Fashion has always been about experimenting and innovating. No other industry is as dynamic and vibrant as the fashion– one that is constantly adapting to the ever-evolving trends. With more and more young people setting trends, it is no surprise that fashion’s reach is ever growing. To provide insight into the personal journey of some of fashion’s trend-setters, we bring to you a series of ‘Fashion Voices: Inspirational Interviews with Trendsetters’.

1. Exploring the Voices of Fashion: The Trendsetters

Between the major runway icons and streetwear stars, there are a myriad of fashion trendsetters who have been influential in setting the course for the fashion industry. From Maye Musk to Talisa Sutton, let’s explore some of the voices making an impact in the industry.

Maye Musk: The Model-Turned-Nutritionist

Maye Musk is a Canadian-born South African supermodel, nutritionist, and philanthropist. She has modeled for major magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar while also holding degrees in dietetics and nutrition. In 2019 she was appointed to the role of Model Mentor at the Council of Fashion Designers of America, using her expertise to help develop young models. As a long-standing role model in the fashion community, she is a leader in challenging the status quo and advocating for more diversity in the industry.

Talisa Sutton: The Accessible Luxury Designer

London-based Talisa Sutton is a designer, pattern-cutter, dressmaker, and philanthropist. Her brand, Talisa Sutton Studio, features accessible luxury fashion with its ethical and conscious sourcing to represent the needs of the modern consumer. Talisa seeks to make luxury fashion more attainable by focusing on timeless designs, helping people become better stewards of the environment and their resources.

She has helped produce collections with some of fashion’s biggest names and revolutionized fashion with the introduction of digital textile printing. She was also behind Barbie’s 2019 collaboration with Fashion East, which saw Barbie become the face of a collection for the first time ever.

Basetsana Kumalo: The Fashionista-Turned-Businesswoman

Basetsana Kumalo is a South African entrepreneur, television presenter, actress, and former Miss South Africa. She has gone on to have a successful career in business and the media, but her real passion lies in fashion. From being named “Glamour Magazine’s Most Stylish South African” to launching her own curation of fashion and decor items, Basetsana is a true fashion tastemaker.

She has made her mark in the fashion world by curating stylish, hand-cut clutches, bags, and scarves made from the finest fabrics. Additionally, she has created the platform ‘Women in Fashion’, a platform which celebrates and highlights the amazing work of influential women in the fashion industry.

2. An Intimate Look Into the Minds of Today’s Most Innovative Designers

From fashion to home and furniture, modern design is making huge waves across multiple industries. Many of these revolutionary ideas remain a closely-guarded secret, giving us only a glimpse in to the minds of the designers behind them.

So, what does it take to create something that stands out from the rest? We spoke to some of the world’s top designers to get a behind-the-scenes look into their process:

• Finding Inspiration: Whether it’s a walk in the woods or a conversation with friends, many designers love to mine everyday events for creative ideas. Daily references, bookstores, and art galleries also provide a great source of inspiration.
• Research: Before jumping into any project, many designers like to start by researching existing trends and exploring the history of designs related to their concept.
• Prototyping: Getting the idea onto paper is crucial to bringing any design to life. Once a design has been sketched out, designers can build on ideas by testing the concept with mock-ups and other experimental mediums.
• Testing: From materials to user interface, a great deal of attention must be paid to ensure that the final product will provide the best experience possible. Some designers also rely on research and feedback from user testers to refine designs.

Though the design process may vary in different contexts, the fundamentals remain the same. From concept to launch, each individual piece created by these innovative thinkers drives a wave of inspiration that’s set to revolutionize the world of design.

3. Diving Into the Fashion Revolution: The Impact of Trendsetters

Over the course of history, trendsetters have had a tremendous impact on fashion as a whole. From Coco Chanel’s androgynous shapes and iconic silhouettes to the Wild West influence to Tom Ford’s redefining of luxury in the nineties, groundbreaking fashionistas have continuously changed the face of the industry.

Trendsetters influence the fashion industry on multiple levels. On the most basic level, they lay the cornerstone for many aspects of fashion such as the materials used for garments and the colors in a trend palate.

At the same time, trendsetters get to decide what individuals wear with the selection and mixture of clothing that they pioneer. This is perhaps the most powerful influence that they have as they can set the tone for the public to follow, thereby launching new trends and reviving forgotten ones.

Most recently, trendsetters have had a high impact on the sustainability of fashion. By actively selecting items that are made from ethically sourced materials and making provocative statements about the type of clothing they choose to wear, they are gradually making the industry more sustainable and aware.

• Coco Chanel set the groundwork for many aspects of fashion with her androgynous shapes and iconic silhouettes.
• Tom Ford is credited with redefining luxury in the nineties.
• Trendsetters decide what materials and colors are in season, and what individuals wear.
• Recently, trendsetters have had a great impact on the sustainability of fashion.

4. Spotlight on Style: Uncovering the Artistry of Trendsetters

Today we’re looking at the select few trendsetters that are redefining what it means to dress stylishly. Through their unique look, these fashion authorities reveal a cutting-edge sense of what’s new and what’s to come. Join us as we uncover the artistry of these eyecatching individuals.

Fascinating Wardrobes

Each of these trendsetters have a special sense of what it takes to stand out in a crowd. From sequin cropped jackets to graphic tees, their outfits embody a daring, unapologetic spirit. They embrace color and texture, creating unforgettable ensembles that inspire and set trends. Enough of the runway, let’s step off the catwalk and meet these tastemakers.

• Max Mania is a streetwear stylist with an avant-garde aesthetic. His daring expressions of fashion make a bold statement wherever he goes.
• Anna Splendid is a designer bridging the gaps between art and fashion. Her signature look isrisqué yet refined, and oozes an air of high-end sophistication.
• The Porter Twins, often classified as the most stylish sibling pair, are all about mixing and matching classic silhouettes. From long coats to voluminous trousers, their look captures the ever-evolving voice of modern elegance.

Charming Taste Profiles

No single item defines these trendsetters. The essence of their chic style is the clever stitching of divergent pieces together to create a look that’s distinctly true to themselves. It’s no wonder that they have such an extensive fan base of individuals seeking to imitate the visionaries.

These trendsetters have done more than just popularize never-before-seen styling techniques. They’ve reinvented the very definition of style, and by doing so, have changed the way people look at fashion. They’ve established a standard of sophistication that is ever growing and ever inspiring.

Fashion voices are the pacesetters of the fashion industry, and their influence reaches far beyond the boundaries of style and trend-setting. From showcasing their unique perspectives and stories to inspiring us to chase our wildest dreams, these trendsetters have left their mark on the industry. We can only hope to see more of these inspirational interviews in the near future.