Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
Diamond Mahone has a penchant for expressing individualism through her fashion choices. With a hint of spontaneity and an eagle-eye approach all of her documented outfits could be described as effortless. Originally from San Antonio, Mahone who is currently based in Mexico City is a personal stylist with a flair for vintage clothing. For many of her ensembles, she blends modern womenswear with gently worn pieces she’s picked up over the years. Nearly like kismet, her creations feel refreshing and vibrant. Each of her looks is distinct and aligns with her modus operandi which is to cultivate experimentation with her style. One scroll through her Instagram and you’ll be able to name-check designers like Christopher John Rogers, Balenciaga, and L’Enchanteur.
Erykah Badu is one of the stylist’s most well-known clients. Diamond lends her creativity and ability to fuse colors and intentional garments regularly for herself, but also fittingly for her private clients who at times are trying out newer ways of wearing clothing.
There isn’t a sense of reactivity or impulse when she’s purchasing each item she wears, according to Mahone. This significant detail makes a difference, she’s regularly searching for pieces for a tried and true wardrobe rather than one that leans towards a capsule, and it’s faring well for her.
“My mom has always been in fashion, she has owned her own luxury lingerie store, and then went into working for a furrier and [has] worked in many boutiques,” Diamond shares on her roots in fashion over a video call from home. In primary school, she tells me that she’d often experimented with her style. She spent many years in boutiques her mother worked in–and eventually she’d go on to work in retail. “In middle school, I did a lot of thrifting–I did a lot, a lot of vintage shopping when I was in high school. “I love the sourcing part of being able to find something very special that not many people have,” she adds. She admits that shopping second-hand has formed a significant part of her identity.
Mahone proudly has a background that spans two decades of working in retail. Two key stores furthered her exploration of what was possible for her creatively, Tenoversix and Forty Five Ten. Working at the former altered her perspective on rising brands–she says this store also allowed her to connect with brands that she now loves including Rachel Comey, Aandra Neen, and Apiece Apart. “Being able to build with these designers and connect them to the clients was really special. This [was] almost ten years ago.”
At Forty Five Ten which is located in Dallas, she says that this retail destination has a distinct identity around luxury designers like Maison Margiela and Comme des Garçons. While there she connected her clients with notable designers. “[I] forged a beautiful relationship and synergy amongst the two,” Mahone shared.
The brands Diamond resonates most with especially right now allude to her fixation on fantastical dressing when the evening or event calls for it. Christopher John Rogers is a favorite of hers, and the designer’s creations have been for years. Mahone on why she loves the Rogers pieces: “I love color and so I think the shared love of color and experimental combinations is one of the things that I enjoy the most,” she said.
Dries Van Noten is another high-end designer she always feels pulled towards. Her affinity for this brand is credited to the depth of the mixed textures the house leans into heavily. “Whether it’s mixing the textures of embellishment with linen or cotton or something intricate like lamé with sequins.” Mahone says she admires the brand’s dedication to bold colors too.
Accompanied by her background Diamond regularly aims to express herself through her clothing. By doing so she’s able to showcase how important second-hand clothing is to her too on the daily. She says that in matters of personal style, she loves utilizing Vestiaire Collective and The RealReal. Mahone details that shopping this way allows her to form a curated and fun closet. “I never want it to feel like I look uncomfortable–I just want to lean into things that feel very natural and easy, but still me and fun, crazy, and experimental at the same time,” the stylist adds.
“My friends Travis Gumbs and Cynthia Cervantes have a supplement line that supports all things health, wellness, and beauty. They just released these premium-quality tees as part of the merch line and I’m obsessed. I have a couple and wear them at least once a week. I also take Ashwagandha daily!”
Available at Medicinal Plant Index
“I love this shirt. Perfect for Mexico City during the day and an easy throw-on for a short weekend vacation.”
Available at Nia Thomas
“My favorite brand of sunnies. The gradation on these are so fab and I can wear them at night. When I don’t feel like being bothered and still want a look!”
Available at Vada Jewelry
“A custom LB vest from [their] Nova collection. I had a vintage dress that was made from an insane fabric but I just couldn’t see myself wearing the dress in full. Lou took the fabric and repurposed it to her iconic vest. I feel good every time I wear it because it’s zero waste.”
Available at Lou Badger
“This pant fulfills my need [for] something dressy yet sporty. I can wear these pants to an evening event or I can put it on with sneakers and still feel like I’m giving a look!”
Available at Christopher John Rogers