Where hardwork, goals and ambitions are embossed and shine. Dimemond's aspire to be inspiring.
LIONA LAURENT - DIMEMOND OF THE WEEK - APRIL 13 2015
NAME: Liona Ivy Laurent
AGE: 23 years old
BACKGROUND: Nairobi, Kenya
Studying at Simon Fraser University, Liona is an international student majoring in International Studies and Political Science. What caught Dimemond's attention about Miss Laurent? Her ambitious fashion choices, and her leadership to not be afraid to stand out. Dimemond Mentality produced a photo set with Liona, and also got her to answer some questions about her lifestyle, fashion, and also what she thinks of Dimemond Mentality as a new platform!
What does Dimemond Mentality mean to you? Do you think it will be successful?
"Of course it will be successful, is that even a question? It means giving creative minds a platform to showcase their work as well as learn from others, share and improve their craft."
What do you enjoy about Vancouver? How has your fashion been influenced by the city (if so)?
"I enjoy the people and the scenery (I know this is what everyone says). It is a little toned down compared to the hustle and flow that I have grown up in, which is Nairobi which I still appreciate. Nairobi is gorgeous. I appreciate the holistic healthy environment that I’m surrounded by, it helps me grow mentally and physically. Fashion in Vancouver could do a lot better. Having walked the runway in Vancouver Fashion Week a few times, I expected much from the fashion industry; it needs to grow at a more rapid pace and people need to not be confined in spaces that do not allow them to express themselves. That negative aspect of Vancouver’s fashion has inspired me to break the rules a little bit, to be aware of my surroundings therefore express personality through my fashion. Otherwise I would be drowned by the basic and I am not basic, no harsh feelings though."
The many styles of Liona.
What inspires your fashion choices?
"Serenity prayer - 'Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.'
“MY SISTER SHOWED ME THAT PIECE AND SHE PUSHES ME TO PORTRAY MY BOLDNESS FOR IT IS SOMETHING I CANNOT CHANGE. I AM CRAZY AND I DO NOT PRETEND TO BE ANYTHING ELSE. ”
"My innate attributes such as my personality crafts my style. I am daring, so I am always looking for a thrill, whether it is wearing 6 inch platforms that make me look 7 inches tall to wearing a white tee and being comfortable, that’s just me. As well as being in touch with the fashion world. I enjoy watching fashion shows across the globe or reading blogs on fashion and lifestyle. My friends too, always pick out things they are afraid to wear but think I can pull off so they tag me in pictures on Instagram or show me pictures on Tumblr and so on. Social Media is very important. Music is important too, musicians carry a certain persona with their craft which I understand."
Do you have any Fashion role models?
"The one and only Coco Chanel - she was magnificent. The power of simplicity is just magnificent. Karl Lagerfeld does a wonderful job in carrying on her legacy.
Nicole Richie who is so about embracing 'your weird style' at the same time, focusing on the strength statement pieces. I love it.
To be corny my day ones Folu, Tsharzzi and Sakina who are about individuality and honesty with fashion and dress pretty well so I don’t want to be the odd one out."
Liona Laurent for Dimemond Mentality.
If you could potentially choose a career (outside of your academia), what would it be?
"Journalism! I am so into journalism right now and I wish I could explore it. I am more interested in the non-conventional tenets of media by using conventional mediums; I want to bring my spirit to that sphere and hope it would work well."