By Cassell Ferere originally published on Forbes.com

Stylist and designer Aleali May has made waves in the fashion industry as one of the most prolific when it comes to personal style. With a subtle demeanor, May has some of the most aggressive outfit creations and always turns heads with her carefully crafted - effortless looks. Recently, May launched her new unisex apparel brand in her hometown of Los Angeles, MAYDE WORLDWIDE, offering a set of structured basics in a locally familiar hue.

“With MAYDE, I just really wanted some cozy stuff to wear. I'm a designer, but I'm also a stylist. And sometimes I need something quick-and-easy, and you could pair it with ‘1, 2, or 3,’” defines May. “On the other end, I’d be on set for 12 hours. I’d need a cozy hoodie for the nighttime when I'm freezing. Sometimes I've been on set super hot. That's where you see the rib tanks, reminiscent of my own style. A lot of tight tops and baggy bottoms - 90s, 2000s girl. Something wearable.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Aleali May has always had a vast palette of influences. The city of Los Angeles and the neighborhood of South Central, where she grew up, were only a part of her style inspiration. Notably, May has always loved the New York street style aesthetic. “When I was younger, growing up in South Central, I was obsessed with everything New York,” she exudes casually. “I feel [NYC] is like-minded - but I don't know ‘You’ yet! I felt the vibe, you know?”

New York has been a fashion beacon, but for May, Los Angeles required a different approach other than New York City’s heavy denim, work wear, and winter boots. “I always explain to people - this is us. Because you gotta think about the weather. For us, it's Converse. [Something] light, like vans.”

Being mindful of climate would determine most wardrobes and outfits of the day. For May, fashion was a vast landscape like the city of L.A. “For us - ‘khakis and a crease’ - all of that is like in specific areas. So you're looking at South Central Los Angeles. Say you get into the 'extra fray' denim, bucket hats, and tie-dye shirts. You might be with the surfers. Or skinny jeans, and you’re probably a skater. LA is very spread out, so obviously you’re a reflection of your environment.”

“Of course everything around me - whether it’s in your Dickies - your Raiders, your, Kings, Dodgers, Lakers, Shaq and Kobe era - whatever is prime for us, that's fashion,” she explains. “Me growing up, whether it was that, or obviously, hip hop, [it’s] always been a part of my [natural] aesthetic.” And what comes naturally has made her a lane in a fashion industry overwhelmed with style influencers.

Showcasing her acumen for style and a sense of cool, May challenged herself to expand via the new internet generation. “People know me for my personal style, which is a blend of streetwear and high-end. I see them both as equals because streetwear is a luxury as well. I’ve always been in ‘it’ before it was this whole thing and everything ‘it’ is today. For me, that's natural [being] brought up in South Central Los Angeles.”

May’s initial entry into fashion was manifested on Tumblr, moving to Chicago to attend Columbia College in 2010 and getting the attention of Don C, the Chicago native, and streetwear innovator. Don C would offer May an opportunity to work at RSVP Gallery, a cosign and mentorship under streetwear purists.   

Letting her friends know about her move, she blushed at their reactions. May recalls saying, “‘I'm gonna be out to Chicago.’ Everyone was like, ‘why?’ I stumbled upon RSVP probably like a couple of months before I moved and I went to school at Columbia College in Downtown Chicago.” The stars would align in the Windy City.

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