In Conversation With: Kim Hyacinthe

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a freshly retired track and field athlete. I’d like to say that I am a multifaceted person, with interests in the art world. I like fashion, photography, creating things with my hands, or in my head. I’m very expressive - if we’re in a serious situation and want to laugh, do not make eye contact with me.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as comfort / casual chic with a dash of sporty. I prioritize comfort at all times, even when going to more chic events. I do like a statement piece here and there to add some razzle dazzle to an outfit. I tend to stay away from vibrant colours as I always go for black or earth tone colours.

What is your earliest memory surrounding clothing?

I remember my mother making clothes from patterns for me when I was younger. Getting pinned by needles while she was trying to take in my clothes or get proper measurements. I also remember walking at her first fashion show, wearing a piece from her first collection. I believe it was the collection she presented at the end of her college degree. I must’ve been around 5 or 6 years old at the time.

Has your style evolved as you have?

I would say my style has evolved to be more minimalist. I don’t own a lot of clothing and I tend to buy items that I know I will wear over the years.  I used to shop a lot at fast-fashion stores and get clothing with patterns or images that would be ‘out of fashion’ the next year. I also now tend to stay away from colours, which I didn’t use to do in my 20s. I would say that I use to stay away from unisex and menswear as I have short hair, even though those are the silhouettes I like the most. Now I just go for them and wear whatever I feel comfortable in.

QUESTIONS ON PIECES:

How do these pieces make you feel?

The one-piece made me feel quite edgy, a little bit out of the box. I often look at pieces like this and think they are so well made and beautiful, but for some reason think I wouldn’t be able to pull them off. I’m not sure why, but maybe it’s something I need to work on. The two other outfits also make me feel a bit more comfortable. The grey one has a silhouette that I am more used to in general. I usually stay away from matching sets, unless it’s full black, so I’m feeling a bit different, special. Seeing them on me kind of remind me that I can do and wear whatever I want and not really care what others might think.

What do you like most about them?

I like the quality of the fabrics the most. The fabrics are buttery soft and feel great on my skin. They are giving a sense of comfort and as I mentioned earlier, I love to be comfortable.

QUESTIONS ON CREATIVE EXPRESSION:

How do you feel most comfortable expressing yourself?

I am slowly starting to let myself just be, in terms of the way I want to dress and even with makeup. I’ve taken up more on the public speaking side and it’s been revealing in the self-expression sphere. In general I keep to myself or blab to friends.

How do you want to be seen?

I would like to be seen as a cool, chill and stylish. Someone with a little bit of sense of style and who is versatile.

You make leather pieces, what do you enjoy most about creating?

I love the idea of creating things with my hands, and then using them everyday. I definitely take pride in saying “Oh, this belt? Yeah, I made it myself!” I also feel it takes me away from screens and just feeling like I have some type of manual skill.

What is your favourite material to wear?

It’s going to be boring but I would say cotton. The soft kind!

Do you have any style inspirations? people, places, moments?

I don’t really have any specific style inspiration per se, but I like to look at how my friends dress and take bits and pieces of their style or their favourite outfits. Most of them inspire me to just wear what I want, whenever I want. I’m also quite enjoying what’s happening with pre-game in the professional sports world and seeing more athletes in fashion magazines!

Last thing, what impression do you hope to leave with people?

I hope to leave a light, fun and comfortable impression. To be someone who you’d want to reach out to for anything, mostly for shenanigans and grand plans.