Everyone can wear fashion, but only a few can embody style. When you think of the fashion greats a plethora of names may come to mind: Vivienne Westwood, Rick Owens, Ralph Lauren. When I thought of a fashion great of our time, only one name came to mind: Atiya Walcott. Atiya Walcott is the Chicago Based Fashion Great who is turning every backyard, sidewalk, and photoshoot into a fashion capital with every pose she makes, and scarf she drapes. I was given the privilege to sit down with Atiya over a beautiful conversation rooted in authenticity and divination.

Who are you?

I am a multidisciplinary artist with an emphasis on fashion, acting, and sculpture. I believe that’s where my passion is taking me. Clothing serves as sculpture for me, as it allows me to create movement through sculpture.

Your sense of fashion is years ahead of its time, how are you able to create such memorable looks?

I’ve always been that way, I never thought of myself as a “fashion person” until last year. I love to clash clothing although I see it as neurodivergent. I don’t abide by any rules. As a youth, I wore clothing that clashed, now I simply dress in a mature version of that. I usually wear what I’ve created, I choose one focal piece, and style around that. It’s not about how it looks, it's about how I feel while wearing it. I think about the silhouette, I love a big arm or puffy piece of clothing. I dress to feel right.

What is your definition of style?

Style is a way for someone to reflect their passions, emotions, wants, and desires in what they wear. I see style as someone daring to be themselves in their clothing. I respect that style can evolve and change over time.

Do you like to stay on trend, or do you prefer to create your own?

I prefer to do my own thing, but I believe subconsciously there’s a way trends impact all of us. These trends can be incredibly unique, or you yourself can become a trend. I’m in the process of making my own clothing, but I wouldn’t say I’m a trend or anti-trend girl.

Would you say younger Atiya is proud of your style?

Absolutely! I believe she is surprised and blown away. I know she’d find it so cool, feel super proud, and feel super safe.

Who and what are your style inspirations?

A lot of my style inspirations are movie characters, and runway shows. I must say I am inspired by Alexander McQueen’s ethos on fashion and design. I am also inspired by Makayla Cole and Rihanna. I can’t say I have direct style inspirations per se, but I do keep screenshots of pieces I like. If anything, my inspiration is thousands of individual artists.

I have 100% faith that you will take over the fashion industry, and once you do, what do you plan to incorporate?

I don’t believe I’ll ever “take over the fashion industry”, but I do believe I’ll take over my portion of it. I don’t have a fashion background, and that at times makes me feel like an imposter in a sense in the industry. I would like to make fashion accessible with my presence and through my designs. I want to make fashion a little less skinny, and more representative in high fashion spaces across different bodies.

For someone trying to break their way into the fashion industry, what advice would you give them?

You’re going to learn more when you mess up than when you succeed. Even though it may feel painful at the moment, failure will teach you a lot and reward you with a new perspective along your journey to success. Everyone isn’t going to like what you do, but that’s okay, they don’t have to.

Get The Atiya Walcott Experience Today!

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