Maya Jama talks body confidence, keeping it real on Instagram and her first PrettyLittleThing collection

23-year-old Maya Jama is a successful TV and radio presenter, online personality and style inspiration.

Yet, click on her Instagram profile and in and amongst a number of glamorous shots, you'll also find snaps of the star pushing a double chin, wearing the odd face mask and posing in outfits that are more high street, than high end.

Refreshingly, Maya keeps things real, empowering women by shattering the illusion of 'celebrity perfection', whilst serving up attainable 'outfits of the day', one Instagram pic at a time.

This is why we love her, and why her we predict her collaboration with PrettyLittleThing, out today, will be a huge hit this summer. It's bang on trend, affordable (with prices from £8 to £45) and inclusive of many body types (sizes range from 4-24).

We sat down with Maya to chat about designing her first ever collection, summer body confidence and - naturally - who her favourite Love Island couple is...

What was it like designing your first clothing collection for PrettyLittleThing?

It was incredible! I’ve never done anything like this before.

I had wanted to do a fashion collection for ages but hadn't been approached by the right brand or it hadn't been the right time.

So, when PrettyLittleThing came over I was like, "This would be perfect!" I wear them anyway, my audience loves the brand and have seen me in their outfits before. We were in mutual agreement about the vision for the collection.

What was the collection inspired by?

I wanted to create something that reflected my personal style, but also with a 90s vibe. We looked at some of the old Chanel runway shows, and also Clueless.

I’m obsessed with two-piece co-ords. They're just so easy, you don’t have to search for a top that matches with that bottom. You have your whole outfit sorted.

It comes in sizes 4 to 24 as well, so it’s super inclusive for every body shape and size, which is amazing.

Who was your 90s style icon?

Probably my mum. My mum’s super stylish. I look back at old pictures and she’ll be in oversized dungarees and little stripe crop tops and stuff that I’d wear now.

How do you want women to feel when wearing the collection?

I want them to feel sexy, I want them to feel cute, I want them to feel comfortable.

I want them to just be like, “This is hot!”

How would you describe your personal style?

I’m either super comfy or super dressed up - in tracksuit bottoms and a crop top, or in a bodycon dress and high heels.

I don’t think there is one word to describe my style, I like trying loads of new things.

You like high street shopping. Is it important that your wardrobe is accessible to your fans?

100 per cent. I know my audience and I know that they are predominantly young women, and not many young women have money to buy Chanel and things like that.

So, PrettyLittleThing x Maya Jama is a style that’s affordable for everybody and you can look just as good as people in designer clothes.

You don’t have to break the bank to look good nowadays and this collection is proof of that.

What would be your top tips for women who struggle with body confidence?

I’d say just embrace it all! Everybody's different for a reason. We all have different things we love and whenever I'm personally struggling with how I feel about myself, I’m always like: "Okay, I might not like my legs today, but what do I like about myself?"

I try to focus on, and highlight, my good points rather than stressing out about the bad points.

Has Instagram helped or hindered women's body confidence?

I feel like it’s a gift and a curse.

It’s the best thing ever because you can get outfit inspiration and constant support from strangers or friends and it’s a chance to showcase your life.

But then, the downside is all the comparisons. We’re constantly looking at other people and what they’re doing and comparing ourselves, and I think it’s just taking things with a pinch of salt and understanding that nobody actually looks like their pictures.

Instagram is a highlights reel. Don’t compare your worst bits to somebody else's best bits. I take a million selfies to get the right one and I have to get the right lighting and makeup etc. But then I’ll also post pictures of myself first thing in the morning when I haven’t done any of that.

I think there are more and more people who are starting to be honest about their appearance on Instagram and showing different sides of their lives, not just making it 'shiny perfection'. The more people who do that, the better.

5 quick fire questions

1. Have you ever worn the same outfit for more than two days in a row?

I’ve got this rule that if I don’t have a picture in it then I can wear it as many times as I want because there’s no proof.

2. What’s the greatest length you’ve gone to to get a pic for Instagram?

So many lengths! Like, having two of my friends with their iPhone camera flashes pointing at me setting up a mini personal photoshoot.

Last year, I also went on holiday on my own to Sri Lanka and made friends with the cleaner who I persuaded to take photos of me on the balcony. She did great, we were friends!

3. Who is your favourite Love Island couple at the moment?

Obviously Danni and Jack! I love Danni because I think she is just so normal and down-to-earth. But then the rest of them haven’t settled into their couples yet, so I'll have to wait and see.

4. Do you ever send your outfits to your mates via WhatsApp before going out?

All the time. Even if I post a picture on Instagram. If it’s one that I’ve put a lot of effort into I’m like: “Hun, is this one okay?”

If there are two options, I’m really indecisive. I’ll either put it in a group chat or send it to my makeup artist, she’s usually the decider.

5. Who is your celebrity style crush?

Rihanna or Bella Hadid. I often check their Instagrams to see what they’re wearing or what they wore for certain events.

You can shop the entire PrettyLittleThing x Maya Jama collection here.