#36: Kiara Burrows

This week we are joined by multi-disciplinary artist, Kiara Burrows, who tells us more about maxi skirts, Wes Anderson films, keeping a sketchbook wherever you go, and more!

Kiara Burrows is a multi-disciplinary artist who has a love for all sectors within the creative space – infront and behind the camera. Her favourite mediums to work with are fashion, film and photography. Kiara is also originally from Durban and came to Cape Town to study fashion. Those three years enriched her life with so much exposure & inspiration, which made her feel like she could dream a lot bigger than she could back home. So since graduating, she’s been been learning how to be an adult on her own, as well as discover more layers about herself as an artist.

We welcome her to The FRM Newsletter to share what she’s been into recently.

👞🤝 Loafers

I'm a lover of timeless pieces and loafers are a shoe that has been around for quite some time. I'm loving that the shoe is becoming more gender neutral, seeing ladies rock loafers in more bulky and structured styles. My bread & butter is seeing the loafers paired with crisp white socks and a mini dress/ skirt. It's playful, fun and a beautiful balance of masculine and feminine.

🌄🌈 Mother Nature

Nature to me, is one of the most important things I need in my life to ground myself and stay present. Where I grew up there has always been nature nearby. I only realised how important it was to me once I moved to the city in Cape Town and quickly realised the concrete jungle is not where I thrive spiritually. Whenever I’m overwhelmed I either go to the park or sit at the beach. Taking off your shoes allows you to feel more connected with the earth (I learnt that from Youtuber Hitomi Mochizuki, one of my spirit gurus).

🎧💿 Music

My music taste is very broad and discovered mainly through social groups. My go-to shower playlists according to mood are:

Ariana Grande’s Sweetener, Thank U, Next and Positions – for when your feeling hyper femme and unbothered.

Frank Ocean’s Blonde – for when you need to unwind and be inspired.

Harry Style’s Fine line – for when you feel carefree and playful.

Early 2000s R&B hits – when you feel like THAT gurl.

🎨❤ Vision Boards

I am a very visual person so I like to see my goals in picture form. Pinterest is my best friend. I prefer it to Instagram because I don’t compare myself to the individual in the photo, as Pinterest doesn’t give context to who the individual is – it just leaves you with a feeling. I’m a believer in the Law of Attraction and vision boards are a great way to manifest.

💎💫 Crystals

I’ve always been naturally spiritual from a young age. I learnt more about energy and crystals from my Dad. If you're wanting to get into the crystal space, my advice is the crystal you need in your life will find its way to you; so if you haven’t found one already, go into a crystal store and follow your intuition. What catches your eye first? What space in the store do you naturally gravitate towards? I’ve also been told that if you hold some crystals in your hands, you can feel it get really warm.

But for those that don't believe in magical rocks, you can also find any stone and call it a “Gratitude rock” – reminding you to find things to be grateful for.

📸🎞 Film Camera

I got my first film camera in 2021. I was introduced to it by my partner, Sean, as he is a film photographer. I have fallen in love with it. I love the process as well as the outcome with film. Taking an image and not being able to see it immediately; then having to wait and be reminded of that moment is so thrilling. It also forces you to be more intentional with the photos you take, as you only have so many shots in a roll. I also love the colour grading, how everything looks/ feels nostalgic. It creates an image – in my opinion – that is more nuanced than modern digital cameras.

🕶 Sunglasses

You will not catch me stepping outside without a pair of sunnies. You just never know when you may need them. Whether it’s to protect your eyes or not, sunnies are a great quick fix to elevate any look without trying that hard. Depending on the style of frames, it can give an outfit a lot more character and can help translate the aesthetic you are going for.

👗🎯 Maxi Skirts

This is one of my favourite fashion trends as you can feel comfortable but also have room to play with, with all the fabric. I enjoy playing with textures and colours when it comes to maxis. I was first introduced to this trend through the “Cottage Core” aesthetic. I'm now at a stage in my life where I discovered not everything needs to be body hugging; I can still feel sexy while wearing loose clothing and it’s been pretty liberating.

🎭🎬 Movies

I can go on for ages about films as it's one of my main sources of inspiration. It's where I get my ideas for a lot of shoot ideas and styling. My favourite director is Wes Anderson; if you want interesting characters, colour grading and camera movements, he’s your guy. I pray for the day that Gucci and Wes Anderson collaborate on a film…

My must sees are:

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Pretty Woman (1990)

Brooklyn (2015)

Blue Lagoon (1980)

🎨📒 Sketchbook

I try to keep a sketchbook with me everywhere I go, as I always have random ideas for projects that I want to jot down. I also love to draw as I find it therapeutic and a great way to get my creative juices flowing.