Hey, I Like Your Style! How model Bernad Ngendakumana constructs a look
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Aaron Waters
AS TOLD TO DAISY HENRY
“The more I experimented, the closer I felt to understanding my style.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years) and our series Hey, I Like Your Style! dives into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves, and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. This week, we’re taking a look inside the wardrobe of model and all-around creative, Bernad Ngendakumana.
We first noticed Bernad’s eye-catching style at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival earlier this year. His attention to detail and unique ability to construct a look attracted the attention of various street-style photographers, unsurprisingly.
Bernad grew up in country Victoria, where he says the pressure to conform meant limited opportunities to experiment with fashion. But, he says, this was also an essential step in developing his personal style. “The boxes I had to tick, and trends I conformed to, allowed me to quickly identify whether or not I wanted to keep presenting in such ways,” he says.
When glimpsing into his current wardrobe, you’ll find oversized blazers, unique thrifted pieces, his favourite Maison Margiela tabi boots and a range of accessories high on rotation. However, Bernad’s certain that it’s confidence, above all else, that leads to good style. “You have to like and appreciate what you choose to put on, and let that be the only source of validation needed. Any compliments that come from it are just a bonus.”
View this post on Instagram
Fashion Journal: Hey Bernad! Tell me about yourself and what you like to wear.
Bernad: I’m Bernad Ngendakumana. I’m an explosion of creativity ranging from modelling, content creation, art, poetry and photography. I use fashion as a language and I like to wear an array of different styles and allow them to speak for themselves.
What has your style evolution looked like?
My style evolution was most definitely a journey! I think it also represented an evolution of my self-understanding. I became more confident in the person I was and the person I wanted to become, which led to a freer-flowing state of self-expression.
This allowed me to confidently experiment with the pieces I’d wear and the different styles I’d try on. The more I experimented, the closer I felt to understanding my style. I allowed the world and my surroundings to be my source of inspiration, and in turn, flourished. I can’t lie, I did overdo it a lot of the time but it was all in the name of style discovery.
I put confidence above all else – it speaks through your clothes. fYou have to like and appreciate what you choose to put on, and let that be the only source of validation needed. Any compliments that come from it are just a bonus. When you are truly confident in what you’re wearing, no one will question you because you’re not questioning yourself. Sell your confidence to the point where people have no option but to accept it as you.
View this post on Instagram
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
I have my Maison Margiela Tabi boots on repeat! Alongside a nice-fitting or oversized blazer. These pieces allow me to seamlessly put together everyday outfits and look clean and composed with not much thought.
Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
We’ve all been compelled to feel like we must belong and fit in, and fashion is no different. As much as I’ve followed trends and conformed to certain fashion norms, I now see it as a necessary aspect. The boxes I had to tick and trends I conformed to allowed me to quickly identify whether or not I wanted to keep presenting in such ways.
It unintentionally sped up my fashion journey and style discovery, as I was presented with a multitude of different styles and could freely trial what works with me. I’d say don’t be afraid to tick a box, just don’t let the box define you.
View this post on Instagram
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
I was definitely a victim to trends in my teen years! Looking back, not every trend was a hit or really meant for me. Growing up in country Victoria, the norm is to simply conform. I didn’t receive strong enough outside influences to allow my style to vary too much.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
My clothes would be the least expensive – I’m a thrift fanatic and always have been. I enjoy finding a piece that many may not find or even gravitate towards. Thrifting has meant I’m not limited or shut off from the world of experimenting with fashion.
My most expensive piece in my wardrobe is my body. I see my body as an extension of my wardrobe, as it plays a big role in how I want to present that day. Like a fashion journey, my body also went through evolution and self-discovery.
View this post on Instagram
Who or what influences your style?
I’d like to think I’m influenced by everyone and everything. I try not to limit where my inspirations come from, which allows for greater possibilities for creativity. My greatest stream of influence comes from fashion, music, film and the art that surrounds us.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
Nothing in particular at the moment. I’ve been in a very content state of mind when it comes to my wardrobe. It has been intentionally curated and happens to meet all current needs.
View this post on Instagram
Who are your favourite local designers?
The graduate designers are always a standout for me, as they truly go to embody the art of fashion and self-expression. Some notable favourites are Zachary Zhang, Samuel de Raadt and Joanna Youn.
Keep up with Bernad here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
