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Words: Samantha Tams, Interview: Kristom Parson

Samantha Tams is the co-founder of the Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS). Born in Mexico City and raised in a small town outside the city, she took an interest in traveling and learning languages from an early age. Upon returning home from studies in an entirely different direction, it was by chance that she stepped into her first fashion role at Saks Fifth Avenue as the store was just opening in Mexico City.

After holding numerous roles in the industry, it was a conversation with Nicaraguan-born Estefania Lacayo about creating a platform for uniting and amplifying Latin American talent that inspired her own journey into entrepreneurship. Launching its first summit in 2018, LAFS began with a clear mission to promote and foster Latin American brands and businesses through educational programs and access to industry leaders. One of the few design events that focuses on Latin America as a region, LAFS promotes emerging designers and the fashion business as a whole. Over several days of programming, attendees have access to workshops and panels covering everything from brand positioning and visibility in a saturated market to current industry affairs and insightful perspectives on the future of fashion.

With fostering brands and connecting people at the heart of their mission, the duo had the fortitude to act swiftly and evolve once it became clear that the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the pandemic would ultimately halt the in-person summit in 2020. Initially, they found a successful alternative in providing free webinars wherein the LAFS community could tune in for strategic advice on carrying their businesses forward. Once this format proved to be a successful alternative, they had the confidence to migrate the physical event into an optimized online version. Their final answer is TRIBU, a members-only, professional social networking platform that engages users in the worlds of fashion and design to share, collaborate, and connect with top talent across various disciplines.

We are grateful to fellow female entrepreneurs like Samantha, who are dedicated to discovering new ways to grow and support the Latin American design communities.

DC: Where did you grow up? Did your surroundings have an impact on what you ultimately decided to pursue in your academic or career choices?

ST: I was born in Mexico City but grew up in Cuernavaca, a small town outside the city. From an early age, I was very interested in traveling, learning languages, and growing up in a small town with limited things to do fueled my desire to live in a big city. So when I chose my career, I decided I wanted to study Diplomacy and left for my studies in London and Paris.

DC: How did you initially start in the industry?

ST: So obviously, I didn’t become a diplomat. As soon as I finished my studies and went back to Mexico City to look for a job, a very good friend told me that Saks Fifth Avenue was going to open soon. I showed up for an interview without knowing what I was applying for, and I got the job as Assistant Buyer for Shoes and Handbags. That was my first job in the fashion industry.

DC: Do you recall any specific bosses, mentors, or peers who helped shape you in the early stages?

ST: Absolutely, I have plenty. My first boss Cynthia Alonso hired me and taught me about retail math and buying. Our GM Martha Balcarcel was a great friend and mentor with awesome style, and Mr. Carlos Hajj (CEO) taught us how to carry out a retail business. During Carlos’ and Martha’s tenure, I had the opportunity to work with Mr. Carlos Slim Sr. he’s been to date the most influential mentor I’ve had, not only as a businessman but as a human.

DC: When did the idea to launch the Latin American Fashion Summit come about?

ST: The idea was born in the summer of 2017. I was vacationing in Nicaragua with my sister-in-law, Estefania. We both had strong retail backgrounds and shared the idea that there was a lot of talent in the region, but something was missing. We started talking about creating a summit for emerging Latin American brands and businesses, and the next thing we knew, our first summit happened in November 2018 with 350 attendees from all across the region.

DC: What were the most important things to consider about this joint venture? What were some of the challenges you faced?

ST: Before LAFS, I had never been an entrepreneur, so it was very challenging for me to develop a thick skin for all the rejection in the early stages. Back then, the idea of a fashion summit was somewhat foreign to a lot of people in Latin America. It was very challenging to pitch the project to sponsors as our company was new, and we had no proven concept up until then. Regardless of this, we moved forward. We had a very strong mission to help Latin American brands and businesses, educate them, and give them access to leaders of the fashion industry. We saw a white space and were willing to address it.

DC: You have helped shed a spotlight on talented designers and united the Latin American fashion community on a deeper level through networking and educational workshop offerings which cover brand building, marketing, resources, and consumer insights, and beyond. Is there a measurable impact – in the form of brand success stories or perhaps growth in manufacturing or supply chains in particular regions – that you have seen?

ST: A lot of cool things happen in our community; people connect and opportunities arise. The two most tangible ones that I could think of are Colombian designers Kika Vargas and Maygel Coronel as examples. They were the winners of our Pitch to LAFS 2018 and 2019 contest (The Pitch to LAFS is a yearly competition that rewards Latin American Talent and exposes it to more than 20 international industry leaders, including buyers, luxury consultants, CEOs, showroom owners, publishers, and investors). Kika now sells in Bergdorf’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, and Maygel Coronel has had 4 successful trunk shows in Moda Operandi and escalated her business to another level.

DC: Much has changed since your inaugural LAFS summit. How have you remained agile through the limitations over the past year? Was TRIBU the answer to this?

ST: As soon as the pandemic hit, we knew that our community was suffering, and we needed to help them navigate those troubled times. For that, we started to create free webinars where they could be advised on how to move forward and the strategies they should implement in their businesses. The successful outcome of these webinars gave us the confidence to migrate the once physical event into an online one. Furthermore, we launched Tribu, an app and desktop version of a professional networking platform for everyone in the fashion and design industries.

The past year introduced our business to an exciting digital landscape that never ceases to grow and amaze us.

DC: Can you share a bit about the Tribu platform and its offerings?

ST: TRIBU is a new, members-only networking desktop and mobile app platform providing a connection between users and others in the fashion and design worlds. We are a professional social network that allows you to share, collaborate, and connect with the industry’s most talented people. Its most exciting features are a valuable directory organized by industries and occupation and GPS reactive. Like this, we create opportunities to connect with other users to expand members’ networks. We offer different ways to showcase projects, post and apply for career opportunities, and share events. We produce educational content from leading industry experts such as webinars, talks, and roundtables. Moreover, our members enjoy exclusive benefits from our sponsors and partners all over the world.

DC: Who are some designers to watch in 2021?

ST: I’d love to see a Sloane dress paired up with an Aurelia belt and a Dan Cassab Jacket.

DC: What has been the most rewarding moment for you so far?

ST: Every time I get an email from a brand or entrepreneur saying that LAFS has helped them with their business makes our countless hours of work worthwhile.

DC: What is a typical workday like for you?

ST: My day starts very early. I work out, and then I get to my to-do list for the day. I have two young kids (2 and 5), so while they are at school (home school for the past year), I have roughly 4.5 hours to be very focused and work. I typically work on the computer during the first part of the day, and I try to schedule all my calls for the latter part that I am multitasking between kids and work. I try to dedicate 4 hours a week to jump on calls or meet with designers.

DC: Do you have any words of wisdom for anyone looking to enter the industry or brands who might be curious about LAFS or Tribu?

ST: The industry is saturated; stick to your mission, develop a strong brand DNA, find your voice, leave a positive mark in the world and tell your story.

DC: What are you personally looking forward to in the year ahead?

ST: Planning for a LAFS 2021 physical event where we can meet again!

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VOICES

Words: Lybn Slater, Interview: Kristom Parson.

Dedicating a lifetime to academia, with two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D., Lyn Slater has always found enjoyment in expressing herself through personal style as a creative outlet. While she was taking continuing education courses in fashion, those around her took note of her modern, original style. Upon the encouragement of fellow classmates, she took a leap into blogging, launching Accidental Icon, and never looked back.

We discovered Lyn through the digital sphere, where subcultures flourish and friendships are forged through discourse surrounding art, words, or other forms of expression. Her unmistakably authentic style offers such captivating appeal through an otherwise endless scroll of seasonal trends because it is an extension of her inner self, someone that is continually evolving. Or, as she describes in her Accidental Icon bio, “She is the woman who… Walks the fine line between rebellion and convention because she has to.” We also found ourselves drawn to reading the captions she so generously crafts, often going steps beyond to ensure her audience attaches deeper meaning to the designers’ creations she wears and supports.

Having a permanent mindset of a student certainly has its benefits and requires a healthy dose of self-confidence and determination to turn curiosities into realities. If one industry tends to perpetuate a harmfully ageist message, it is, objectively, fashion. But because of pioneers like Lyn, who boldly entered a space she, like many others, had not seen a representation of herself in before, the narrative thankfully shifted in recent years. Monumental change like this is only made possible when the utterly fearless arrive, stick around, and continue to show up – most importantly, for themselves.

What we have learned from Lyn is the potential of what comes of allowing yourself the freedom to wander off course and remain open to more challenging – and hopefully – fulfilling turns ahead. She exemplifies what it is to be mindful that what lies ahead on our path forward should eternally appear more vivid than what we leave behind.

DC: What consistently shines through your visual content and voice is an authentic, deep sincerity for what you are passionate about and true contentment with yourself. It is both inspiring and comforting; we admire you so much. Would you share the arc of your journey from early beginnings and creative interests to where you have arrived now?

LS: I have always been interested in learning new things and have always had creative pursuits alongside professional and academic ones. I have two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. and have taken countless continuing education courses. So, the last time I was feeling I needed to learn something new I took some classes in a fashion school. While there, everyone kept telling me I had amazing style and I should start a blog. So I did and used it as a way to learn more about fashion and the fashion system. Because I was learning and having fun, I think people responded to that.

DC: Who or what in your life has impacted you most cognitively? Creatively?

LS: My grandmother and grandfather on my mother’s side were both creative. She was a musician, and he was an architect. My grandmother loved fashion and was an avid reader, and instilled both in me. My mother was also very creative when it came to everyday living in ways people usually don’t notice helped me be resilient and optimistic despite adversity or struggle. My father was kind, and I try to be also.

DC: Can you think of a particular experience that significantly shaped your character?

LS: Being the oldest of 6 children and Catholic education.

DC: As a social welfare professor dealing with inclusion, diversity, human rights, social justice, fair wages, and sustainability, you entered the space of influencing with a purpose to create, as well as a means to amplify the initiatives you care about. What was the catalyst for diving into fashion from academia?

LS: I felt that fashion was a more engaging way to get people interested in the issues I cared about. Social media allows knowledge and ideas to be generated at a far greater speed and to a much larger audience than academic journals. So I found an intersection between a topic people were interested in and concerns I had been addressing for many years in different forums.

DC: What has been one of your most memorable/poignant moments in which you may have effected change through Accidental Icon since launching five years ago?

LS: I think, probably, when I hear from young people that I have made them not be afraid to get old and that I have shown a different version of what one might do in their older lives, a narrative that has badly needed to change. And also older women feeling seen because of my visibility.

DC: When you stepped into the fashion industry, did you ever feel the need to decide between placing boundaries between your personal beliefs and values and your public persona?

LS: I think I am pretty much the same person in regard to what I value and think is important in my personal and public life. I have said no to a lot of opportunities in my public life because they do not align, but it has been challenging when you need to make an income yet retain your personal values and ethics. I am lucky because the agents who represent me respect and know who I am and support all the decisions I want to make about these things.

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Words: Matisse Andrews, Interview: Kristom Parson.

California native, Matisse Andrews, has a captivating presence that, much like sunshine, radiates in such a way that it lingers once it hits you. The makeup artist turned model has been featured in numerous fashion editorials and brand campaigns. Her warm personality and straightforward life approach are natural to pick up because they remain the same online and in person. She is outspoken about what matters most to her, and holds people accountable for their words and actions or lack thereof. An advocate for social justice and mental health, this visibility has enabled her to create awareness around causes in critical need. She is currently focused on food insecurity and supplying necessities to the Los Angeles area’s unhoused community. Together, these qualities amount to one unmistakably magical being that we are glad to have in our orbit.

We have watched nearly a year come and go and adapted our lives often to new ways of existing through a global crisis. Collective effort goes into shifting priorities to the more mindful and less material. Even still, it proves somewhat effortless to get caught up in cycles of presuming what is adequate through the individual measure of comparison. Because this game is freely available at our fingertips, quite literally in the palms of our hands, it can become an unhealthy habit to kick. A reality check for us came when Matisse responded to our question around what sort of legacy she wishes to leave behind with the following: “I feel like it’s a lot of pressure to live up to a set of standards or accomplishments for people to remember you by after you die. Life is already stressful enough. My goal is to be a good, empathic person who has an open heart and mind, the rest is a bonus.” It seems reasonable, yet we easily forget the sentiment while we’re predisposed to the pressures of striving for endless achievements.

Matisse reminds us that one of our most significant responsibilities is looking inward and accepting ourselves as constantly evolving works of progress. As she reassures, “Everyone’s path is different and yours doesn’t need to look like the person’s next to you. Timelines are irrelevant. I’ve put expiration dates on myself which only ended up holding me back from what I really wanted. As long as you do what brings you joy it doesn’t matter when you start or how old you are.” With that we say, be good to yourself so you can be good to others. Check in with yourself and check on your friends.

DC: Tell us a little bit about yourself – where did you grow up and how did your path lead you to where you’re at now in LA?

MA: I was raised between Orange County and Los Angeles, SoCal is home. I plan on leaving one day but sunshine keeps delaying my departure.

DC: You’re a makeup artist, model, advocate for social justice, and mental health. We are in awe of your beauty inside and out. How do you keep your balance while staying so active? How do you spend your free time?

MA: That’s very kind. With COVID, life has really slowed down which has been its own battle mentally. I spend a lot of time cooking and baking. As a self proclaimed amateur at home chef I like to challenge myself in the kitchen, try new things. Feeding people good food makes me happy.

DC: Is there one particular channel of creativity or a cause you feel more attached to right now?

MA: At the moment I feel connected to community outreach and mutual aid. It’s heartbreaking and unacceptable how the unhoused community is treated. I do what I can even on a small scale like dropping off extra food at a community fridge in the area. If you live in LA check out @lacommunityfridges to donate if you have the means. Another thing you can do that’s simple and extremely helpful is having extra feminine hygiene products or baby wipes in your car to hand out when you see someone. You don’t realize how much of a luxury those items are to someone who hasn’t felt clean in a while. You can change someone’s entire day.

DC: We are grateful to see you in front of the camera, you’re stunning. Who or what convinced you to give modeling a chance after years of being a makeup artist?

MA: I had to convince myself that I deserved to be in that position. In high school I had entertained the idea silently to myself but there were approximately zero people that looked like me in mainstream media so I never thought it was a realistic option. Now the industry is full of celebrated diverse bodies so when I was approached to model I decided to walk through the door and see what happened.

DC: How has this visibility helped shape you, cultivate relationships, and/or open conversations you might not have had before?

MA: It’s helped me love versions of myself I never thought I could. I’d be having the same conversations whether I was visible or not because that’s just who I am. I’ve never been shy to share my opinions and views with whoever is interested in hearing them.

DC: What has been the most important realization in your own journey inward?

MA: I’m still on the journey, I don’t think it ever ends. It’s so easy to compare, spiral, and be envious of what someone else has and I gently remind myself that everything that’s intended for me is coming my way.

DC: If you had one piece of advice for women of any age feeling stuck or struggling to find their own identity, what would you tell them?

MA: Everyone’s path is different and yours doesn’t need to look like the person’s next to you. Timelines are irrelevant. I’ve put expiration dates on myself which only ended up holding me back from what I really wanted. As long as you do what brings you joy it doesn’t matter when you start or how old you are.

DC: For some, this year has brought up the idea of legacy and what they will leave behind. Do you relate to this, and if so, what do you hope to be remembered most for?

MA: Not really, I feel like it’s a lot of pressure to live up to a set of standards or accomplishments for people to remember you by after you die. Life is already stressful enough. My goal is to be a good, empathic person who has an open heart and mind, the rest is a bonus.

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Words: Chloe King, Interview: Kristom Parson.

Suppose you have ever caught a glimpse of Chloe King breezing through the streets during global fashion weeks or dispatching from her home office over Instagram at present. In either case, you may also have found yourself awed by the sheer sorcery with which she consistently achieves such extraordinary ensembles. Her masterfully concocted looks are served up in the most pleasing form of chaos, a marriage of mixed media prints, colors, and unexpected silhouettes often accompanied by a red-lipped smile. In her decade and beyond career, she has held coveted posts at brands and luxury retailers, Tibi, The Webster, and Bergdorf Goodman, where she is currently Head of Digital and works directly with the legendary Linda Fargo.

Beyond her iconic style, Chloe comes off as a straight shooter; she’s sharp, has jokes, relentless drive, and a heart the size of New York City. Described by her mother at an early age as a contrarian, it became a working title she wholeheartedly embraced from then on. Knowing oneself so well that it reflects outwardly in such an unmistakable way to others requires a supreme level of confidence and self-awareness. As more clearly understood now, Chloe’s determination to seek and be “other” is precisely what shaped this intriguing persona that has held our attention in the years following her career.

While hard work and adaptability made the process of navigating an ever-changing industry more manageable and successful, it is her appetite for curiosity and fearlessness that prepared her for social justice advocacy with matched tenacity when the time came. A sociology major in college who studied systemic race and gender bias, bearing witness to American social structures that continue to fracture and crumble following the 2016 election, she decided that life, as usual, would not go on while others’ lives and liberties are at stake. Recognized by colleagues and peers as one who is unafraid of talking about race, she makes it clear where she stands on injustices in the industry and beyond, affirming that “Any reason you have to not get involved in social justice (time, money, expertise) is an excuse. There are a million opportunities to effect change over the course of one day – including within yourself. Read a lot. Listen to the experts with lived experience. Don’t be defensive. Sit in your discomfort. And the biggest: white people are responsible for every oppressive system in this country, so it is up to white people to create solutions.”

While we are grateful to benefit from her wildly creative innovations, the countless looks so universally embraced by the world of fashion, for us, it is the mindful disobedience behind this superficial layer that we find most captivating. And perhaps it is that Chloe King’s signature style is itself a sort of armor, not worn as protection from the outside world, but rather as a reminder of who she is and always has been; a champion for independent thought, and above all, the good.

DC: Can you share with us a bit about your journey from early beginnings and interests to where you have arrived now?

CK: I grew up outside of Boston and was always interested in fashion, but went to a liberal arts school, so I received a traditional education. I never thought I was “qualified” to professionally participate in the Fashion universe. After playing soccer my whole life, my first job was in sports marketing, but to be honest, I spent most of my day reading the OG fashion blogs (this was 2010!). I realized if you have to be stuck at work all day, I’d rather be doing something I loved, so I moved to New York City to see if I could work in fashion. I got an unpaid internship at a brand while working nights at a restaurant, but was so happy I took the risk! I was soon hired full time, and then years later… here I am.

DC: What piece of advice would you give to anyone looking to pursue a career in the industry right now?

CK: Come with ideas! Big ones. The industry is in an extremely challenging position right now, and we need every innovator we can get.

DC: What is coming up next for you?

CK: Who knows? 2020 taught me that you can’t always plan. I miss traveling deeply and have a long list of dream destinations for my first trip post-pandemic – and, of course, taking suggestions.

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Words: Hannah Park, Interview: Kristom Parson

We are so fortunate to speak with and learn from such inspiring women for the Voices series, each divinely brilliant and talented in their own right, who so openly share their journeys from budding dreams to present-day realities. A common thread which ties these extraordinary women together is the profound cultural and familial influences that have shaped their perspectives creatively, emotionally, and mentally. Values are formed, and character builds by applying these invaluable lessons to their own experiences. Eventually, this develops the instincts which sharpen senses in preparation for physical decisions.

Instinctively knowing when it is time to pivot is a mastered life skill many have yet to learn. It takes unwavering confidence and complete honesty to admit when you are no longer fulfilled and ready to let go and allow curiosity to lead you down another path. For Hannah Park, pivoting is an inherited matriarchal trait. Born into a creative family in Seoul, Korea, the fashion designer, who founded the loungewear label Oori Ott in 2018, began manifesting her creative path at the young age of eight – decidedly after witnessing her mother’s artistic evolution from sculptor to fashion designer.

Having lived on three continents, testing New York City’s corporate fashion gauntlet, a move to Los Angeles to begin Oori Ott, meaning “our clothes” in Korean, thus started her independent exploration in design through a decidedly more purposeful lens. Simultaneously finding enjoyment in creating mood boards highlighting the gems of futuristic interior design rabbit hole discoveries from eras-past, Hannah launched HIDA Modern, a vintage furniture sourcing business with florist Ida Lamberton.

Approaching each venture with consciousness remains at the core of her purpose. As so expertly stated in a message apropos for the masses, “Seems rhetorical to say, but we don’t need any more waste on this earth, so as a person designing or providing a product, it’s very important to consideUSTAINABILITY r the effects of creating the product as well as its existence, longevity, and function.”

Touché, Hannah. Keep turning.

DC: Could you share a bit about your background and how your education, interests, and journey lead you to the present day?

HP: I was born in Seoul, Korea but moved to Sydney, Australia at a very young age then ended up in the US. Both my parents are very creative and artistic so from a very young age, I knew I wanted to be an artist of some sort. My mom was a sculptor before becoming a house wife. Then when my parents divorced, and she became a single mom, she became a fashion designer. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and dreamed of being a fashion designer since I was 8 years old. When I was 8, I would draw designs of denim capris with beaded tassels fringed crop tees and tube tops (this was the late 90s). My interest in fashion design led me to move to NYC. I went to FIT and worked for a few companies when I graduated (Calvin Klein, Gap, Vince). I quickly realized that I wasn’t fulfilled working at these corporate fashion companies. I was feeling stuck and needed to create something of my own, so I took the leap to create my own brand, OORI OTT.

When I moved to LA to start OORI OTT, I found myself becoming more and more interested in interior design. I found so many inspiring vintage furniture pieces in LA and needed an outlet to share this. My friend Ida and I started our IG @HIDA_modern so that we had a place to upload all things interior that we were inspired by. Our mood page then slowly and organically evolved into a business of selling curated vintage home goods.

DC: Does your heritage or upbringing play a significant role in your creative capacities?

HP: Yes, it definitely does. I have always been been drawn to traditional Korean typography, clothing, textiles, stationary, accessories, and food and object presentation. I take a lot of inspiration from “Han-Bok” designs and the art of “Bojagi” wrapping.

DC: As the Founder & Creative Director of OORI OTT and half of HIDA modern curated vintage home goods, what are your main areas of expertise?

HP: I can’t say that I am an expert at anything, but I love when I can create or provide something that can inspire a positive emotion but also fulfill a functional need. The way that translates through OORI OTT is designing clothes that make the wearer feel excited by what they are wearing but also feel comfortable and can wear it for a lifetime. The way it translates through HIDA, is providing objects to create a home or environment that takes you to your own dreamland but is also useful and useable every day.

DC: Which era of design are you influenced by most? Are you more partial to textures or shapes?

HP: At the time of my first collection, I was inspired most by the glam, disco, postmodern colorful 70s-80s. This era wasn’t shy about decadence and colors which was really alluring to me and I’ve always been attracted to 80s art deco architecture because I love the softness of round shapes and curved lines.

Now, a different part of the 80s inspires me. The 80s had a lot of fascination with technology and the future. I love looking back to movies and imagery of the future from the eyes of the 80s and find my inspiration coming from this now. Movies like Bladerunner really inspire me in terms of fashion and architecture. So, there’s been a shift from the glitzy and colorful 70s-80s to the techno dystopian future 80s.

DC: As more consumers search for some level of sustainability and cause-based initiative built into the brands and products they acquire, can you tell us more about how you personally relate to this and why it was important to include in both business models?

HP: In terms of aesthetic design in our decade, everything is an adaptation, almost nothing is entirely original. Most of fashion and interior design is cyclical and based on nostalgia. The only new thing to invent is how can you make this thing from the past have a new more sustainable life with more impact.

As mentioned before, functionality has always been just as important to me as the aesthetic of design. Sustainability and functionality go hand in hand. If something is not sustainable, it eventually expires, and if it expires it doesn’t function and turns to waste. Seems rhetorical to say but we don’t need any more waste on this earth, so as a person designing or providing a product, it’s very important to consider the effects of creating the product as well as its existence, longevity, and function.

DC: We love your modern take on 70s leisurewear with OORI OTT. What inspired you to launch the brand? What does the name mean?

HP: I really wanted to create outfits that were casual and comfortable enough to wear around the house but special enough to make a statement on a night out. I was really inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer’s character in Scarface. She would wear these simple slips out on the night and looked so glam and stunning but also looked so effortless and comfy like she could just wear them straight to bed.

DC: When did the idea for HIDA modern come about? How did you and your partner Ida start to accumulate inventory? What do you think sets you apart from other vintage curators?

HP: HIDA modern started as a mood board. It was a place for Ida and I to dump all of our interior related images we had been hoarding. We both would find really great pieces of furniture we wanted but had nowhere to put them (I lived in a studio at the time) so we thought we should start sharing our finds with people on our IG.

Ida and I are really drawn to vintage pieces that look like they’re from the future. They can be from any era. At the time we started selling vintage furniture, most of the L.A. based sellers were selling specifically mid-century items and not so much postmodern pieces so that helped set us apart.

DC: This year has been challenging in many ways. How do you navigate uncertainty?

HP: I’m very lucky and grateful that I have all the essentials for living a great life. I have a place to live, don’t have to worry about food, I have really supportive friends and family, and I’m healthy so any kind of uncertainty that comes my way, I am fortunate enough to handle and I welcome it. Ever since I quit my corporate fashion job and started on my own ventures, my life and schedule has been uncertain. I think a bit of uncertainty can be a good thing because it forces you to reevaluate at every turn and really figure out what works for you.

DC: What keeps you motivated? Has your perspective changed on certain areas of your life?

HP: My mom immigrated to the U.S. as a single mom and worked very hard to offer me the life I had. She completely fulfilled the role of 2 parents and gave me more than I ever needed so remembering and appreciating that always keeps me motivated.

Most recently, my perspective on my work life balance has changed. Being Korean and an immigrant, I was taught that work is #1 and you had to make sacrifices to succeed in work. But work took over and I wasn’t making time for my friends or even for myself. This year I realized that my life was very unbalanced and teetering but balance is the key to a happy life and success doesn’t just come from your work. It’s important to not take yourself too seriously and to have fun with everything you do.

DC: Is there anything you want people to know about you that you haven’t shared before?

HP: I love drawing mazes and I’m deathly afraid of butterflies.

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VOICES

Words: Memu Conteh, Interview: Kristom Parson

When days become weeks, weeks become months, and months become a year, it’s easy to lose track of time and oneself. For some of us navigating uncharted territory, our natural instinct may be to protect and preserve. Some of that territory can be like water; it can also bend and shape; it can dry up and turn back into rain. For a special few, protection and preservation are constant pillars of strength, regardless of challenging times.

Memu Conteh, stunning beauty inside and out, radiates a curiosity, genuine compassion, and tenacity that is contagious. You may recognize her from campaigns alongside Nike, David Jones, Grazia, and Smashbox Cosmetics, to name a few. Less widely known are her off-duty pursuits advocating for social justice, mental health, and hosting her Quarantine Diaries podcast, which maps her journey inward during the global events of 2020.

We were fortunate to catch up with the Sierra Leonean native and part-time Angeleno – currently based in Australia, where she grew up – to deepen the conversation around her passions and beliefs. Her incredibly wise and touching answers demanded our own self-examination in the most vulnerable yet rewarding way. As she so beautifully shares: “We’re so lucky that we can tap into parts of ourselves to create faith, hope, love, joy and sometimes happiness.” We are so grateful for your wisdom and generosity, Memu.

DC: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF OUR VOICES SERIES. AS A MODEL, PODCAST HOST, ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH, IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR AREA YOU FEEL MORE DRAWN TO CURRENTLY?

MC: I’ve always been drawn to making sure there’s fairness in this world. We all know this is hard to come by in our society, but I’d like to think in all our little corners we’re fighting for the fairest thing to help us understand each other a little better. So I always just do what is calling my heart and act fair in turn.

DC: Has modeling helped open up other opportunities for you outside of the industry?

MC: Modeling has definitely done this and has been the thing I never knew I needed in order to meet people from different places of the world. I’m so thankful for it.

DC: Could you tell us a little about your background and how your journey led you to where you are now?

MC: I’m originally from Sierra Leone, came to Australia as a refugee. I moved homes a lot while living in Australia. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, so I felt like journalism was the way to go after high school. I did some incredible internships, but after I graduated, I felt like journalism was all going online and decided it wasn’t what I wanted for myself at the time. I was very lucky while exploring what I wanted to do that I had modeling in the back of my mind. Friends and family would encourage me to try it out, and so that’s what I did—and just trying never, ever let me down.

DC: Being West African, are there certain values and traditions you always carry with you?

MC: I believe West Africans are vibrant people; our culture is so vast and widely loved by many. I think it is ingrained in us the idea of hard work and how much value my people put on that. With hard work comes a lot of blessings. To plant a seed so it grows is something I’ve been taught in my Sierra Leonean family, and I have no doubt many West Africans would confirm this as we are taught from such a young age to strive for greatness.

DC: You recently shared such a great piece of wisdom on Instagram: “Mums always told me, not everyone needs to know your business and everything that happens to you does not mean you’re unlucky. It just means you can handle it, in your own unique way.” Is your mom a constant source of sage advice for you?

MC: My mother has always been someone I’ve looked up to. Her story is just so powerful, and I’ve always made sure she knew her worth. Even from a young age, I needed her to know that everything she continued to teach me was valued and respected. Her life was and is very, very different from mine, so I’ve always listened to her advice; it’s always been sound, and I always want her to know her voice is important…

DC: Is there a specific moment in your life you can recall that really shaped or grounded you?

MC: I would say there have been many different moments, but right now, I know exactly what I want. I’ve been able to slow down the last couple of months and really scratch the surface of my own questions and give myself answers I needed to hear.

DC: How has 2020 changed your perspective on different areas of your life?

MC: I feel like 2020 – as weird and completely random as it’s been – has definitely taught me to see a bigger picture that I had never wanted to see. For someone with a “you only live once” mentality, you kind of get carried away with the short term. But now I feel I’m living for the long term and trying to figure out this little big world I’m creating with myself and the loved ones around me.

DC: Your Quarantine Diaries podcast is brilliant. It highlights your inner dialogue and journal entries processing the events of this year, and covers topics of racism and mental health among others. You ask very poignant questions supported by well researched topics. Can you share a bit about how the process of this helped your personal growth and what sort of feedback you might have received from listeners that resonated?

MC: One thing I enjoyed was reading personal diary entries from people from all over the world. We all live in this little bubble in our heads when we are moving through the world alone. By using that platform, I was able to recognise that 2020 is affecting everyone quite seriously. It’s moments like these that jog your memory of the web of connection we all have, without even knowing it. I was definitely using it as a form of escapism in terms of personal growth because mentally, I wasn’t happy to be stuck in one place. So I’ve realised naturally I’m a free spirit who dislikes being told what to do. If my gut refuses something, I’m going to listen to her instead.

DC: How have you continued this work both on and offline?

MC: Well, although that was a podcast, I’m currently writing a poetry book to reach out to more people who might see hope through my poems or for them not to feel alone. I believe human beings’ power is using any art medium to connect, whether that be writing, painting, film, etc. We’re so lucky that we can tap into parts of ourselves to create faith, hope, love, joy, and sometimes happiness.

DC: Do you feel drawn to broadening your mental health and social justice advocacy work?

MC: Every day is mental health awareness for me personally, as I’m easily emotional and can be susceptible to others’ emotions. If you can observe when something has triggered you, you’re on your way to being an open-minded individual. And in turn, if you can communicate this to bring on social justice for others, then we are truly extending ourselves to understand our neighbours, friends, and family.

DC: What have you learned about yourself in the process of speaking openly about these issues?

MC: I’ve learned that in my corner I have to make sure that every person that I encounter should feel valued, listened to, and respected.

DC: When do you feel most at peace? How do you create this for yourself?

MC: I feel there are two types of sounds I love. I feel most at peace near the ocean. I love silence, and then with the sounds of the waves accompanied, it’s even better. Then, there’s the quiet background noise of people laughing, sharing food, being alive and enjoying themselves, kids running around, and music in the background. I like knowing people are safe even when you’re not related by birth.

DC: Are there certain causes you feel may be in need of more support right now?

MC: I feel like the world sometimes seems like a totem pole of who’s worthy-to-least worthy, and it’s crazy that there are people that really think like this, so I’m going to say it. Black Trans lives are worthy, and sadly many people are caught up in their insecurities not to see this. If we can’t treat each other kindly, there’s no hope for any of us. If we can’t see other human beings’ complexities as beautiful, what kind of beings are we? Most are stuck in thinking their bubbles are the only things that cease to exist, and only they deserve empathy. We shouldn’t compare an already biased and unfair world.

DC: What advice would you give to anyone struggling to navigate their own anxieties about the future?

MC: Do something about it. Even if you feel what you’re doing is mundane as long as it’s calming you. A long-needed hug with a loved one. Yeah, I know everyone has issues, but we need to be vulnerable to reach each other, understand, care, and love each other. There is nothing wrong with how you’re feeling. Go and buy a colouring book and just do that, and I hope you feel a little less fearful because right now doesn’t last, and tomorrow will come, and you can feel how you like then, too. Do not ever feel like because you feel ashamed; you’re a burden. This is entirely not true! You’re going to be okay. I promise. Love you.

DC: What sort of legacy do you hope to leave behind?

MC: I want to leave behind an extension of my love and energy.

DANCASSAB
VOICES

Words: Coromoto Atencio, Interview: Kristom Parson

The process of weaving and crafting stories sits at the core of my creative journey: it drives my curiosity and informs my ideas, shapes my notions, and transforms my emotions. I am the founder of Studio Futuro Consulting, a New York-based creative and strategic fashion consultancy at the intersection of visual communications, voice, people, and purpose. Specialized in brand building, development, and rebranding for start-ups, emerging, and established brands—an independent advisory where the assemblage of ideas flows alongside the strategic criteria. Studio Futuro came to life out of a personal and genuine desire to create, discover and reignite concepts with the long-lasting strategy of the human touch: through intuition and substance, processes, people, gestures, and meaningful collaborations. My philosophy lays on a 360º approach that taps into the core of intention setting up the groundwork for a clear and sustained path forward.

These transformative times have crystallized a new approach to examination defined by both an individual and collective industry responsibility to reassess the way we consume and produce, share and connect; the way we deepen the conversation across racism and representation, structural inequalities, our impact on nature, and the value of the creative expression. To elevate this ‘Alone Together’ notion into an ‘Individual Collective’ purpose based on trust, respect, education, empathy, and thoughtful exchange. As long as we believe in the authenticity of the stories we tell, we will always have a role to play.

With these photographs, I wanted to shed light to the city I love, the place I call home, New York. To all of those who continue to work tirelessly to keep the city’s heart beating. from small businesses to cultural, iconic and ecological assets. New York City’s reopening feels almost like a rebirth.

DC:We are so honored to have you share a window into your imagination and creative process. Could you share a bit about your background and how your education, interests and journey have led you to where you are present day? 

CA: From an early age my parents instilled in us a sense of appreciation and sensibility towards the arts and all things creative—they encouraged us to be curious, to seek deeper. I was born in Venezuela in the late 70’s during the country’s economic and cultural bonanza. The country where I grew up welcomed people from all walks of life. It built itself out of the beauty of contrast.

I have always been fond of storytelling, spoken and unspoken, it has always interested me how words and image collide and spark a certain kind of feeling, emotion. I also grew up with this love for fashion magazines; since I can remember I’d dive into every single page. My mother had these wonderful clothes, and I use to spend hours distilling a garment to the smallest details, from the color of the stitch to the woven label; my father has this innate appreciation for quality, for the long lasting.

Looking back, moving to New York enlarged my inner creative dialogue, and it also deepened my nostalgia. When I became independent, I felt I wanted to say and do things in a certain way, not knowing exactly how. Today I can say that my imagination flows catching up with the memories to birth something new, and in the process, I get to find a new piece of myself by discovering someone else’s.

DC:Growing up in Venezuela, what are some values and traditions that you always carry with you?

CA: I grew up harvesting this deep love for my country—and this sense of identity intensified when I left home. The smells, people, landscapes, flavors, the endless summers; the understanding that quality lays in the processes, that respect starts with each one of us. I carry with me that the truly extraordinary lays in the ordinary.

DC:Does your Latin American heritage have a significant influence on you creatively?

CA: Immensely. It keeps me grounded and it reminds me of my worth. Having appreciation for our roots is directly linked with our sense of humanity. But I am also a New Yorker heart and soul. New York has this mesmerizing capacity to love you back.

DC:With more Latin American brands emerging onto a global scale in recent years, what significant attributes do you feel they best exemplify?

CA: As Latin Americans we are bind by our region’s abundant wealth of natural resources and the rich and diverse history of our culture—a bond that also comes with a sense of duty. The Latin American brands raising the bar today share a common interest anchored in the creation and manufacture of products that are socially and environmentally committed—brands who have an intention towards being better by doing better are those who best exemplify the uniqueness and beauty of our region.

DC:You have an unparalleled ability to personify and actualize the vision and voice of brands in such an authentic way. Which career milestones or life experiences have prepared you most for immersive projects such as these?

CA: I grew up in a family of artistry and intellect, my parents prioritized hard work and substance. After graduating from Parsons, I had the opportunity to work at Style.com (former Online Home for Vogue and W) under the extraordinary mentorship of Candy Pratts Price. Her immeasurable talent, decisiveness and vision, together with her constant quest for the exceptional, sharpened and challenged my perspective. Working with Candy meant that there was no half nor easy way, nothing relied on the surface. If you were there you had to believe, and you had to be ready to dive deep. My time at Inditex was also quite a unique experience. I was there when Zara was particularly small in scale and awareness in the U.S. The size and structure of the subsidiary allowed me to move fluidly across disciplines, gaining robust insight and a holistic vision. I credit these two opposite yet strongly intertwined experiences, and my own values, to my immersive, methodical and personalized approach.

DC:How do you draw boundaries between your own space, growth, and purpose while taking on deeply personal work?

CA: It is not an easy process and I am constantly learning. Consulting is as complex as it is rewarding. You get to tap on someone else’s universe aiming to stimulate their potential. There is undoubtedly a strong bond that shapes as the project takes form, the objectives and client evolve, hopefully feeling empowered. It’s like whispering. There will always be a piece of me in my work, but with every new experience comes a new sense of freedom, of learning to let go.

DC:We were lucky to work with you on our rebranding several years ago and wouldn’t be where we are today without the result of that exercise. Looking back, what do you consider the most poignant aspect of the discovery?

CA: Openness, trust and honesty. I met Daniela at a time where she was ready to expand her vision, to look beyond her creative expression and into her soul. I came in to collect the pieces that made her story, her own. By diving deep into her world, the opportunities arose as if they were waiting to be unlocked—she was ready to see what was already there. The mastery of the craftsmen meticulously stamped on every jacket, bringing their artistry front and center through Ana Georgina’s portraits. The moment we started to remove the noise and let the garments speak. The exercise revealed underserved attributes across purpose, visual expression, narrative…It gave Daniela the space to recognize the overpowering and seize the opportunity to reconcile with her own voice. Distilling and reassembling the values behind Dan Cassab was fundamental to set up the paths for evolution.

DC:The work you do touches each facet of a brand’s business – from your writing and visual narratives to its branding and positioning – which part of the process do you feel most connected to and/or proud of? Or does it vary for each project?

CA:My eye tends to gravitate to the cinematic narrative of the visual process—perhaps that’s where it all starts to unfold. After all I do have a strong appreciation for fashion and for the process of image making. Through the intelligence phase I immerse myself into the client, brand or idea to carve a discovery process that births the concept. I vividly recall referring to this fundamental creative phase of my work as a ‘discovery’, I felt very close to me. Each brand and story is unique in attributes and in needs. This tailored perspective allows for each project to be approached with a blank canvas, unbound of template and preconceived notions; to dive into a brand with an outsider perspective with an internal sensibility is the path to something long lasting and honest.

DC:You mention a collective responsibility across our industry to become more aware of our impact. What actions should brands and people be taking to examine their own influence on issues such as climate change and social justice?

CA:As I said before each brand is unique in story, structure and priorities, yet the capacity to evolve and examine our actions is something we all share as individuals, in business and in life. I can only speak from experience having worked in both small- and large-scale companies: the work starts from within, there is no formula and it starts with people. We, as in brands, live in this perpetual urge to share and to communicate, and although having a platform does expand our perspectives, it is about aligning what we communicate to what we internally cultivate. Having the intention to reduce our footprint starts from within, we reevaluate our processes, reset our priorities and educate ourselves on how to incorporate sustainable practices. The work that we do as individuals to move the needle forward across social, environmental and cultural spectrums will impact our collective perspective and sense of accountability. We live in a world of open access, there is little to no reason not to be in tune with times, to evolve, grow and transform.

DC: To what extent does this form of consciousness play a role in areas of your own life? 

CA:I am focused on working with projects with a sense of purpose that resonate with my values, prioritizing quality over quantity. I need to love what I do in order to create honest work. I am constantly learning, and I remain open to my most vulnerable self.

DC: Who or what would you say has impacted you the most?

CA: My family. I discover the language of love from them, over and over.

DC:When do you feel most yourself and at peace? 

CA:Lately by the sea. I have been in New York throughout the pandemic, and I have seen the city transform. I have been going to a beach called Fort Tilden since I moved to New York fifteen years ago. It’s beautiful and free. The sound of the sea rocks me to a deep restorative sleep. It fills me with hope

DC:How do you navigate the unknown, anxieties and fear? 

CA:Dancing the waves, through highs and lows.