Isa Middleton is out of this world. Matching the energy of a Bratz doll, she sits in a Y2K punk ensemble. Her arms are wrapped in a bone-detailed sweater layered over a black bodysuit. A skull belt covered in gems hugs the gray miniskirt around her waist. To finish, she’s rocking black Forever 21 boots and dark fluffy leg warmers. Atop her head is a feathered hunter’s hat, and her silver hoops and cross necklace shine in the light.
“I’ve always felt like I was kind of an alien, in the sense of being different and standing out,” Middleton says.
As a child, she attended a predominantly white private school and was frequently bullied. Her peers made her feel ostracized for her curly hair and gleeful laugh.
“If someone’s laughing that is the most raw expression of joy,” Middleton says. “It felt like it was something I had to suppress.”
However, not all was lost. Through video games, she found another world. One that was full of happiness and wonder. After the school day ended, Middleton would go home and spend her time playing games online.
Out of the many computer games she played, one video game series stuck out the most: LittleBigPlanet. Created by British game designer Mark Healey, it created endless possibilities for players and let Middleton’s imagination run free.
She would spend hours customizing her character and building outfits. It’s fair to say that her hobby became something more.
“The way I dress now actually matches how I used to dress my character,” Middleton says, laughing.
As high school ended, so did her dreaded school uniform. All of a sudden, she found herself a new outlet: self expression. Middleton would buy different pieces from online stores like Amazon and Walmart. Her go-to mall shops back then were Tillys, Zumiez and Hot Topic.
This was a huge step for her style, and more importantly, her self acceptance journey. She was no longer in an environment where conformity felt necessary. “I realized I didn’t want to fit in with the crowd. I wanted to stand out,” Middleton says.
When she started attending college, she decided to dye her hair a bubbly pink. In customizing her real life character, as she would in LittleBigPlanet, life became more experimental. Middleton started to flourish and realized she doesn’t care what others might think of her appearance.
“Looking back at my old outfits, I can judge what I was wearing. However, I know in that moment I was being true to myself and that’s what matters.”
Isa Middleton
Currently, Middleton is the president of DMAX Club, a non profit organization that facilitates mental health conversations among college students. She is also a member of Electronic Dance Music Club, Puerto Rican Student Association, National Society of Black Engineers and involved in both Pop Culture Club and Asylum Music Club. She takes pride in these organizations as they are a part of her identity.
Her closet is organized by color, and its dark pieces contrast the pink walls in her room. A number of Demonia Cult shoes line the floor. She is punk at heart and in her appearance, but her love for the bright color will never fade.
Amongst the many items are Urban Outfitter sweaters, her dad’s 76ers jackets and pieces from her past cosplays. *Note: She used to dress in cosplay with her friends and go to skateparks.
“I like who I am and I don’t want to be anyone else. When I’m being authentically myself, that’s when I’m at my happiest.”
Isa Middleton
Middleton’s journey of self love and acceptance wasn’t so straightforward. When she began expressing herself through fashion, it was rocky.
“I had to do little things to get out of my comfort zone. It was hard at times and the process was rough,” she says.
Little by little, and day by day, Middleton grew into a punk star. Noting her progress,
“For the way I express and hold myself, second-grade me would think I’m the coolest. That heals something within me,” she says.
Mark Healey would agree. Middleton reached out to him on LinkedIn and they connected through the site. It was everything to her.
“It felt like all the times I put myself out there and stayed true to myself, whether that was through my fashion, personality or interests, led to that connection,” she says. For Middleton, it was a full circle moment and her childhood self would’ve been proud.
Middleton understands the fear of feeling unaccepted. However, she wants everyone to love and express themselves. “
The greatest joy can come from being seen and appreciated for being who you truly are. You’ll only find out if you try,” she says.
Isa Middleton may feel she is an alien, but she is more human than most.
“I feel that when I’m myself it makes other people feel comfortable to be who they are. I love that because I always wanted to find that person, and now I can be that for other people.”
Isa Middleton
