MY PASSIONS

In the heart of a tumultuous world, lived my young mum, Katie. She stood as a beacon of style and resilience. Her vibrant presence painted our existence with hues of individualistic fashion choices and a soundtrack comprised of the rhythms of Rihanna and Alicia Keys.

Growing up within the sanctuary of Katie’s dynamic heart, my siblings and I were shielded by the symphony she created. Our home reverberated with music that transcended walls, weaving melodies into the very fabric of our lives. Rihanna’s ‘Take a Bow’ became the pulse of our mornings, its lyrics echoing with Katie’s aura of independence and strength. While Alicia Keys’ vulnerability provided the soundtrack to our desolate evenings—a soothing balm that alleviated the challenges of single motherhood.

Katie’s style mirrored the beats that echoed through our home. Hoop earrings, her style trademark, adorned her ears like glowing halos, perhaps this was the reason I called her ‘Angel.’ More than mere accessories, they symbolized Katie’s unwavering soul—a statement of her sincere embrace of both motherhood and individuality.

Leopard print, a motif in Katie’s wardrobe, became synonymous with her powerful sense of fashion. It echoed the untamed beauty within herself and in life, teaching me that fashion is a form of self-expression—a visual narration of one’s unique journey.

Katie’s eyes, framed by bold eyelashes and black eyeliner, added an air of mystery to her loving gaze. Like fluttering angel wings, they uncovered glimpses of the sensitivity beneath her composed exterior, serving as a metaphor for durability. They reminded me that even in the face of adversity, one can possess the ability to bounce back.

Hair dye, an emotive addition to Katie’s evolving style, represented her embrace of change and the power of personal reinvention. From bold shades of red to the simplicity of youthful blonde, Katie’s hair acted as an outlet for her evolving identity, illustrating the fluidity of self.

Weekends were punctuated by impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, where Katie, moving in tandem with the music, transformed our small space into a stage of liberation. Fierce records from Pink to Beyoncé fuelled our every movement, providing moments of escape and empowerment.

Katie’s fashion choices were more than aesthetics; they were a declaration of identity, an ‘armour’ against societal stereotypes imposed on young mothers. Each stunning ensemble and confident stride defied expectations, and as her child, I absorbed the ethos embedded in her sartorial style.

Scrolling through Katie’s Facebook page, I find inspiration in the puzzle pieces of her youth—witty remarks and deeper expressions of her feelings paint her past with hues of heroism. The old photographs reveal a younger Katie draped in bold fashion choices, but there’s a sadness in her eyes that has disappeared throughout the years. I am proud to call her my mother.

As I grew older, Katie’s influence evolved into an appreciation for the relationship between fashion and identity. Hoop earrings, leopard print, false eyelashes, and hair dye became visual odes to her qualities. Katie taught me that fashion is about crafting a narrative that speaks to one’s soul, not about trends and uniformity.

Navigating adolescence, I found echoes of Katie’s lessons in my choices—hoop earrings, leopard print, Rihanna albums, and Alicia Keys melodies have become integral parts of my identity. As I venture into adulthood, Katie remains a persisting part of my identity, her taste in fashion and music serving as memories and lessons that shape my perspective on resilience, individuality, and the unwavering strength found in style and self-expression. In the echoes of Rihanna albums and the sight of hoop earrings, my mother’s influence perseveres—a timeless melody reverberating through the symphony of my own journey.