That saying, "style is innate" resonates very
well with Emilia Gomes. All you need to do is go through her Instagram photos
and you will see a woman whose style is classy, elegant and effortless. From
the moment our paths crossed, I was an instant admirer. I saw a woman who wears
her outfits and owns them, a woman not trying to impress with labels, but a
lover of very tasteful style, be it high end or not, she puts them together
beautifully.
Emilia Gomes is originally from
Angola. She was born and raised in Lobito-Benguela, in the western region. She
stated that her love for fashion was inspired by her mother who was a
dressmaker. She watched her transform rags
to riches so to speak. Whether it is new fabrics or old clothes which the
women in the area always wanted making into something new, they always left
with amazingly finished garments.
She also recalls that during the Angolan
civil war, although people couldn't afford any form of luxury, women always
made an effort to turn out nicely. Their home was a beehive activities which
saw beautifully dressed women coming and going. That would definitely leave a
lasting impression in a child's mind.
The outfits her mum made were of
Angolan origin but had a lot of influences modelled from Brazillian soaps and
the Portuguese magazine "BURDAS DE
MODA". The magazine was a source of day dreaming amongst herself and her sisters. She further stated that fond
memories growing up in the beautiful peninsula Restinga by the sea with its
sandy beaches and stunning properties were comparable in beauty to any
Caribbean island and it has played a big influence in her taste when it comes
to fashion and lifestyle.
She disclosed that as a young
girl she was more of a tom boy, always dressed up copying American movie actors
because she lacked body confidence. Her outfit of choice then were denims and t
shirts which made everyone in the neighbourhood call her ĶAMONE meaning the cool girl because American fashion was cool.
Furthermore she stated that over
the years her style has evolved from its tom boyish looks to being more
ladylike and appreciating the woman she has become. Her style choices has
Influences from her travels, places been, and people around the world
encountered. She also lives by the quote, when
you know who you are, you have nothing to prove.This has helped in picking
pieces that can be passed onto the next generation, which also sees her
choosing styles that gives women confidence, power and elegance while being
modest.
She is a lover of clean lines, a
firm believer that style is the ability of working with what is in your
wardrobe regardless of the price tag, and is greatly inspired by women not
solely defined by labels. Her fashion advice is, embrace your style choices and preferences so you do not become a
fashion victim but a fashionista.
Emilia Gomes moved to the UK in
the early 2000s and now lives in Newcastle Upon Tyne. She has an undergraduate
degree in management and marketing from Northumbria university. She loves doing
her bit for charity whenever time permits and is currently the marketing
manager and media planner for her husband's inspection company. You can see
more of her style on her Instagram handle egdvine7.
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