The Cherry Blossom Girl is the ultimate fantasy woman; wild and captivating with mystique to spare. As an ode to our collection, Hayley Menzies is delving into the minds of its own dream girls - starting Sunday Times bestselling author, broadcaster, and Elle Contributing Editor, Emma Dabiri.
Hailing from Irish-Nigerian heritage, Emma is a true eclectic in every sense and an advocate for the beauty to be found in the myriad cultures that make up our world. We sat down with Emma to chat through her latest literary endeavours, the cultures that have impacted her, and the real world Cherry Blossom Girls behind the wardrobes she dreams about.
I love Lisa Bonet's look and vibe so much. She’s such a timeless beauty, and her boho sort of rock n roll energy is just very cool.
While our culture places too much emphasis on appearance, the way we look is nonetheless one aspect of us. It’s about finding the balance and to me clothing and adornment is a wonderful part of expression + creating atmosphere.
WHO OWNS YOUR DREAM WARDROBE?
I love Damsel Elysium style + Polina Osipova, Leith Clarke EIC of Violet Book, Daisy Hoppen of DH-PR and Susie Cave, they all have an ethereal, dream like quality to their style, which feels infused with magic.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PIECE FROM THE CHERRY BLOSSOM GIRL COLLECTION?
So hard! I’ve been wearing Alpaca bobble spilt long jumper this weekend at a festival and it’s so a unique + prefect garment for a U.K. festival. It’s really special and versatile and I feel like a gazillion ways to style it. I also adore the frill cardigan and wide length trousers as well and the Moonshine is pure magic.
FROM YOUR EXPERIENCES TRAVELLING AND ENGAGING WITH DIVERSE CULTURES, HOW HAVE THESE INFLUENCED YOUR OWN SENSE OF STYLE?
My sense of style is quite electric. I lived in Japan for a few years and love so much Japanese fashion + design. I’m a bit of a magpie. I love Moroccan jewellery, I bought some stunning pieces in Essaouira last time I was there, in fact I need to go back. I think you can really express your identity through jewellery. My Nigerian grandparents bought me a lot of jewellery when I was little and I love jewellery that signifies my Irishness too I wore a big sovereign for years, which is like a very Dublin thing and I love Claddagh rings too.
HERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE YOU'VE TRAVELLED TO?
I’m obsessed with the West of Ireland and the Caribbean too. In certain ways they are not dissimilar.
Hmmm it’s not always easy but I practice transcendental mediation, do hot pod yoga + dip in the sea ! Those are life changing practices.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |