Style is universal. Human beings are all connected to the art of clothing as a performance of values, self-expression, and culture.
We would like to thank you for supporting Mare Black in this years competition. Your participation allows us to empower the Elton John AIDS Foundation in their mission to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere.
What makes your style stand out?
My style is femme: personal, maximalist, edgy. 90s vintage from my Tanzanian mother’s closet, big statement jewelry, and early 00s Vivienne Westwood runway inspired. I’ve always felt confined by cis-heterosexual standards of femininity, so I’ve set my own as a black femme to break free of them.
What’s your dream fashion moment?
My dream fashion moment is to do a photoshoot in archive and custom Vivienne Westwood. Burgundy elevated Ghillie platforms paired with my matching granny bag. A custom-made Love jacket adorned with patterns representing my Tanzanian heritage.
What would you do with $20,000?
Split into two-thirds. $12,000 will be added to my savings for college tuition, while the other $8,000 will be will be used to set up a collection of Vivienne Westwood, Alexander Mcqueen, and promote the brands on my Instagram to address causes I believe in such as intersectional feminism. If I win the contest, I will also use my platform to amplify black and LGBT+ fashion creatives. A portion of these profits will support LGBT+ mental health initiatives such as the Trevor Project.
