#GramGen is a series profiling the most radical characters in youth culture, who continue to shape trend behavior and spark controversy through their avant fashion sense and candid social media personalities.
There are Potterheads, and there are fashion enthusiasts. Somewhere in the middle, there’s @gryffindior — the IG account serving up the best-dressed versions of your favorite Harry Potter characters.
Behind the account is New Yorker Rachel Bernstein. During the day, she’s the Senior Art Director at Moda Operandi, but come night, she’s practicing her Photoshop skills and binge-watching the film series (all in the name of research). A fashion maven in her own right, Bernstein says the collaboration between Dior and the franchise was surprisingly natural. She says that the identity of the fashion house “aligns quite nicely within the world of Harry Potter.” Now, she’s styling infamous scenes and characters straight from the Dior archives.
Evidently, Rachel’s not the only one who’s ever wondered what the spellbinding cast would look like dripping in Dior. Rachel has amassed an audience of nearly 60,000 avid Harry Potter-fashion lovers, and has collaborated with PINTRILL on merchandise for the account. @Gryffindior has become an online space for both Harry Potter and fashion devotees — a space we didn’t know we needed until we saw Dumbledore wearing Kim Jones for Dior SS19.
We caught up with Bernstein to learn why she decided to combine the two worlds in the first place and her favorite Harry Potter styling job yet.
Where are you from and where are you currently based?
I grew up in the suburbs outside of Chicago, but moved to New York eight years ago and never left.
What’s your occupation?
I'm the Senior Art Director at Moda Operandi. I spend my days working on photoshoots and my nights on @gryffindior.
When did you create @gryffindior and what sparked the idea?
The idea came about when I needed an outlet to teach myself Photoshop. I can't remember exactly how the name or concept came to me, but it was one of those middle-of-the-night thoughts, and once I saw the handle was still available, I had to make it happen.
What came first: your love of fashion or Harry potter fandom?
I've worked in fashion since moving to New York, so I was definitely more immersed in that world vs. Harry Potter. It's been fun to bring the two together!
Besides the fitting wordplay, why did you choose Dior to dress these infamous characters?
The character of the Dior house aligns quite nicely within the world of Harry Potter. Sometimes I'm even shocked at how seamless the mashups can be.
You’re styling some of the most iconic film characters of the past 20 years. Which character/piece combination has been your favorite?
I'm a big fan of McGonagall in the "WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS" tee - because, of course!
How do you come up with styling ideas for each post? Do you binge-watch for research?
I started binge-watching the movies about a month after I started the account. They're so fun to rewatch! When I know what character I'm wanting to dress, I often go through Vogue.com for past and recent shows to find the exact right look for each character.
What class would Maria Grazia Chiuri teach at Hogwarts?
Potions!
Besides Dior, what brands do you think Harry, Ron, and Hermione would rock?
The crew in Gucci x Alessandro Michele, no doubt!
Any future goals or projects to look out for on the account?
Last month I collaborated with Pintrill on an exclusive @gryffindior pin set available for purchase on gryffindior.com. Expect more merchandise to come soon!
Next, find out why Dior Artistic Director, Kim Jones, thinks it's time to retire the term "streetwear."
