Cynthia D’Assunção

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Miss D’Assunção is an artist and fashion entrepreneur currently plying her trade in London. Cynthia’s story began on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe. A former Portuguese colony that gained full independence when it peacefully cut its ties in 1975.

On an immediate side-note, for those that wish to know; the crowning glory of this beautiful island chain can be found at ‘Pico Cão Grande’, the incredible volcanic rock that has been naturally shaped into a 300 metre skyscraper. Well worth a look.

Not long after her 2nd birthday the family decided they simply had to move to the mainland. Cynthia’s parents went ahead to Lisbon first before following them soon after. They lived in the centre of town for a while before moving to Seixal, their home of many years across the river in the district of Setubal.

It didn’t take long for the young Cynthia to start showing signs of the dexterous talents she continues to master today. In this way, expressing her passions artistically have almost become second nature. “I can definitely say I’ve had a deep interest in being creative from around the age of 4, ever since I was first able to represent visually the things I liked...”

Then at about ten years old a classmate showed her a little folder of her older sister’s drawings. “To me then they looked like dolly designs and I thought to myself “I can do it too”. Fascinatingly, it was not the fashion side of things that triggered her interest but instead the challenging nature of coming up with new creations.

By the time Cynthia moved to London at the age of 15, she was already clear on who her greatest inspiration was. This was around the time the Italian designer Roberto Cavalli first caught her eye. Known for his exotic prints and also for creating the now common sand-blasted look for jeans. “His prints are magnificent, I love the patterns he uses and how he gave life to his dresses...”

As the years go by and new sources of inspiration have come and gone, Cynthia has found herself constantly updating her signature style. None more evident than in 2012 when she discovered Japanese ‘Harajuko’ street style. “It’s so cool, so extreme, so different...”

Then, not long after that, another important influence made his way onto Cynthia’s radar. This time the highly acclaimed Jeremy Scott, the American designer famed for his work with the Moschino fashion house. Mr Scott quickly became her new favourite. “At the time Jeremy to me was a genius, unique and very interesting, I love his works, they are all bold and extreme...”

I asked Miss D’Assunção just how would she best describe her artistic footprint? “I see my style as original and cool. I am aiming to be attractive and luxurious so that when people look at any of my gear they would ask; ‘Where did you get that from?’ If I had to choose a brand that I identify with most then it would probably have to be Diesel...”

Cynthia’s attitude towards her own development is very sensible. “Fashion-wise I am working to see what people like. I also want to create designs that my clients and I mutually like...” As more opportunities have come her way, Cynthia has been able to work one to one with a number of different clients, ranging from as young as one to fifty plus. “As well as taking on new challenges along the way, it has been great fun working with babies, teenagers and adults alike...”

You could be forgiven for wondering how this tale of a flourishing fashionista relates to Sir Real Words. Well, I too dream of looking stylish in my very own personalised jacket. However, whether or not I actually look good in it will be for others to decide. (Opinions can be sent on a postcard to the dark side of the moon.)

At the moment we are still deciding upon the appropriate method. I’ll be sure to share any and all ‘cool’ pics when I finally get my hands on the finished article.

While still very open to what the universe has to offer, Cynthia’s approach for the forceable future will be to use the knowledge gained to forge ahead.

With the right amount of belief we can achieve anything we set our minds to, a sentiment Cynthia certainly holds dear. “I know that as long as I have a plan and put maximum effort in I will accomplish my goals...”

“Right now, I am my inspiration in life. I want to become better than yesterday and keep going until I have established myself and my brand in the world...”  What a phenomenal perspective to have and I for one don’t doubt her one bit.