Alissa: If you had to describe your style in one word, what would it be? – Why?

Tajinder: One word to describe my style would be vibrant. I would say my style is full of colour, prints and striking accessories. No matter what style I choose to wear, whether it’s streetwear or a whimsical style, colour and confidence will always be present. 

• Alissa: I love how readily you embrace a variety of colors! Many people shy away from color. What would you say it is that has made colour so valuable to you?

• Tajinder: Colour gives me the ability to communicate a message or express my mood without even uttering a word as each shade holds various meanings. 

Alissa: What matters most when you’re choosing what to wear?

Tajinder: When choosing an outfit comfort is at the forefront of the look, which would ultimately exude confidence for the rest of the day. 

Alissa: What kinds of clothes do you feel most comfortable in?

Tajinder: Wide leg pants, midi skirts, crop tops and wrap dresses are the clothes I feel the most comfortable and confident in. I understand what works for my body type and work to those strengths. 

 

Alissa: What are you wearing right now?

 

Tajinder: Currently I’m wearing high waisted floral pants and a navy blue crop top. I elevated the look through accessories, detailing is important to me. I wore my hoop earrings courtesy of Abelini Jewellery, a plain silver ring, choker and T initial necklace. 

 

Alissa: If you had to describe this outfit in one word, what would it be?

 

Tajinder: Dainty because the print and accessories are small and pretty. It’s a casual summer look that can be styled up for an evening event or down for relaxed day-time activities. Simply by changing the shoes and makeup and adding a jacket for colder evenings. 

 

Alissa: What’s your favourite part of this outfit?

 

Tajinder: It would be the high-waisted floral pants, they’re the epitome of summer.  

 

Alissa: How did you feel when you got up and put on this outfit?

 

Tajinder: I felt fabulous, yet had to keep in mind that I had a day full of errands ahead. I needed an outfit that worked well with my chunky pastel and grey trainers. 

 

Alissa: What motivated you to wear it?

 

Tajinder: I love wearing prints all year round, but for summer I love reaching for floral clothing. 

 

Alissa: When you look at the color/s you are wearing, what does it make you think of?

 

Tajinder: Navy, pink and turquoise remind me of a spring rainbow of peace, understanding and new beginnings.. Navy is typically seen as wisdom, knowledge and power. Mixed with elements of pink that have connotations of universal love, nurture and unity. Topped off with turquoise, which is known to represent open communication, balance and harmony.

 

Alissa: When you look at the print/pattern you are wearing, what does it make you think of?

 

Tajinder: The print reflects a lighthearted nature that reminds me of happiness and peace. 

 

Alissa: Does this outfit differ much from the other outfits you wear?

 

Tajinder: My outfits differ depending on the occasion. For a casual look, this outfit doesn’t differ to the other looks in this category. 

 

Alissa: What colors do you gravitate most towards wearing? – What are your “happy colors”?

 

Tajinder: I gravitate towards pastels and deep tones. My happy colour would be anything in the purple family – lilac, mauve, plum, deep purple. 

 

Alissa: What colors do you avoid?

 

Tajinder: I embrace every colour happily, there’s none I would avoid. I’ve even embraced the neon trend, which I never thought I would. 

 

• Alissa: Why had you previously been avoiding the neon trend? – What surprised you about it after you gave it a try?

 

• Tajinder: I wasn’t sure how to style the neon trend or if it suited me. During London Fashion Week I stepped out of my comfort zone and realised there was nothing to worry about, I was overthinking. My statement piece was a neon yellow snake skin dress that I spontaneously bought from Primark. I styled it over a basic white t-shirt, then added leggings, white sports socks and chunky trainers. 

 

Alissa: What kind of fashion item would you consider to be a “must have”?

 

Tajinder: For this season there are a few must-have items, a midi skirt, dainty gold necklaces and a white slogan t-shirt. The casual-chic summer uniform.

 

Alissa: Do you have any patterns or symbols that you especially love adding to your style?

 

Tajinder: Florals, florals, and more florals. They can be bold, dainty, romantic and vary in size. I love how one print can communicate varies messages simply by changing the colour scheme or the size of the print. 

 

• Alissa: Do you have a floral print that is especially special to you?

 

• Tajinder: I would say it’s my wrap dress that was gifted to me by Boohoo last year. It’s a vibrant print, has a hi-low feature and makes me feel special every time I wear it. 

 

• Alissa: What are some examples of messages you’ve felt communicated through some of your favorite florals?

 

• Tajinder: Romance, femininity, and daintiness are three qualities that are typically communicated through my floral prints as they’re usually in pastel tones. The bolder prints and colour schemes demand attention, possess a flirty quality and communicate confidence. 

 

Alissa: What do you think is most iconic about your style?

 

Tajinder: Details are an iconic part of my style – simple yet very effective. Usually, it’s in the form of jewellery, dainty gold items, colourful earrings, Punjabi bangles. 

 

Alissa: Do you have any favorite pieces that are sentimental to you? What’s their story?

 

Tajinder: My favourite piece would be my pink slogan hoodie that has gang gang gang written on it. It’s been with me through many adventures, my airport outfit, autumn/winter go-to piece and my favourite streetwear look.

 

• Alissa: Tell me more about your pink slogan hoodie!:  
  – Where/why did you get it?

 

• Tajinder: I bought it from a brand called BLVCK Clothing from the ASOS marketplace. I wanted to add more streetwear pieces into my wardrobe, which would result in having the option to be cozy yet not compromise on style. 

 

• Alissa: What does it mean to you/Make you think about?

 

• Tajinder: The hoodie makes me think of my girl gang, the ones that will always ride for me. On the other hand, it also opens up a deeper conversation revolving gang culture, violence and a glamourised lifestyle. 

 

• Alissa: Do any of your adventures wearing it prominently come to mind? – What’s one of your stories in it that’s special to you?

 

• Tajinder: One that instantly comes to mind are my adventures in South Africa. Reuniting with boyfriend in Cape Town, exploring the city and even attending a comedy show in a streetwear-inspired look. I simply added my navy velvet puffer jacket, navy pleated trousers, and grey sneakers to complete the style.

 

Alissa: How well do you think your style encapsulates who you are? / What do you think your style says about you?

 

Tajinder: My style communicates the message of confidence, an outgoing personality and generally just having fun with fashion.

 

Alissa: Have you ever worn something that didn’t feel like “you”? – What was it like?

 

Tajinder: Definitely, it was before I discovered my personal style and what worked for my figure. A black lace-up, criss-cross pencil skirt, that felt restrictive and lacked creativity.

 

Alissa: When did you start feeling like your clothes said something real about who you are?

 

Tajinder: When I discovered my personal style that’s influenced by my Punjabi background, interest in hip-hop and the glamour of being a diva. 

 

Alissa: What did it take to define your style? What was your journey?

 

Tajinder: It took me a while to define my personal style. I had to reflect on my previous style choices, see what worked and what needed to change. Looking through images I realised colour was prominent in each outfit. This love of bright colours, bold prints and glamour comes from my Punjabi culture. 

 

• Alissa: I’d also love to hear and share more about your Punjabi culture!:
  – What are some of your favorite things about your heritage?

 

• Tajinder: I’d have to say the fashion, music, art and spirituality.

 

• Alissa: What are some of your favourite styles and types of clothing and accessories from your culture, whether traditional or modern?

• Tajinder: Salwaar kameez, lehenga, jhumka – I adore it all. I remember I would watch Bollywood films and be fascinated with the style, traditional or modern, it all caught my attention. 

 

• Alissa: Is your family from Punjab, India or Punjab, Pakistan? Being that it’s the same region, but in two different countries, what would you say are the differences and similarities?

 

• Tajinder: My family is from Punjab, India. For the most part, the region is pretty similar with minor alterations due to different beliefs and values. For example, religion is prominent in both countries, Sikhism in Punjab, India and Islam in Punjab, Pakistan. If you pay attention to the architecture of the two lands, they both enjoy detailing but in different ways.   

 

• Alissa: Which generation are you in your family as an immigrant to England? Do you know what the deciding factor was in moving?

 

• Tajinder: I’m a second generation, who’s in touch with both cultures. The word immigrant has such negative connotations, seen as a burden on society, yet contributing to the economy and culture. Society continues to disrespect immigrants, using their image as an excuse to spread hatred and racism. Similar to Ashish’s 2016 Immigrant t-shirt, I want a slogan t-shirt saying Child Of An Immigrant. I would wear it proudly and spark conversation, ultimately changing the narrative. 

 

• Alissa: Describe Punjab and Punjabi culture to me as though i know absolutely nothing about it: 

 

• Tajinder: A product of a lion (Singh) and a princess (Kaur). Full of personality, powered by vibrant colours, religion and a language that makes me smile every time I hear it. Despite all the positives, we’re still a culture that has many flaws. Worried about ‘log kya kahenge’ (what will people say?) a popular phrase many of us have heard. Rich in history and art, yet we also struggle with the rising rate of crime. alcohol abuse and violence. 

 

• Alissa: Describe Punjabi culture to me as though​ I know a whole lot, despite being an outsider: What are some things only locals would know?

 

• Tajinder: The simple pleasures in life. A region obsessed with flavour and spice, chai at every occasion, daal and roti for dinner. Disrupting the narrative, the culture is obsessed with western beauty ideals. Skin colour similar to fragrant tea, a nation using Fair & Lovely. Damaging the confidence of women and young girls all through appearance. 

 

• Alissa: What do you wish everybody knew about Punjabi people and culture?

 

• Tajinder: We’re a culture of balance, connected to religion, rich in history and art. 

 

• Alissa: Growing up, was there anybody in the media (Celebrities, models, or even fictional characters) that you looked up to because you finally found someone relatable on a cultural or ethnic level?

 

• Tajinder: I was more interested in hip-hop than my own culture. Looking to fill an unknown void, never represented in the media, music is where I turned to understand identity. As I grew up, the actress Rani Mukherjee caught my attention with her roles in Bollywood films. I finally felt represented, a brown girl on screen, making an impact, each and every time. 

 

Alissa: What do you think people’s impression is of you and your style?

 

Tajinder: I would hope it’s a positive impression of confidence, culture and creativity portrayed in a colourful way. 

 

Alissa: What do you wish people would understand when they see you? / What do you wish people could see in you?

 

Tajinder: I wish people could see that I’m versatile when celebrating my individuality. My style changes daily depending on my mood, I’m not limited to one niche, or label.  

 

Alissa: We all have insecurities… It’s part of what makes us human, and i believe it’s actually a huge thing that helps people connect and understand each other. What do you struggle with?

 

Tajinder: I totally agree, we all have insecurities. I personally struggle with loving my body, especially as when I was growing up women who looked like me were never represented. Having curves, love handles and melanin was seen as taboo, never mentioned in the beauty conversation. Over the years I’ve definitely come to accept myself fully, especially now that my body is two weeks postpartum. 

 

Alissa: Do you own any fashion items that you absolutely love, but think others wouldn’t like? – What is it?

 

Tajinder: I never consider the opinions of others when shopping or styling an outfit. If I personally love an item, I’ll buy it, wear it, and rock it with confidence.  

 

Alissa: Have you ever felt misunderstood because of your style or how you look? – How does it feel to be misunderstood?

 

Tajinder: I’ve felt misunderstood plenty of times when I was younger about how I looked. I would say it’s a deeper conversation about representation, we live in a multi-cultural society, yet the minorities are hardly represented. If they are, it’s usually to fill the diversity quota. We’re slowly making progress, but it’s 2019 and diversity shouldn’t still be an issue. Feeling misunderstood is such a sad feeling, you feel alienated, that nobody relates. No-one should ever feel that way.

 

Alissa: What’s something you think people misunderstand about you?

 

Tajinder: Something people misunderstand about me regularly is my honest nature and anti-social behaviour, labelling me as a rude individual. However, I tend to speak openly, without a filter and occasionally, I don’t want to socialise and enjoy my own company. I believe both of these qualities make people misunderstand my character. 

 

Alissa: What type of people or group of people do you feel most misunderstood or judged by? (this question isn’t meant to judge other people, but instead to give an audience perspective for me to write from and help understand you more deeply.)

 

Tajinder: We hold an impression of an individual within three seconds of meeting someone, that becomes even worse on social media when you merely glimpse at their profiles. There’s no specific group of people I feel judged by, it’s society that fails us. 

 

Alissa: If people were not judgmental, what do you think your style would tell them about you?

 

Tajinder: My style would instantly say I enjoy having fun with fashion, I hold the confidence to wear bright colours, clash prints and break the boundaries. Sparking conversation through slogan and graphic t-shirts that have themes of equality, positivity and hip-hop. 

 

Alissa: If you saw somebody dressed just like you/in an outfit similar to yours, what would you assume about them?

 

Tajinder: That they have a message to share, voicing their individuality through their style. I would go up to them and start a conversation as they would also look approachable and friendly.

 

• Alissa: Could you give me some examples of how you might strike up deep conversations with people about your (or their) style? I love your point that you have a message to share within your wardrobe and that you’ve actually been able to have meaningful conversations over your conversation pieces! What do these kinds of encounters typically look like for you?

 

• Tajinder: It all starts with a compliment and then escalates from there. I’ve had conversations about diversity, society and humanity many times, all stemming from my “We Are One” t-shirt. 

 

• Alissa: Many people get stuck after “I really like your dress”. What would you recommend for them?

 

• Tajinder: Ask a question, engage through the topic, theme or what interests you about that individual’s personal style. 

 

Alissa: What do you think makes a person “beautiful”?

 

Tajinder: Beauty is a concept, varying individual to individual. For me, a good personality makes a person shine with beauty and confidence. 

 

Alissa: What do you think is the most beautiful thing about life/in the world?

 

Tajinder: I’d have to say music, it has the ability to unite us all. I personally listen to music from all countries, genres and artists. Usually music with a story or message, but occasionally just because it sounds beautiful to my ears. I particularly like Stromae (France) Emtee (South Africa) Diljit Dosanjh (India) Chronixx (Jamaica) Joey Bada$$ (America) and many more. 

 

Alissa: If you could paint a picture of what you wish life was like, what would it look like?

 

Tajinder: Simply put, it would be a world of peace, happiness and equality. 

 

Alissa: What would a perfect day be like for you?

 

Tajinder: The perfect day would involve creating content, cuddling, chatting and having chai with my mum, partner and baby. Then towards the evening, dinner and drinks with my friends before heading to an event.

 

Alissa: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

 

Tajinder: Other than London, I would live in Canada, either Vancouver or Toronto. 

 

Alissa: If you could go all out, dressing as “crazy” as you want and not having to care about whether it was practical or not, what do you think would be amazing to wear?

 

Tajinder: Glamour is what I’d channel. Either Priyanka Chopra’s 2019 Cannes white tulle dress, or Beyoncé’s 2018 Global Citizen emerald bodysuit-gown, but in a lavender tone. 

 

Alissa: Life gives us a lot of worthy things to pay attention to–Which are the most important to you? /What do you value most?

 

Tajinder: I value God, family and creativity. 

 

Alissa: What do you hope your existence brings to the world?

 

Tajinder: I want to leave my mark in the history books, leave a positive impact and inspire at least one person. 

 

Alissa: What’s something you love/value about who you are?

 

Tajinder: I love my honesty and creativity. My mind is always coming up with new ideas and concepts. Even if I don’t share it, I’m always writing and expressing myself through poetry. 

 

Alissa: What’s something people couldn’t possibly know by just looking at you?

 

Tajinder: I speak three languages (English, Punjabi and Hindi). 

 

Alissa: What would be an AMAZING compliment regarding your style? 

 

Tajinder: That I look fabulous and inspired someone to step out of their style comfort zone. 

 

Alissa: What would be an AMAZING compliment regarding your personality?

 

Tajinder: Probably a compliment involving my confidence, as occasionally I can lack in that category, but I’m human after all.