In a fashion era that’s individualistic and yet social media–driven, we have women like Aleali May to thank for providing our blueprint. The California native blends her love for style and for her home state in every interaction, project and outfit, never forgetting what made her who she is today. She’s gone from being a girl in Los Angeles who snuck into fashion events to designing with the Jordan brand, becoming a Barbie doll and accepting invitations to the front rows of legacy fashion shows—living her motto of “There’s always a side door for someone to let you in.” We met with May to discuss cultivating a personal style, her latest venture with lab-grown diamond brand GRWN and the importance of advocating for yourself in all the rooms you enter.
ESSENCE: What was your first job, and what skills did you learn there that have guided you throughout your career?
Aleali May: I started working at PacSun, to understand culture and commerce and how the two are related. I was putting myself in the type of place where I see myself—and discovering how they were supporting a lot of the up-and-coming brands and what we know streetwear is today. A lot of what I learned coming into streetwear were motifs that represented the kids we were.
ESSENCE: What would you say was the defining moment that catapulted you into the fashion world?
May: You know, I don’t think I catapulted. It’s definitely baby steps—and a journey where you know you want longevity, so each step has just been so different for me. However, in streetwear specifically, what I feel “catapulted” my career was coming out with my first Air Jordan, which was in 2017. That really put a stamp on my journey, because that was actually the first design I offered to the world. I was reaching new heights but also finding community. A lot of the shows that I started going to were through my community—and that was from me starting at RSVP Gallery in 2011, while I was living in Chicago and going to school for marketing.
ESSENCE: When working collaboratively with massive brands or legacy labels, how do you maintain boundaries in regard to your creations?
May: One key point is: Energy doesn’t lie. It’s all about aligning yourself with people who understand the vision and who are open to hearing your take on things. A lot of times you will have to remind people of how you see the work. I use the facts as bases to support what my initial thoughts are and how we should move. Move with intention, but also have a game plan. I always want people to just have a great time when we’re working together, because this is a very big moment.
ESSENCE: What is the key to cultivating your own personal style?
May: Clothing for me is really an expression. It’s all about How do I feel today? Where am I going? The goal is, honor your feelings and dress that up because it’s all about what you feel confident in. Trends will come and go, and they will come back around as well. As long as you’ve got the confidence, you can make anything work.
ESSENCE: You’ve recently been appointed Creative Director of the lab-grown diamond brand GRWN. How did this partnership come about, and what are the benefits of buying lab diamonds?
May: When you’re putting a look together, the big thing is accessories. I’ve always been attracted to accessories because they’re so sentimental. GRWN really appealed to me because, being from a younger generation, we understand that lab diamonds are more sustainable. For millennials specifically, we want to be able to invest when we bring celebratory events to life, and more of us are making the choice of buying a lab-grown diamond instead of a mine diamond. This brand represents the newer consumers who are actually thinking intentionally about the products that they buy. How we do this consciously and effectively and sustainably, and how we are also able to have fun and tell our stories through items that we wear, is a really important aspect of GRWN’s lab-grown diamond brand.
ESSENCE: What advice would you give to young women trying to break into the fashion industry?
May: I love the idea of trying things underneath the fashion umbrella—and so with that, I started with styling, then did some modeling and then that moved into design. I’ve always wanted to be a designer, but I didn’t know anybody in the space. In trying to find ways to break through, I really had to find different jobs, but on the same spectrum of fashion. Sometimes there may not be a clear door, but somebody might come out from the side door and let you in. It’s really about just putting yourself in these places, and in these environments with other creative people, for ideas to spark
CREDITS
Photographed by Kevin Amato
Styled by Michy Foster
Hair: Essence Jourdan at Harp Media and Creatives
Makeup: Nimai Marsden using Skinglass Beauty
Nails: Coca Michelle
Set Design: Jack Taylor Jr.
Lighting Director: Jade Mainade
Lighting Assistant: Saúl Barrera
Digitech: DJ Dohar
Stylist Assistant: Jadah Cunningham
Nail Assistant: Akemi Santiago
Production by The Morrison Group
Production Managers: Alaura Wong & Gabriel Bruce
Post Production: Sara Mantich
Shot at Amato Studio