Describing Bee Diamondhead makes you reach for superlatives before you’ve even thought about what you want to say. She’s a stylist, artist and fashion icon in South Africa with a look that is forging a new aesthetic for South Africa now and in the future. Whether she’s styling shoots, working on art installations or on music videos (she styled Nasty C’s newest video for Eazy, which has racked up nearly one million views in the past month – check that out here) her style is immediately recognisable and always spot on. In fact, after shooting the video she texted Nasty C’s management and suggested they do a stills shoot because she wanted to see what her vision would look like in colour. They said yes and two days later, it happened. That’s just how Bee Diamondhead does things.
Without gushing too much, but allowing ourselves to gush just a little – we love her!
We know that the fashion industry can be just a tad self-important at times, which makes Bee’s approach such a breath of fresh air. She’s never afraid to tell it like it is, call a spade a spade and truly give zero fucks. One of her latest shoots imagines black women with mullets as she mentioned in her interview with IsYoursMag, and also, because, well, why not?
Bee very kindly took the time to answer our Best questions, which you can read below. Thanks so much Bee, you’re an inspiration to us all!
(Image: King Diamondhead, Art Directed by Bee Diamondhead, Photographed by Aart Verrips)
What do you do for a living?
I’m a creative director and fashion stylist
What is a weird fact about yourself that you find absolutely wonderful?
I don't think there’s anything weird about me.
If you could be world famous for something, what would you like it to be and why?
I’m actually working towards the opposite of that, few things scare me more. My dream is to be well known for the work I do but still completely anonymous.
If you want to feel great, what is the one item you always turn to and find yourself wearing? What makes it so special to you?
I clean out my closet often to get rid of junk. Recently I got rid of most of the colour and fast fashion to create a more sustainable and stronger wardrobe, this means everything I own now is special to me. What does make me feel great are the special pieces I make for myself for special occasions. Because nothing else like it exists, it's made for me. I like that.
(Image: A Palete Cleanser, Art Directed by Bee Diamondhead, Photographed by Aart Verrips)
What are the top five songs everyone needs to hear right now?
Stream Zoe Modiga’s new album and Langa Mavuso’s new single.
What's the best meal you've ever had in your life? Where did you have it?
My parents make me pap with mogodu and morogo when I visit once a month, I dream of that meal ALL THE TIME. I recently found the sweetest lady Mama Joyce who owns a traditional food restaurant in Alex and once a month I treat myself to her food. I'd choose it over a meal at the Ritz any day.
What is your favourite ornament/item of furniture in your home? Where did you get it from and what do you love about it?
I went to Morocco with friends a year ago and fell in love with Jacques Majorelle’s Blue, then came home and found the closest fabric to that and made myself sofas for my studio. I missed the colour so much when I was home, I had to move one of the couches to my lounge then made a large lime green ottoman to go with it. I don't wear colour in my life, so they make me really happy.
What is your holy grail make up/skincare product?
Two litres of water, Rushtush’s hulk juice & Pinotage face oil daily.
What habit/ritual do you do each day to keep you sane?
I'm up early to sit in silence and write down what I'm grateful for and what I need to achieve that day. And no matter what, we gotta keep it light and fun at the studio. When it stops being fun it's no longer worth it. I’m very conscious of the energy in my space.
What does you five years from now look and feel like? What’s working in your life? How does ten years from now look?
I'd really like to stop working as hard as I do on other people's things, focus on starting my own family. And continue making art.
I'm not a big planner, it’s important to me that I feel good now.
If you could put one sentence or idea on a billboard or poster for everyone to see, what would it be and why?
GO TO THERAPY!
I started this year and it’s helped me know myself and my worth so much better. Also to realise a lot of things. It’s hard as fuck but worth it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My dad has always taught me to look at the bigger picture, to see outside of myself.
What’s the worst?
To go to the next bar and have more tequila. I'm joking, someone once told me that you have to be hard to get your point across. That’s bullshit. We could all do with a little kindness and no one likes an asshole.
When do you feel like your Best self?
When I'm healthy in body and mind.
What do you think the world needs more of?
Empathy and giving.
What does the world need less of?
Celebrities.
If you could go back in time and speak to yourself as a child, what would you say?
Trust yourself and put yourself first.
If you had to have your perfect day, what would it look like?
It would be laughing, dancing and eating with my friends and family.
What do you value most in a friendship?
The constant support and cheerleaders. That at your best and worst moments you love and accept each other.
If you could get a glimpse into your own future, would you want to? Why?
I’m hoping for peace. I haven't had a lot of that, so I crave it.
(Image: Bee Diamondhead for Sunday Times Fashion, Art Directed by Bee Diamondhead, Photographed by Aart Verrips)
To see more of what Bee Diamondhead is up to you can follow her on Instagram here.
Or you can check her out on Twitter here.