FH: Can you tell us about your journey into fashion & style and what initially inspired you to pursue this path?
Tamia: I fell in love with fashion when I was a child from watching TV, I vividly remember one of the brands I was introduced to was “Stoned Cherrie “ in the early 2000’s. I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer but as I got older , I found that there was so many other careers in fashion like styling and editing. I didn’t get to study fashion so I found other ways to keep the passion alive in me. I had a WordPress blog in my early 20’s which covered fashion and beauty content and now with TikTok , I create educational fashion content and I believe it will open doors for me in the fashion industry.
FH: How would you describe your personal style aesthetic, and how has it evolved over time?
Tamia: My personal style has a lot of influences so it’s hard to describe. I like the fact that I’m at a place where have fun with fashion and allow myself to experiment more.
FH: How does fashion influence your confidence, or the way you show up in different spaces?
Tamia: For me , working on your personal style is an act of investing in yourself so naturally the more you pour into yourself, the more confident you are.
FH: How do you stay ahead of trends while still creating looks that feel timeless and authentic to you?
Tamia: I’m quite observant, I’m always taking note of what people are wearing and it gives me an idea of what the trends are. I keep my looks timeless and authentic to me by working with the pieces I have in my wardrobe.
FH: What are some of the biggest challenges in the fashion industry today, and how do you navigate around them?
Tamia: Fast fashion is a big challenge for our local Fashion industry and I personally navigate it by avoiding over consuming fashion . I don’t believe we need that much clothes.
FH: What are your top four stores you love shopping at, locally or abroad, and what do you like about them?
Tamia: H&M : I like that I get timeless pieces.
Zara: I love the quality of their bags and shoes.
Thrifting : I like getting vintage pieces that are unique, plus the quality is great.
Ayana : I like the overall style direction they have. I also like how they give their pieces South African names, I think that’s a nice touch.
FH: Where do you find most of your fashion inspiration – runways, street style, social media, films, or somewhere unexpected?
Tamia: A bit of everywhere. I’m always paying attention to what people are wearing on social media , films or just people I see along the way
FH: What style advice would you give someone who is on the path of finding their own style?
Tamia: I’d say find a person / people, it can be a celebrity, influencer or maybe someone you know whose style you love, and use them as inspiration. You can also do a wardrobe analysis. Usually you can pick up from what you already have, which styles you gravitate to, and take it from there. And lastly, try working with what you already have in your wardrobe, find creative ways to style existing pieces.
FH: What makes you happy?
Tamia: A slow life makes me happy, and autonomy makes me happy. I enjoy doing what I want when I want.
Quick Fire Up Questions
1. Heels or sneakers?
Heels.
2. Minimal or maximal?
Maximal.
3. Denim on denim – yes or no?
Yes.
4. Tailored or oversized?
Oversized.
5. Neutral tones or bold colour?
Neutral tones .
6. Vintage or brand new?
Vintage.
7. One trend you’re loving right now?
I love Bohemian chic as well as the soft and romantic fabrics we’re seeing such as lace, chiffon and silk.
8. One trend you’re officially over?
I don’t think there is any trend I’m over. I’m just over people policing fashion , just because you wouldn’t wear something it does mean others shouldn’t.
9. Your ultimate fashion splurge?
I’m yet to make the ultimate fashion splurge. I’d really love something from Thebe Magugu.
10. Your everyday wardrobe essential?
A white T-shirt. It’s such a great base for most of my outfits.
11. A fashion moment you’ll never forget?
Rihanna has given us many fashion moments but the Swarovski dress that she wore for the 2014 CFDA awards was thee moment for me .
12. Style icon you’d raid the closet of?
Tracee Ellis Ross.
