Selma Kaci Sebbagh (Instagram), a 24-year-old French-Algerian, traces the beginning of her fashion journey back to her childhood, where she was guided by her mother’s wisdom through the maxim, “Dress for yourself, not for others.” From Parisian chic to a fusion of global influences, her attire narrates tales of heritage and wanderlust, celebrating the freedom found in fashion as she effortlessly weaves together functionality and style. Kaci Sebbagh adds a contemporary twist to attire, seamlessly merging sneakers with statement dresses, pastel suits, or flowing trousers, echoing the timeless elegance of Bianca Jagger. Her unique gift lies in crafting ensembles where textures and silhouettes dance in harmony, each outfit an opus of fashion and panache. Beyond fashion, she’s an intrepid explorer, seeking cultural treasures with each journey’s beginning.
Selma Kaci Sebbagh, welcome. You have such a distinctive style, can you share the journey of how you discovered it? Was it a process of evolution?
Since I was a child, I’ve always experimented with fashion, and I’m fortunate to have a mother who emphasized, “Dress for yourself, not for others.” I’ve held onto this advice, realizing that whenever my style shifted to please others, it lacked authenticity. Both in life and fashion, genuine happiness comes from being true to yourself.
In your view, what defines the ideal winter wardrobe?
For an ideal winter wardrobe, my Copenhagen era taught me the importance of blending warmth and style. Embrace high-quality pieces like cashmere knits, wool coats, and iconic shearling jackets to stay warm with a touch of timeless flair.
Also I’m having more fun with the versatile layers, the scarves, gloves, beanie, that complete the ensemble. If you wanna survive winter it really has to be both practical and fashion-forward elegance.
Hailing from the Middle East, does your fashion challenge stereotypes or norms?
As someone from the Middle East born in Paris, my fashion choices naturally incorporate elements of my cultural background. We also had the chance to travel a lot with my family. Somehow I think my style is showcasing the diversity and richness of styles from all my heritage, and travel. I really embrace a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences.
What story or message do you aim to convey through your personal style? How does it reflect your narrative?
Through my personal style, I aim for the only message I can: I’m true to myself and sometimes I feel people take fashion way too seriously when it comes to how they dress. I really think that the people who are best dressed are five year old kids, they picked an outfit with honesty and appreciation, just because they liked it. As simple as this. I want to feel like a five year old kid when it comes to fashion. I dress with my instinct, knowing I choose clothing that reflects my personality, interests, and cultural influences, creating a visual story of who I am.
Can you offer any guidance for individuals seeking to explore and find their own style identity?
You should always try everything that crosses your mind when it comes to fashion. Often people are like: “I love that ( style / piece ) but that’s not for me.” I’m always speechless: Who decides that’s not for you ? Try and see. In discovering your style identity, it’s essential to experiment with different looks, pay attention to what makes you feel confident, and draw inspiration from diverse sources. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, and most importantly, trust your instincts – your style is a reflection of your personality.
WISHLIST:
- Shearling jacket, GANT
- Tasman slipper ‘burnt olive’, PALACE X UGG
- Tie dye pant, STÜSSY X DRIES VAN NOTEN
- Faux fur corduroy earflap cap, OPEN YY
- Rita dotty mongolian lambswool long-line afghan coat, CHARLOTTE SIMONE
For more stories of fashion, like this interview with Selma Kaci Sebbagh, visit our dedicated archives.
