What’s fashion for me?

Fashion, for me, is the art of blending heritage and modernity to create a style that is uniquely my own.

Fashion has long been a means of self-expression, a way for individuals to tell their stories without uttering a single word. But for many of us who grew up in cultures with rich textile traditions, fashion has also been a battleground—a space where global influences often overshadow what is native to us. The idea that Western styles represent modernity and progress is subtly ingrained in us from a young age, leading many to forsake their own heritage in favor of fitting in.

However, true confidence in fashion—real personal style—emerges when we embrace the full spectrum of our identity, blending the global with the local in a way that feels authentic. Instead of merely adopting international trends or conforming to Western ideals, we create something more powerful when we remix what’s familiar with what’s foreign. The result? A look that is entirely our own, setting us apart in a world of mass-produced aesthetics.

The Journey to Owning My Style

I wasn’t always this sure of myself. Today, I can walk through the streets of downtown Toronto draped in a beautifully woven saree, feeling as comfortable as I would in a pair of jeans. But younger Afifah? She would have had nightmares about standing out in such a way. Like many others, I once believed that Western fashion held a kind of universal appeal that my own traditional clothing could never match. I loved my Levi’s, my sneakers, my leather jackets. And while these are still staples in my wardrobe, what has changed is my perspective: I no longer see them as superior to the clothing that is embedded in my DNA—my handlooms, my embroideries, my Indian crafts.

The greatest evolution in my fashion journey wasn’t about finding the latest trend. It was about growing up and respecting my own aesthetic. It was about realizing that I don’t have to choose between being modern and being true to my roots. In fact, the most powerful statement I can make is in the seamless blending of both worlds.

The Power of the Fashion Remix

We live in an era where cultural appropriation is a hot topic. But there’s a difference between blindly adopting something foreign and thoughtfully remixing elements in a way that feels personal and respectful. When I pair an ethnic vest with jeans, drape a leather jacket over a sari, or wear vintage Indian jewelry with a sharp Western suit, I’m not just creating a look—I’m making a statement.

This remix is not about rejecting one style in favor of another. It’s about allowing both to coexist, about celebrating the fluidity of identity. It’s about taking the best of what the world has to offer and making it my own. And in doing so, I feel more at home in my skin than ever before.

Why Remixing Fashion Matters

Blending cultural aesthetics is not just a fashion choice; it’s a mindset. When we mix the traditional with the contemporary, we’re saying that our heritage is not a relic of the past—it’s a living, evolving part of who we are.

This approach to fashion is especially powerful for those of us who straddle multiple worlds. Whether you live abroad or in your home country, whether you’re navigating global workspaces or personal style choices, the ability to seamlessly weave together different influences gives you an edge. It sets you apart. It makes you memorable.

And most importantly, it makes you feel authentic.

Finding Your Own Remix

If you’re on your own journey toward a more authentic style, start small. Maybe it’s a pair of handcrafted juttis with your favorite denim. Maybe it’s layering silver tribal jewelry over a minimal Western dress. Maybe it’s swapping out a predictable blazer for an embroidered Nehru jacket.

The goal is not to create a costume or to wear something for the sake of making a statement. The goal is to find combinations that feel natural to you—pieces that tell your story. Because when fashion is personal, when it reflects your heritage as much as your present, it stops being just clothing. It becomes a language.

And in a world that often encourages conformity, speaking in your own style is the most powerful thing you can do.