New month, new Celmatique Style feature! Meet Amsterdam based fashion enthusiast Meau | @stylemeautivation
Hi Meau! First things first: what’s your full name and age?
Hey Boo! My full name is Mohammed Dahman and I am 24 years young.
Where are you from and what are your roots?
I am born and raised in Amsterdam but I am a Moroccan QUEEN!
From what we’ve seen you’ve been in the game for quite a while!
Can you tell us a bit more about your Instagram and how it all got set into motion?
I have been on Instagram for awhile but I have been serious about my Instagram for just 2 years now. I got into Instagram because of a good friend of mine that I got to help with shoots back in the day. Back then there weren’t any male bloggers, especially in Amsterdam. That’s kind of how it set into motion!
Have you studied and if so, is it related to what you’re doing now? Why or why not?
I finished my studies but it has nothing to do with what I am doing right now. haha! I finished my major in Interior Design.
We saw that you’ve been featured in the latest Dutch Glamour, how do you feel about this?
Well, I am happy that a huge platform like Glamour was willing to let me tell my story and show people and tell people why I am doing this. So the opportunity is much appreciated!
How do you feel about diversity in the creative industry? How does this interfere with your work?
I am still noticing that a lot of brands play it safe and don’t do a lot when it comes to diversity. If so, it is very small. I live in a country where diversity is important offline and a lot of people think about it, but like I said: it is harder online if bigger platforms like brands and magazines do not participate.
You call yourself a gender-bender, can you tell us more about this?
I like to bend the norm of men wearing menswear and women wearing womenswear. Like come on, it’s freaking 2019. We can be and wear whatever we want. So I try to show people that I mostly also wear womenswear.
What sparked your interest in fashion?
Short but strong. The movie CLUELESS.
What’s your opinion on today’s global fashion industry?
I actually hate fast fashion. I am very much into designer but I try to keep it at the vintage designer items. I try to find my pieces in vintage stores as well instead of big fashion flagship stores.
What does style mean to you?
It may sound cheesy but it means to me that you are able to show your creativity and your personality. For example, Celeste: you are a good example. You’re style matches your personality: cute, colorful, crazy and bubbly!
How would you describe your style?
THE CATEGORY IS: CHAMELEON.
How long does it usually take for you to get ready?
30 minutes!
‘The first thing I do when I wake up is …’:
Unfortunately, check Instagram.
What’s the most expensive piece of clothing you have ever bought?
My Calvin Klein boots (€895,-)
What’s that one item you most regret buying? Lol!
Oh hmm.. I think I’ll say, rings that were supposed to be real silver. DAMN YOU ALIEXPRESS!
Okay, so tell us: how do you experience working as a male style inspirator in the fashion industry? Do you find it competitive?
I never find something competitive because I never look at what other people do tbh… I like it actually, especially if it’s my concept I get to show something new!
But what do you love most about your job?
Being able to CREATE!
Is there anything you would’ve done differently looking back?
Yes. I would be way more active in the past as Instagram is trying to hold a lot back with algorithms.
Any advice for other men who’d like to build their Instagram/platform?
Be yourself, don’t show off, don’t follow trends.
Who or what is your source of inspiration in fashion? Why?
Pinterest, you can find anything on there. Type in: cat eating pickle. I swear you’ll find it.
Which fashion era inspires you the most? Why?
I hop from era to era every once in a while but for now I actually keep watching how Hollywood looked like in the 1950’s. That era inspires me the most.
If you describe your lifestyle in three words, which would that be and why?
Original, selfmade, chameleon.
What is your most valued accomplishment so far?
Getting to know myself more because of my Instagram. Also the limits I keep pushing to find myself.
Last but not least, why do you think you’ve been approached for the Celmatique Style Feature?
I think Celeste picks out people that stand out because of their personality and personal style.