The DJ booth at the World of My Own ‘zine release event in New York on Feb. 7. Photo by Selah Pennington.
The energy was high as “World of My Own” celebrated their first-ever magazine release, “A Look Inside Our World.” The publication highlights their SS2024 fashion show with exclusive insights from founder Sydney Wekstein. It includes behind-the-scenes stills, show-day moments and interviews with the team that brought the show to life.
It was a welcoming space where anyone from anywhere could come together for one night and be themselves while celebrating what united them: a love for fashion and artistry. No gatekeeping. No hate. No hierarchies. No pretension. Just a love for fashion, kind people and amazing music.
Wekstein shared the inspiration behind “World of My Own” in an exclusive interview with Ink Magazine.
Sydney Wekstein (left) and Ifeoluwa Ibraheem (right) by Selah Pennington
“I think everyone inspires me! I don’t really look up to any big designers. I feel like my work is influenced by individualism, and the bigger industries make you think there’s not enough room for everyone. So, to say that one person inspires me — or that no one inspires me — would be wrong,” Wekstein explained. “I feel like everyone I come across — especially living in New York where I’m surrounded by so many beautiful people — even just strangers I make eye contact with on the street, they all inspire me.”
Starting the brand in 2020 at just 16 years old, Wekstein built “World of My Own” from the ground up. What began as a young teenager’s dream has evolved into an internationally recognized brand. Now, as a young woman who has traveled the world, debuted multiple collections and continues to create a safe space for self-expression, Wekstein remains committed to empowering young women and promoting sustainability through the use of deadstock and vintage fabrics.
More than just a brand, “World of My Own” is a movement. “I want to destroy capitalism,” Wekstein stated boldly. “I want to uplift small designers and small artists. This is not something that is just for me — everything that goes into ‘World of My Own’ has a million hands involved. I want to keep uplifting women artists and queer artists.”
Photo from the World of My Own SS2024 magazine by Sydney Wekstein
Wekstein is always thinking ahead, passionate about making an impact with the work she pours into her brand. Her vision is ever-evolving, and she embraces the uncertainty of the future with excitement.
“I think I am evolving every single day — I hope,” Wekstein laughed. “I have so many goals! I’m having a fashion show in late April, so that’s what we’re working on right now. I want to keep creating, do more performance art and explore different mediums in my personal life. I feel like my life is a performance. I want to keep performing for the people, and I’m just excited to see what happens!”
She elaborated further, “I always dream big, but I’m also ready to see what’s coming toward me. I really believe in the law of detachment. Attachment is suffering, and I don’t want to suffer, so I’m just seeing what life throws at me!”
Through “World of My Own,” Sydney Wekstein has created a space where individuality is celebrated and traditional industry barriers — such as exclusivity, hierarchy and commercialism — are rejected. Wekstein embraces unpredictability and growth, constantly evolving as an artist. Her journey from a teenager with a dream to an internationally recognized designer serves as an inspiration for creatives to pursue their visions fearlessly, without conformity. Fashion should be a space for everyone, fueled by creativity rather than exclusivity. As Wekstein puts it, “It’s not just my world, it’s yours too.”
Copies of the “World of My Own” SS2024 magazine “A Look Inside our World” are available on their website. A portion of the proceeds will go to Altadena Girls for Los Angeles wildfire relief.