“Great style should ignite confidence, evoke self love and creatively be an authentic reflection of our true selves. It should make you smile and it should always be fun!”- Saroya
Since I was a teen, every time I’m asked how to describe my style I’ve referred to it as "Retro Mod" or "Retro Modern." I create my personal style by mixing classic/vintage styles with modern designs, then fusing those looks with various cultural influences.
Growing up in a home with a European-American mother and an Afro-Latino father, I’ve always embodied diversity. I consistently reflect my love for my own culture and other cultures in my style. How could I not embrace the beauty from other cultures different from my own?
My connection with vintage began as child. My mother often shopped at antique stores and thrift shops. It was through these shopping experiences that I became exposed to vintage styles from the dresses, skirts, shoes, jewelry and purses she wore. Some of these pieces were even hand made by my grandmother! In fact, my grandma, was a dressmaker who created pieces for Elizabeth Taylor, and Iman. She also designed and sewed all the garments her seven daughters wore growing up. Grams has influenced her children’s styles and sense of fashion. Some of the gems that hold sentimental value in my closet are dresses, blouses, jewelry, purses and skirts that were either made by my grandmother, or pieces I inherited from my mom. My mother always found a way to repurpose pieces of furniture, jewelry, and clothes. Naturally, I’ve always loved giving hand-me-downs new meaning and life by wearing them again and again. My affection for things that are handmade, have a vintage aesthetic, offer cultural beauty, unique or classic design and are thoughtfully repurposed. I call it my grass roots fashion.
While my strong connection to retro styles mostly derives from the two most important women in my life, there are other sources. I was raised watching movies like “South Pacific”, “Flower Drum Song”, “My Fair Lady”, “The Gang's All Here”, “Some Like It Hot” and “State Fair.” Some of my biggest influences and inspirations growing up were the actresses in these movies, like, Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Dandridge, Sophia Loren, Carmen Miranda, Frida Kahlo, and Celia Cruz. Think, old Hollywood styles from the 1940’s, 1950’s and 1960’s. I think the essence of femininity was born during those decades, and it sparked a fashion evolution of iconic styles and silhouettes that epitomized sophistication that will always find their way back to the cat walks.
Vintage styles will always be En Vogue, and why they’re a staple in my closet. Investing in classic styles was something my mother drilled in me as a child. Despite my love for trends, and always having a 6th sense about upcoming trends, I’ve always found my way back to the “class acts” as I like to call them.
One of my greatest talents is my ability to visualize how something will look off the hanger, and my ability to visualize any garments potential or working power. I’m a huge fan of separates because I enjoy controlling the end result of a look all while having the flexibility to create an entirely different look. I’m obsessed with accessories. Shopping for accessories allows me to channel more creativity and diversity in my looks.
My mission in fashion has always been to empower women of all ethnicities, shapes, sizes, and ages. I want women to feel happy, confident, and beautiful. I would love to help expose you to different fashion eras, and the different cultural styles that have influenced my personal eclectic style. I also want to support and promote small businesses, women owned businesses and people of color owned businesses. I want to share this amazing feeling that I get knowing I gave an old vintage fur new life, that I’m supporting and giving exposure to small biz owners and knowing I'm contributing to a greener cleaner planet.
My modern muses are designers who flood runways with textile works of art ; Balmain, Zuhair Murad, Naeem Khan, Reem Acra, Marchesa, Antonio Berardi, Joanna Ortiz, Carolina Costas, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavali, Altuzarra, Tom Ford, Giambatista Valli, and Norma Kamali. Some of my go-to vintage brands that I love wearing to work, in my travels and around the town are by Carol Anderson, Robbie Bee, Brittany Nicole & All That Jazz just to name a few.
Besos!
Saroya