Cape Town - Woman Online Magazine interviewed modest fashion blogger and stylist Saarahjasmin Nwajei.
This 19-year-old modest fashionista is already making headlines in the fashion industry. Over high tea at The Table Bay Hotel, she shares her thoughts.
QUESTION:Tell us more about your background and where your love for fashion began?
ANSWER: My mom has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years. She is a pattern maker and I’ve been influenced by her since I was a little girl.
I used to do modelling, but I didn’t see myself reach my full potential so I started my own blog in 2014 called Modest Fashion Blogger. I also do styling and find inspiration in the beauty of dressing modestly. I use my skills to make and style fashion into something new, different and absolutely gorgeous!
What exciting projects are you busy with at the moment?
I’m busy designing my own clothing range. One of the designers approached me at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town asking me about one of the outfits I was wearing. He was speechless when I told him it’s one of my own designs.
The range is not going to be aimed at a specific target market. My clothing line overall will be for women who are more modest when it comes to dressing up.
Where do you see yourself in two years from now?
I want to work internationally very soon. I have noticed that the media is loving me because I’m not scared to be myself. My way of styling new trends in a modest way helps me to stand out in a crowd.
Most of all, I would love to do a campaign with a big fashion house like Louis Vuitton or Paco Rabanne where I will be allowed to wear my head scarf with pride.
South Africa must open divisions for everyone! We need to come out of our box of what ‘we’ think is perfection.
How would you describe your style in 5 words?
Modest, exquisite (my colours are crazy), sophisticated, elegant and definitely trendy!
What are your hobbies beside fashion and styling?
Fashion became my life. It became every little part of me. We are launching a new magazine in September called SWIRL and it’s all about the upliftment of coloured women.
A lot of people need publicity, so why not give them that? I’m tired of coloured women living in the townships and not be out there chasing their dreams. I want to inspire women to go out there and reach their full potential.
Any advice to women who wants to make it in the fashion industry?
Working hard is everything. People shouldn’t go to events just to take selfies for Instagram or to get the free goodie bag. You need to network! I am constantly networking at media events and functions.
Being rejected is what got me here today. No matter your circumstances, you should always get back up.
Favourite part of being a fashion blogger?
I absolutely love to meet new people and making friends, but you need to make trustworthy friends as a lot of people in the media industry will do anything to get you down.
And the worst?
Getting back stabbed. It’s difficult for me to trust people, because as a young child I got bullied for the most ridiculous reasons.
What trends are you going to follow this spring/summer?
I’m definitely thinking dresses… a lot of dresses! Someone also approached me to do a swimwear shoot in a modest way. I don’t see myself wearing a burkini (modest swimsuit), but I want to design something that suits me.
What is your signature make up look?
My signature make up look is definitely my smokey eyes! I also love my natural thick brows. I’m using ‘How To Make Brows’ from Essence at the moment to create even more fullness. If someone had to mess with my brows, I would die. Without brows I feel like you don’t have a face.
Any last words of wisdom?
Happiness is found when you stop living in the past and comparing yourself to other people.
See the blog at http://modestfashionbloggersa.blogspot.co.za/
Annette Jamneck, WomanOnline
Pictures: Supplied