STAFF STYLE: BLACK HISTORY MONTH EDITION

How would you describe your style?
Very androgynous and playful. I like to add masculine and feminine touches to create unique looks – someone that does this really well is Zendaya 😍 My style is also very 90s-streetwear-inspired, too; my parents helped with that by giving me a lot of vintage pieces 🗝️ 

 

What does your role at ASOS involve?
A lot of sample management and ad-hoc tasks for the team, as well as helping buyers from the brands we stock on ASOS with trend analysis. Overall, a lot of fun!

What's your favourite thing about autumn/winter dressing?
My fave part is probably playing with accessories! I can throw on lots of chunky bits like jewellery and scarves to make a simple 'fit look more cohesive and put-together 🧣 I also really love neutral, muted tones during autumn, but it’s always fun to add a few peek-a-boo pops of colour, too! 

GET THE LOOK:
Topshop denim pleated midi skirt in grey, £50
COLLUSION abstract print lace insert cami top in multi, £23.99
COLLUSION Unisex open hole jumper in black, £27.99
ASOS Design faux leather studded belt with love sucks buckle in white, £18
ASOS DESIGN Strut slingback mid heeled shoes in silver, £28

What does your job at ASOS involve?
I'm a Buyers Assistant for the ASOS DESIGN label, so my day-to-day includes supplier interaction, sample management, trend forecasting, prepping for management meetings, range building and sample fit sessions 👗

What's the best thing about dressing for autumn?
I absolutely LOVE layering, so jackets and coats are the best pieces of my wardrobe – I feel like they're the 🍒 on top of your 'fit.

Do you have anything special planned for Black History Month this year?
Getting more in-depth with my culture and learning more about my ancestral history 📚 

 

GET THE LOOK:

Stradivarius Petite STR baggy jean in vintage wash, £36
Reclaimed Vintage plated rib knit top in stone, £25.99
ASOS DESIGN 14k gold plated necklace with malachite pendant, £12
Stradivarius biker boot with buckle detail in black, £46
ASOS DESIGN pack of 2 hoop earrings with triangle hinge hoop design in gold tone, £8.50
Topshop longline double breasted smart coat in black, £80
Topshop Tolly premium oversized tote bag in black, £48

Where do you get your style inspo from?
I 🩷 a good Pinterest board – it's like a fortune teller that knows a good trend before the rest of the Internet does 🔮 I've found soooo much outfit + hair inspo on there! I also like to observe what's going on in the streets. Whether I'm just running errands or going to an event, my eyes are always open to what's popping 👀

What do you like to focus on doing during this month? Any resolutions or goals?
This month is a great time to remember to be unapologetically me and embrace the colour of my skin. I like to acknowledge that there is immense power in who I am and to try and live by that mantra day to day – being Black is a blessing.

Whose style do you admire most?
TBH, I'm mainly inspired by my stylish friends, so I tend to get inspo from what they're wearing. I also get quite a lot of inspo from Black TV shows like Black-ish. I particularly pay attention to the characters' hair – the beauty team are amaze at expressing the versatility and beauty of Afro hair 👩🏾‍🦱

 

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN knitted 2 in 1 shrug in ladder stitch in black, £32
South Beach ruched cup underwire bikini top in high shine green, £16
Reclaimed Vintage Y2K cargo in black grunge camo print, £40.99
ASOS DESIGN hoop earring with large twist link design in gold tone, £8.50
Nike Dunk low satin trainers in white and team green, £109.95

Where do you get your style inspo from?
Quite a few places! I think the ASOS office is defo a great one, everyone comes in looking to the 9s on a daily basis! I also use social media to keep up with the latest trends – it's such a great tool 📱

 

How do you celebrate Black History Month?
By engaging with more Black creatives, whether that’s watching a documentary on Black experiences or by making a more conscious effort to read more Black authors. It's important to consume art made by Black people 🎨

 

Whose style do you admire? 
Billy Porter's, for sure! He definitely pushes the boundaries when it comes to genderless dressing and I love how flamboyant and unafraid he is to try out more out-there looks.

 

GET THE LOOK:

Nike Air Force 1 '07 trainers in white and red, £109.95
ASOS DESIGN oversized motocross bomber jacket in faux leather in black, £70
ASOS DESIGN beaded necklace with faux pearl and large cross pendant, £12
ASOS DESIGN stretch slim jeans with panels in black, £45

What's your go-to AW 'fit? 
Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of the colder seasons, so for me it's all about feeling cosy. I'll be sporting heavyweight outerwear and baggy trousers. It's also a great season to flex some statement footwear outside of the standard sneaker rotation. 

How would you describe your style?
It's like a Spotify playlist that features Bill Withers, Erykah Badu, Tupac, Skepta and a sprinkle of Gotye 💿 It’s an eclectic mash-up of 60s and 80s shapes, 90s and 00s themes and colours, modern fabrics and statement accessories.

Wow, what a reference! Do you have anything special planned for Black History Month this year?
I like to keep my eyes peeled for new exhibitions and shows because there is always something new to learn about our vast history. Incredible shows such as For Black Boys… [at the Royal Court Theatre in London] are the perfect example of that 🎭 Black creativity is beautiful.

GET THE LOOK:
Carhartt WIP big buck bandana in red, £40
ASOS DESIGN muscle fit rib vest in white, £8
ASOS DESIGN cropped real leather harrington jacket in black, £140
Levi's Silvertab loose fit trousers in grey cord, £80
KOI Shelob metal toe cap lace up shoes in black, £85
Nike Air logo socks in red, £14.95

What does your role at ASOS involve?
I’m lucky to be one of the many people who essentially chooses all the lovely clothes that go on the website (amongst lots of other things). I’m currently working on US sports brands! 👕

 

Nice! How do you honour the Black community during BHM?
I think it’s really important to lift the voices of those who have contributed and achieved so much within the community – whether that's posting on socials, or getting out there and educating yourself on the notable things these individuals have done.

 

What's your fave thing about AW dressing?
Layering! I love being able to wear hoodies under suit jackets or long sleeves under short sleeves.

 

GET THE LOOK:

adidas Originals Handball Spezial gum sole trainers in black, £85
ASOS DESIGN classic rigid jeans in black wash with knee rips, £30
COLLUSION Unisex knitted brushed cardigan in brown and lilac branded print, £29.99
ASOS DESIGN t-shirt with crew neck and roll sleeve in white, £8
ASOS DESIGN 6mm and 4mm faux pearl necklace, £10