Today we’d like to introduce you to Atali Callaway.
Hi Atali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I honestly was a kid about 9 years old. My grandmother was heavy into fashion and accessories. She always had just a bunch of shoes, hats, jewelry, clothing. We use to spend literally hours in the stores. It got to the point where I would just grab my own cart and wander off and do my own thing. Throwing pieces and Ideas together. When that came about I just started sketching, designing my own looks on paper. Then I began doing crochet. My dad had a neighbor who was an elderly woman, she taught me how to crochet. I just started dipping my hands in everything crafty including painting, pottery whatever. I started to get older, and would just wear what I wanted to wear bleaching, cutting, and dying my clothes over time. At that point 16 I asked my mom for a sewing machine for Christmas. It was pink, and beginner friendly and so was I. From the point to where I made my first little cut out square pencil skirt, I was designing clothing since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh absolutely not. I believe that for me I would have a hard time fully believing in myself and my work. More so over thinking and second guessing. Creative blockage is a real thing. When I would get this, I would feel over whelmed, and unmotivated. I over come this feeling by stepping back and re-centering myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a fashion designer. I specialize more so in women’s apparel. I do enjoy creating men’s apparel as well. Mainly in the fall and winter season. I feel like I can express my creativity that way with layering and detail. I feel like I am most known for my jackets, and jumpsuits I make. Those have always been a specialty of mine, I am most proud of my mind and allowing my self to think of side of the boxes authentically. What ever I feel looks good to me I go for and create. What sets me apart is just being myself flat out. I have always did what I wanted to do. There is no duplicating with me. What ever I make is straight from the source. Now I do get inspired. I mean we all do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I feel like my industry is constantly in rotation. Trends are always repeating. Everything comes and it goes. It’s just all about how will these trends be set authentically, and how can they be seen and exposed in a different light. With in the next 5-10 years I think fast fashion will play out and go out of style within its time frame. Actually it currently already is. I see more originality now again. Therefore with in the next 15 years lol. Fashion Nova done had its run!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ilata.shop/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilataatali/?hl=en
Image Credits
Image 1: Cyclops Jackets (Unisex)
Image 2: Ilata Lou Jacket
Image 3: INTO N’D Jacket
Image 4: Nya Lee Videoshoot “PONY”
Image 5: Kari & Kristi in One of One Vest X Blue Flame Pants
Image 6: Fire Jacket X Corduroy Capri’s
Image 7: Lola in Ilata Glam suit top X Blue Flame Pants
Image 8: E. Grams in Muse Top X Blue Flame Pants
