Introducing Iman

Iman is the ever-creative (and patient) soul who takes over the Blue Chip newsletter every month. However, as times change and Blue Chip moulds, we’ve decided that instead of keeping the mag afloat behind the scenes, Iman should take centre stage to share all of the crazy knitting and crocheting that she’s getting up to on a day to day, right here at the fore.

Since beginning her newsletter narrations, Iman has gone from specialising in dreamy DIY upcycles to making her own knitted garments. Including Hope C style, chunky knitted tops (one of which I own and absolutely adore!) Now I would introduce Iman to you guys, but instead I’ll let her take it away… Iman, introduce yourself (again) What do you love and hate?

Hello! Thanks for the kind words - I never really thought of myself as being super creative, but I guess I definitely like having creative outlets. I have been knitting for years - probably since middle school. I actually had a little business in high school where I sold knitted things to people in class and around the wider school. I also eventually got into a boutique which was pretty cool as a 17 year-old! 

In terms of the things I love, I genuinely love making clothes and knitting; breakfast burritos, my friends and family, the colour orange, shuffleboard, Solange… I don’t know, I love a lot of things!!!!  What do I hate? Well, I really don't like taking photos of the things that I create, it is so stressful and annoying. I wish someone would just do it for me. I also don’t really like birds - I think they are kind of weird and just seem like they shouldn’t exist. 

So far you have shown us how to upcycle an old turtleneck into a groovy sweater and how to turn an old piece of fabric into a fresh tote bag. Is there anything else you're itching to share with readers?

I think the next thing I want to share is how I made the t-shirt inspired by SZA’s Hit Different music video. I have been asked a couple of times to share how I did it and I think it’s a great way to revive those old t-shirts that we all have - while also attempting to look like SZA because, obviously. 

Well then that’s next month’s post sorted. You also create knitted tops by hand (they’re beautiful, you know I LOVE  mine) what inspired you to begin selling them and where do you find your inspiration for colour pairings and styles?

I am pretty sure a friend just asked if I can make one for them and that’s kind of how it started! There are so many things that inspire me including the incredible creative designers all around Instagram. I also like to just make things that I would also wear and actually like making. For example, I wanted to have a sweater vest that just had a bunch of hearts on it in time for Valentine’s Day so I figured I would just make one. When the vision in your head is so specific, it’s nice to have the option to just create it yourself. 

Now you’re an overseas lover (little Issue 01 reference there) Could you tell us a little about where you live and what the pre-loved scene is like around you?

Currently I live in Charlotte, North Carolina and I have only really been to charity shops, not really thrift stores - so first store people go to drop off the stuff they don’t want anymore. You can totally luck out in these stores - I definitely have, but it takes a lot of patience and perseverance to find something good!

I have also lived in New York. The vintage scene is completely different to Charlotte. As you can imagine, there are a lot of people who are into vintage clothing there so there are so many ‘curated’ collections around the city in which people find items and price them based on their evaluation of the item. That’s cool too because it takes time and effort to find those really specific and trendy items these stores carry but they definitely come at a price. I think I prefer digging through the Charlotte thrifts. 

What is your favourite vintage belonging?

My favorite vintage belonging is a pair of 2001 sky blue Nike Cortez’s that my partner got for me from a thrift store. They are my go-to and instantly make every outfit better. 

What was the first thing you ever made? Do you still have it today?

The first thing I ever made was probably a scarf years ago, as everyone does. I doubt I have it but my mom tends to hang on to everything I have ever made so she might have it tucked away in storage somewhere (hopefully)

What element of Blue Chip do you resonate with most? Do you have a favourite piece of content?

I really liked the article ‘Is it time to say goodbye to the runway?’. While I love fashion and my sister is studying to be a fashion designer etc., it is a concept that does seem outdated. Fashion shows offer a stuffy and exclusive approach to clothing which is further exacerbated by fast fashion being priced specifically to be accessible to those wanting to engage in the trends but can’t afford the designer items. Overall, it just creates discomfort around the elitism that these shows create. That being said, it is still sad to think the kind of novelty of a fashion show is rubbing off given social media and the internet because the ambiance of a show is something that I imagine would be hard to match online. Regardless, it was cool to read about the history of the fashion show! 

Now here is the big Blue Chip question… are you fashion, or interiors at heart?

I think for right now, I am definitely a fashion person probably just because I actually have the option to care about fashion experiment and do fun things with it whereas with interiors, you kind of need to have a space that you can decorate and I don’t have that. I don’t feel like I have been in a place long enough to really put time and effort into the space. Once I have an apartment for a longer period of time, I am going to be the BIGGEST interior person because I am so excited to decorate a space exactly how I want!

If you had to have one person’s style, and another person’s home, who would you choose and why?

The style one is so easy - I am OBSESSED with every outfit Dua Lipa has ever worn ever. I feel like even when she was in her sports bra & Adidas track pants phase, I wanted to be in that phase with her. Her style has only gotten better (and more expensive) with time so her wardrobe will just be something that I draw inspiration from for the things that I make for myself. 

For interiors, I love my mom’s style. She is really into extravagant, loud, and clashing patterns so a leopard print ottoman, yellow velvet couch, handmade Turkish rug, and so on. Nothing looks like it should go together but it somehow just WORKS. I am waiting for the day she says she wants to get rid of the leopard print ottoman because I will be snatching that up immediately. 

So there you have it. A short but entirely sweet introduction to our contributor Iman who will be posting all of her incredible creations right at the fore of Blue Chip from now on. No more Newsletter hideouts.

Please go and follow Iman on Instagram and check out some of her incredible designs. Don’t hesitate to send over any questions or order requests straight to her inbox. But for now, ciao.

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