Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
Tulie Yaito, the co-founder of the eponymous brand Yaito is a fashion outlier. The audacious clothing she often wears regularly ethers into experimental territory. This is what makes her Instagram account thrilling. Originally from Jamaica, Yaito emigrated to Canada, and then landed in New York, a state that her mother spent years in. It was there that she began pushing herself to take an individual approach when it came to getting dressed. The multi-hyphenate has built a robust following online due to her fascinating approach to self-expression.
“I like to stand out and be different,” Tulie says when we catch up over a phone call. On any given day she can be seen wearing Rick Owens, or a piece by one of her favorite designers, Issey Miyake. At a private Adidas dinner I attended a few months back, Yaito, who planned the entire evening, arrived in a puffy polka dot shirred dress by an emerging designer, hėkiga. It’s worth noting that last year Tulie launched a quirky Forum 84 silhouette with Adidas that swiftly sold out. This year, it was announced that she’d be continuing her partnership relationship with the brand.
Tulie is often associated with the paisley print carry-alls that have assorted drops each year. Initially, these bags were released in 2020–but Yaito officially launched back in 2015. Each year of growth has seen the brand grow at its own pace. And fittingly, Tulie’s style has also expanded.
“Personal style is freedom,” she mentions at one point of our conversation. Donning wacky and even avant-garde garments is on-brand for Tulie. The Loewe bubble heels that were blowing up on Instagram a few years back are a part of her footwear collection. And so are the metallic silver bow heels also designed by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe. Both of these shoes allude to her lack of limitations when it comes to how she chooses to dress for specific outings. Vibrant hues are also special to her since this is what she associates with her origins in Jamaica. “I’m very strong-minded with what I wear and what I choose to wear and the confidence that I have.” She tells me this stems from the resilience that is ingrained in her which she credits to Caribbean island.
Yaito is energized by the creations by Simon Porte Jacquemus. She says the designer marries design and storytelling in a compelling way. Additionally, she mentions that the Italian house’s creativity is boundless. Similarly, she sings the praises of the brand Issey Miyake, calling their pieces forever classics.
When questioned on what is on the horizon for her namesake brand she says it is always evolving. Tulie also says that the brand offers her an opportunity to express herself creatively while having fun doing so. “We’re looking to dive into some new categories and some new products,” she added.
“Love this Rabanne tank top because this is one of my favorite pictures of Naomi Campbell.”
Available at Luisaviaroma
“I love this kettle. It’s so chic and so me. Decorating my home has been so much fun.”
Available at Williams Sonoma
“Currently decorating my home and this Thalia Porcelain Vase from Venus et Fleur goes perfect with my all white bedroom.”
Available at Venus et Fleur
“Channeling my inner hot girl. I’ve been obsessing over these Amina’s and finally snatched it.”
Available at Moda Operandi