As you are about to see, Diamante Ka is so much more than a stylist. She is a woman warrior, creatrix extraordinaire and pure inspiration for women in the industry. We got right to it and talked frankly about inequality and systemic racism in the fashion industry.
Did you always want to be a stylist?
I always wanted to work in the creative industry. In the beginning, I wanted to be a photographer but then I got some great opportunities as a stylist. I love to work in this industry. But to be honest I don’t think that I want to be a stylist forever because I have bigger ideas. I want to go further. My goal is to reach a bigger position where I’m more involved and where I can express my mind.
What is your main source of Inspiration?
I gain the most inspiration from music, books, and movies. It is about observing detail. But in the end, it is all about the people. People are my biggest inspiration. Even when I talk about music or movies it is still about people. Everybody is so different! You can find details on them that are special.
Is prejudice real in the industry?
Definitely. I came into this industry with my best friend who is a male of color. Because of that, I had the opportunity to observe the way people treat me and how they treat him. Without a doubt, I had the experience that people treat me differently because I am a woman, and also I am not responding to the standards. I’m not a Naomi Campbell. To be honest, in this industry people of color in general only have a chance, if we respond to certain standards. It has been hard for me as a black woman but I always had great allies who saw the difference and were very supportive. These were people who were ready to fight with me.
Where do you see your chances of being a force for women in the industry?
As soon as I’m not trying to be someone else and I stay deeply connected to who I am. Doing hard work and always continuing to fight. Even if I’m not fitting in, I’m gonna make a place just for me to fit and other women gonna come. I’m not the typical person you see in this industry – I’m imperfect in the eyes of the industry but just being me is a revolution. I don’t have to make a place for me. I’m just gonna be there and not gonna ask anyone for permission. I hope other women see that and join me.
"I don't have to make a place for me. I'm just gonna be there and not gonna ask anyone for permission."
What kind of advice would you give women wanting to get into the industry?
Don’t be afraid to fall. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. You don’t have to freeze yourself just because you are afraid. Be afraid and still go to do the work. You have the right to feel anything so don’t quit! It is ok if you cry or have doubts. Make moves anyway. I’m not brave! I’m scared every day but I still do the job. You will recognize that after some time that you don’t have to be sacred anymore or have doubts.
What are maybe some advantages of having this position?
Having the opportunity to work with amazing people and get inspired every single day. For me life is never boring and I can see beautiful things. Also, my job is to be curious to see everything to read everything. I love that because I don’t have limits! I am limitless.
Keep pushing with us because we are not done yet. Everyone is beautiful no matter of shape size skin color or anything else. We have to put lights on everybody. Keep in mind you are beautiful as you are.
Photographer: Edgar Berg
Fashion Director: Lorena Maza
Styling: Diamante Ka