Blending the old with the new, fashion stylist Diana Kaumba is here to prove that fashion and style are ageless.
Born and raised in Zambia, New York-based stylist Diana Kaumba’s passion for fashion traces back to her late father. But she’s also inspired by her grandmother’s love for pearls and bangles. After missing the chance to wear all the outfits she packed on her trip to Zambia, she thought to style her grandmother, who she affectionately calls “Mbuya”. It went viral on Instagram, and this where I first spotted her work. But Diana’s creative journey began long before that.
How did you get started in fashion styling?
Fashion has always been in my DNA, inherited from my late father. But fast-forward to after we moved to New York and I visited my first newsstand, I knew for the first time that the world of fashion is where I belong. Instagram came about and I started posting images that inspired me. To my surprise, people loved my eye for fashion and started following me. A little after that I started receiving DMs from my followers asking if I could style them – and here we are now.
Your glamorous granny Margaret Chola, seems to embody ageless style. How does she inspire your work?
My granny has always been a lover of pearls and bangles and would wear them with just about everything. Over the years I would collect pearls and bangles for her, and she would say, “When I die, bury me with my pearls, my granddaughter. Otherwise, I will haunt you.” LOL! I love that about her and that has influenced my love for accessories in my styling. I believe accessories make the outfit.
What inspires your creative process in styling?
It comes from within most of the time. But sometimes, I don’t know until the last minute. It’s like a force! I don’t know how to explain it. When I look at my work afterwards it’s like, wow, how did I come up with that?!
How do you try to achieve uniqueness while staying true to a client’s personal style?
By studying my client’s lifestyle. But also, I love my clients to look unpredictable, as you have seen on my beloved Mbuya – you can’t guess what her next look will be!
How do you stay on top of the latest trends while maintaining a timeless aesthetic?
By incorporating trends mostly through accessories. The idea is to personalise the trend, make it make sense for your personal style, and never let it be a copy and paste.
How do you think the fashion industry can break ageism stereotypes?
By including people in their prime on the runways. By introducing makeup that is friendly for their aged skin, and by including them in fashion boardrooms for those important discussions.
How do you balance traditional fashion rules with pushing boundaries in your styling?
I don’t follow fashion rules, but I do what I love. Clothes are to be experimented with and enjoyed. Otherwise traditional fashion is safe fashion, which I don’t do.
What are some must-have fashion pieces you think every woman should have?
A graphic T-shirt is a must have! It can be styled with almost anything, such as an oversized blazer, a good pair of jeans and a dope pair of shades.
What advice do you have for those looking to experiment with their style?
Just go with the flow, wear the clothes, not the other way around.
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