Have you ever thought that fashion lacks a little… reality? Well, so have we — until now.

Welcome to The Fitting Room, a brand new show that puts sartorial senses to the test. Each month, four select style pros will face a challenge that pushes their creativity, adaptability, and fashion expertise to the limit.

We won’t bore you with the details in writing — for those, you can watch the first episode — but we will introduce you to our hosts. So: time to meet them.

Four diverse individuals stand together, showcasing their unique and stylish outfits against a neutral backdrop, radiating confidence and camaraderie.

YAYA

So Yaya, your looks never fail to impress. Can you describe your style to us in a few words?

‘Never’ is crazy haha, but thanks, I love to hear that. I would describe my style as fun, innovative, and very unpredictable.

How has your personal story contributed to the way you dress yourself?

I have to say that my upbringing and cultural background plays a huge role in the way I dress, especially when it comes to having fun with it and wearing more colour — like with the African garments my mom, my aunts, uncles, and other family members wore and still wear till this day.

What one component do you think is crucial to then build around?

Definitely trousers — they can make or break a fit! Just get a pair you can always throw on because they go with 90% of your closet, and then you’re set.

What’s one item in your wardrobe that you’ll never part with, no matter how old it gets?

I could name a couple of those items, but let’s go with my North Face puffer jacket — this has to be the item I’ve kept for the longest time, and I don’t see it going anywhere.

Jackets over jackets

“ My best fashion advice didn’t come from a person, it came from looking at runways — specifically, runways from the late ‘90s. ”

- Gigi

ELLI

Elli, how does your personal style reflect who you are?

My personal style is a reflection of my inner voice and emotions. It’s my alter ego — both a shield and a way to stand out. Growing up, I faced a lot of racism, and fashion became my way of saying ‘f*** y’all.’ It empowered me, gave me confidence, and ultimately paved the way for my career.

Where does most of your inspiration come from? Your fits feel so unique to your identity.

My inspiration comes from my cultural background. As a Filipino-German child growing up in a small German city, I wasn’t deeply connected to my Asian side. But during the era of Lookbook and Tumblr, I found a way to explore and reconnect with my roots. I draw inspiration from the ordinary — plates, vases, and Asian typography. The colour combinations in Asian design are on another level, and embracing them gave me a sense of belonging.

Do you have a favorite fashion trend from a past decade you wish would come back?

I was a proper emo. Twilight, Paramore, and MySpace shaped me, and Taylor Momsen in Gossip Girl was my ultimate icon. I loved the nonchalant, IDGAF attitude — chaotic, messy, and effortlessly edgy. I can’t wait for this style to make a comeback. My version would still have that raw energy, but with more color offffff course.

Maximal & mismatched

OURANIA

Ourania, tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into styling? You’ve been in the game for a while and have styled some incredible talent.

When I was studying fashion design, we had to do an internship in the fashion industry, and since I knew from the beginning I wasn’t going to be a designer, I went to a fashion PR agency. I guess it was meant to be. There, I met an editor from Vogue, and we got along very well. I started helping her out with big shoots, and she became the first fashion director of Harper’s Bazaar Germany and took me with her as a fashion assistant. I guess that was the start of my career!

What’s your style “mood” for this season? Do you have a go-to look?

My moodboard changes with my own mood. But my go-to is a light skirt combined with heavy boots. Depending on where I go, I might go more casual with a hoodie, or more elevated with a roll-neck or leather jacket. I never leave the house without my belly chain.

What’s one styling hack you swear by that everyone should know?

I guess people like to hear very practical hacks they can follow, but for me, there is just one general hack. We used to play a game during fashion week: when people passed by, we would say “one” or “two”. “One” means the person is wearing the clothes, and “two” means the clothes are wearing the person. When you get ready and have a look in the mirror, always ask yourself if you are confident in what you are wearing. Is this style or fashion? Always go with style. Adapt, change, elevate, and all those things, but stay true to your personal style and preference. This is the biggest hack ever!

The buckled ballerina

“ Ask yourself if you are confident in what you are wearing. Is this style or fashion? Always go with style. ”

- Ourania

GIGI

Describe your fashion persona in 3 words.

Contrasted, organic, minimal.

Do you have a fashion icon or someone whose style you secretly admire (or maybe not-so-secretly)?

Jean-Paul Belmondo in Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard. I rewatched it recently; he’s swaggy and sexy as hell. It’s the masculine cuts of the suits and ties, with a pair of cat-eye sunglasses for a feminine touch. Quintessential ‘60s. There’s one line where he basically says he steals so he can afford silk shirts. Iconic — and funnier because he’s often shirtless. I mean… it’s just perfect.

What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever received?

My best fashion advice didn’t come from a person; it came from looking at runways — specifically, runways from the late ‘90s. Something about the editing and minimalism of that era really sticks with me. I was born around then, so I like to believe that kind of taste is part of my DNA, my fashion zodiac.

If you could style a fictional character, who would it be and why?

Probably Donald Duck because he’s an icon and I like his preppy look. He should look more queer because I have a theory he’s closeted... that’s why he was always mad at Daisy. But I can see a more postmodern preppy look working well for him — more of my palette, lots of beige.