Embracing the Influence of My African American Mother and Big Sisters

Jordan High Heels For Women

The Relationship Between Black Mothers & Their Daughters 

The thread of influence woven by my mother and big sisters stands out as unique, vibrant, and utterly irreplaceable. Their individual styles, shaped by generations before them, and a strong sense of self-expression, have been my compass in navigating the fashion world. Please allow me to explain the impact they've had on my evolution into becoming a true fashionista!

• The Elegance of My Mother's Heritage:

My mother, a woman of creativity, strength, and love, infused her style with elements that celebrated our African American heritage. Her wardrobe told stories of resilience, beauty, and African American pride. Embracing what she has shown me through her fashion choices taught me that style was not just about clothes but a beautiful showcase of identity.

• Sisterly Coordination:

Having big sisters who were fashionistas before fashionistas even existed exposed me to the diverse styles within African-American fashion. Each one of my sisters, Zayani and Isis, brought something unique to the table for me to take notes from. They weren't just normal girls with the same style every day; they switched it up constantly, whether it was a rockstar one day or a vintage trendsetter the next. Together, they created a mosaic of styles that reflected the multifaceted beauty of our shared culture and heritage.

• Zayani the Trendsetter:

Zayani was a material girl at its finest. She loved makeup and could sing her heart out. She wanted and had everything new, being a trendsetter from the beginning. She would wear things like high-heel Jordans and velour tracksuits, fearless when it came to expressing herself.

• Isis the Thrifting Queen:

My big sister Isis was really into vintage things and loved brands like Von Dutch and Ed Hardy. She also played the guitar, which always made me feel the rockstar spirit within her. With her keen eyes, she taught me the art of discovering hidden gems in treasure stores. Vintage finds became not only clothes to her; they were artifacts of history, adding so much depth and character to her wardrobe.

In the spirit of sisterhood and creativity, my big sisters inspired my forte in the world of fashion. From revamping a piece of clothing to adding accessories, their fearlessness in expressing themselves through personalization taught me that fashion can be anything I make it to be.

Growing up, watching my mother and big sisters display large amounts of confidence in every outfit shattered the notion that fashion had limits.

As I stand today, embedded with my mother's elegance and my sisters' eccentric style, I realize being a fashionista isn't just about following the next trend but embracing the stories behind the clothes you wear. My African-American heritage, channeled through the fashion wisdom of the women who raised me, has shaped not only my wardrobe but also my outlook on life and perception of style as a form of art, culture, self-expression, and self-love.

Throughout KIMology N’ Fashion, I encourage and invite you to PLEASE explore the roots of your style diversity and versatility.

Thank you to my mother Thi-wan Shepard for the legacy, intelligence, and allure she has cast upon me and my sisters. We love and miss you, Mom, and may you rest peacefully, gracefully, and beautifully until we meet again.

Stay stylish, 

Kimora Shepard 

KIMology N’ Fashion

SOURCES: 

Family Photo Album