Creative Highlight 01: Fashion: Desaye Shanice
Black Fashion. A cultural statement. A huge impact on the fashion world in general. My whole life I have been insanely invested in fashion. I love it. From actual clothing articles to accessories. Putting together an outfit brings me immense joy that's hard to explain to people who aren't as into it. But if there's one person who I know who loves fashion more than I do, Desaye comes to mind. Desaye and I have had quite the friendship in the 3 years I've known her (another story for another time lol) but one thing that remains constant is the bond we both share for fashion. I sat down with Desaye recently to talk about how her journey as an aspiring black stylist has been so far. She also took the time to style me as well!
Me: What made you want to become a stylist?
Desaye: Styling others is something I always wanted to try since I was putting my own fits together in high school. My peers gave me further confirmation by always asking me to assist with looking for an outfit & hearing the “we should go shopping together” or “take me shopping w. you” So I thought hmm, maybe I’d be good at that? Let’s explore that one day.
Me: Who are ur biggest fashion icons?
Desaye: So I don’t really have fashion icons but I’ve definitely been influenced by pop culture, black culture esp in the 90s, & alt/indie rock bands for ex The Drums. I do love sporty spice from the spice girls though. She popularized Athleisure which is hands down my favorite style & deserve her flowers!
Me: Do you feel as if the fashion world today needs more black stylists? Regardless of your answer, explain why.
Desaye: Yes, we can always use more black stylists today b/c we are the blueprint & we get copied the most. To see more of us in the forefront & getting more opportunities is what we deserve.
Me: As we all know, black women are the blue print for almost everything in fashion. However our trends tend to get stolen a lot with zero credit, how do you feel about this?
Desaye: It’s very frustrating to see b/c it makes it harder for black creatives to push forward & get noticed for their work. The fact that I’ve seen people on socials having to fight & push for others to get their credit is admirable but also discouraging. But I try not to let that taint me.
Me: Where do you want your career in fashion to go? What’s the goal?
Desaye: I ask myself this question all the time & honestly I don’t have all the answers yet. Right now my goal is to get past my anxiety & insecurities & allow myself to get started & just put myself out there until I find my niche. I’ve thought about opening my own boutique or clothing line some day though but who knows maybe I will.
Me: When you start styling someone, what are some of the key things you look for while putting together an outfit?
Desaye: When styling someone, it’s important to me that I listen to what my client wants & what look their going for. It’s major to me that they see themselves in what I put together & can exude confidence.
Me: Lastly, give some advice to any black women who aspire to be stylists.
Desaye: My advice would be to not get intimidated by all the amazing talent that’s out there. Instead let it inspire you to create. Know that there’s room for you & what you have to offer separates you from the rest. This is something I struggle w. as an aspiring stylist myself. It took me a long time to overcome that “not feeling good enough” feeling, so it’s a message I’d definitely love to share.
Make sure to follow Desaye on instagram @desayeshanice
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