I’ve really been enjoying writing about music and interviewing musicians that continue to inspire me in different ways. However, as much as I love music, another key aspect that defines who I am is my fashion sense. I like quirky styles, individuality and authenticity. Like I’m sure many have been doing already, I take a lot of my inspirations from music videos from past eras as well as Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest. One person who has caught my eye is Dennaya Famous – yes, her surname is really Famous. I’m guessing she gets that a lot, as her current Instagram bio reads “My last name is really Famous”.
Dennaya Famous is truly taking the fashion world by storm with her quirky styles and vibrant looks. Dennaya’s Instagram literally brightens up my explore page every time she drops a new outfit. She puts a classy spin on streetwear, creating unconventional styles that bend the rules of fashion. Whilst doing so she never forgets to showcase her #OutfitOfTheDay in her signature way. Poppin’ pose, check, cool background, check, killer outfit, check! What I love about Dennaya’s style is that she’s got looks for “I wanna serve today” and looks for “I think I just wanna keep it casual”. Essentially, she’s got it all and mixes the two very well.
Like myself, Dennaya is also a lover of all things Misguided and Pretty Little Thing. Though, she has also put me on to a number of fashion brands and boutiques which vary in range and prices such as Gloss The Label, Manière De Voir, Windsor Smith, LASULA and Réalisation. Dennaya has been featured in articles by some of our favourite fashion brands such as Misguided and Fashion Bomb Daily. Yes, Dennaya’s awesome fashion sense does set her apart from others, though it is her kind heart, ambition, family values, artistic and entrepreneurial mind that stood out to me the most when interviewing her…
An interview with Dennaya Famous
Who is Dennaya Famous? Tell us a bit about the woman behind the awesome fashion sense.
That’s a really deep question. I would say, I’m a vessel who’s been given a talent or skill set. I use that talent to connect with people in an unconventional way. My only intention is to inspire people to be their best, to know that anything they want is possible and to encourage people to be willing to do what it takes, to become the person that should have it.
I love that! So, when did you realise that you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?
I’ve loved all things fashion related for as long I can remember. I think it was natural for me to build a career in this industry and to also use my love for this industry to open new doors for myself.
What was the process like making a blog to showcase your style? Can you pass on any words of wisdom to readers who may be struggling to find the confidence to do so?
I think first you have to identify your niche and figure how to translate that into something that your audience wants to see. You have to do your research and see what other people are doing and identify where the lack is. I know that black women are very underrepresented in the blogger/influencer world, so I chose to join the tribe along with all the other beautiful and talented women in this industry to fight for representation. You have to be confident in yourself and your work and know that what you’re doing is inspiring someone else to be their best. For me that’s what it’s all about.
Very true. As a blogger myself, I also believe in finding new avenues and new lanes for yourself, finding a lack of something and presenting it in your own way. On to your outfits, I love the way you play with trends of different era’s whilst sticking to your own individual and unconventional style. You look so effortless doing it! If you could transport yourself back to an era of style that you admire the most, what would it be and why?
First, thank you so much for your compliments! If I had to choose an era per say, I would choose the early 90’s. High waist jeans, crops tops, leather jackets and cool sunglasses are so me. That era of fashion was so funky and fun and that’s what I always try to reflect in my style. At the end of the day I’m just a young woman who’s growing more and more every day and I’m having fun expressing myself through my sense of style.
Yes, it would have to be the 90s for me too. That era had so many timeless styles. You and your brother Darion put together some great outfits on models @brandniv and @shaepulver for the Spirit of Rebellion Series. What has your experience as a stylist been like so far?
It’s been very rewarding, it’s caused me to grow and become even more of who I am. Styling has opened so many doors for me and more importantly it has shown me my own strength. Although, in my heart I’m an artist/entrepreneur so I’m now creating multiple lanes for myself that extend way beyond the world of styling.
That’s awesome, personal growth is so important. What obstacles have you had to overcome? Do you have any advice for young black women who are trying to create an internet presence and grow in the industry?
Over the years my confidence has been tested a lot, but it was good for me I needed those hard times to appreciate all that I’ve been given. This industry is tough and you have to be on your a-game at all times in order to succeed. I’ve taken all obstacles as I sign that I was on the right track. You need those lessons and you have to pass them so you can move on to the next level in your career.
You and your brother Darion both have such great sense of style, it must be in the genes. Do you have any future sibling collaborations coming up?
Darion and I have such a dope brother and sister dynamic we always support and push each other. We will work together more soon, it’s just a matter of getting our schedules to align 😊
Who do you look up to in the industry and is there anyone you would particularly like to work with?
That’s a really good question, I like to take a little from many people in all industries. There’s so many people out there who have left such amazing blueprints to follow, so why limit myself. I’m inspired by Jay Z just as much as I’m inspired by Mark Zuckerberg.
That’s interesting. What’s next for you? Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years?
Definitely behind my desk running my businesses and providing opportunities for girls like me.
FOR LOOKS UPON LOOKS KEEP UP WITH DENNAYA FAMOUS
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