Hello, Fashionista/os! My name is Lesedi Ntsele, and I am a sophomore at Sarah Lawrence College, where I am pursing a liberal arts degree with a concentration in writing. This will be my first semester as a Style Guru, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a member of the CollegeFashionista team. Fashion has always been a great interest of mine, and this internship will allow me to integrate my love of words and writing with my fashion obsession. What could be better?
Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa and living in New York, I have always been intrigued by the juxtaposition of the traditional (fabrics, patterns and beading) with the modern. This intrigue, coupled with my love of sleek, dark looks, has resulted in a fixation with accessories. Few things are better than an all-black look or base, with a statement lip and/or nails and quirky accessories.
Winter and spring in New York never cease to amaze me, coming from sunny South Africa. New York, in the colder months, is alive with fashion, arts and culture, and nothing can kill the creativity or style of its inhabitants. Trust me, you will never find someone bundled up in dull clothing on account of the weather. Sarah Lawrence students are no exception. Even covered in snow, the campus is buzzing with bright colors, interesting patterns, textures and personality.
My interest in fashion has developed slowly over time. I think it began while browsing though my mother’s magazines; she was always a fan of Marie Claire, Vanity Fair and Tatler. The hours I spent as a child, glued to Fashion TV, has played an influence, too. Today, I read blogs like The Sartorialist and The Man Repeller, and of course, fashion publications like Vogue, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar.
I can’t wait to bring you articles focused on the original trends on my campus, while I explore not only fashion, but also fashion writing. Keep on the lookout for all of my weekly Monday posts this semester, and remember, when it comes to fashion, always make it your own.
