Fashion is more than just apparel to me, it’s a lifeline—a way to express the parts of myself I was terrified to reveal. I grew up in Kashmir, within the walls of a conservative, religious family, trapped in a life where my identity was a secret, even to myself. When I finally came out as bisexual at 21, I was crushed by the weight of my family’s disapproval. However, in fashion, I found a language that spoke to my heart – a means of reclaiming the person I was meant to be.

My fashion moment – which changed everything – happened in Paris. As I was wandering through the quaint streets of Le Marais – known for its embrace of the LGBTQ+ community – I stumbled upon a small, eclectic boutique. There, I found a crop top – turquoise, simple, daring. It was something I could never wear back home, but in that moment, it felt like the perfect reflection of the person I was.

Wearing that crop top for the first time was terrifying yet exhilarating. As I walked along the Seine, I felt eyes on me – curious, supportive, and some disapproving. But for the first time, I wasn’t hiding. The breeze against my skin felt like freedom – like I was being liberated from the chains of my upbringing. Like I was shedding years of silence and shame.

That crop top is so much more than just a piece of clothing – it is a symbol of my courage to live authentically, even in the face of judgment. In that moment, fashion was no longer just about style – it was about finding the strength to be seen. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of that day in Paris when I chose to embrace my identity – and the freedom that came with it.

Dear Mom,

My most memorable fashion moment wasn’t a high-end runway show or a celebrity outfit. It was a simple pair of boxer shorts, lovingly crafted by you.

Since the day I was born, you’ve been sewing shorts for me. Isn’t it amazing how a self-taught tailor with four decades of experience still patiently makes undershorts for her son to wear, especially when his body measurements are never constant? You never hesitated to make them with bold patterns, neon colors, or any kind of prints that caught your eye. Growing up in a small hometown with rigid social norms, I faced prejudices and judgments about my personal expressions. “Hey kid, if you’re straight, please throw away these kinds of shorts,” they kept telling me throughout my puberty years. But you stood by me, refusing to let societal expectations dictate my wardrobe choices and kept telling me to wear these shorts with pride.

Through your unwavering support and the power of fashion, I learned that self-expression is a form of liberation. These weren’t just undergarments; they were a symbol of my individuality and a testament to a mother’s love. Your creations, while not always the epitome of fashion trends and oftentimes very “fashion backward” to be honest, helped me overcome societal pressures and embrace my true self.

Today, I still cherish those boxer shorts. They represent the importance of self-expression, the power of resilience, and the enduring value of self-love and support. They are a reminder of how even the most ordinary clothes can have a profound impact on our lives.

If I can proudly pull off floral undergarments every day, what else can I be ashamed of? As I continue to navigate life, I’ll remember the lessons I’ve learned from you through these boxer shorts.

Love you lots,
Son.

Fashion has been an amazing outlet for me throughout my whole life but especially over the past year. Over the last year I have unfortunately lost all my hair due to alopecia universalis. This has been really difficult and made me feel like I lost a huge part of my self identity. I have found using fashion as a form of self expression has helped me feel extremely empowered and given me a new lease of confidence, especially after loosing so much in another way. My confidence in who I am as a person and learning to embrace that has grown so much. I know can use my hair loss as a way to express myself whether that be trying a new wig and matching it to an outfit I love or embracing myself without! Fashion has taught me much like my hair loss, that we are all so individual and that we should embrace our uniqueness as that what makes us who we are! Fashion makes me feel so liberated and empowered and I feel so lucky to be able to work within it!

My most transformative fashion memory happened the day I decided to cut my hair short—a bold move that symbolized more than just a new look. It was the beginning of my journey to reevaluate my style and embrace a side of myself I had long overlooked. I remember standing in front of the mirror, running my fingers through my newly cropped hair, feeling an exhilarating sense of freedom and possibility.

About a year earlier, I visited store support at H&M and I noticed a girl who radiated confidence and ease. Her style was a perfect blend of relaxed and feminine, with an effortless grace that instantly drew me in. She wore a long brown skin skirt, paired with high boots and a simple top. minimalist accessories that tied the look together beautifully. I was mesmerized and wished I had the courage to tell her how much I admired her outfit. Her image stayed with me, inspiring me to experiment more and embrace the feminine elements in my wardrobe.

That day marked a turning point. I began daring to try new things—soft silhouettes, delicate fabrics, and colors I had previously shied away from. My short hair became the foundation of a style that felt authentically me: feminine, yet strong; elegant, yet unpretentious. Every time I think back to that day in the store, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come in my fashion journey, and how a single encounter can spark a lasting change in how we see ourselves.

I was a chubby little girl, I only wore loose, masculine clothes, and as I got older I started to lose weight, until I fell into the vortex of anorexia.
Social models always made me look too chunky even though I weighed 40kg.
After a few really difficult years I started to feel better, I gained a few kilos and started working for H&M, I was 20 years old and studying economics at university.
I had no intention of staying in the company after finishing my studies, but thanks to H&M’s fashion concept I started to realise that feeling good doesn’t mean being thin. Curvy models, whether Asian or European, with diastema or without, with long or short hair, light or olive complexion, made me realise what it means to feel good about one’s style and so I started to find my own.
Today I am a sportswoman with a precise and personal style, a lover of tattoos and, although I will never stop living with the ghost of an eating disorder, today my relationship with fashion has completely changed. After 15 years in the company, fashion is for me an expression of my personality and my way of being, it allows me to show myself to the public confident and proud of what I have been able to build of my image, which although it continues to change over time, remains unique and personal.

Me and my little pink dress.

As a little girl fleeing war in my home country, I found myself in a strange country where I did not know anyone and I did not speak the language. Having seen unimaginable events during the war, I was always silent. I did not dare to speak. As soon as I understood the new language, I became a voice for my refugee parents. I learned to read and was already reading the letters and doing the formal communication and admin for my parents. Because there was no other way. For myself and to the rest of the world, I was still the quiet child. My nickname was ‘Mute’. My father bought me a pink dress for one of my birthdays and that little pink dress became my voice. I wore it whenever I could. It had ruffled shoulders and a very pretty skirt. Back in my home country, I would have never been able to wear such a dress or ever receive it. I was so, so happy and so proud with the dress. I wore it to every school event and every birthday and suddenly I wasn’t ‘Mute’ anymore. I was seen. I was heard. I also existed as just me, not the voice of my parents. I have always underestimated myself because I thought I had no voice. H&M however, saw a leader in me and for that I am eternally grateful. Now, I am a voice for myself, for my lovely team and for the company.

My unforgettable fashion moment was when my colleague Rabia and I were invited to Munich for the set-up and the Mugler event in the evening. We were very excited and proud that we were able to contribute to the success of the event and even attend the evening. It was a great collection and an unforgettable evening with lots of stylish guests.

“Thank you, my dear”
-“Thank you, my dear”, the words that I heard from my grandmother and are forever in my mind since.
It was early 2012 winter, it’s the wedding anniversary of my grandparents, 40 years together. I was very close with my grandparents, I grew up with them and my favourite thing to do was to look at the my grandmas old albums of our family.
One evening I caught my granny talking to her friend on the phone. She was a very garrulous person. I heard how she was telling her friend about her wedding anniversary was coming soon this year and saying how upset she was that she never had a wedding and never had a chance to wear a nice white wedding dress, it was very tough time and only very authoritative people could afford to do wedding.
So the idea came up to me straight away. I already had thousand of images in my mind of the dress for my granny. I didn’t even consider buying it from the store. I ran to my desk and started sketching all the ideas I had in my mind. But I thought that’s not enough, I wanted to make the dress very special, something that she will be comfortable with.
So I did it, i sketched a beautiful dress inspired by the 60’s and the style she was wearing almost on all the photos from her albums.
The dress was beautiful. Flutter lace sleeves with a high collar and cascading chiffon skirt. The drawings took me a little more than a week and when I showed it to her, she loved it, a big smile appeared on her face.
Of course I was too young and never had experience sewing anything and to start with a wedding dress was too extreme. But the urge to make my granny a dress was strong so we went to the closest tailor store and bought some materials that we needed. That day was when my grandma taught me how to sew. We managed to dress all the dolls I had at home with the clothes we designed and made together, we even ended up making a mini version of that wedding dress I sketched for her. After spending hours… days together I heard those words “thank you, my dear.”
And that’s where the love for fashion came to me.

My fashion memory is when we first opened our H&M Sandton doors in November 2015 🎊🎉🇿🇦. That was the highlight of my career, I felt like I was part of a fashion powerhouse and still do up to this day. The music, the people, the fashion, the culture, it was phenomenal. The store was buzzing with people excited to have to experience the beauty of our fashion at an affordable price. I felt like I was on top of the world. I was part of something that was never been done before in Africa, I remember our first collaboration was with Balmain.

We had the the opportunity to experience the biggest DJ in the world which is DJ Blackcoffee. Wearing my lanyard solidified that I am the chosen one to be a part of such an amazing fashion house. I am very much excited about the future and I am looking forward to the incredible season ahead. H&M is known for being innovative and inspiring, and so I cannot wait to witness the A/W 2024 world party coming to life. We are about to take the fashion world by storm.

I have never been on a plane before, this would be a great opportunity for me to fly out of my country for the first time to be with my fellow colleagues and experience this exclusive event as I journey towards my 10th year anniversary with the BIGGEST FASHION BRAND IN THE WORLD!!

Let’s goooooo!!!!!

A moment when fashion saved me. It wasn’t just about clothes, but about finding myself again after feeling long-lost.

In 2021, my mother passed away. Her death shattered me in ways I never expected. I retreated into myself; my clothes became a reflection of my grief—dark, muted.

One afternoon, I found myself scrolling my phone purposelessly. I saw an ad from H&M having clothing pieces filled with bright, eclectic clothing that felt so out of touch with the heaviness I was carrying. I would have kept scrolling, but something made me stop.

And then I saw it.

It was a blazer, a golden-black blazer with animal print & intricate embroidery down the sleeves. It was stunning, yet completely outside my comfort zone. It looked like something I would’ve never dared to wear. But that day, something shifted.
I just ordered it.

As it arrived next day, I put it on and looked at myself in mirror, for the first time in months, I felt a spark of something—life, maybe? The blazer fit perfectly. It wasn’t just about the style; it was the feeling it gave me. In that moment, I saw a glimpse of the person I used to be, one who had hope. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that maybe, just maybe, I wasn’t entirely lost.

I bought that blazer, not because I thought it would fix everything, but because it was the first thing that had made me feel anything in so long.

Fashion became more than self-expression for me—it became a way to reclaim my life. That blazer wasn’t just a piece of clothing; it was a symbol of hope. It reminded me, even when the world feels overwhelming, something as simple as a blazer can help you remember who you are!

One of my core fashion memories dates back to my initial college years. As an introvert who always preferred blending into the crowd, I had never felt confident enough to express myself. Growing up, I was captivated by watching my mother get ready. A little girl gleamingly looking at her sarees, suits, her makeup routine, it all fascinated me. Yet, I never felt confident in my own skin, particularly during teenage when I was insecure about my weight and acne.
The transition from an all-girls school to college was terrifying, without my school uniforms that helped me blend in and having boys around now, made me nervous. I spent sleepless nights worrying about getting judged and meeting new people.
Sensing my fear, mother came to me and said, “Komal this is your time to shine, you’ve always been the most intelligent and kind person, just let the world see it through your eyes”. Her words really struck a chord that day.
The night before, I carefully picked my outfit: an oversized 90’s sweater from mother’s wardrobe with black denims and sneakers.
As I walked into college, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The little girl inside me rejoiced, “YOU DID IT KOMAL!”. Wearing my mother’s sweater that day was a turning point for me. I learned that fashion could be a way to communicate who I was, even when the world judged me. That touch of mother’s love and style gave me the confidence to walk through the halls with my head held high, and reminded me how being true to myself was more important than blending in. It wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about the courage to embrace my individuality. That day, I learned that standing out isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace.

I’ve always loved fashion (that’s why I work at H&M!), but when I gained 40 kilos three years ago it became much more difficult. Finding clothes that are beautiful, comfortable and fit you at the same time seems an extremely difficult task – especially if you feel insecure. So I gave up and the only thing I started wearing was some oversize that would hide me.

Then something wonderful happened in my life – I got engaged! I was planning a party for the occasion, at which I wanted to look chic and bold, but even thinking about looking for an outfit turned my stomach.

In my department works a girl who is also plus size, and I am a huge fan of her unique outfits. It’s funny that in her I was able to see a fashion icon, while I didn’t give myself such a chance. I complained to her that I didn’t have anything to wear. Her response was instantaneous – she suggested that we go to the H&M store downstairs after work and look for something together.

She found a pink sequined dress for me that screams from a distance. I would never have taken it even to the fitting room, but I let myself be convinced. And then something clicked inside me. I felt beautiful, liberated and inspired to never hide behind clothes again. I still have the dress to this day and love to wear it, but in the meantime, it has been joined by many new interesting and bold pieces.

The girl who took me shopping is my best friend now and my biggest dream is to take her to London with me to say “thank you” for that little thing that made me fall in love with fashion again!

Fashion is a world of contrasts, where the personal meets the political. To me, fashion is more – it is a canvas upon which we paint our dreams, fears, and identities. It’s a powerful expression, a reflection of who we are and who we strive to be.

My most unforgettable fashion moment came when I first encountered the world of glam rock through the performances of David Bowie and Roxy Music. Watching documentary about these icons was like discovering a hidden realm where fashion transcended aesthetics and became a powerful declaration of identity. The sight of Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, with his flaming red hair and skin-tight Lycra bodysuits, was more than just a visual feast—it was a bold statement about the fluidity of gender and sexuality, a beacon for the LGBTQ community. It opened my eyes to the idea that fashion could be a tool for self-expression, rebellion, and the celebration of diversity. It wasn’t just about clothes; it was about challenging norms and embracing the beauty of difference.

My journey with fashion has led me to underground spaces where creativity thrives in its rawest forms. These places, often hidden from mainstream view, are where fashion becomes a tool for empowerment, a means to fight for beliefs and freedom. I’ve met extraordinary individuals—photographers, artists, designers, musicians—all using their unique styles to amplify their voices and inspire change. In these communities, fashion is not just about clothes, but about identity, resistance, and solidarity.

Fashion is a language that transcends barriers, a force that brings peace and love into our lives and communities. Fashion represents possibilities, a global statement that is proactive and spirited. It shapes the future, reminds us we are never alone, and celebrates who we are in all our extraordinary beauty. And above all, it’s BEAUTIFUL.

Fashion has always been a canvas for self-expression, but the moment that stands out most vividly in my memory occurred during the Tokyo Fashion Week. As a visual merchandiser with over a decade of experience, I have always admired the intersection of art, culture, and clothing. The vibrant streets of Tokyo were a revelation, where tradition melded seamlessly with avant-garde styles.
Walking through Harajuku, I was enveloped in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity. Each outfit told a story, each accessory a fragment of personality. I was particularly drawn to a small boutique showcasing contemporary interpretations of kimonos, blending ancient Japanese motifs with modern silhouettes. As I tried on a piece adorned with cherry blossoms and a contemporary cut, I felt a surge of empowerment. The fabric seemed to whisper strength and femininity, echoing the very essence of Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.
That moment transcended mere fashion; it was a celebration of identity. In a bustling city like Hong Kong, where the pace is frenetic and trends can be fleeting, this experience was a reminder of the timeless power of clothing. I left the boutique not just with a unique garment but with an invigorated sense of purpose. It inspired me to curate and create visual narratives that resonate with cultural significance and individuality in my work.
Fashion is not just about trends; it’s about channels of liberation. When I wear the outfits that reflect my love for Japanese culture, I am reminded of that transformative day in Tokyo, feeling vibrant and unapologetically myself. My journey as a visual merchandiser continues to be an homage to these beautiful memories.

I’ll never forget the first time I create my own custom band shirt. The “Yeah Yeah Yeahs” were my absolute favorite band, and their upcoming concert was all I could think about. I wanted to do something special, something that would set me apart from the thousands of other fans. So, I grabbed an old white tee, some fabric paint, and got to work.

Hours sketching out designs, experimenting with colors, and making sure every detail was perfect. Their logo was front and center, but I added my own twist, bold, vibrant strokes of paint that reflected how their music made me feel: alive, energized, unstoppable. By the time I was finished, the shirt felt like an extension of me, a true expression of my passion and creativity.

The night of the concert, I could hardly contain my excitement. As I entered the packed arena, the energy was electric. The lights dimmed, and the band burst onto the stage. I was just another face in the crowd, but I felt special, unique in my one-of-a-kind creation.

Then, something incredible happened. As they started playing one of their biggest hits, the lead singer’s eyes locked onto me. She smiled and pointed in my direction. My heart raced as she motioned for me to come up on stage. I couldn’t believe it. Security helped me over the barrier, and the next thing I knew, I was standing in front of thousands, the band playing around me.

The rush of excitement was indescribable. In that moment, I felt truly seen, not just by the band, but by everyone in the arena. My shirt, my creation, had set me apart. It was proof that fashion is more than just clothing—it’s a powerful way to express who you are and to connect with the world.

The Purple Blazer Dress

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, I was always captivated by fashion. One afternoon, while helping my mom clean her closet, I made a discovery that changed my understanding of style and authenticity.

As we sorted through old clothes, my mom handed me a garment bag with a knowing smile. Inside was a striking purple blazer dress—sharp, tailored, and unlike any wedding gown I’d imagined. “This was my wedding dress,” my mom said, her voice full of emotion.

I was stunned. A purple blazer dress? My mom laughed at my surprise and shared its story. The dress was designed by her best friend, Elizabeth, who passed away when I was a year old. Elizabeth, a talented designer, was deeply bonded with my mom. When my parents decided to marry, my mom wanted a dress that truly represented her, and Elizabeth understood this perfectly.

What made the story even more special was that my mom was pregnant with me as Elizabeth created the dress. She would talk to my mom’s belly, talking to me as she crafted every detail. “This dress is for your mom, but it’s also a piece of me for you,” she’d say. The dress was filled with Elizabeth’s love, creativity, and hope for my future.

Though I never met Elizabeth, I felt a deep connection to her through that dress. It became a symbol of authenticity and love, reminding me that fashion is about more than trends—it’s about expressing who we are and honoring those who care for us. When I became an Experience Designer for H&M in Sweden, that lesson of authenticity stayed with me, inspired by the purple blazer dress that spoke to my heart.

Growing up as a farmer in the Philippines, my journey to self-expression through fashion began unexpectedly while helping my sister with her small newsstand business. As I flipped through fashion magazines, I found inspiration in the vibrant styles and creative looks. Using blankets and curtains, I experimented with recreating these outfits, igniting a passion that would only grow.

Relocating to Abu Dhabi and traveling to Dubai further fueled my love for fashion. I was captivated by the elegant ensembles I saw in the streets and the stunning window displays in malls, which sparked daydreams of transformation. I want to try the dresses or dress ups but I can’t due to a very strict rules and culture on LGBT. However, it was my move to Canada that truly liberated me and my style. Working at H&M exposed me to affordable fashion, helping me shed the anxiety and trauma from being bullied as a child when I was still navigating my identity as a gay man in a secluded town.

The moment I slipped into my first dress, a colorful piece from the H&M Garden Collection, I felt like a new person, it was magical. Despite initial fears of judgment, I was met with compliments from managers, colleagues, and customers alike. This support not only boosted my confidence but also helped sell the remaining dresses on the rack.

As I advanced to Visual Manager, I dove deeper into current trends, using old department books and now commercial info to get inspiration to refine my style. Through fashion, I discovered my true self, ultimately winning best dressed in various company contests and events. This journey has allowed me to fulfill my dreams of traveling and connecting with inspiring, fashionable individuals, proving that fashion can indeed be a powerful form of self-advocacy and liberation.

When I was 12, my father was in the military. We moved a lot so I didn’t have friends. My previous school required uniforms. When I started my new school it was whatever you’d like. My mom took me shopping to get clothes and I got so excited. I could finally express myself! I could fit in with the other kids. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way. The kids at this school wore all the name brand clothes. My parents couldn’t afford much but they got me what they could. I remember watching Selena and her beautiful purple outfit in the movie. My mom saw how much I loved it and took out her sewing machine and made me the same one. I fell in love with it. It was that day I asked my mom to teach me to sew. From that day on anytime I saw something beautiful I decided to make it. I learned how to make my own designs and fiddled with fashion and making clothes. My mom inspired me, she showed me you don’t need money to love fashion. You just need a drive, a passion, a bit of creativity, and a love for the unknown.