Interview with DORIANNE MAMO
FASHION BLOGGER, radio &TV presenter
Dorianne Mamo’s career as a fashion blogger began the way many do: with a passion and appetite for all that pertains to the world of design, luxury goods and travel. Indeed, she is a fashion influencer, a radio and a television presenter but actually, she is much more than that. She is also a voice to key social issues we often forget about or prefer to sweep under the carpet such as mental health. Today, one of Malta’s most popular fashion bloggers took some time off her busy agenda to share with Atelier her life as a fashion blogger and her life beyond the world of fashion.
What’s the most underrated part of working in social media?
That it’s easy, it’s NOT! If you’re serious about your work, it requires plenty of research, preparation and creativity. Above all it requires one to give an honest opinion which loyal followers always deserve. It takes plenty of dedication, hard work and commitment to build and nurture your audience, and honest reviews mean that at times (plenty of times) you can’t just accept to work with any brand or push any product.
I recently read that you take pictures of everything. Why?
I’m really into the creative aspect of capturing pictures and moments. When I went to Cuba some 5 years ago I was amazed; everything I saw had a story to tell, even the simplest broken vase or slice of a tropical fruit! I used to go out in the streets, observe and capture photos of what made me happy or somehow left an impact on me. I was intrigued by the conversations I didn’t understand and by the food servings I had never savoured before. I barely posted or shared a photo of what I saw during that trip, but from then onwards instead of taking the usual group photos or expected snaps, I capture moments and things which intrigue me or leave a mark on. Having said, I’m also a content creator so I guess I do also take a zillion shots of whatever I’m working on 😉
What made you fall in love with the world of photography?
My father LOVES photography and he’s great at it. When I was young, we didn’t really capture that many photos but I remember how excited I was each time we went to the photograph studio to develop our photographs. The wait for them to be develop used to feel endless back then, but it was always so worth it! From then I think I kind of got obsessed, especially as capturing photos became easier with mobile phones. I still enjoy printing photos and I have a thing for Polaroid photos too; they make me so happy and I use them as bookmarks or keep random ones in my purse!
What makes the fashion industry such an amazing world to work in?
Fashion is art and it’s connected to so many exciting aspects; culture, history, creativity and one of the most beautiful forms of self-expression. It’s something we deal with every day. In my case, fashion makes me feel alive and present! It’s a form of expression without the use of words, hence very personal. Every day we celebrate fashion through what we choose to wear and put on. It’s way more than the great talents of fashion designers, fashion houses, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists and/or influencers and models on catwalks. Fashion is everywhere!
What is your motto in life?
“Slow but steady, and you WILL get there!”
You recently shared your personal experience and views on mental health issues. To what extent do you feel local society still lags behind on the topic?
I do think we’ve come a long way in recognizing how crucial it is to address mental health issues. Admitting that we’re no wonder woman or superman isn’t a weakness; at times we just can’t do it all at once! And it gets harder every day in the dynamic world we live in which is full of expectations and comparisons (at the workplace, on social media etc.).
What’s next for you?
Recently I’ve experienced the exciting world of TV, both in front of and behind the cameras. I’ve met some beautiful souls who believed in me and who helped me believe in myself! It’s not just the adrenaline rush of being live or knowing you’re somehow lucky to be in people’s homes, it’s the whole process of working on your own feature/programme and the responsibility of it all. I tend to be quite a workaholic, but I always make sure to work on what I really love and enjoy. So here’s to more opportunities in the media world. And to finding happiness in the little things and achievements. Slow but steady! 😉