This article is part of my “#ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike” series. As an asexual woman who works as a fashion model, I created the series with the goal of providing visibility for asexual people, spotlighting aces in the fashion industry, and dispelling the misconception and there is an asexual way to look or dress. To discover more editions of the series, click here. 

 
For this edition of #ThisIsWhatAsexualLooksLike, I wanted to shine a light on Los Angeles-based brand, Carnal Flora, who reached out to me on Instagram. It’s always great to see brands owned by POC aces and I was immediately captivated by Carnal Flora’s sleek designs, distinct style, and – having worn one of their outfits myself – very comfortable clothing. So, I wanted to introduce you all to the designer behind the looks, Shayan! 

1. Could you tell Qwear's readers a bit about yourself? 

My name is Shayan and I am a 27-year-old Persian-American fashion designer based in Los Angeles. I’ve worked for celebrity designer Michael Schmidt and studied Fashion Design at Santa Monica College. After my studies, I felt that there was a gap in the market for ethically made and high-quality apparel that challenged gender norms. I then went on to create my brand Carnal Flora; a contemporary apparel brand inspired by botany and romance. What I love about my brand is that it’s always teaching me that there is not a singular way of being a romantic. 

1.  Your designs are described as being androgynous, contemporary and with a botanical aesthetic. I also see it as being quite minimalistic with a lot of straight lines rather than curves and thrills. What inspired Carnal Flora's aesthetic? 

Carnal Flora’s aesthetic is inspired by botany from a day and night perspective. Even the name Carnal Flora has two parts to it. Carnal represents the way you feel at night: sexy and intimate. Whereas Flora is the day: more whimsical and flirty. Some lean more towards one over the other, but I feel that a lot of people embody both. Each style is designed to be worn interchangeably to adapt to the wearer’s mood. We’re all about challenging gender norms and encouraging people to wear what excites them about fashion. 

Side note: I find it funny how much of the fashion industry tries to depict androgynous/genderless clothing as having this boring, shapeless, “potato sack” sense of style when a majority of nonbinary people I’ve known and met have some of the most fun, colorful, and unapologetic sense of style.  

3. Some of it feels more like sleepwear, others loungewear, or something you could wear outdoors, or a combination of all of those things. What made you want to go for designs that were quite multi-purpose? 
 

The first collection was inspired by the concept of “sheets-to-streets”. When the COVID pandemic happened early last year, I paid attention to how people were feeling and adapting. Many lost not only the normality of their lives but also a part of themselves. I wanted to design clothing that gave people a sense of power in a time that left so many feeling powerless. Throw on our satin Cambridge shorts with your favorite white dress shirt to grab a cup of coffee or our Botany print shirts when you get out of bed and go grocery shopping. I am a full believer that fashion can empower people to change their world. 

2.  Do you see Carnal Flora as having a signature look or do you plan on continuously mixing up the style of your designs? 

Our signature styles like our Atlas shirts, Andro shirts, and mid-length trousers will always be there. As we begin developing new styles and prints they will continue to embody the spirit of the brand.

3.  As someone from such a fashionable city like Los Angeles, how has that environment inspired or influenced your creativity? 

When people think “Los Angeles” they usually think of Hollywood, Rodeo Drive, luxury cars, and shiny things. When I think of “Los Angeles” I think of Griffith Park, Angeles National Forest, Descanso Gardens, and so many other ecologic sanctuaries in and near Los Angeles. I’ve grown up in California my whole life and a lot of my inspiration comes from going on hikes. What’s great about Los Angeles is that it has almost every type of climate you can imagine within a couple hours’ drive. Living in Los Angeles has definitely shown me a new sense of the word “glamour” 

4.  In a place where you must be spoiled for choice when it comes to models, what thought do you put into who you have modeling your designs? 

The most important thing I try to look for in a model is an easy-going personality and a fearless spirit. When we do the shoots, it’s such a collaborative experience. I want everyone on set to have a good time and make it memorable rather than a task. I am a true believer that the right personality and attitude can translate into pictures and reflect the brand. It’s more than just a picture, it's a memory. 

5.  As this series is about the diverse aesthetics of asexual people and asexual people in the fashion industry, I wanted to ask you more about your intersectional experience. Do you feel like your asexuality has influenced your own style at all, or your approach as a designer? 

It was difficult for me in the beginning. What kept me motivated was reminding myself that I have resilience, a story, passion, and a voice. That’s all you need to get started and to keep going. Now that the business has established itself a bit more, I’ve started finding clients and buyers who value my storytelling and the quality of my designs. 

As someone who leans towards demisexual, the asexual community has empowered me to love myself and not have to feel dependent on a partner as a reminder to myself that I am loved. This message translates into the brand’s narrative on romance. Regardless of your sexuality/asexuality, it’s a message that everyone should embrace. 

6.  Do you have any advice for emerging designers, especially those who might also be people of color and/or those in the asexual community? 

My advice is to embrace the qualities that make you rare. The world doesn’t need another ego-driven artist striving to fit in. The world needs more individuals who dare to be their authentic selves, overcome their fears, and can connect with people through their art. In the beginning, people aren’t always going to be accepting of the new kid on the block and that’s okay. It doesn't start with validation. It starts by loving yourself, staying focused, and giving your art/business that time and space to grow.

7.  What's next for Carnal Flora? 

Follow us @carnalflora and see!