Hey, I Like Your Style! Model Kiki Begashaw on pageant dressing and romanticising life
image via @kikisinterlude_/instagram
AS TOLD TO LILY MCVEGH
“I also see dressing well as a way of honouring each day.”
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.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. 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 Melbourne-based model, writer and digital creator, Kiki Begashaw.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
For Kiki, personal style is how she communicates with the world. Her wardrobe cites a range of references, alternating between oversized streetwear, classic tailoring and matching activewear sets. “Fashion gives me the freedom to explore every side of myself,” she says.
When competing as a Miss Universe Australia State finalist, Kiki finds herself gravitating towards formalwear and cocktail dresses. But when attending classes as a criminology and global studies student, she oscillates between feminine and masculine styles. “One day I might wear a fitted dress, the next… I might have cornrows in, baggy jorts and a hoodie.”
Having recently relocated from Perth to Melbourne, Kiki draws inspiration from the city’s diverse creative scene, while continuing to build a wardrobe that feels authentic to her. “[Getting dressed] is my way of romanticising life and celebrating everyday moments,” she shares. Below, Kiki steps us through her most cherished wardrobe pieces and where her sense of style comes from.
View this post on Instagram
Fashion Journal: Hi Kiki! Tell me about yourself and what you like to wear.
Kiki: I’m a model, content creator, writer, and criminology and global security student. My style has always reflected who I am as a person. When I was younger, I was very shy and reserved, so fashion became a way for me to communicate who I was before I even spoke. What I wear has always been closely tied to my identity and self-expression.
Personal style is a journey. How has yours evolved over the years?
When I was younger, I followed trends much more closely. My style evolved with each era, whether it was the Thrasher and camo pants phase or the ripped jeans and bandeau top era. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become far more intentional about what I wear. My style has evolved alongside my faith and personal values. I now gravitate towards pieces that make me feel confident and comfortable while still expressing my personality.
My wardrobe has become much more diverse, and I love choosing pieces that feel like an extension of myself. I’m also more intentional about understanding what complements my features and body shape, whether that’s a particular silhouette, hairstyle, or colour palette that helps me feel my best.
View this post on Instagram
What were your earliest style inspirations?
I’ve always loved seeing how people could express different sides of themselves through fashion, whether that was elegant, edgy, sporty or creative. I loved the idea that I could express all those sides of myself and give people a glimpse into who I was in the first couple of seconds of seeing me. From a personal perspective, I also see dressing well as a way of honouring each day. It’s my way of romanticising life and celebrating everyday moments. I feel good when I look good, so I always try to present myself well.
Where do you look for style inspiration now?
Pinterest is definitely a favourite. I also find inspiration while travelling, people-watching in different countries, and through photographers, designers, and creatives I admire online. Since moving to Melbourne from Perth a few months ago, I feel like I’m exposed to people from many different backgrounds and styles, which has been incredibly inspiring. Sometimes inspiration comes from an idea I need to get onto paper, a particular mood or even a feeling rather than a specific outfit.
I’m always taking notes and finding inspiration, especially within the modelling industry. I’ll also be heading to the US in a few weeks, so I’m excited to immerse myself in new creative environments, draw inspiration from different styles and cultures and bring some of that inspiration back to Melbourne.
View this post on Instagram
You work as a model. Do you enjoy experimenting with different styles through your work?
Absolutely. One of my favourite parts of modelling is stepping into different creative concepts. One day I might be shooting commercial lifestyle content, and the next I’m doing something more editorial and fashion-focused.
I love that I don’t have to limit myself to one style because it reflects the duality of who I am as a person. One day I can be wearing an oversized tomboy-inspired look and the next I can be dressed in an elegant gown. Fashion gives me the freedom to explore every side of myself.
Do you have a favourite look you’ve worn that you still think about today?
I’ve worn a lot of beautiful looks over the years, but I always come back to clean, timeless fashion imagery. Some of my favourite shoots have been the simplest ones – natural makeup, great lighting and strong styling. Those images tend to stay with me the longest because they allow personality and emotion to shine through.
You study full-time on top of your work commitments. What do you typically wear to university?
I love this question because university was always one of my favourite places to dress up! Although I study fully online now, when I attended classes in person, I was very particular about comfort. Comfortable pants were a must because somehow, they directly affected my ability to study.
I also prioritised dressing for the weather because I never wanted to be too hot or too cold. Overall, my natural hair was often the main feature of the outfit and then I’d dress according to my mood. One day I might wear a fitted dress, the next I might be heading to Pilates and wear a matching activewear set, and the day after that I might have cornrows in, baggy jorts and a hoodie because I’m in a ‘do not disturb’ kind of mood.
View this post on Instagram
What do you wear to Pilates – do you ever reach for non-workout clothes?
Most of the time, I wear activewear because it’s easy, practical and comfortable. Recently, I’ve been loving CSB for Pilates and everyday movement. If I’m grabbing coffee or studying afterwards, I’ll usually throw on a jacket and add a few accessories to elevate the look. I love pieces that can transition easily throughout the day, especially during Melbourne’s colder months. Ballet flats are also one of my favourite additions when I’m heading to class.
You do amazing hair and makeup. Do you have a signature look, or do you like to experiment?
Thank you! I think my signature look is glowing skin, thick fluffy brows, soft eyes, and a glossy red lip tint. It’s polished but still feels very much like me.
When it comes to hair, I absolutely love wearing my natural curls – it’s my favourite feature about myself.
Do you have any go-to beauty products that you will always restock?
Definitely! Fenty Gloss Bomb Heat in shade Hot Cherry – I don’t play about my lip glosses. And good mascara. My favourites are Hella Thicc by Fenty Beauty and Telescopic by L’Oréal. Brow gel is also non-negotiable for me, I love Brow Glue by Nyx.
Bellurelle’s three-step Wash n’ Grow system is a must. I have very thick, dry hair and it’s one of the few products that genuinely hydrates and defines my curls. And then flaxseed gel, which I love using as a natural face mask.
View this post on Instagram
You were competing as a Miss Universe Australia State Finalist. Tell me about the outfits you wear when competing.
Pageants involve much more planning than people realise. There are usually multiple events throughout the competition, including interviews, rehearsals, appearances, fitness activities and evening wear.
Each outfit needs to suit the occasion while still feeling authentic to who you are. It’s a balance between personal style, professionalism and presentation. During my pageant journey, I found myself gravitating towards elegant cocktail and evening wear pieces while still ensuring every look felt like an authentic representation of me.
What are some of the ‘investment pieces’ in your wardrobe that have stood the test of time?
Many of my favourite pieces come from my family. As the youngest sibling, I’ve inherited a lot of clothing over the years, including vintage low-rise denim, leather jackets, and pieces that have travelled with my family from Kenya and Ethiopia.
My biggest fashion inspiration, however, is my mum. She worked as a fashion designer, so I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow up around clothing construction and creativity. Many of my favourite pieces have either been made by her or altered by her. I still go to her whenever I have an idea for a custom piece.
View this post on Instagram
What clothing pieces do you currently wear on repeat?
Right now, I’m always reaching for my baby blue Kathmandu puffer jacket, a high-neck trench coat, furry knee-high boots or my Luther Melbourne track sets. I also love anything from CSB, especially for Pilates, walks and everyday errands.
What’s a styling ‘rule’ you like to break?
The idea that you have to stick to one style. Fashion is meant to be fun. One day I might want to dress in a very feminine way, and the next day I might want to wear oversized streetwear. Style is about self-expression and I don’t think people should feel boxed into one aesthetic.
Whose wardrobe would you steal if you could and why?
Emy Moore Brookins. I love how versatile her style is. She blends timeless tailoring with feminine pieces in a way that feels effortless and elevated. As a Christian influencer, a lot of her approach to fashion and personal style also aligns closely with my own values, which is something I really admire. That’s the kind of versatility and intentionality I aspire to continue building within my own wardrobe.
View this post on Instagram
Who are your favourite local designers?
Melbourne has so many talented designers and creatives. I particularly admire brands that focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless design rather than simply chasing trends.
Some of my favourite labels and stores right now are Monro3 The Label, Luther Melbourne, Fugu wears, Rep Kulture and Core Vintage.
Keep up with Kiki here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
