Hi I’m Fünda a social worker, I currently live in Sydney. I would like to acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of this land and pay my respects to the Elders both past and present.

Do you have any daily rituals? What does the day in the life of Fünda look like?

I do! I am a creature of habit. I’ll share my top five or otherwise we’ll be here for days.

Ritual 1: I always say “Good morning” aloud as soon as I wake up to my almost 5 year old Irish Setter, Leo. He is usually sleeping next to me or somewhere in the room. For me, taking the first moments to acknowledge the new day and practice gratitude. It helps ground me and is such an important part of my day.

Ritual 2: I always light incense before we head out for our walk. To welcome the new day and say thank you and farewell to the previous and the past.

Ritual 3: I read the news daily, it’s crucial for me to be aware of what’s happening around the world. Knowledge truly is power. Education is a basic human right but often viewed as a privilege. 

Ritual 4: I usually go for a run or to the gym afterwards. Movement is what keeps my body, mind and soul happy and healthy. Movement is my form of meditation. I cannot sit still for the life of me, I have to always be moving, forwards.

Ritual 5: I remind myself to always be truly, wholeheartedly, authentically and unapologetically myself. Showing up as yourself is always enough, you should never be expected to be anyone else.

My Daily Mantra: Be kind, compassionate and empathetic. People don’t live two dimensional lives and everyone is on their own journey.

What are the elements of your perfect outfit?

Layering: I don’t mean just clothing. Layering with different textures, shapes, patterns as well. I do love a matching set too whether it be a suit, linen, denim (double or even triple denim, I am all about it). However, I am also a minimalist, conflicting I know? When it comes to colours I generally stay within my neutral, denim & seasonal tones. These are the styles of clothing I’ve been focusing on over the last few years as I build a timeless, capsule wardrobe that I can see myself wearing for many years to come, perhaps even decade/s. I still own a pair of Alpha60 jeans I had from 5 years ago so the prospect of a decade is looking promising.

Sustainability is a core aspect of my way of dressing. I always think about what I am going to invest in, if I can source it second hand, I always try to if not, I will ensure it goes with at least five pieces I already have in my wardrobe so I can mix and match. Quality over quantity. I would much rather save and invest in an item I will wear throughout the years then choose to opt for fast fashion labels. It has never been my thing not even when I was a child. I grew up in a low-income household so my mother and aunt would always take us thrifting on the weekends or we would head to the markets – I found so much good quality clothing that was a lot more affordable. My aunt is a self-taught seamstress, she taught my sister and I how to sew and alter our own clothing. We learnt how to be creative with what little I had at an early age. Quality clothing should be accessible to ALL.

Who or what inspires the way you dress? 

I’ve always viewed fashion as a form of resistance. Fashion is such a powerful tool to express our resistance towards gender stereotypes and social norms of what is accepted within society. Activism truly is embedded in the history of clothing. For me, clothing or fashion in general is not just an aesthetic, it is a statement. Fashion has been intertwined with social movements for centuries now and I love the ways in which our gender diverse communities have used clothing as an empowering tool to creatively express dissent towards the norms that restrict and limit us.

When I was a child, I used to always be called a ‘tomboy’ as I chose to wear overalls, pants and very much loved to wear more layers & baggy clothing. It always had to be a few sizes bigger so it never looked fitted. A lot of people assumed it was because I was hiding my body, but it was an act of protest for me against standardised beauty. I always wore what I felt most comfortable in and still do. If I don’t feel comfortable in it, I’m not going to wear it. I have a very fluid approach to clothing. One day, I may wear clothing that is tailored and fitted like a suit with a pair of vintage loafers and another day I will be wearing my fisherman overalls, a baggy shirt, vest and a pair of sneakers as if I am ready to go rock fishing with my dede (grandfather may his soul rest in peace). It’s honestly the beauty of fashion. They are all expressions and forms of my identity. 

Is there a piece in your wardrobe which has stood the test of time? One you keep returning to? 

Absolutely, it’s always a good pair of jeans or pants for me – I wear pants almost daily I would say, my Ellie Jeans are my go-to. I have them in every colour way that you guys have released & I wear my dark indigo denim wash all the time (side note: I just ordered another pair). There’s something about a barrel shape pant that just looks so flattering on every single body. If I am not wearing my Ellie’s, I am wearing most likely wearing my Needles or Workware pants. It depends on what I am feeling for the day and the weather to be honest. Sydney has been very moody and humid as of late so the more breathable the fabric, the better. 

I also have a few sentimental pieces like the two rings that I am wearing in every photo that we took during my shoot. The petite flower ring with diamonds and blue sapphires has been in our family for generations, my babanne (grandmother) passed it on to me and it was given to her from my dede (grandfather). The second ring, my mother got made for me in Ankara, Turkey – it’s a ‘nazar boncugu’, an eye shaped amulet that is believed to protect you from evil spirits. Both remind me of my family heritage and eastern roots. I never take them off, I will most likely be buried with them, morbid I know lol. 

What are you excited about right now—personally, professionally, or creatively? 

Personally, continuing to create a sense of community and belonging within myself and with the beautiful people I have connected with throughout my life. From my local dog community here in the Inner West to my Sydney Hardcore community to my Furies running community. Community is everything to me and I am so honoured to have such a diverse and inspiring communities in my life. 

Professionally, continuing to help marginalised communities to make their lives more accessible and just. Ultimately, as a social worker I hope to continue to do impactful work. 

Creatively, I hope to continue to do just this – collaborate with labels, people, communities that I align with and I truly believe in. I am also currently working on a zine with some creatives to raise awareness of social issues that are close to my heart. 

What are you currently drawn to when it comes to fashion or dressing? 

Elevated streetwear that is functional. I am really excited for the cooler months here; Sydney doesn’t get as cold as most other places in the world. Autumn and Winter are always my favourite time of the year as someone who loves layering it can be a little difficult to do in the humidity of summer. I love little details such as a carabiner loop, big or even hidden pockets, double pleated cuffs. It is the finer details that always get me excited. To those labels that do this tastefully, I see you and I appreciate you. I personally don’t wear anything that’s loud (unless it's a dress up party). When I find a piece of clothing that has those intricate details, I instantly fall in love. 

What does “getting dressed” mean to you?

What statement do I want to make today and what part of my identity do I want to channel. It’s a process and I enjoy going through the motions and challenging the norms.

Where do you go or what do you do when you need to reset?

Honestly, I either go to the mountains as I love being in nature and switching off or I am tucked away in my little  apartment with Leo, we build a bed fort in the lounge room and just watch anything from old thrillers to the Secret Garden and The Lion King. I love reading and enjoying a soy latte or matcha made by yours truly, sitting on my balcony and just enjoying the serenity. I also love spending time with my girlies – girlhood is one of the purest forms of love. For me, it’s the little things and rescues that make my heart happy and my glass full. It’s not extravagant holidays or spending endlessly on material possessions. It’s what’s on the inside and one’s soul that matters most. I do love clothing and fashion as ways to express myself but “the most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched they are felt with the heart” – Helen Keller (a prominent author, political activist and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities).


@fonda____