“My personal style does not follow fashion trends, it is just expression – an extension of what I’m feeling and who I want to be perceived as on that particular day,” said celebrity stylist, Tamo Ennis.
Every day, regardless of the occasion, this quirky lady can be seen waltzing through the streets of life with her body beautifully swathed in a mixture of retro, eccentric and vintage looks. Though she takes pride in styling her clients in what is trendy to create a modern look, she does so in such an unmistakable way that when it is presented before you, you are able to say “that’s probably Tamo’s work”.
How did she start? Seven years ago, Tamo decided to take the leap of faith after craving more from life itself and realising that living life as a media reporter probably wasn’t her purpose. Having always styled her friends and herself while marching to the beat of her own stylish drum, she took a friend’s advice to turn her hobby and passion into a career. “I told everyone I knew that this is what I’m now going to be doing and they need to hire me. I remember my first job as a stylist like it was yesterday. Jamaican film director, film producer and editor Michael Edward Cushnie, also known as Mykal Cushnie, believed in me and it just took off from there,” she recounted.
Flair had the perfect one-on-one with Tamo Ennis, where we delved into the crevices of her closet by playing a game of ‘What Would You Wear’. We gave the occasion and brought out her style.
WORK OUTFITS
“Every time I step foot on a shoot, I’m like a billboard representation of my brand, and while I try to be comfortable and take into consideration the climate, I still have to be stylish. Also, pockets are absolutely necessary. The printed shirt and pant outfit is from a brand in India by the name Norblacknorwhite, designed by Mriga Kothari, and the other orange-themed outfit, I pulled together with the printed poncho and a hat as an accessory.
WEDDING LOOK
Pink trouser and pink sheer top. “It is a little risqué because usually the ceremony is held in a church, but then again, I don’t consider myself very traditional as I like to flip the script and go against the grain.”
RED CARPET
All these jewellery pieces are by Etal. I work with them because they have very unique pieces. I think this look is clean, modern and sexy but not too over the top. “I’m not a super fancy dresser but a red carpet is somewhere to make a statement. This feathered neckpiece did the job.
FIRST DATE LOOK
“You know you’re not getting any of this at the end of the night,” she said before bursting into a hearty laugh. “Really though, I’m not trying to show too much, I definitely want my date to listen to me and hear my mind. Dates are about having a present experience instead of daydreaming about what could happen. Though I am fully covered, the look is still very much showcasing my personality.” Both the top and the skirt are thrift store retro pieces and the socks are by Jamaican designer, Savannah Baker, under the brand ‘PumPum Socks’.
POP STYLE-ESQUE
“I style the Campari judges for the ‘pop style’ campaign. Pop-style is about bold and edgy streetwear while incorporating a lot of your personal style,” she said. “I do like to play with popping colours and fabrics while showing a little skin. This jacket is a Dolce and Gabbana piece, and while I’m not the biggest fan of sequins, the addition of feathers makes it very playful. It moves when you move, adds drama and texture, and sometimes I’m into that.”
Tamo wears a lot of thrift pieces because she believes in sustainable living and recycling.
“That’s my small way of managing my carbon footprint on the planet. I also host a charity closet raid and book drive annually under the name ‘Love Literally’ so others can join me on the journey too.”
Story by: Jessica Harrison
jessica.harrison@gleanerjm.com
Photos by:
