DESIGN

Simonetta Lein × Top 100 Fashion Influencer 

Styled by Ninorta Malke

Pictures by Byron Purnell of BCProductions215

Hair Style by Ale Lucchetta

Make-up by Cat In The Wonderland

Outfits provided by Dreams On Air – New York

Leather jacket and skirt by Malika Rajani, Shoes by Femmes Sans Peur, Sunglasses by Parasite Eyewear

Top by Saku, Metallic Skirt by Gwen Salakaia, Sunglasses by Yohji Yamamoto, Shoes by Femmes Sans Peur

Top by Michelle Nicole, Metallic Jacket by Byron Lars, Skirt by Liana Camba, Shoes by Femmes Sans Peur, Sunglasses by Yohji Yamamoto

(Featured Image – Gown by Jacqueline Then) 

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Q × A

How do you feel to be considered a fashion icon?

• The reality is that I conquered every single thing by hard work. There is no better feeling than being recognized, seen, and heard. It means that my message is getting out there louder and louder. Fashion to me is a way to wrap your soul. I love that women and men can look at me to be inspired by who I am, inside and out. I believe this is what makes you a fashion icon.

When you were younger, was there a pivitol moment where you knew fashion would be your life calling? 

• When I was 16 and was told that I had the body of a model I remember having butterflies in my stomach. I looked at myself in the mirror and said: “One day you will be a top model”. That was my childhood dream. A pure dream that simply means to strive to be the best of the best. Being recognized today as such gives me the strength to keep on working. The beautiful part is that I get inspired everyday by my mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, knowing for a fact that there is no limit to going beyond yourself. I am looking forward to see myself in 5 years. The “no” are there, many times they are stronger than the yes. When they hit me however I know I need to surpass them. 

Lastly, who or what influences your current style now? And who are your current favorite brands?

• Instagram is my beyond imagination source of inspiration. We dictate trends. Things that we wore months before make it onto the catwalks the following season. This happens all the time with many amazing influencers. Brands are watching us now to pick up inspiration: this is the concrete signal that social media has changed an industry. I am an Italian soul and body, I adore Gucci and Fendi. I take joy in discovering new international brands and selecting the best out of them such as Malika Rajani, Femme Sans Peur, Michelle Nicole. A big shout out to stylist Ninorta Malke for making me discover Dreams On Air, a New York City showroom with amazing innovative labels. As a fashion Influencer discovering the new, seeing their vision, mission, and love gives me so much motivation. Keep on being YOU.