What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.

Synthia Bahati is a local contemporary artist, sitting at the intersection of art and fashion photography. Whether it’s a portrait or a fashion shoot, her work captures intimate moments with a focus on representing the African diaspora in Tāmaki Makaurau and their beauty. Synthia’s sharp creative eye extends past her lens-based practice, evident in her style. Below you can find out more about Synthia’s ‘personal uniform’, how her culture feeds into her aesthetic and her favourite local designer.

Who is Synthia Bahati?

Synthia Bahati is many things, as I believe I am constantly evolving, growing, and flourishing into a multifaceted individual. I am an artist. I enjoy spending time with the people I love and connecting with new people—qualities that I believe deeply influence how I see the world and connect with the people around me. I am quiet and a little reserved at first, I like to think it's because I like to "suss the vibes" haha like to figure out if this is somewhere I can be myself. Once I'm comfortable, that's when you really get to know me.

I’ve lived in Tamaki Makaurau my whole life, and I was born in Tanzania, and I am of Burundian heritage. I am a Third Culture Kid, a term I was introduced to by the incredible Makanaka Tuwe. The fusion of being Burundian and a Kiwi, has shaped how I see myself, navigate the spaces I am in, and connect with others. This cultural blend influences art and creativity, helping me express my experiences and emotions. My work focuses largely on the African Diaspora in Tamaki, and through the lens of photography, I aim to tell the stories of the community around me—particularly the African community in Auckland, which often goes unnoticed. It is important to document our existence to show that we have been here, we are here and we will continue to be. Images and fashion hold the power to shape how a community and its people are perceived in this world. They can communicate status, beauty, and importance all in one frame. As a photographer and someone who floats in between the art and fashion world, I believe I have a responsibility to ensure that anyone I photograph—especially in my personal work, feels they have autonomy over their own identity. I want those I capture to feel empowered, strong, confident, and fly!

Recently, I’ve also started a new role as the Digital Content Producer with the amazing team at Public Library Showroom, and I’m super excited for this new chapter.

If you made it this far, thank you! and I am glad the internet hasn't killed your attention span haha x

Photo by Kajak Mehta, collage by Synthia Bahati

Describe your style using three words.

Mix. Of. Everything. Haha, does that count?

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? In a personal uniform sort of way.

If I had to wear just one outfit for the rest of my life, it would definitely be a denim jacket with matching pants. The pants have to be a baggy fit, for sure—something like Entire Studios Gem Denim. To be honest, a black, loose-fit pant, a black baby tee, and a black denim jacket on top. Would do. Comfortable and practical. Oh and for shoes, the ASICS Gel-Kayano Legacy Pure Silvers, paired with white socks haha.

What/who has been the biggest influence on the way you present yourself to the world?

The biggest influence on the way I present myself is a mix of things. I don’t think it’s just one big thing, but rather a combination of influences from my parents, culture, friends, music, movies, and the people around me. Yeah, the people around me for sure!

How do you think your current landscape, surroundings and culture feeds into your own aesthetic, if at all?

A lot of my style inspiration comes from what I see online and from my friends. My sister, Sonielle Bahati, is always experimenting with her style, and that pushes me to challenge myself and explore different ways of wearing things. She's also always showing me really cool finds.

Right now, I feel like I’m in a comfortable place with my fashion, but I’m eager to experiment more. It’s easy to become comfortable and uninspired, but I believe surrounding myself with people who are always trying new things and open to fresh ideas pushes me to try new things with my style and art.

Would you say being a photographer has affected your personal style?

100 percent! I like to dress practically and comfortably, especially when I’m making or creating. It’s easier to move, and I feel less restricted.

My taste has been heavily influenced by looking at Instagram, magazines, and a lot of art books. Growing up, it was always music videos and magazines, but now that the world is so digital, I also get a lot of influence from fashion influencers online, my girls, my brother…honestly, my fashion is also influenced by how I feel that day.

What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?

A few of my most iconic fashion moments to date would be, featuring in the Remix Magazine Spring 2024 issue. Being named as one of the FashionNZ Creators Power List 2024 and one maybe not so fashion but fashion related in my art piece “D6niel” that is hanging up on the Christchurch Casino wall.

What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

My most embarrassing fashion moment? Oh my gosh. The first thing that comes to mind is last year when I wore this horrendous outfit to a movie PR event, not thinking about how I would be photographed but you can't be on all the time haha otherwise you won't get those moments that Slap.

Who are the most promising up-and-coming local designers in your opinion?

Promising up and coming designers - Nineteen99 of course!

Could you recommend any literature on style and fashion that you like?

If you’ve never read “The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion”, I think that’s a great place to start. I also recommend watching the “The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion” episode with Dapper Dan and Black Art: In the Absence of Light .

Synthia Bahati, I Like Your Style

What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.

Who is Synthia Bahati?

Recently, I’ve also started a new role as the Digital Content Producer with the amazing team at Public Library Showroom, and I’m super excited for this new chapter.

If you made it this far, thank you! and I am glad the internet hasn't killed your attention span haha x

Describe your style using three words.

Mix. Of. Everything. Haha, does that count?

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? In a personal uniform sort of way.

What/who has been the biggest influence on the way you present yourself to the world?

The biggest influence on the way I present myself is a mix of things. I don’t think it’s just one big thing, but rather a combination of influences from my parents, culture, friends, music, movies, and the people around me. Yeah, the people around me for sure!

How do you think your current landscape, surroundings and culture feeds into your own aesthetic, if at all?

A lot of my style inspiration comes from what I see online and from my friends. My sister, Sonielle Bahati, is always experimenting with her style, and that pushes me to challenge myself and explore different ways of wearing things. She's also always showing me really cool finds.

Would you say being a photographer has affected your personal style?

100 percent! I like to dress practically and comfortably, especially when I’m making or creating. It’s easier to move, and I feel less restricted.

What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?

A few of my most iconic fashion moments to date would be, featuring in the Remix Magazine Spring 2024 issue. Being named as one of the FashionNZ Creators Power List 2024 and one maybe not so fashion but fashion related in my art piece “D6niel” that is hanging up on the Christchurch Casino wall.

What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

My most embarrassing fashion moment? Oh my gosh. The first thing that comes to mind is last year when I wore this horrendous outfit to a movie PR event, not thinking about how I would be photographed but you can't be on all the time haha otherwise you won't get those moments that Slap.

Who are the most promising up-and-coming local designers in your opinion?

Promising up and coming designers - Nineteen99 of course!

Could you recommend any literature on style and fashion that you like?

If you’ve never read “The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion”, I think that’s a great place to start. I also recommend watching the “The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion” episode with Dapper Dan and Black Art: In the Absence of Light .

Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire.

Coco Jouveal, Rain & China Katayanagi, EmpressMakanaka and Jujulipps.

Synthia Bahati, I Like Your Style

What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.

Who is Synthia Bahati?

Recently, I’ve also started a new role as the Digital Content Producer with the amazing team at Public Library Showroom, and I’m super excited for this new chapter.

If you made it this far, thank you! and I am glad the internet hasn't killed your attention span haha x

Describe your style using three words.

Mix. Of. Everything. Haha, does that count?

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be? In a personal uniform sort of way.

What/who has been the biggest influence on the way you present yourself to the world?

The biggest influence on the way I present myself is a mix of things. I don’t think it’s just one big thing, but rather a combination of influences from my parents, culture, friends, music, movies, and the people around me. Yeah, the people around me for sure!

How do you think your current landscape, surroundings and culture feeds into your own aesthetic, if at all?

A lot of my style inspiration comes from what I see online and from my friends. My sister, Sonielle Bahati, is always experimenting with her style, and that pushes me to challenge myself and explore different ways of wearing things. She's also always showing me really cool finds.

Would you say being a photographer has affected your personal style?

100 percent! I like to dress practically and comfortably, especially when I’m making or creating. It’s easier to move, and I feel less restricted.

What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?

A few of my most iconic fashion moments to date would be, featuring in the Remix Magazine Spring 2024 issue. Being named as one of the FashionNZ Creators Power List 2024 and one maybe not so fashion but fashion related in my art piece “D6niel” that is hanging up on the Christchurch Casino wall.

What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

My most embarrassing fashion moment? Oh my gosh. The first thing that comes to mind is last year when I wore this horrendous outfit to a movie PR event, not thinking about how I would be photographed but you can't be on all the time haha otherwise you won't get those moments that Slap.

Who are the most promising up-and-coming local designers in your opinion?

Promising up and coming designers - Nineteen99 of course!

Could you recommend any literature on style and fashion that you like?

If you’ve never read “The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion”, I think that’s a great place to start. I also recommend watching the “The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion” episode with Dapper Dan and Black Art: In the Absence of Light .

Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire.

Coco Jouveal, Rain & China Katayanagi, EmpressMakanaka and Jujulipps.

Sauce Shoots: Threads of Heritage