Photography by Alex Free (@alexfree_hii)
Interview by Isis Nicole (@theisisnicole)
Model Asma Kamara (@asmakamara)
Model Tutu Ade (@iamtuturayo)

Following its galactic capsule of tops and pants, Los Angeles-based independent fashion brand AHS•MAH pre-releases its newest futuristic daily wear collection ‘Elevated Essentials’ just in time to kickoff the New Year!

We catch up over the holiday with its founder, Asma Kamara, to talk about creating in a pandemic, dream clients, and the most fun part of designing after the jump.

Isis Nicole: Given that we're in a pandemic, it's major that you were able to continue creating! What did it take to bring this collection to life?

Asma Kamara: This took passion and faith. Passion to continue something I started and want to see through till the wheels fall off. Faith that as a freelancing entrepreneur, the universe will give me the best outcome of what I cannot control as long as I do my best to meet halfway.

IN: Between variants and travel restrictions due to the pandemic, what are some of the challenges you face today as a designer?

AK: Challenges I face during these more than usual unpredictable times can be delays with shipping, prices going up on materials, and manufacturing. I recognize everyone is going through it in this pandemic, especially since the people I work with are also small owned businesses, so I just simply adapt to the changes the best way I can. I’m just thankful I have the ability to still design, produce, and source my materials all in Los Angeles.

IN: What was the most fun part of making 'Elevated Essentials'?

AK: The fittings! That’s always my favorite part. Getting to see my creations come from an idea, to a sketch, to an actual wearable product never gets old! It feels like magic to me and solidifies my presence in this world as a creator.

IN: Who's your dream client in this collection?

AK: Briana Shanee founder of Matte Brand. I appreciate her tenacity in building an empire for herself designing essential pieces with Black women in mind. I believe she was one of the firsts to popularize that wave. Seeing her growth in the past 5 years is one to admire and gave me confidence as a Black woman with a small business, that I can also turn a dollar and a dream into something supreme as long as I stick to my guns.

IN: What's the most beneficial practice that you've adopted as a model/designer?

AK: Confidence and resilience. In these two industries you’re constantly having to put yourself out there in order to get where you want to be. As a designer, these are not just clothes it’s my form of art that I choose to share with the world and profit off of and now we all know artists can be sensitive about their shit! I definitely had to build the confidence when it came to sharing my designs regardless of how others feel about it, if I like it then that’s enough for me. Learning not to take rejection and naysayers personal is a skill everyone should build.

IN: If you had to choose a song to be the soundtrack for 'Elevated Essentials' what would it be?

AK: I feel Fusion Frenzy by TWEAKS is perfect. It gives that futuristic vibe that correlates with these new pieces.

IN: What do you want to see more of in the future?

AK: From my brand, I would say more inclusion with all genders and more sizes. As my personal world evolves so does AHS•MAH. As my brand continues to expand, I expect to slowly include these changes. And actually this collection is the first of mine to go up to a size XL. In the future I want to see a wide range of people that reflect the world around us in my clothes.

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AHS•MAH Pre-release of New Collection Elevated Essentials