About

‘…where fashion meets functionality & culture is expressed authentically’

Welcome to Sickle Style!

A hub for all things style + culture-related, where fashion meets functionality and culture is expressed authentically.

My name is Tolu Karunwi and I am the curator of this space. Join me as I express my love for fashion through my style diaries while also exploring my enjoyment of arts & culture through unique exhibitions and experiences.

soooo… why ‘sickle’ style?

Well, I am also a young woman who happens to live with Sickle Beta-0 Thalassemia. Sickle Beta-0 Thalassemia is a genetic condition that affects the red blood cells and leads to several complications such as fatigue, increased risk of infections, and excruciating episodic pain known as a 'crisis.' Though the disease is notorious for its unpredictability, I have grown up being hyperaware of anything that could potentially trigger pain episodes and have noticed that weather/temperature variation is one of them.

Colder temperatures are known to cause acidosis/vasoconstriction which is essentially what occurs when the blood vessels become narrow, making it more difficult for blood to flow. On the other hand, hotter temperatures are likely to cause dehydration in the body (just like it would for anyone) but for me, less hydration in any form is a disaster as water is a natural means of ensuring oxygen enters my body, which in turn encourages better blood flow. I know there’s been a lot of biological jargon 😅 so if you'd like to take your time and learn a bit more about it all, you can click here.

It’s giving…style without compromise!

The point of all of this is to say that styling myself sometimes can be a pain because there are so many factors to consider especially when living in a place like the U.K. where the weather is v.confused. I’ve had this idea stuck in my mind for a while and I am so glad I am finally creating a space like this. A space where I can offer insight I call ‘sickle secrets’ as to the thought process behind my outfits and how I go about navigating my regular cultural expeditions. It’s giving…style without compromise! No compromise on the management of my health. No compromise on my love and enjoyment of fashion & culture. Sounds like a win-win to me!

So here’s to a process of re-discovery, consciousness, and enjoyment - because this life truly na one. I'm glad to have you here and hope you enjoy this blog for all the honesty, fashunzz and fun it aims to bring.  

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