My Style

TINA JANA Equality studies student

DESCRIBE WHAT YOU'RE WEARINGBasically it's an African sun goddess outfit – really a fusion of cultures because we come from such a diverse society. Sun Goddess is based in all three major cities in South Africa and generally uses earthy colours. This two-piece is beaded and trimmed with ribbon and the bustier is laced at the back. The brown represents the earth and the turquoise the sea. I have a few that are brown and something else, like brown and yellow which represents the sun. In Africa we worship the Earth and the sun and because our country is so rich in minerals these are the things that we like to promote. There's a sketch of an African woman on the front with braided hair. The headscarf I tied myself – there are many ways of tying such a headdress, but I like to tie mine my own way. The shoes were bought in Ireland in BT2.

AND THE JEWELLERY?The necklace, bracelet and earrings are from the same shop – they were matched with the dress. The watch with Swarovski crystal was a gift from my mother.

WHEN DO YOU WEAR THIS OUTFIT?I generally wear it to important functions, because my mother is the South African ambassador to Ireland, and to special occasions such as our national day April 27th, Freedom Day.

SO WHAT’S EVERYDAY WEAR? A little bit of both. I wear Indian, African, Western and a little bit of everything. I would also wear jeans, shirts and dresses. I love bright colours and though I wear black sometimes, I generally prefer African colours.

FAVOURITE SHOPS?I shop all over – in South Africa, in India and in Ireland. In South Africa, Sun Goddess, in Ireland, Brown Thomas. I shop if I have the time. I love Kimaya in Mumbai for Indian clothes, which are very lovely. I am a shoe lover and I do like things to look good – it doesn't have to be labels. I am open to everything unless it doesn't suit.

WHAT DO YOUR CLOTHES SAY ABOUT YOU?They would say that I would be a little bit of a traditionalist as well as a modern person.

AND HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?Traditional, sophisticated and trendy at the same time.

WHAT'S THE MOST YOU'VE EVER SPENT?My mum generally buys my outfits because I am not working. I have been a full-time student for the past five years. I have an honours degree in politics and history from TCD and am now doing a master's degree in equality studies in UCD.

HOW DO THE IRISH DRESS IN YOUR OPINION?They tend not to go for bright colours unless it is summer and the only time I see Irish women in rich, bright colours is when the sun shines. Otherwise I see a lot of grey and black. Unless you guys have festivals such as St Patrick's Day and Bloomsday, that is when people go out of their way to express their culture, which I find interesting in Ireland.

WHAT ABOUT MAKE-UP AND GROOMING?I get my make-up from India from a brand called Lakmé, which is specifically for women with brown skin and is made for richly coloured Indian outfits, which match African outfits because they are more or less in the same colours. I wear lilac, pink, blue and turquoise eyeshadows. I do different styles with my hair and I follow African fashion. About two years ago braids were still in and now I am very much into extensions – black, hazelnut, brown. But I have also tried blonde braids.

IT'S A FLAMBOYANT STYLE!I think Africans take pride in dressing up and looking good. In the past 15 years since we got our freedom, South African fashion – particularly the traditional and fusion – has come up in a big way. It is not just black African women who wear these outfits, but all South African women from all cultures. We have become more diverse and understanding of cultures – we have become so infused.