Amanda Moore-Karim: Stylist and Interdisciplinary Artist
#CreativeToWatch
Amanda Moore-Karim is a stylist and interdisciplinary artist based in NY.
What do you do?
I’d like to consider myself an interdisciplinary artist - I’m a wardrobe stylist who dabbles in art direction and creative writing. I self-proclaimed myself whimsical storyteller
How did you get into styling and/or know it was the career path for you?
Actually, when I first got to New York circa Spring 2015, I wanted to be a fashion buyer! I worked with a lot of temp agencies like 24Seven and fourthFLOOR fashion talent and they would find me short-term contracts in the world of fashion buying, merchandising and wholesale. Back then, I really wanted to find something full-time so I was interviewing on my own in the meantime. I remember I had an interview experience where they were so excited to meet the “Amanda Moore” they interviewed over the phone. However, when I got there, the energy had seemed to completely shift.
Obviously I didn’t get the position and remember confiding to a friend about it. As we were trying to figure out what could have been the reason I didn’t get selected, she had asked me “how did I wear my hair?” I was infuriated by the question mainly because it shouldn’t have mattered but also I knew that could’ve been the reason.
That experience actually led me to art direction - I wanted to develop a concept revolving around the business acumen of Black women and their different hairstyles. Next thing I knew, my love for product (re: fashion buying) and passion for developing concepts (re: art direction) led me to wardrobe styling by early 2017!
What inspires you?
Experiencing life as a Black woman is my main inspo. Empirical study leads to self-reflection which leads to art interpretation. Other inspiration includes color theory, shapes, botany, Black feminist books, and tarot.
Favorite project you’ve worked on? // Any personal work you'd like to chat about/share?
Luxy Haus has been my art child since I began my journey in wardrobe styling. It’s a self-published quarterly magazine I developed circa 2017. Every issue became stronger than the last and I’m grateful to grow alongside it. :)
Currently, the fashion content for my upcoming book who will protect me is my favorite project I’ve worked on to date; it’ll be the first coffee table book launched under Luxy Haus. I decided to document my healing journey through the chakra system and create a wellness book for Black women interested in self-recovery. It was a very cathartic moment to complete the series and I’m so excited to share it with the world!
Favorite form of self care?
To me, self-care is about cultivating a lifestyle of softness. So here’s a list of things that make me feel soft:
Yoga, meditative journaling, braiding my hair, reading, masturbation , dancing, plantcare, visits to the park and the beach, long walks, hydration, Blue Lotus tea, Kava Kava supplements, creative writing, mindful breathing and spontaneous girls’ nights
What’s some creative advice you live by?
To remember that God is always here to support my dreams. So, “feel the fear and do it anyway.”
What’s on your fall playlist?
Dead End Road x Alicia Keys, Benjamin Clementine, KOKOROKO, James Blake, Songs of Kemet, Doechii, Big Boss Vette, RENAISSANCE x BEYONCE!!
What's in your fall wardrobe?
I actually have more shoes than outfits (literally embarrassing). My favorite fall boots and loafers in my wardrobe right now include the brands Intentionally Blank, Jeffrey Campbell, Sam Edelman, Steve Madden and Maison Margiela x Reebok.
What are your favorite creative outlets outside of fashion?
I like writing poetry and creative prose; painting different fashion essentials on canvas; contemporary/modern dance classes and propagating tropical plants! (I really love plants).
An artist or creative that is really inspiring you right now?
Honestly, all of my girlfriends have been extremely inspiring. Everyone in my circle shows a sense of persistence, resilience and valor in their respective industries; they’re all setting their intentions and filling the form as they surrender to the will of God. And it’s just so heartwarming to see blessings steadily fall in their lap. So, is Black women a proper response?
