FASHIONABLY CONSCIOUS

Not a day goes by when I don’t think of me, at an inordinately young age, flipping through the pages of Vogue Magazine. My grandmother with whom I spent my summers had gotten me a subscription without my parent’s approval, and on those hot days, I secretly soaked it up. The faces, fashion, food, films, and the lot. The top trends and classic couture stayed with me through all the years of modelling and mothering.

As I continued to read over the years, I grew, and my sense of style evolved with my situation and circumstance.

My first job after high school was with media giant Condé Nast while I was still in my teens, and I learned early on in my days with the editorial giant that curating a corporate wardrobe was essential. I travelled the world as an ambassador wearing mostly Ralph Lauren to suit. After those days, I joined motherhood, and it was then that I learned how non-essential European silk shirts were – cotton was queen.

As life transitions for us all once again, so must the wardrobe. All of our experiences through the years cultivate who we are now, and I think it matters now more than ever to be conscious of our style choices as we re-enter the world with renewed resolve. It is almost as if we have had to hit the restart button, but this time, we can make what was good before even better.

One of my style icons, Kenzo Takada, of the eponymous luxury brand, is known for saying the following: “Fashion is like eating; you shouldn’t stick to the same menu”.

I have devoted this month’s Couture page to reflect the pieces that helped my fashion to evolve over the years. I have stuck to Levi’s since the 80s, attempted Vans in the 90s, and have sworn by black patent since birth according to baby photos. We are presently in another evolution of our fashionable selves as we embark on the remainder of the year, a new season, and fashionably fresh opportunity.

See Kia’s picks for this month’s couture, here.