have yet to meet any industry folk who have not also straightaway fallen under Aya’s funloving spell. Armed with the most zestful demeanor in the biz and a playful styling sensibility drawn from contemporary arts and crafts, quilt-making, vintage cars and experimental puppet theater –– it’s impossible not to love Aya.

How would you describe your personal style… and how do you think it informs your editorial styling?

It is a fun moment for you to be asking this question, as I recently turned a corner in my thinking about this matter of personal style. We all see so many street style pictures these days, and for me I would like to look a little more anonymous. I always want to be wearing clothes that make me feel good… but as I get older, I don’t want my “look” to take precedence over who I am. This certainly does bleed into my editorial styling. I want the clothes to be about the woman wearing them, not just about a trend.

What collections are you most looking forward to this season?

Apart from the usual suspects, I am excited about seeing the collection from newcomer Alex Casertano.

What trend of bygone times would you most like to see make its way back to the runways for Spring 2011?

I don’t know if this counts as a trend of yore, but I would love to see some Mrs. Roper dresses –– oversized floral maxi house dresses, yes!