A Halloween-Themed Chat with Alternative Model & Activist Karla Azzeh

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve been waiting all year for the spooky season to finally commence. So, to celebrate its arrival, we sat down for a chat with social media influencer Karla Azzeh who describes herself as an alternative model. She currently resides in the United Kingdom yet has earned thousands of international followers across multiple platforms. 

⭐ Now let's dive in!⭐

Known for her bold, alternative fashion style, which famously features glamorous gothic elements, she has become one of our go-to sources for inspiration. Keep scrolling to learn more about Karla’s favorite Halloween memories, her impeccable fashion sense, the important messages she hopes to communicate to her audience, and more!

Kira: Are you excited about Halloween? What do you usually do, and what’s your plan for this year?

Karla: I'm really excited, actually. I absolutely adore Halloween since I was a kid :D it was the only time of the year my parents understood my "different" style. I most love to enjoy its autumnal fruits, like everything pumpkin 🎃 and I also throw Halloween parties. This year I plan on doing a party and also challenging myself to do many spooky makeup looks. 

Kira: In your bio, you wrote that you are an alternative model. Can you define what an Alternative Model is?

Karla: Well, I would say it is a branch of the modeling industry that features models who do not conform to mainstream ideals of beauty. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and creativity. Tbh for me, it is a form of freedom of expression, to just be you and express that beauty comes in all forms. It's a dare to go into the great unknown and explore, an outlet for expressing everything neurodivergent, queer, and even heal trauma or just have fun, without the fear of the gaze of society. 

Kira: We saw that you love reading. What kind of books do you usually love to read?

Karla: This is a great question! Thank you for asking. I mostly read psychology, political economy&theory, philosophy, crime novels, horror, and a lot of sci-fi and fantasy. 💜

Kira: What makes you love watching sci-fi movies and fantasy?

Karla: Hmm, hard one, haha. Probably how amazing it is to be able to explore human psychology in certain contexts that are implausible, different ways to help you empathise with others, and also just the deep dive into imagination. 

Kira: Do you have any memorable Halloween memories? Can you share it with us?

Karla: I do, actually! 😊 I think the first time I became very fond of Halloween was when I was in primary school and we had a Halloween party, where I was so happy and excited to be able to share with others my passion for the "different" I had my homemade costume and some wonky but cute self-made makeup 😅 and also that we always had toasted bread with animal fat as a snack each Halloween 🤣 I really loved that haha.

Kira: We saw that you are an activist. What inspired you to be one, and what message do you have for the younger generation?

Karla: Such an amazing question! Honestly, I've been very passionate and caring since I was a child, I was very concerned and moved each time I saw injustice, and I used to feel helpless. Also, being Palestinian on my dad's side impacted my life and my family's lives directly, and we've always been very aware of what oppression feels like and how unfair it is. Growing up as a neurodivergent in a poor working-class household made me feel very personally when I see others struggle bc of it. My message to the youth is to stay aware, informed, and spread kindness. Activism shouldn't be an ego trip or a personal achievement but a genuine desire to create a better world for everyone.

(Fear is the mind-killer)

Kira: You love playing board games and video games. Where do you excel the most, and what game?

Karla: Hmmm, I think I excel the most at board games, but I enjoy video games more. I'm not playing competitive ones, so I really like to take my time and go deep into RPGs. You have such a lot of followers! 

Kira: How were you able to garner that many fans? Are there any tips you can give to aspiring influencers?

Karla: Oh, haha, my honest answer is that I don't know how I did it. I guess I did follow the ever-changing insta algorithm rules, like posting constantly and reels, but I feel like I was also lucky. Other than that, I post to share my passion, and I urge everyone to do the same, so they won't end up feeling like it's a burden. 

(Lost)

Kira: You seem to not focus on just one fashion style. Is there any style you like in particular?

Karla: Ohhh, this is really difficult to answer. Long story short: alternative. I feel like the whole idea of alt is to be different and true to yourself as much as u can in this society, a certain freedom or at least the illusion of it, so that's why I would find it very redundant to focus on just one. My favorites depend on my mood at the time, so I can't really choose, haha!

(I'm an avatar)

Kira: We are so happy to collaborate with you! Do you have any standards or criteria when deciding who to collaborate with? And what was your kirakiraworld impression?

Karla: I am extremely happy and honoured as well! Thank you for this opportunity 💜  I like to collaborate with brands that are ofc, different, and alt, but also honest and creative in what they do. My first impression was, "Wow, so kawaii " 🤣 , but I simultaneously noticed that this is an open-minded and encouraging brand as well. 

Kira: You love thrifting and photoshoots. Do you have any tips for your followers when it comes to thrifting and how to pose?

Karla: Yesssss, thrifting is one of my main hobbies 🤩 For thrifting, my main advice is patience and endurance, haha, as well as trying out all the smaller shops, they always have hidden gems. For posing, I don't just say the usual nonsense like "be happy, go with the flow" I feel like 90% of it is practice, and it's very important to trust your photographer or when you are working by yourself, just try to practice confidence. 

(Runaway)

Kira: What items do you recommend to Kawaii fans for their upcoming Halloween style? Can you pick one from our store? (dress, shoes, dolls, etc.) we will create a coordination box just for you.

Karla: I chose a very kawaii outfit precisely because I thought it would be daring as an alternative person to also add something cute in the Halloween season rather than just dark. So I made the Digital Fairy 󰧙  outfit to be able to have fun and dive into the fantasy side of Halloween 💜 

(See Karla's Kirabox)

Kira: Is there anything that you want to say to your fans and followers?

Karla: Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate and see each one of you 🖤

“Activism shouldn't be an ego trip or a personal achievement but a genuine desire to create a better world for everyone.”

Our insightful conversation with Karla reminds us of the importance of using your platform, no matter how big or small, for good. Karla is using her privilege to be a voice for so many underrepresented individuals - and she looks fabulous while doing it! Her distinctive style is perfect for those who want to adopt a more daring approach to your Halloween costumes this year. Once you follow Karla’s chunky-platform footsteps, we guarantee you’ll be the center of attention at any event you attend.

Want to explore more of Karla’s iconic style for Halloween inspo? Check out her links below and tag us in any of her looks you recreate!

KARLA'S SNS

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK