Model: Mercedes Blanche
Photography: Sasha Hulova
Makeup: Gina Scarsellato
Editing & Post-production: Mike Boro
PR: Say Media
How do you use fashion to express who you are?
I treat clothes like a mood board. Some days I want to feel soft and approachable, other days I want something sharper. Fashion lets me show the version of myself I’m feeling without having to explain it.
What does empowerment look like for you in fashion?
It’s choosing pieces that make me stand taller, not smaller. When I put something on and feel like myself instead of who I’m "supposed” to be, that’s empowering.
Do you ever feel pressure to dress a certain way in this industry?
All the time. There’s an unspoken idea of what "fashionable” looks like. I’ve learnt to ignore most of it and wear what actually feels like me.
What’s one piece that always makes you feel confident?
A good blazer. It instantly makes me feel put-together, even if everything else is simple.
How do you balance trends with your personal style?
I take small pieces of trends I actually like and ignore the rest. If it doesn’t work with what I already own or how I move, I skip it.
Has fashion ever helped you through a hard time?
Yes. When I first moved, getting dressed became one of the few things I could control. It gave me a little bit of myself back on days when everything else felt unfamiliar.
What advice would you give to others trying to break into fashion?
Don’t water yourself down to fit in. The things that make you different are usually what people remember. Also, find your people early—it makes the industry feel less lonely.
How do you define personal style?
It’s the stuff you reach for when no one’s watching. The clothes that feel like you even on a regular Tuesday.
Do you think fashion can be a form of storytelling?
Definitely. The way someone puts an outfit together can say where they’re from, what they care about, or even what kind of day they’re having. It’s visual storytelling.
What’s a fashion risk you’ve taken that paid off?
Wearing something that felt "too much” for the occasion. Most of the time people respond better to confidence than to playing it safe.
How do you stay true to yourself when everyone has expectations?
I remind myself that if they wanted a copy of someone else, they wouldn’t have asked me. My perspective is part of the value.
What role does culture play in your outfits?
It’s in the details—sometimes a print, a color, or the way I layer things. I don’t force it, but it shows up naturally.
Has the industry become more open to different backgrounds?
Slowly, yes. There’s still a long way to go, but more people are realizing that different stories make the work more interesting.
What’s your go-to outfit when you want to feel powerful?
Tailored pants, a simple top, and good shoes. Nothing complicated, just clean lines and good fit.
How do you deal with criticism about your style?
I listen if it’s useful, and I let the rest go. Not everyone has to like what I wear.
What does dressing for yourself actually look like day to day?
It means I get dressed for how I want to feel, not just how I want to be perceived. Some days that’s polished, some days it’s comfortable. Both are valid. Fashion doesn’t have to be loud to say something. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is wear what makes you feel like you belong in your own skin—especially when you’ve had to rebuild that feeling in a new place.