In the fall of 2012 a new type of fashion magazine was born on the Florida State campus. Diverse World Fashion is a publication dedicated to highlighting the importance of diversity on campus and to display how different cultures interpret fashion movements. To date, Diverse World Fashion has released five issues, established a website and won the Best of Show award at the Tallahassee American Advertising Federation Awards. Current Editor-in-Chief, Robert Bala, sat with me to talk about what inspires him and what he envisions for the future of “Diverse World Fashion.”
Name: Robert Bala
Role: Editor-In-Chief
CollegeFashionista: How did you get started at “Diverse World Fashion?”
Robert Bala: I attended the “Diverse World Fashion” fall 2013 release party and the founder came up to me. I guess he liked the way I was dressed, and I told him a little bit about my story. He introduced me to the Editor-in-Chief at the time and we linked up. We set up an interview, and she hired me as the vice president!
CF: When did you become interested in fashion?
RB: Man, I’ve been interested in fashion since high school. I started a prom fashion show at my high school. That’s when it occurred to me that I was good at seeing how to style this or style that. I’ve always been the black sheep when it comes to clothing. I like to wear the best of the best compared to where I was brought up. Fashion has always been a great way to express myself.
CF: Where do you pull your inspiration?
RB: I pull my inspiration from the east coast. I’m an east coast kid all day long. Boston, New York, New Jersey, that’s everything to me. I also really admire Asian culture. I love the avant garde stylings and lifestyles portrayed by their clothing. That’s always my main inspiration when it comes to fashion. They’re pushing limits, pushing boundaries, and I’m all about it.
CF: Do you have a favorite designer?
RB: My favorite designers have to Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow of Public School. Their designs are dope.
CF: What is your vision for “Diverse World Fashion?”
RB: My vision was always to expand. To have “Diverse World Fashion” not only in Tallahassee but all over Florida and all over the country. I want it to be like a CMA or AATAC, something that’s national. Unfortunately, this is my last semester with DWF, but it is something that is dear to my heart. I feel like we deserve the recognition.
CF: Where do you see yourself in five years?
RB: Oh man! I see myself in California with my own boutique.
Learn More: Are you totally captivated by “Diverse World Fashion?” Head over to the “Diverse World Fashion” website to read daily blog posts written by the team’s exquisite staff of writers. You can also follow DWF on social media to be updated of the organization’s events held throughout the semester.
