Unpacking Khadijah Mouton’s Style

Stepping into Khadija Mouton’s world of style is like entering an art gallery where each outfit is a piece of expressive artwork.

The ‘Lekker’ hitmaker is a poet, copywriter, musician, actress, stylist and mother whose artistry spills over into every corner of her life – particularly her wardrobe.

Currently, she’s captivating audiences both on and off-screen, from starring in the much-loved and recently premiered local film ‘Ompata: The Beginning’s End’ to rocking an all-pink, Barbie-esque blazer and pencil skirt ensemble paired with chunky heels to the premiere.

Khadijah’s look is an eclectic mix of contradictions, embodying the fierce duality of her personality. She can go from soft, hyper-feminine looks to loose-fitting, masculine styles with ease.

This is because her style is fluid, personal and rooted in her inner world. She’s a Pisces, she says: “I am two fish. Yin and yang. Black and white. Light and dark. Hot and cold. Shy and bold”. Her captivating and unique style strongly reflects that balance and duality.

For Mouton, fashion is a kind of performance art.

“I have a friend who says I don’t wear outfits, I wear costumes. And I think that’s kind of true,” she says.

“When I get dressed, it’s like a character for me. I like to embody the personality of what I’m wearing.”

This helps her channel different versions of herself and communicate without words – something she says she needs as a shy person.

“What I can’t say with words, I say with my clothes,” she says.

At first glance, Mouton’s closet is an art collection of sorts. Think long coats in bold colours, statement hats that add mystery, oversized sunglasses that feel like an ode to 90s hip-hop, as well as dainty jewellery that brings a delicate finish to her most powerful outfits.

“I just like cool stuff. I like when people dress cool,” she says.

She says that as she’s matured, so has her style.

“You wouldn’t catch me wearing a pink wig today, but a few years ago, I was very colourful and loud. I think I was trying to make a statement about my place in the industry.”

These days she favours more muted tones like greys, browns and blacks that feel grounded and calm.

“Right now, I love comfort. That’s the character I’m playing in the movie of my life,” Mouton says.

Her accessories are also essential to her style identity. Hats and caps, in particular, are her signature pieces.

“I feel so complete when my head is covered,” she shares, explaining that it gives her a way to “hide a little.”

When asked about trends she’ll be steering clear of as we head into the summer, she’s quick to dismiss Kanye West’s chunky boots.

“I just can’t get into them,” she says.

But some designs she’ll definitely be leaning into are those of House of Poulton, Sirenga and Peacemakers, all of which she lauds for their creativity and ability to bring fashion to life.

Mouton’s advice to anyone who wants to communicate through the clothes they drape on their bodies? Understand that fashion is internal.

“A lot of times, it’s not what you wear; it’s who is wearing it. My clothing choices come from the inside, from how I’m feeling. And if I’m not feeling so good, what I’m wearing makes me feel better.”

• Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer, and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com for more.