Julie Queiruga
“I’ve learned that nothing in life ever comes easy, you have to work hard for what you want but never give up on what you want. Applying it to myself and to being in the Fashion Industry, I have to keep being determined and keep working towards what I want but can’t expect it to happen tomorrow. “ – Maimona Diallo
Maimona Diallo, also known as Mona, is a fashion stylist from New York. Mona remembers first having an interest in fashion when she came across a You tuber named Carli Bybel – she’s a makeup and fashion Vlogger. What caught Mona’s eye was her outfits and how she could put together some of the most casual clothes and make it look chic. Whenever she posted an outfit of the day she would link where she bought each piece from, Diallo started buying similar pieces that she owned. After that, she started to put more effort in her daily outfits. As time went on Mona became more comfortable in making it a habit and along the way her peers started to notice a change in her wardrobe and possibly a little change in herself as well. Mona enjoys putting different looks together and exploring new looks and keeping up with the latest trends. While she has not yet made it as a fashion stylist, she does plan on starting a career in the fashion industry in the near future.
When it comes to Fashion styling, one thing Diallo enjoys is wearing something that expresses the type of mood she is in that day. Not just mood but also the kind of person she is – having always being inspired by Instagram bloggers, You tubers and fashion magazines like StyleWatch and Vogue as well as people that are successful in their careers. There are a couple of moments in her life that she can consider as really memorable to her. First one is working for a Freelance Stylist named Connie Berg. Working for her really gave Diallo a front row seat to the life of a stylist and how much work and effort is needed to put in every day to maintain a good business. She has learned that there is a lot of sacrificing and time-consuming work when being a stylist. It practically takes over your life and you can’t do other things that you may want to do, it’s like a 24/7 job. The second experience she had was the first time she went to the Mercedes Benz NYFW 2013. Seeing the glamour, wardrobe, the new trends and how alive it is; was quite surreal for Diallo. While she is constantly meeting so many interesting people every day, many of them have left a small mark on her and have opened her eyes to how unique this world is, especially when it comes to her family since she has a supportive family that wishes nothing but the best for her.
While the future seems so far away, Diallo plans to finish school and get her Fashion Degree within the next year. She also wants to gain much more experience by working alongside other Fashion Stylists before branching out on her own.
The ‘LIGHTNING FAST’ Round:
1. What is the one beauty product you can’t live without? My mac lipsticks. Especially in the colour of “Sin”.
2. What is the most dramatic thing you’ve ever done to change your looks? Most dramatic would have to be when I first changed my hair style to an updo curly Mohawk.
3. What is in your makeup bag when you travel? My lipstick, Eyebrow pencil, Mascara and Eyeliner.
4. What is the one “flaw” you wouldn’t change about yourself? This a tough one but I think I wouldn’t change how I voice my opinions on certain matters. While most people would hold back, I like to voice out what I think because not everyone has the courage to do so.
5.Your best guilty pleasure… My best guilty pleasure would probably be Shopping. At times I know I shouldn’t go crazy and spend money on shoes, clothes or handbags but usually when that happens I end up creating a few new outfits out of it. Aside from that I enjoy walking through department stores and seeing what’s new and trendy and what I can apply to my daily wardrobe.
Jenny Aluning
hollie
Jason Harris
