The Tamesis
What is your most cherished piece of work?
My mom used to travel around West Africa buying art and selling it in Toronto. She made this gorgeous suit for my grandmother in West Africa. It has an indigo-dyed pattern and is worn with cinched pants and a loose oversized blazer. My grandmother never actually wore it, so I ended up wearing it.
What style are you trying to achieve?
This vintage Loewe shirt zips up the front. Normally when I buy something I ask myself, “How am I going to style it?” But this one was so cool that I thought, Actually, it doesn’t matter, I’ll get it anyway. It’s been three years and I haven’t worn it once because I just don’t know how to style it.
What are you reluctant to part with?
My Isabel Marant wedge sneakers. I always pile them up and give them away, but I just can’t and I don’t know why – I never wear them. I guess I was just happy to get them at the time. I am a very emotional person.
What piece of work do you regret getting rid of?
I bought a really cute suede zip-up shirt jacket. I never had the ability to style it, so I gave it away – but to this day, I’ll have a skirt or pants or something and I’m like, “You know what would be perfect?” I get angry.
Your biggest splurge?
Moda Operandi has 50% off twice a year, but sometimes this does feed the illusion. I ended up with a Wiederhoeft corset. It reminds me of me as a kid – I was always very girly.
Courtesy of Hannah Traore
