Estela Magazine: Colors of Culture SS20

SS20

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MASTHEAD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF + CREATIVE DIRECTOR art director style director JUNIOR EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR EDITOR SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURES PHOTOGRAPHER

BLASINA SALAM danielle lyn byron cordero FAIYAZ KOLIA SONAM NAIDU FARAH AKBAR RAPHAEL BAKER NICHOLAS WARE

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ashleigh bri elyse potter ERWIN AVILES NEHA KAPIL AVIN MUDALIAR zulham siregar ron hill Pol Kurucz MACRAE MARRAN

cover PHOTOGRAPHY zulham siregar art director erik bastiara illustrations tmae lettuce dress steven huang

SPECIAL THANKS TO MAISON PRIVEE PR tmae lettuce

ISSN 2573-6272 Estela Magazine 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE

There’s not much more I can say here that our amazing contributors, editors, and featured artists haven’t already stated so perfectly across these pages.

I’m leaving this note short so that you, the reader, can flip right ahead and dive into the inspiring and immersive works of these amazing creators and visionaries.

The only reminder I’d like to leave you with is that now more than ever, artists need each other. I’m tremendously grateful for the community we’ve cultivated together and even though we must be apart for a while, we can use this time of distance and uncertainty to reach new levels of our crafts and keep the world inspired.

PEACE +

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www.estelamag.com/shop

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CON TENTS 08 20 32 40 54 60 72 82 88

sustainable color: introducing authentissimo haze we are more: namaslay & agni terabithia charles & ron SoleĂŻta checkout zero the throne of singh avec amour

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SUSTAINABLE

COLOR INTRODUCING THE

COLLECTION

INTERVIEW SONAM NAIDU ART DIRECTOR TMAE LETTUCE PHOTOGRAPHER ASHLEIGH BRI CREATIVE STYLING KENDRA SHARPE MODEL DANIELLE LYN

Flourishing with the responsibility of “what we make and how we create”, Danielle Lyn and Tmae Lettuce, a duo of diverse female artists conceived their sustainable empire, Authentissimo.

Inspired by life and stories, the recycle friendly brand organically interchanges prints/patterns, vibrant colors, various forms of denim and layers, while simultaneously spreading their motto of love: “We sew together, it is the heart of why we stitch and mend.”

Although, the spark within is what makes the Authentissimo entity unlike any other, it is their commitment on thriving to not be the same, thinking forward and growing communities. It is their devotion of sharing goals and passion to preserve the planet. It is not only advocating as an eco-conscious platform but one that is free of labels, age, gender identity and all sizes/styles. It is treading the line by endorsing their culture: “all are welcome as they are: one of a kind” This is Authentissimo.

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Tell us about your experiences outside and within the sustainable fashion industry.

Tell us about the key inspirational factors and trends behind your debut collection?

We established Authentissimo as two friends who believe strongly in recycling, art, fashion, storytelling and life moving forward with a shared ideology about sustainability. Our collection combines our stories and journeys with fabrics: from vintage to hand-stitched, to patchwork and hand painted. Authentissimo draws on our independent artistic projects and life experiences that brought us together to collaborate, design and grow our collection.

The inspiration behind our new collection is pairing classic silhouettes with colors, stitching and updating them with our funky flair for a cross cultural fresh appeal.

Colors are reflective of spring, as are our patterns. Much of our season’s fabrics, and accessories are vintage pieces from the 80s and 90s layered with our handmade designs.

What ignited the spark to start a sustainable brand and create a female owned small business entity?

Any personal favorite pieces/looks in this collection and if so, what makes them the true winners?

Sustainability is responsibility, consciousness, and coming together to preserve the planet for the next generation. This consciousness relates to all elements of life. In creating Authentissimo, our belief touches what we wear and how we engage clothing. How we choose to impact the earth, one another, and our contribution to slow global production of fast fashion. We draw from vintage, working with existing fabrics taken from the overabundance of mass-produced pieces (old and new), that in our hands transform, and become one of a kind.

Just as each of us are.

Denim is a staple for wardrobes of all people, all generations and is the foundation for where we started our collection. Denim pieces are intermixed with our hand designs and paired with traditional culture elements like kimonos, vintage trench coats, western cowboy boots; our collection is representative of many, and inclusive of styles, fits and colors.

As leaders in sustainable fashion, how would you say you are paying forward your personal contribution in making an impact?

What is the story and significance behind the AUTHENTISSIMO brand – what influenced/inspired the name?

Our efforts of making art and creating are based on paying forward; we are taking existing materials and products and giving them new wearability in hopes to slow the fast fashion cycle. To pay homage to vintage fashion, embrace versatility and sustainability of natural fabrics already produced and creating with intention. Our hope is to inspire a generation of consciousness often overlooked, but nearest to who we are: what is worn and consumed.

The naming of our brand resulted in our love for authenticity and a takeoff the UK comedy series Miranda. We adore Miranda Hart, her show is ‘such fun’, and the fabulous characters she created that stay true to themselves. Our name resonates our own core values, our responsibility to the planet: what we make and how we create. Our brand’s uniqueness derives from our belief that all found things can be given new life. In pieces, we sew together, it is the heart of why we stitch and mend.

What’s your next venture as an environmentally conscious brand and how will you strive to spread awareness of reducing, reusing and recycling?

Tell us about your hand-making process – practiced and perfected techniques and desired fabric/textile choices.

We are growing Authentissimo with original patterns, expanding from denim to fine fabrics, designing silhouettes that can be worn from day to night and growing our collection of funky one of a kind. Collaborating with our dear friends at Estela will invite more dialogue on the sustainable fashion front. Authentissimo’s platform and creative partnership is driven by our teams many projects in the works, all with sustainability, conservation and preservation at the heart, authenticity and story in mind.

We believe in handmade. We are intentional about designing by hand: stitching, painting, juxtaposing with textures, fabrics and machine-made items. No one stitch is the same. Nor is our approach to hand-stitching as a technique. We pair elements in the raw and are authentic to the creative making process that changes piece to piece, allowing for individuality and is why we love it so.

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Photographer ELYSE POTTER

fashion stylist & makeup artist caroline fung ESTELA | 21

model saskia myers (priscilla’s models)

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Headband AVENUE Dress ELLIATT Blouse BOOHOO Belt R.M. WILLIAMS Boots TOPSHOP ESTELA | 23

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Dress ELLIATT Necklace TOPSHOP

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Hat MORGAN & TAYLOR Dress ELLIATT Sandals BELLINI 26 | ESTELA

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Top & Pants ELLIATT Sandals BELLINI 30 | ESTELA

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Photographers ERWIN AVILES, NEHA KAPIL, AVIN MUDALIAR CREATIVE DIRECTORS & FASHION STYLISTS SONAM NAIDU & NEHA KAPIL MAKEUP & GRAPHIC artist NEHA KAPIL fashion AGNI ACCESSORIES NAMASLAY DESIGNS MODELS AVIN MUDALIAR, MADDIE ANNE KELLY, AMIT PATEL, YZOBEL BIRON, MARIA JADE, NEHA KAPIL, SONAM NAIDU

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Namaslay Designs is an innovative cultural initiative that is passionate about instilling confidence through handcrafted accessories and jewelry pieces. Encompassing pioneering South-Asian design aesthetic, our pieces are amalgamated through the riches of intricate techniques, trendy trinkets and exquisite details.

Although our pieces infuse heavy doses of Indo-fusion culture, our mission is to strive to bridge the gap between all facets of beauty, gender and culture. We aspire to unite diversity by insistently promoting an authentic community of powerful storytelling, alluring style persona and empowering partnerships.

We are a universal movement with a revolutionary identity.

AGNI (which means fire in hindi) is a contemporary, fusion streetwear brand inspired by art and south Asian culture. As a brand we believe the physical properties of fire can be dangerous. But just as much as it possesses the ability to burn, it also possesses the unique ability to bring light to dark spaces. Like fire, we believe that every person possesses a duality of intense fierceness just as much as we all have the power to shine our light upon the world. It’s the kind of power that is the core of our fashion and the message we use to inspire and empower.

Our mission as a brand is to break barriers, be innovative and expand beyond fan merchandise or fast fashion. Our creativity is more than just clothing, it’s a movement. As a brand, we want to use fashion as a medium to empower women across the globe, encourage cultural appreciation, promote acceptance, raise awareness for the arts and uplift individuals for all the qualities that make them unique and different.

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THE DESIGN INSPIRATION Namaslay Designs: Our well-renowned lotus flowers make a comeback, hair accessories get a decorative makeover, pearl baubles make a sly appearance and glitzy rhinestones are here to stay. Encompassing diverse facets, our more #moreismore collection is all about taking it back to our roots and conceiving a new rendition of “extraordinary”. Drawing spotlight on South-Indian culture, we incorporated refined techniques and decorative elements synonymous with our rich heritage. Reclaiming our favorite era of fashion, we injected each piece with eccentric hues from the fabulous 80’s. Paying homage to Chanel’s highly celebrated vintage editorials, we extracted that western flare and remixed it with our personal innovation to give bold fusion pieces.

In our eyes, #moreismore is translated through the power we grant to our accessory choices: giving our jewelry the same attention to detail as we would to our favorite wardrobe pieces and allowing statement pieces to amplify our entire look to create those remarkable “fashun” moments. We’re doing more to radiate more from within.

Audacious Aura. Fearless Mind. Wild Heart. This ones for you.

AGNI: A fashion collective rooted in art, our designs always begin with sketchbook doodles and through a series of empowering illustrations, our visuals eclectically morph from digital artworks to wearable art. The essence of each garment stems from the essence of our art. Mirroring the strong imagery of fierce women of color, the silhouettes of our #moreismore collection were designed to be equally bold. Glorifying oddball combinations, we always strive to take seemingly opposing elements and turn them into unique fashion moments: from mixing luxe embroidered fabrics with casual cottons, replacing classic neutrals with eye-catching neons, deconstructing traditional South-Asian lehengas into digital-printed skirts, and turning custom patterns into color block sets, our inspiration always comes from artwork that captures our spirited, complex cultural identities.

The “more is more” interpretation is about taking maximalism and turning it into a way of life.

In life and in fashion we need to: Do more and be more.

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The dynamics of being a creative are constantly shifting in our modern world. As creatives we are dabbling in multiple mediums and blurring the lines between art forms to create a unique voice and artistic platform. Due to the consistent necessity of striving to expand the horizons of what sets our soul on fire, a single profession title is non-existent. Our resumes are stacked with endless qualifications and exceptional skills that somehow harmonize together in unity for the bigger picture. We’re always craving for the desire to do more and to be more to serve our hybrid identities.

With the complexities of our individual journeys and the struggle between creating out of passion versus necessity, we ask ourselves: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE MULTIFACETED AS A CREATIVE IN TODAY’S WORLD?

AVIN MUDALIAR: Business Owner and Video Game Enthusiast By being multifaceted, we are open to appreciating all aspects of creativity and life. When you learn to appreciate and dissect hobbies, interests and various levels of passion, our minds are more in tune with ourselves and those around us. In turn, the challenges and hardships that we face everyday are much easier to overcome and take as a reflection lesson to better ourselves.

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MADDIE ANNE KELLY: Model, Makeup Artist, Writer I think the simplest way I can describe being multifaceted is to place no limits on yourself as a creative. Having more than one avenue allows you to explore every skill. It allows us to take on new projects and adventures, and to connect with people in all forms.

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AMIT PATEL Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Director, Artist For me art has always been about pushing the status quo and using creative spaces to depict our reality and/or to escape it. To be multifaceted today means using the tools we have access to in order to preserve or expand our craft, whether that be for ourselves or to help society. I think artists often understand the plight of an arduous life, and emotionally I feel creatives can use our own understanding of empathy to help the world in some capacity. For me, that means shifting my entire platform and career to an online one during the COVID-19 quarantine. As a dancer in this time, it is extremely hard to work, thankfully I have a community willing to adapt in these times.

For me that means using social media as a tool to bring a community online to be physically and mentally active. I am now teaching a stretch/conditioning class online, something I never thought I would have to do.

To me, being multifaceted as a creative today means to be adaptable to the times, while finding a way to stay true to yourself, and your purpose.

MARIA JADE: Hair & Makeup Artist, Model, Writer, Extra For me it’s about keeping doors open to new ideas, opportunities, and self expression. I’ve faced a lot of rejection due to being a WOC, So being multifaceted has opened more windows to new ideas and projects where I’ve made amazing connections. It has made me more versatile and open minded. The creative world is constantly changing and I want to continue to explore it, I don’t want to settle with one skill set. Being multifaceted means being hungry for more, and I want to continue to feed my creativity through multiple outlets.

YZOBEL BIRON: Social impact entrepreneur & Lifestyle influencer Being multifaceted as a creative in today’s world means creating limitless opportunities as an artist. Today we can translate our art into multiple mediums both online and offline while impacting people around the world. We can choose to fund our lifestyles and create a full time income through monetizing our art, all while working from the comfort of our homes.

TERABITHIA Photographer & fashion director ZUlham siregar art director erik bastiara fashion stylist juli siregar makeup artist BERTI manurung Model marchela (amor model)

Dress DEVT

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Dress STEVEN HUANG

Dress DEVT

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Dress ARNOLD SOETANTO ESTELA | 51

Dress ERNESTO ABRAM

CHARLES & RON

INTERVIEW SONAM NAIDU photographer carlton agius makeup artist jean zammit model jeana turner

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Fueling inspiration of all intriguing components from their home islands – Malta and Gozo, the Charles and Ron entity is defined through the dedication to superior quality and distinct Mediterranean flair. Maltese culture playing an integral role in their design ethics, Charles and Ron hope to ignite the passion of their “love affair� to their customers, through the fundamentals of never shying away to stand out in the crowd, owning individuality and highlighting unique style that is synonymous with a renowned Mediterranean aesthetic.

Zooming in and out of Maltese history and nature, their novelty collection encompassing bold statement pieces and feminine silhouettes ranges from luxury clothing, bags and accessories.

Although, the collection speaks spectacular volumes, what truly sets the designer duo apart is their innate desire to recognize the power of preserving nature in its everyday place and form and skillfully incorporating that awareness through their respective platform of fashion. This is Charles and Ron.

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What ignited the spark to become fashion designers and create an entity recognized by Mediterranean style?

We met in Amsterdam back in 1992, traveled back and forth for a couple of months and Ron decided to make the move to Malta. Since Charles had been sewing clothes from a very young age, he ended up taking it up as a profession and that was the start of it all. As a duo, we grew into it gradually and made efforts to continuously learn and improve our craft. Some years later, we got the opportunity to work on a collection with a close friend of ours, Joseph Fountain – this was the first show we did.

That single opportunity motivated us to designing more and presenting two collections a year, under our first label “Beatrix”, later developed into “Beatrix by Charles and Ron” Once we reached the point of showcasing our collections internationally, our brand became what it is known as today “Charles and Ron”

Tell us what Maltese culture means to the both of you and why it is such an integral part of the Charles and Ron design ethic?

Throughout the years, we have found immense joy designing from a Mediterranean point of view and Malta has always been of enormous inspiration to our work. Its significant for us to tailor the aspects of culture and architecture in a different and unexpected way. Since the beginning, we embraced and appreciated our heritage and always incorporated these references to define our brand.

What is the essence of the Maltese history and nature, that keeps you interested as designers to revisit and refuel inspiration from?

Malta is a very small island, 316 km2 to be exact but has a very rich, long and colorful history – dating back to the dawn of civilization. The Maltese Islands went through a golden Neolithic period, the remains of which include the mysterious temples dedicated to the goddess of fertility. Later on, the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Byzantines, all left their traces on the Islands. If the history points every lack shortage, we can always draw fuel from Malta’s unique landscapes and architecture. As designers, we have an eternal assortment to be inspired by.

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Having experienced incredible milestones within the span of your fashion careers, tell us about some of your most unforgettable and favorite experiences till date.

Tell us about the key inspirational factors and fashion trends behind your latest collection.

The inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2020 collection started off from images of wildflowers that bloom in Malta’s countryside during Spring. Many times, these beautiful flowers go unnoticed as they are tiny, but when you look a little closer, the real beauty of shapes and colors are revealed. Globally, as our environment faces many challenges, we must do our part in preserving these beautiful treasures. Other historic treasures from the Neolithic period, like the figurines from the “Xaghra Circle” and the “Sleeping Lady” found at The Hal Saflieni Hypogeum are featured in graphic prints combined with turquoise sea water, aerial images of the Marsalforn Salt pans, and a mixture of wild flowers: a rare white tipped version of the crown daisy (Lellux), the more common Cape Sorrel flower (Qarsu), the pale pink Slender Bindweed flower (Leblieb tax- Xaghri-Car) , Gladiolus Communis (Habb il-Qamh), Blue Stone Crop (Demm il-Madonna) and the Pimpernel flower ( Harira Hamra).

We have had many unforgettable experiences but our most memorable was our participation in the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. In 2018, we were selected amongst a few designers to exhibit a couture design at Buckingham Palace for the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange. The exhibition was curated by Vogue’s Hamish Bowles and we were a part of the first addition to ever be hosted. Celebrated designers included Stella McCartney, Burberry and Karen Walker, among special guests; Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour who passed praises to the designers on their creations. The exhibition later moved on to Australia House, London, The Royal Ascot and FIT in New York.

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Any personal favorite pieces/looks in this collection?

The hand beaded dresses are some of our favorite pieces in this collection, and a dress with a graphic print of the “Xewjni” Salt pans is also a desired piece. The Salt pans are in one of our favorite bays on the island of Gozo – Malta’s sister island.

What is your next venture as fashion designers and how will inspire your customers to be part of the Mediterranean “love affair”?

Currently, we are focusing on the international development of the brand and are awaiting to be back in New York and LA next season. Undoubtedly, our customers will always be a part of our Mediterranean love affair, as we will continue to inject our love for the Mediterranean and its culture in every collection and product that we design.

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SOLEÏTA Photographer ROn hill creative director D. DIXON fashion stylist 7View studio makeup artist karina Model Soleïta

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Photographer & Art Director Pol Kurucz ​Retoucher Thiago Peraça fashion stylist & designer Nê Bardac Hairstylist Solange Dias makeup artist Koichi Sonoda Nail artist Rose Lunna Producers Lara Ferro & Maiara Noda Accessories Leandro Hassan Set design Renata Thina Tech & Lighting Guilherme Griebler Props and more Josué Torres Models Lissa Hamada, Natasha Soares, Ecto, Iris Camilo, ingrid Vina, Nakyanne, Victória Rossi, Raquel Felix, Ana Schimiloski, Koichi Sonoda, Bruna Petzke, Francesco Strelow, Nina Codorna, Bia & Branca Feres,

In a not so distant future when all, even the soul is on sale, eccentric cashiers interact with peculiar products of a factory-like supermarket. Through visual allegories and pop aesthetics each female protagonist uses their singularities to provoke us and challenge wild capitalist, gender and aesthetic norms.

Checkout Zero was shot in Sao Paulo with local models and queer artists.

The series mixes fine art and fashion elements, and features creations from local brands.

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THE

THRONE

INTERVIEW SONAM NAIDU photographers Katrin Usmanova & Michelle Koebke Models Harman Brar, Philipa Dutt, Olya Kryvenda, Caroline Sorenson, Kam Singh Bains

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OF

SINGH

Due to the discrimination and tormenting emotions he felt growing up, fashion allowed him to revolt and change his story. Kam Singh Bains, more commonly recognized as Singh Styles discovered how powerful the kingdom of fashion was while he was expressing his individuality, conquering his confidence and triumphing his throne.

Who would have thought that owning his crown and reclaiming his identity would transpire into a unique career path fit for a king.

Tell us your story and what ignited your interest towards the fashion industry?

At the age of 17, I moved to Canada from India. As if being a teenager who wore a turban wasn’t hard enough, I started an entire new life in a new country with a new language. I felt many emotions during this transition but the strongest was the loss of my identity. When I discovered my passion for fashion, I recognized that it granted me the opportunity to be myself, express who I was and reclaim my identity.

Turns out, my story goes back further than I realized...

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I was born and raised as a Sikh boy in New Delhi who wore a turban. Today, my crown plays a crucial role towards who I am as an individual and artist - however, this didn’t come at such an easy price. I experienced discrimination and rejection at a very young age and those feelings stuck with me for what feels like eternity. And to further deteriorate my confidence and self-worth, my college friends would mock me for my natural foreign accent. Due to these key traumatic experiences, I wanted to show the world who I really was and what I was all about.

While I was growing up in Canada, I had a cousin from back home who literally hooked me up with European fashion, well ahead of its time. I started gaining some attention, which sincerely motivated me to learn the in’s and outs of men’s fashion and I utilized myself as a canvas to experiment with my individual style. As my personal style elevated, the praise and recognition did as well. I conquered that confidence I always lacked and the attention I always craved. This was my thing; I knew I had to go all the way with it.

What influenced the name of your brand and the desire to represent your middle name ‘SINGH’ through your respective platforms?

The name Singh Styles was a spur in the moment decision. While I was working as a personal shopper, I was approached by a TV channel to produce a segment providing fashion tips and tricks of the trade. They requested for a name to include into the segment and I quickly thought to myself, being a ‘SINGH’ who was currently styling - I’ll just go with Singh Styles. I never realized the influence that was to follow with that name.

‘SINGH’ is the middle name of every single Sikh man in the world. When I incorporated it into my brand, I didn’t realize the responsibility I was taking on to represent my community on a global scale. As my brand and influence grew, I started receiving support, messages and praise from individuals expressing how proud they felt and how inspired they were to chase their own dreams. I realized the depth of why I do, what I do and have been committed to fulfilling it since.

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Being an artist who discovered their passion in their early adult years, how did you convert your dreams into reality? What were you doing before?

I never imagined fashion as a career. I had a degree in computer science and spent 11 years working a full-time job in the IT world. Once I realized that I had to follow my heart, I explored different avenues and curated the Singh Styles brand. During the beginning stages, Singh Styles consisted of blogging and sharing my fashion tips.

As my following grew as one of the “best dressed� turban guys in the fashion community; I realized the platform that I had created was to help change the face of Sikhs/turban men worldwide. It was history from that point onwards: I built my personal brand online as a fashion expert by assisting individuals to enhance their image and confidence.

I styled reputable artists for publications, film and entertainment. I got closer and closer to my dream of having my own clothing line, without even realizing it.

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How did you decide to start a custom suiting brand?

Why suits?

Ever since I developed an admiration for fashion, I envisioned having my own clothing line. I would always picture a luxury clothing store ranging from casual, street to formal clothing. The idea of wearing a suit daily was always a dream of mine. I fell head over heels with the image of a suit and declared it as my first love because of its ability to make an individual look polished and powerful.

Additionally, I got to see and learn the process of custom suiting as I took my personal shopping clients to other suit makers. Me being the way I am with quality, details and a yearning for creating something extraordinary - I saw a gap in the market and decided to take the plunge in creating my own suiting line.

Tell us about your recent collection. Are there any personal favorites/looks in your collection?

I started with a blank canvas and told myself that money isn’t today and will never be my motivation. In order to create the impact that I want, I have to commit to my roots and do what feels right to me. The purpose of my first runway show was to highlight the variety of styles within the brand and to flaunt my personal style, which encompasses everything from street to suave. Long jacket suits, short suits, animal prints, belted blazers, it was all intentionally done to push the boundaries a little bit and make people think outside the box.

As for my personal favorite pieces, I would have to say it would be the oversized houndstooth shorts suit in pink and the animal print tuxedos - they’re so unconventional yet so stylish at the same time.

Your crown, AKA turban carries a pivotal element of strength in combination your innovative style moments, is there a story there?

Being born and raised as a Sikh boy, I always wore a turban and didn’t look like all the other kids. I dealt with discrimination and always felt like the black sheep of the pack. Growing up idolizing Bollywood cinema, it was hard to face the stigma around Sikhs in Bollywood - they were used as comic subjects and were poked fun at. Since Bollywood carved out the stereotype of what men and women should look like, I was left on the receiving end of jokes.

I vividly remember a few instances where I was rejected by the opposite sex, distinctly because of how I looked.

Therefore, I grew up feeling unattractive and worthless.

These strong emotions followed me to Canada, as the stigma within the East Indian community here was more or less the same at the time. As time progressed and I found my true calling, I realized my turban was not only a part of my heritage but a part of my individuality. What once upon a time caused me so much pain and hurt now in turn granted me confidence and heart. It has been with me through my entire journey and has given me a platform

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that I couldn’t even imagine as that young, timid Sikh boy.

Tell us what culture means to you and how it plays an integral role in the aesthetic of the Singh Styles brand.

When I think about culture, I immediately define it with the word “roots” - knowing what you grew up with and what makes you, YOU. The soul of Singh Styles and the overall aesthetic is ignited through the sartorial richness I was always familiar with. East Indian culture and clothing is enriched with colors, patterns, intricate embroidery and matchless creativity. All of that has been instilled in me since childhood and now I’m able to infuse western fashion with the elements of my culture and create my own unique aesthetic.

world and amount to nothing to that moment as a fashion designer. That feeling and moment will forever be my most treasured.

What is your next venture for Singh Styles and how will you strive to continue the legacy of “Singh’s”?

Having experienced unique milestones within the span of your entrepreneurial career, tell us about your most unforgettable experience till date?

I’m striving to make Singh Styles an international luxury brand while representing the ‘SINGH’S’ empire worldwide.

Singh Styles just launched custom shoes and as the brand continues to grow, I’ll be venturing into assortments of casual and streetwear clothing as well. I plan to abide by my duty of carrying forward the ‘SINGH’ legacy by visually representing our crowns globally. As we take on international runway shows, I want to showcase models who fearlessly wear their turbans as I do today. On a personal front, I’m humbled to share that I will be carrying the torch myself. I got signed with an international modeling agency and look forward to creating a worldwide impact through this next exciting chapter.

Having dreamt of having my own clothing line for years, the most surreal moment I have experienced so far was when I walked out at the end of my first runway show at Vancouver Fashion Week. I realized that I had legitimately produced a full collection, triumphed at executing a runway show and 400+ people were applauding my persistence, determination and presentation of success that I had envisioned my entire life. I replayed flashbacks in my mind to the young boy who felt worthless, to the man who felt he would never be able to add value to the

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AVEC AMOUR Photographer MACRAE MARRAN creative director & fashion stylist che (CDM) assistant stylist polina petrova makeup artist evyta soendoro Model layla sharifi (fenton models)

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