This is where her story lives. Fashion and style is deeper than surface level for so many. It's how we express ourselves, it's the visual representation of words, our voice at times. "Getting dressed is my therapy, my happy place. The experience of deciding what to wear and how I'll where it, is a liberty that I look forward to." - Gwen
In this edition of Her Style Stories we caught up with Blessing, who's not just fashionable but is an all-round creative. We'll let her take it from here.
I’m a 26 Commercial Barrister working towards my licensee to represent people in court. I am also a Content Creator on YouTube where I talk about Female Rap and Hip Hop culture. I am very passionate about that because I am a Rapper and have been performing, composing music and writing lyrics since I was a child. I became a Creative Entrepreneur to fund my work outside of law and currently run a legal brand, a Rap and Hip Hop platform and am working on a fashion brand.
2. How do you define fashion and or style?
I define it as an expression of who you are, how you feel about yourself and what you want to say to the world when you’re seen by others. As a multi-faceted legal professional and Creative I have different messages I want to send with my style depending on the environment I am in. Barristers have very elaborate legal attire that we wear in court and as an Influencer and Rapper my fashion taste and style are a big part of my visual brand. I have a very well curated aesthetic.
3. What influences your style? ie travel, work, movies, magazines, social media trends, celebrities, color, etc.
My style is influenced by black women’s fashion as displayed in the y2k Rap and Hip Hop music videos I watched as a child, fashion bloggers on Instagram and as far as celebrities go, I am heavily influenced by Nicki Minaj’s 2014-17 Black Barbie aesthetics. Her style during that period reminds me of both 90s and y2k aesthetics combined, with the uber luxurious long hair and statement accessories.
4. How has your style evolved?
I have embraced much more minimalist style and tonal dressing, mainly because my life is so busy that I need to style outfits quickly and not be embarrassed to take a meeting, create content or be out networking in what I’m wearing. When I was younger, and at university I didn’t apply as much intention to my dressing and purchases - it was mainly about speed and convenience. My desire to be more sensible with money and not buy into fast fashion has helped refine my style so I only buy new fashion when it makes sense to.
5. What does your dream wardrobe consist of?
It would mainly consist of pieces from my work wear fashion brand that I am building, and that would be the outfits I wear when doing legal work and CEO admin. I would then have plenty of hot girl pieces like sexy denims, tops and blouses with bold colors, cutaways and details. No wardrobe of mine is complete without statement coats, and some minimal classics. I’m not huge into bags but sunglasses and jewelry are more important to me, so my wardrobe would need to have an entire display so I can style pieces with my outfits.
Save all of Mum’s clothes in storage! I don’t actually have much advice for myself because in my view you are supposed to explore and make all the questionable fashion choices you need to when you’re young. I’d probably tell myself to make even more, and try any and every style that appealed to me. Getting more of a fashion education wouldn’t have hurt either.
7. How important is it to be body positive and to appreciate the skin that you're in?
Essential. You are more likely to buy fashion that genuinely suits you if you are dressing the body you have and love, rather than the one you wish you had. Cherishing your body means you are careful about what you put on it and what you want to accentuate.
8. What do you love about jewelry? What is your absolute favorite is it earrings, necklaces, etc.
I love how it can elevate your look but especially how gold jewelry looks on dark skin. It shines and brings up the natural glow, especially in the sun. I love necklaces and stacking chokers and I’ll wear as many earrings as I feel like!
9. How do you incorporate accessories and jewelry into your daily looks?
I am an everyday jewelry girl, I like to keep the same pieces on and make them a part of me. I’ll switch up to statement jewelry when I am entering the room as a Rapper but otherwise, I keep it simple and natural.
10. What are your non-negotiables... What must you have / wear / do? and what are your, “I’m never ever doing or wearing that”?
The only thing is that I’m secure and the outfit is comfortable. I don’t wear impractical garments, or anything made out of thin or cheap material. I need good quality and sturdy garments that can work with other pieces in my wardrobe.
Because I have something to say in every room I am in, but I don’t always get a chance to speak directly to people. Sometimes you have to set an impression and serve the entire room with a look so they know who you are and what you’re about. It makes a memorable impression too.
12. What’s your favorite fashion/style quote or mantra?
When BIA said “I put on my jewelry just to go to the botega” it was a cultural reset for the fashion girls committed to serving a look every time they step out.
13. How and where can people connect with you?
I am on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as “Blessing Mukosha” (@blessingmukosha). I’m always active and posting new content and looks!
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We love it Blessing. Beauty is not only in our style and jewelry, but also in our brains, hearts, personalities, and passions. So keep doing you- and adding a little shimmer with your favorite jewelry while you're at it!