MOJEH meets regional trendsetter Zahra Lyla Khalil to see how she takes on one of the toughest seasonal looks, print on print.
Zahra wears a blazer by Arwa Al Banawi, a top and skirt by Dinz and shoes by Topshop | Photographed by Rhys Simpson-Hopkins
What was your inspiration behind your first look?
I am a sucker for culottes and fell in love with this printed pair by Raoul. I thought I would be a little more adventurous with my outfit, so I paired it with another print. It is always fun to go a little outside your comfort zone when it comes to styling yourself, as you never know what you might end up liking.
How did you build your look in your second outfit?
My style is classic, but with an edge. So, I added a masculine blazer to what would be a very feminine look. The flamingo skirt and off-the-shoulder top, both by Dinz, make for such a girly outfit that I needed something to tone them down.
Who are your go-to designers for prints?
I can never get enough of Peter Pilotto. They really know how to mix prints with their cuts and silhouettes for a perfectly balanced piece. I also love the femininity of Erdem’s prints.
What is your top styling tip for wearing print on print?
Be careful you don’t go overboard. I like to wear print on print in a more subtle way, so I make sure it is collectively not too loud. If you’re not brave enough for head to toe, break it up with some block colour.
How would you describe your style code?
My style is classic, but with an edge. I like a little element of surprise when it comes to my outfits. I also love to mix feminine pieces with masculine ones, as I think the juxtaposition of the styles make the look more interesting.
What has influenced your style most?
I think it is mainly my body shape and age. As I am growing, my body is changing and I feel it is important to take that into consideration when styling myself. What I used to wear in my late teens would not work now, as I have matured and my style has evolved with me. My go-to style has become a little more conservative and polished.
Zahra wears a shirt by Equipment, culottes by Raoul and shoes by Gianvito Rossi | Photographed by Rhys Simpson-Hopkins
Which designers are you looking forward to for spring/summer16?
I love the new direction Gucci is going in and I can’t wait to get my hands on their new collection. Marni also stole my heart!
What are you top three trends for the season ahead and how will you be wearing them?
Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses, metallic shades for daytime style and bold graphic stripes. I like to incorporate trends into my look in a more subtle way.
What accessories are on your wish list?
Everything and anything from Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Both of these houses are really great at creating statement pieces that can instantly upgrade an outfit.
How will you evolve your beauty look for spring?
For spring, I always like to go a little softer with my beauty look, so I will bid farewell to bold eyeliner and opt for a softer grey shadow and bronzer. This will give me a fresh and lighter look for the season.
What do you most love about summer styling?
I love to be a bit more adventurous. Summer is about having fun and letting go, so I will be bringing that into my style with lots of colour.
You travel a lot for your job. How do you approach this in terms of wardrobe?
It is all about taking versatile pieces with you, as well as lots of pre-planning so that you don’t overpack. I also make sure to pack a few statement pieces to really elevate my travel style.
