Let's Talk About Melina Matsoukas' Amazing Style

"I like to play with the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine, and living in both of those spaces. I felt so strong and confident, but also really stylish at the same time. I thought it was really risky in terms of its color, tone, and shape for a premiere. I knew I didn't want to wear a gown or something classic that somebody would probably wear to their premiere, but I wanted something that exuded the strength I feel I need as a director and that represented me, my style, and my expression. I'll call this warrior couture—everything, for me, ends in couture."

"I've always been a fan of street wear and hip-hop culture—I directed music videos in that world and that space forever. So many of these high-fashion brands borrow from our culture and our people, so I love to do something that shows my roots and who I am as a person, but also that I can play in the high fashion world as well. I loved how [this] was Christian Dior, but at the same time it was just a hoodie, a windbreaker. This outfit was grounded but also dressy and, to me, redefined the idea that you have to wear a classic dress to an event. We can navigate through all these spaces with our style and still reflect ourselves without having to fall into a traditional stride."

"I didn't know about this one. I think it was really risky in terms of the design but it's Zendaya for Tommy Hilfiger. I love that she's a young Black woman doing something in fashion. I love snakeskin and animal prints; they're really classic but still more risky, edgy—something that doesn't ever go out of style. We're all living in this jungle and at the same time we don't necessarily blend in. I love being an individual but also [showing] off my different styles and artistic expressions."

"The thing I wore to the Gucci Gala was from a student at Central Saint Martins and that was actually a men's suit and bodysuit underneath. Again, I really love mixing masculine with the feminine; I love having a bit of leg out but then also having this very structured men's suit."

"The jacket is by Wales Bonner, who's a Black British woman. She's amazing. She actually does menswear [too], so that is a men's blazer with a tribal pin that speaks to my roots and my history. The jacket is paired with Marine Fair leggings and shoes; it's actually two pieces, but they look like they blend into one. I usually wear a blazer with no shirt underneath, because I also like a little skin and to embrace my sensuality."

"Once I find a good outfit, I'm not changing it for the entire week. I just liked how it made me feel like this traditional, conservative woman. It was risky but also very conservative at the same time."

"I love a good blazer, a good jacket. I think it's part of my armor and makes me feel good. Throwing on a good blazer or jacket is an easy way to get a very professional look, even when what you have underneath isn't necessarily that. This is an LA brand called Perfect Number. I love their use of utility and layering. I never know what I'm going to wake up wanting to feel like that day—I can be so many different versions of myself and my clothes reflect that on a daily basis."

"Here is me trying to play with streetwear. This look has a very '80s vibe to it. I didn't want everything to be so wild but not too classic either. This Tongoro Studios suit [and Maryam Nassir Zadeh shoes] felt a bit streamlined and minimal but unique."

"Ah, No Sesso. It was really important for me to wear them because they're very talented people and do things that play with our culture and push it to the next dimension. I love to play with unisex clothing. Plus, it had sequins everywhere."