Monki × Selam Fessahaye
Meet Selam Fessahaye. Stylist, costume designer and fashion designer who is making an impact on the global fashion scene. We got the opportunity to ask her about her thoughts on the collection, styling and much more.
Who is Selam?
How would you describe yourself?
Complex AF.
How would your friends describe you?
I have no idea.
What is your proudest moment?
Me finally making a full collection and starting a brand.
What are you insecure about (if you are insecure about anything)?
Everything and nothing.
Favourite music to dance to?
My friends.
Why do you love Monki?
It’s honest, cute and supports women.
The collection
What do you love about this Monki collection?
I love the fact that it’s easy to dress up and dress down in an interesting way.
What inspired this collection?
To just let whatever I was feeling flow and to not think about it too much.
What is your favourite piece from the collection?
The suit.
Is there a message or theme you always try to portray in your work?
Who I am and where I come from.
Advice to your fans
Advice on how to find your own style?
Never mind trends, focus on your own expression. Whatever makes you feel good/beautiful is what you will look the best in and that is how you’ll find and develop your style.
What advice would you give to young people trying to break into the world of fashion and styling?
T’S NOT EASY. Be ready to put the time in, find your style, your strength and go hard. It helps a lot loving what you do otherwise I’m not sure it’s worth it.
If you could talk to the 15-year-old you, what would you say?
At this moment I just try to be everything my 15-year old self would want to see. A role model for other 15-year olds that are on the same path as me. Representation matters.
Female empowerment
What does female empowerment mean to you?
Everything!
What makes you feel empowered?
Honest women around me.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
It changes from time to time but Mom, Diana Ross, Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifah and Missy Elliot have been with me as forces of inspiration as long as I can remember.
If you could change one thing in the world in the blink of an eye, what would you change?
I would want to equalize the division of resources.
Thank you! ♥