Before the expression of a word, Kaamilah Thomas spoke for herself. A warm energy and an eclectic style radiated from it, at the foot of me, like my co -worker, now friend, it called me to introduce us. That was almost a year ago. Subversive tailoring, textured fabrics and a bold silhouette immediately made it clear that Thomas worked in fashion, but in what capacity? Style. It made sense. In a world oversaturated by minimalism and monochrome, patterns in layers of Thomas and the playful approach stood out.
Thomas does not dress for a look; She dresses to express her most authentic being, a spirit that filters in her work: build characters, expand narratives and elaborate entire moods. “I love experimenting and letting the clothes guide me,” she says. “Sometimes I start with a story, sometimes the clothes speak to me.”
Now, almost a year later, we meet again, this time, this time in his new home: a stable of horses converted from the 1920 hidden in the heart of Koreatown. The property, once owned by an artist, has become a mosaic of bungalows and stables that house multigenerational creatives. His neighbor, an actor, is soft and kind. All space feels like a secret, a place that has been inhabited by artists who have allowed them to mold them.
Thomas's path towards style was not linear. He explored several creative corners before finding his rhythm as a personal stylist of singer Fousheé. That collaboration broke something open, an opportunity to stretch its visual language in a larger scenario. “Fousheé allowed me the freedom to be rare,” says Thomas. “To try things, I wasn't sure it would work, and then I realized that they did.” However, even when the bets changed, from Nike's campaigns to publishers, their approach remained based on the storytelling. His references are instinctive: the curve of a ladder, the brilliant page of a magazine, memories of seeing his mother preparing for a night with girlfriends.
Thomas's creative work begins with an outfit: his outfit. And starts in a closet: his closet. Before you can create visions and build worlds with other people, you must understand thorough details. When it comes to dressing, details are often in accessories. A simple necklace or a beloved leather bag, in the case of Thomas, several leather bags, may seem inconsequential when imagining a story, but accessories are ducts to establish intentions and build identity. For Thomas, his pieces have memories (this time he felt like Rihanna) and are glasses for trust, experimentation and self -expression. Its accessories are style stamps, each special and is worth its own story.
Anna Sui Black Sea Nymph Sequins Geanie
Kaamilah Thomas USA Anna Sui Beanie with the Dad Army hat, the Gen2 shirt with the Chan Luu sequin bra, the Levi jeans with shorts Gil Rodríguez, Dirk Bikkembergs and Brook Callahan's bag.
Among the small clothing batteries scattered on Thomas's furniture, with the news that there is a closet that houses much more, a statement Anna Sui Beanie is in my periphery. He has silver sequins and is semi -transparent, something out of the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”, but a contemporary piece, bought at some point in this year. “When I have this, I feel that That dog“Thomas says. Trust occurs.” I went to the living room in West Hollywood, by Milk Studios. I came out and saw Miguel, and thought: 'Oh, wow, this place is. This is a crazy place. I left all that night [style-wise]. […] I was making my entrance beyond these girls with my small cap of translucent sequins, an introduction. One of them said: “I love your outfit.” I felt like Rihanna at the CFDA awards [2014]. I felt like her at that time. “
Chloé snake skin bag
Top of Hanes Vintage, Alaïa Shoes, Save the Queen Belt, Chloé Silverado Purse and Brook Callahan Pendence.
“I don't know if you know about this bag,” says Thomas. I don't do it, but surely I want. He throws himself to how he likes to design his brown snake leather bag Chloé Silverado, with “one of those skirts that you can shut up and get a little” and “Gladiator sandals.” For a daily bag that has been for a year, it is still a basic element, aligning with Chloé's recent resurgence. “I sent it to New York,” says Thomas. “I had the f— out of that.”
Dad Iraq army hat
Kaamilah Thomas USA Anna Sui Beanie with dad's army hat and mango shoes.
An accessory that has gained its own life, this army cap, with faded letters spell Yours And the rusty rusty, originally belonged to Thomas's father during the Iraq war, when he made a foot comedy for US troops. Thomas now incorporates him into his wardrobe regularly. “He gave it to Rasheed [her boyfriend]. But I stole it. It seems better to me. “While the Army cap has been in his family for years, he recently acquired it, allowing him to hold on to a piece of his father's past.
BIKKEMBERGS DIRK BROWN LEATHER BAG
All eyes are in this bag with neon yellow shoes while Thomas reaches the worn leather strap, a patina that the owner of the waiting leather items, especially in a recovered vintage treasure. “The first night I used it [sometime last year]This girl approached me and said: “Is that Dirk Bikkembergs that you bought in Poshmark?” I was like, 'yes'. She said she was going to buy the bag. I was like, 'too late'. I have learned that when you see something, especially something so weird, you just have to buy it. I would regret too much. “
Red Leather Bag of Gianfranco Ferré
Anne Valerie Hash Jacket, Levi's Bottoms, Gianfranco Ferré Purse, Maryam Nassir Zadeh Belt.
In my lap is the bag that Thomas grabbed the night of Miguel's cameo. This is now the third bag that has shared with me today. For Thomas, there are never too many bags, since it constantly lends them to customers in their exhibition room, and each bag satisfies their own need, from the errands to a night dance. I give the red leather, the Gianfranco Ferré bag with horns, with a handle similar to the bit that bought last summer, a vintage finding. I want this bag. “That [bag]It would lead to the club. And I have done it. ”
Save queen belt
Like many fats, you can't stop admiring them. This feeling sounds true for the 90s, save the metal belt Queen with pendant blue and red accounts, for which Thomas expresses a deep love. It is a new relationship that began at some point in this year, but already feels rich in history. While others are inclined in the “quiet luxury,” Thomas adopts a maximalist approach of style, guided by his playful sensitivity, peculiar point of view and colorful childhood. “When I grow up, I always loved the belly dance belts. It has that shimmy, where I can dance a little.”
Three -layer metal accounts necklace
Thomas bought this versatile necklace, with three -layer metal accounts more than a year ago, which marked the beginning of his boho era, an amalgam of everything he loves: eclectic accessories, natural textures and a free spirit. “This is the environment with which it resonates, and this is the environment I want,” he says. “I give my appearance a style. I can overcome any outfit with him.” Like its other favorite accessories, this piece begets it, which allows your most true being to shine.
Michael Anthony Hall is a writer, filmmaker, curator and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Its creative practice explores identity, rarity, culture and art complexities to establish shared connective tissue.
