I spotted best friends Sumer and Dilyana changing directions as they crossed a downtown street. Sumer’s multiple colors and Dilyana’s layers of denim were noticeably styled with international influence. Clearly they were tourists unsure of where to go.
They were not tourists, but, in fact, fellow Memphians. With little surprise, though, and to their credit, Sumer turned out to be in the modeling and model management business, and Dilyana a designer who creates impeccable dresses, shoes, and handbags.
Sumer and Dilyana both moved here from exotic places, Egypt and Bulgaria, respectively, but Memphis was the city that introduced them to each other and cultivated their friendship. Below I ask them more about this friendship and their style.
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DILYANA
Occupation and other Ventures:
I have a small business for chocolate truffles (which I make myself). Other projects involve outfit-styling and photography.
Your Style:
My overall style is influenced by details from the current European trends. I prefer comfort, with an emphasis on accents of femininity and individuality.
Style Advice:
It’s not important that your outfit follows the latest fashion trend or how much it costs. What matters is how you wear it. It’s always refreshing to see a dose of individuality and boldness.
Favorite Local Shops:
I don’t have local favorites. Usually I visit fabric stores because I make my own clothes.
How do you influence each other’s style?
Sumer’s style always impresses me. Her color decisions are inspiring. She has a strong sense for matching garments, thus making her appearance standout and dynamic.
SUMER
Occupation and other Ventures:
My occupation is a full-time mom to an amazing 4-year-old boy, part-time model, and an agency director at MTM (model and talent management) agency. I also do a lot of public, marketing events with the company. You can see me at the Southern Women’s Show and Noir fashion this weekend.
Your Style:
I define my style as fun, unique, detailed, and timeless.
Favorite Local Shops:
My favorite shopping places are Anthropologie, Langford Market, and few online stores 🙂
Style Advice:
I’ll have to agree with Dilyana. You don’t have to be on top of the trends to be stylish. I love mixing and matching — old cuts with modern trends, classic pieces with trendy ones. You don’t have to spend a lot of money either. You can renew your closet by adding few new pieces and mix them in with the older ones for a unique outfit. I also don’t follow the trends regularly. I stress that the key to a unique style is wearing what feels right to you, stay true to your own individuality! Â
How do you influence each other’s style?
Dilyana’s style always inspires me. I’m most impressed by her clothes’ structures and the silhouettes that she uses. It flatters her very well!
She inspires me in so many ways, some of it she knows, and most of it she doesn’t know! I know I can come to her for any type of advice. She is very easy to talk to and is a very strong woman. She is very knowledgeable on so many topics, mainly wholesome living, and leading a healthy “stylish” life, inside and out. I’m proud and pleased to say that I have a friend for life in her.
Outfit Details
On Dilyana – Clothing, all from her native Bulgaria. Shoes, French’s Shoes & Boots in Nashville.
On Sumer – Dress, Rachel Roe. Cardigan, Gap Outlet. Flats, Langford Market. Necklace, Windsor.
www.comfittruffles.com and www.folder-d.com
Tickets to Noir Fashion Show, March 9, 2014
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/noir-ii-fashion-show-soiree-2014-tickets-10651094711
