I wouldn’t describe myself as a rebel, I wish I could claim that title! (Laughs) I think I just stick to my guns and have strong opinions that reflect in my work and my brand’s aesthetic and ethos. With Fortie Label I’m always exploring different parts of black culture and different ideologies within femininity that constantly interest me.

I’m inspired by strong women of all kinds: mothers/single mothers, CEOs, bosses; just badass females that know what they’re about, own their shit and don’t let society’s norms of what it means to be a woman or ‘normal’ ideals of femininity run their life. My mother inspires me even though we’re polar opposites and most likely wouldn't wear my rather ‘daring’ pieces. However, she took on the role of mother and father in my life and is constantly evolving in her career and her story despite her age, race or gender. She’s much like me in that way.
The first ever collection was inspired by the Forty Elephants, who were a gang of strong badass females in the 19th century who would rob, steal, punch the opposition with diamond ring clustered fists, stuffed stolen fur jackets under their petticoats and reeked havoc on the streets of London whilst playing to their advantage between masculine and feminine roles. This for me is the perfect example of wild, slightly unhinged, complex yet fierce and fabulous woman.

I look up to many women that I grew up admiring such as, of course, those in my family, as well as my talented close friends like Rachel Foxx and Mowalola Ogulensi. I’m drawn to the female icons from my life such as Marie Antoinette, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj, Fran Drescher and Maxine Waters.

With this shoot I really just wanted to play on instinct. The model is one of my closest friends, confidants and muses, Ambre Halewood. So it was easy to get a certain mood and vibe from her without having to direct too much. I always like to play with masculinity and femininity contrasting and juxtaposing gender norms as well as exploring sexuality in my work. To me, Ambre is the perfect Fortie woman because she represents that modern day tomboy who represents my idea of beautiful, all woman. The set and vibe was kind of wild and rugged but the clothes are pretty – yet tough – so it all gelled together quite nicely.

To be honest, my friend Liam Aldous, who works for Monocle, suggested us to use this park. I don’t know much about it but I heard the revolutionary female mayor of Madrid was making it a point to revitalise the parks and social activities in Spain, so it made sense to us collectively.

I wanted to portray the duality of women and how there are so many sides that need to be explored and expressed. I wanted Ambre to wear the wig on and off in order to show that feminine versus tomboy look, and how it’s all one expression.

Truthfully, the shoot was very impulsive so we didn’t think makeup was a necessity. Plus we wanted Ambre to relate to the nature surrounding her in an authentic way. Her face is so pure, anyway. She is the embodiment of the Fortie women.

That’s up to the photographer. I don’t mind as long as it’s true to the concept or the theme.

I think a bold cut such as Ambre’s definitely changes a woman’s attitude, vibe and confidence as well as the way society views her. I have never shaved my hair, as black hair is so strong.

I think the industry is changing for the better but there’s, like all things, still so much work to be done – as most things with race and culture today. I see some of my friends such as Campbell Addy, a fellow person of colour in the fashion industry, who has set up his own modelling agency called Nii Agency, which is representing all kinds of beautiful women and men of colour challenging diversity. Or my friend Rhea Dillon, who casts many great shows with diverse models in her selections.
However, powerful black models such as Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and Leomie Anderson make a point to highlight the fact that there are still so many issues in the fashion industry regarding black women. Therefore, there are clearly strides that need to be taken.

Femininity to me means balance. The ability to be both. Women in society take on so many roles and I think the ability to be all things to all people is feminine, that’s sexy, and most of all powerful. I don’t think you have to wear floaty skirts and pretty dresses to be feminine anymore. I think the tomboy of today is famine, you can rock a tuxedo jacket with sky-high heels, or you can one day do masculine one day do feminine and still remain feminine.

The brand is very much about innovative pattern cutting mixed with more mundane streetwear silhouettes. It’s all about the juxtaposition, I love to explore themes that clash and create a somewhat harmonious outcome, so we shall see. Stay tuned.

I want to do menswear, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to explore. I have a lot of male friends that ask me to do a man line, so next season I’m definitely looking into it.

Just working on a new line and on some collaborative projects as well as a fashion film that I hope to release early next year.