Fashion: Dubai meets Brussels meets Casablanca
Designer and style maven Zahra Siouda makes clothing that aims to awe and impress. She’s also a social media master with over 10,000 followers and her daily sartorial choices are gushed over by the likes of Style Arabia and Emirates Woman.
The UAE-via-Belgium-and-Morocco designer takes fabrics that are originally designed to upholster couches and dress curtains, and transforms them into directional womenswear. Her signature range includes capes, jackets, and tops.
“I make clothes for myself first and foremost. What I find shopping in malls is sort of boring and doesn’t reflect my personality,” Siouda told Tempo.
After production, every design is pushed on social media, which for Siouda, is just a means to an end.
“Social media is vicious and hasn’t brought me much but followers,” Siouda said. “At the same time Instagram and other outlets can offer opportunity, and of course, free advertising.”
Just as brands use social media to get an audience, individuals now use social media to become brands themselves. As an emerging designer, Zahra plays with both of these elements.
“Social media is not reality. No one shows everything, just what people want to see. No one wants to see you struggling or the hard work it takes to reach your goals. All you sell is dreams.”
Instagram: @zahrashasby
By Christopher Joshua Benton
