bipoc creatives: angelique

photo by Angelique

who are you and how did you get started in the fashion industry?

 My name is Angelique. I am born and raised in New York, and I would have to say there is no real starting point for my journey with fashion. It's always been infused into my life since I can remember.

what does being a Black creator in fashion mean to you?

Being a black creative in fashion can be described as nothing less than a blessing, even though we share many commonalities. we are all vastly different and unique just based on our communities, upbringings, personalities, and it's been so beautiful to see how innovative we are as a people. And that's just like a thread that runs through all of us, just how innovative we are, and it's just a beautiful, beautiful thing.

photos by J.J. Fecik, featuring La'treall Maddox

what inspires your work?

I am heavily inspired by maximalism and drama. As a child, I was known as a drama queen, so now in my creative process, if there's any way I can pick an emotion and figure out how to display an emotion as dramatically and uniquely as possible while still remaining wearable, that's the goal. That's the inspiration.

what challenges have you faced and how did you push through?

One of the biggest challenges I've faced has been feeling like I'm not good enough, but I've come to realize through my faith that I'm not called to be good enough. I'm called to come as I am. I'm called to be authentic and real in this lifetime and wherever I am not good. That's where God steps in and he's great for me in my place. Holding on to that truth and my faith has helped me to push through anything.

what’s your vision for the future?

I don't have any specific visions for the future. I don't wanna limit what God can do through my art and through my creativity. I just hope that I'm in a place where my fashion can somehow relate to people. And help people on a deeper level than just surface. But how can I help people emotionally, and if there's a way that can be connected to my art in the future, that would be my biggest goal. However it looks.

what’s your favorite part of the process?

My favorite part about styling specifically right now is just working with the client, meeting new people and learning about what they like and who they are and why they like what they like because of who they are. That's been the best part. Everyone is so vastly diverse and different, and it's been amazing to be able to help people express what they want to express, specifically catered to them. That's been beautiful. 

what does it feel like to see someone that you styled?

After I style someone, I really am just looking for signs of joy. At that point. I'm just like, I hope they love this as much as they said they loved it, or as much as I think I love it, I hope they love it. And that's, yeah, that's pretty, that's pretty much what's on my mind after styling someone that's, that's the main part. 'cause if you don't have. That if the person you are helping isn't happy, then what was the point?

follow @angelhoodnyc

interview by Andre Molina

post cover photo by Autumn Love