A jack of all trades and a master of them all, Aleali May is the fashion powerhouse that the industry simply cannot ignore. An auteor of sorts, there are few designers who’s approach to fashion comes across quite as cinematic, all encompassing, and  most importantly, as all-inclusive. 

The 29-year old fashion designer, model and stylist is the archetypical product of what was around her during her younger years, being heavily influenced by the melting pot of strong Black women that ran popular culture in the 1990s. Whether that be Aaliyah, Lil’ Kim’, Foxy Brown or Mary J. Blige, the importance of visibility has never been more apparent than here. 

Refusing to take no for an answer, May is the heir to the throne as she steps out as the next leading creative in a long line of women who came before her… and she’s not slowing down. 

Epitomising the notion that ‘good things come to those who wait, but only what’s left from those who hustle’, the LA-born and bread ‘it’ girl sits down with PAUSE to talk influences, her journey so far, women in the sneaker industry, and everything in-between.