Catching up with Ifrah

What are summer trends you'll be rocking this season?

Pastel shorts and floral/sheer palazzo pants and anything maxi

What is inspiring your 2011 spring/summer looks?

I adore what fellow Somali ladies behind the lovely brand Mataano (which means 'Twins' in Somali) are doing. Their SS11 collection is pretty spot on. I'm also inspired by classic feminine pieces, the early 70s, young Cher, white dresses, ladies in fiction, and everything everyone wears in the film Broadway Melody of 1940.

What's your dream color palette?

Nude! 

How do you typically spend a friday night?

My friday nights are usually spent dining out and/or cuddling by the record player to a good vinyl record. On occasion I have been known to go to a function of sorts.

What's something you never leave the house without?

I never leave the house without (my) soul.

Do you have any plans you're looking forward to this summer?

Living in San Francisco with my boyfriend. I'll be interning for law and civil rights. 

What is a fashion faux pas of yours?

One fashion faux pas that I see committed a lot is the wearing of UGG boots. They are ghastly; I have no clue how they ever became popular. Two fashion faux pas that I also cannot stand are when men look sloppy and also when women look the opposite of classy. I try not to commit any of the fashion faux pas I've listed above.

What's on your spring soundtrack?

So much fleetwood Mac, Simon & Garfunkel, and Tchaikovsky.

What were your thoughts on the Royal Wedding?

Loved the dress! I totally called Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

An Afternoon with Ifrah Ahmed

Ifrah Ahmed. 12th and Union, Seattle, WA.

What's your sign?

Libra

Even after the recent horoscope change?

I'm a Libra for life. I'm no virgo.

What's your current occupation?

Student at Seattle University

What are you studying at Seattle U?

Double majoring in political science and international relations with a minor in Global African Studies.

What's your dream occupation?

I want to do it all. I want to work in human rights, I want to work in fashion, and I want do something with literature. 

What's currently playing on your personal soundtrack?

Paul McCartney's Ram, Black Sabbath, and the new Bright Eyes

Can you recall a time in your life when everything in that particular moment was perfect?

Right now. Everything is in harmony; family, work, school, friendships, etc. I mean its a really good time for Libras right now.

What's your most valued possession?

My mother's scarves and jewelry. It's very African and elegant. 

What was your favorite clothing item as a kid?

I use to wear an orange Winnie the Pooh t-shirt underneath all of the cultural dresses my mother use to make me wear. I also had a red wool winter jacket with wood toggle buttons that I was in love with.

What's currently one of your favorite items in your wardrobe?

I'm really into an old silky tan jacket that use to belong to my mother in the 70's. It adds class to every outfit. 

Is there a designer's line out right now that catches your eye?

Jil Sander's menswear and Alexander McQueen's menswear 

What designer piece are you currently obsessing over?

Head to toe magenta deep v mens suit by Jil Sander. 

What's your vice?

Arriving on time. I run on Somali time.

What are some of your pet peeves?

Chewing loudly, cowards, and dishonesty. 

What do you value most in a man?

old school manners and a heart of gold

What do you value most in a woman?

understanding, trust, and laughter

Who's someone that inspires you?

My mother. She's the strongest person I know. She escaped civil war in Somalia and moved to a foreign country to raise her family. 

What is one of your greatest achievements thus far? 

Fundraising through UNICEF for people who suffered from droughts in Africa.

What are some of your life ambitions?

To write a book of poetry, teach abroad in Africa for several years, provide a good life for my mom, and last but not least to be happy. 

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be? 

Africa in the 1960's when all the countries were gaining their independence from their colonizers. There was a feeling of romanticism in the air.