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Mariama Diallo has the type of passion that makes a morning of conversation effortlessly fade to the afternoon. She spoke with us about everything from her aspirations of becoming an actress to being raised in Guinea.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
Quirky, warm, and funny! (because I think I'm hilarious)
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I learned English when I was 11! My first two languages are Fulani and French.
TELL US ABOUT WHERE YOU GREW UP.
I was born and raised in Guinea. It's a country filled with culture and so much history. When I think of home I think of the mango trees, my mom making plantains, and my dad's laughter.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY AND WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU ARRIVE?
Cape Town. I love, love South Africa. It is not only the most beautiful place in the world but it also has amazing food! I had the best sushi, Indian, Korean, and African food while there. First place I go to is this place called Cubana. It's such a vibe. Amazing music, food, and a view!!
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
There's no rules. If it makes you feel good and you love it, wear it.
HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE TO WHAT IT WAS 5 YEARS AGO?
Omg. Five years ago I'm sure I had no idea what I was doing. I look back wondering what was I thinking!! My style now is much simpler. I love basics like a cute dress, or top with a statement piece.
WHAT GOT YOU INTO ACTING?
I honestly love story telling. I feel like acting gives me the opportunity to see life in so many different perspectives. It allows me to be free and to share a story. It helps me show love, pain, laughter, all things that make us human.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL FEMININE?
Smelling good! I know it's weird but something about wearing my fav perfume (flowerbomb) makes me feel so empowered and so sexy! Idk... it's my little secret. It makes me feel good and that's feminine to me.
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The Minka top of course! I wear it everywhere!! From castings to dinner I love how versatile it is.
Next to our design studio in downtown Los Angeles, the loft is both inspiring and calm. It's the perfect place to get to know and take home your favorite AYAI pieces. We have our full line available for you to shop.
Appointments in our loft are a truly personalized experience. Our stylist can help you find the perfect pieces.
The loft is by appointment only. You can book your appointment online here. Simply select an available time. We'll follow up with an email and check with you to see if there is anything special you are shopping for or specific that you want to try on.
When you get to the loft, our stylist will meet you and help you pick out some perfect pieces. You can try them on and get to know them before taking them home that day. We accept cash and all major credit cards.
We never make more than a few appointments each day, to make sure that you get a truly special personalized experience.
Most appointments take about 60-90 minutes, we reserve 90 minutes for each to make sure you have plenty of time.
You're welcome to take photographs, but please be respectful when trying on as the loft is a place to get to know and take home your new favorite pieces.
If you wanted to inquire about a photoshoot, please email press@areyouami.com
It's no surprise that New York native Fiona Briseño comes from a family who adores vintage fashion as much as she does. With a neck adorned in the best gold chains, she talked about the vintage store her mom once owned - complete with a gold bed - and everything else that shaped her style today.
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'm half Mexican! Nobody ever believes me until I show pictures of my mom.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY MORNING ROUTINE?
I always wash my face immediately, and I'll do face masks and under eye hydrogels as I pick out a cute outfit... while drinking coffee of course.
WHAT BEAUTY PRODUCTS CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
LIPSTICK! Super into it... I'm also obsessed with eyeshadows and eyeliner. I love a smokey eye, like LOVE.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL FEMININE?
I feel like as I get older I'm learning how to take care of myself better, like health and beauty. I feel more womanly. The way I dress makes me feel feminine and strong and confident!
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
My mom inspires me in every way possible. I turned out to be very driven because of all the life experiences we went through... but we also grew up very stylish. She inspired my passion for clothes too.
FAVORITE IG ACCOUNT?
I follow a lot of fashion IG's from the 80s/90s. I live for it. The fashion, the runway, the looks. Everything I could dream of.
@unforgettable_runway
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET?
Oh my god I could never exclude a piece. I live for the collection I've been able to gather over the years. It's almost all vintage. It revolves around a lot of statement jackets.
BEST PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Wear it with confidence.
If Lara isn't on your radar yet, that will soon change. The German model is often seen galavanting around New York City with her adorable puppy in hand. She recently caught up with us at our DTLA loft.
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.
Positive, funny, nice
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I can cook German food really well like German schnitzel.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DAY OFF.
Phone off, laying somewhere on the beach and relaxing. Somewhere warm, peaceful, and quiet.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ADORABLE PUPPY, ARE YOU A DOG PERSON?
One thousand percent a dog person. Her name is Bella, she's a 7-month-old Yorkie.
WHAT IS YOUR DAILY MORNING ROUTINE?
First thing is coffee (I can't function without it). Then take a shower and sit in my robe with a towel wrapped around my head scrolling through Instagram.
WHO INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
My mom because she raised five daughters by herself :)
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL FEMININE?
My curves.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO MODELING?
When I was 15 years old, someone came up to me and asked if I was interested and I said yes!
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A PART OF NEW YORK FASHION WEEK?
The most amazing feeling - the reason why I model. It's so so special.
WHAT AYAI PIECE CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The Kaif top. I'm wearing it to castings and everyday casual outfits.
