By Vaishnavi Varma
When you visit niedsano.com you won’t guess for a minute that the fashionistas behind it are two students from the American Community School of Abu Dhabi! The two style-makers are Anastasia Basano, an Italian-Russian, and Anna Niederlander, from Austria. Their fashion blog is growing in popularity among teens in the UAE and also has a decent fanbase from other countries. The young women share their learnings about style…
Defining Style
Anastasia: My idea of style is a way of dressing up; people wear what they like and feel most comfortable in. I wear different kinds of clothes from sweaters paired with jeans to dresses with heels. I don’t have a specific kind of style – I dress not to impress, but to express myself. Even though sometimes I love over-dressing up for school. I love wearing skirts and dresses because they make me feel very girly but when paired with the right shoes, the look is stylish as well.
Anna: I don’t think I have one defined style, just like I don’t have one defined mood. Style often shows people who you are, and because I am still trying to figure that out and always will be, my style is forever changing. I often like to make a dramatic statement, and much of the foundation of my wardrobe is dark and I like to use big necklaces.
Fashion in the UAE
Anastasia: Living in the UAE actually increased my love for fashion because of all the amazing stores that are found in the malls. Every time I’m at the mall I always check what’s new on the racks. Living in a place that has a lot of clothes and fashion has taught me how to dress and the importance of looking good.
Anna: I was born and raised in the UAE and it has influenced me in so many ways. The UAE has such a vast international population, which exposes me to so many different cultures and styles. The country is developing rapidly and with it new trends and innovations are created. There are many events such as art exhibitions that inspire me. I am a major art fan, and believe fashion is an extension of this creativity.
Shopping Help
Anastasia: There are lots of stores that I love and always visit, but I’m a type of shopper that likes going into random places to find something that I like, especially boutiques. If you stick to only one store, you don’t get to see the many different clothes that other stores have to offer. Although, I do love stores like Topshop, H&M, Zara, Miss Selfridge, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein.
Anna: My favourite designer stores are Balmain and Marc Jacobs. Out of the affordable stores I love COS, for their simplicity, and Zara because they have something for everyone, in quality and price.
Fashion Advice
Anastasia: You don’t need to copy anyone’s style or buy the exact same outfit that you liked on someone. Wear clothes that you like and feel comfortable wearing. Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself and happy. You’ve got one life to live, there’s no time to waste wearing clothes you don’t like. Many people, especially girls, feel like they should wear clothes to impress others, but in order to be happy with yourself you should wear clothes that you like, not what others might like.
Anna: The best fashion advice I can give, is to not listen to any fashion advice. Forget the rules – if you like it, wear it.
