The key to mastering your wardrobe and honing your style is confidence.
This International Women’s Day, 5 Inspiring women entrepreneurs shares how their signature style statement stands out from the rest.
As personal style continues to manifest as a reflection of our individual personalities, developing a fashion sense and elevating your own wardrobe comes naturally to these bold women who dig deep with an aesthetic to champion their true art.
To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with five prominent women in the fashion industry who have been making bold moves with their overall aesthetic and bold sartorial choices.
Hala Abdallah
FOUNDER OF JEWELLERY BRAND OFA
How would you define your style?
My style can be defined as feminine, luxurious, classic with a touch of modern. As a woman who wears everything, I embrace a wide range of fashion choices and incorporate them into my personal style. Classic elements play a significant role in my style. I appreciate timeless pieces that never go out of fashion. My brand, OFA, reflects all these aspects of my personal style. It encompasses femininity, luxury, classic elements, and a touch of modernity.
Who inspires you and why?
I love attending art exhibitions and fashion weeks. These experiences provide me with the opportunity to observe the work of talented artists and designers from around the world who excite and motivate me on a daily basis. I am inspired by the creativity and vision of these artists and designers, and the way they use their creativity to express their ideas. I am also inspired by the sense of community that art brings, and the way people come together to appreciate and share in the beauty of art.
What is the signature piece in your wardrobe?
A pair of straight leg Calvin Klein denim jeans, a Skims white T-shirt, a New-Balance half sneakers, Ofa Elara gold hoops and a Celine brown shoulder bag.
How does your style reflect you?
I want my style to say I’m Arab, I’m creative but still low-key. I like to strike a balance between creativity, personal flair, and a touch of mystery. Remember, it’s not about being overly flashy or extravagant, but rather about making a subtle statement that leaves others curious to learn more about you.
How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe?
When I have free time, I style outfits while listening to music, then I wear them throughout the week. Experimenting with different pieces in your wardrobe can be a fun and creative process. It allows you to discover new outfit combinations and showcase your personal style.
What does being fearlessly unique mean to you?
At its core, it is the absence of that final self-check that says “but is it ok? Did anyone
else do this before?” It could be the most wonderful thing that people will never get to see
because women are too afraid to be the first.
Hala Al Shammari
FOUNDER OF FASHION LABEL HALA
How would you define your style?
My style is versatile as I prioritise comfort for everyday wear but really enjoy the creativity of dressing up on weekends. Whether it’s a chic top with bottoms or a daring dress, I choose outfits that boost my confidence and reflect my mood and the occasion. My style is an ever-evolving expression of my personality.
Who inspires you and why?
I get inspiration from people who effortlessly elevate everyday pieces into stylish outfits. It’s those creative minds who can mix and match, accessorise, and add uniqueness to simple clothing that I find inspiring. What really gets me excited is the sheer diversity of fashion today, so many different individuals with their own creative styles. That variety and creativity keep me inspired to explore and express myself through fashion.
What is the signature piece in your wardrobe?
Without a doubt that would be basic crop tops, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether I pair them with skirts, pants, or shorts, they always adapt to the occasion. Crop tops are my signature go-to and make it easy to dress up or down – a staple in my weekly wardrobe rotation.
How does your style reflect you?
My style doesn’t really define who I am, as it varies widely depending on my mood and the occasion. Some days I opt for a casual and comfortable look, while on other days I embrace something daring. Overall, I dress to impress myself rather than others. It’s a reflection of my ever-changing mood and specific moments, rather than a static definition of who I am.
How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe?
The key is to have versatile pieces that can be styled in various ways for repeated wear, and also a handful of statement pieces for those moments when I want to make a bold impression and stand out. It’s all about mixing and matching, accessorizing, and exploring different combinations to create fresh looks from the clothing I already own. This way, I keep my style dynamic and interesting without constantly buying new items.
What does being fearlessly unique mean to you?
Being fearlessly unique, in my opinion, describes someone who has the courage to be themselves shamelessly, even if it means attracting attention or breaking from the usual ways of society. These types of people refuse to confine themselves to the constraints of ordinary norms and are unafraid to take risks. What sets them apart is their commitment to embracing any journey, learning from their experiences, and persisting in the pursuit of their goals
Rhea Jacobs
FASHION CONTENT CREATOR
How would you define your style?
Expressive! Growing up, I was very shy and quite often mused fashion and beauty as a mode to express myself. I find myself even today constantly experimenting and picking pieces that help accentuate how I’m feeling. I love incorporating pieces that make a statement and tell a story rather than it being solely brand driven.
Who inspires you and why?
My Mother Manju, she is the ultimate woman in my eyes. The perfect blend of being empowered, strong and yet having a soft, vulnerable and nurturing side to her. She made me the woman I am today, and I’m constantly grateful for her guidance and support. In both life and personal style, she’s always encouraged me to be fearless and do things that make me happy rather than choosing the usual accepted route.
What is the signature piece in your wardrobe?
Pieces that can easily make an outfit like a statement blazer. It’s a perfect match for days where you want to dress comfortable and yet look the part. I love pairing a blazer with something casual and carrying a statement bag with shoes to match.
How does your style reflect you?
Individuality is the core of my style and beauty ethos. I want it to signify who I am fearlessly and authentically.
How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe?
Layering is truly an art, I’m still learning as I go along. But the key for me is to have fun with the pieces and not take it too seriously. I may get it wrong some days and right for the rest, what’s important to me is to be authentic to how I’m feeling that day.
What does being fearlessly unique mean to you?
Being fearlessly unique to me means unapologetically embracing my individuality no matter how different it may be to those around me.
Zeynab El-Helw
CONTENT CREATOR AND FOUNDER OF FASHION LABEL REBORN
How would you define your style?
Effortlessly laid back, chilled with a boyish oversized twist.
Who inspires you and why?
My aunt, no matter the situation, no matter the day, she always manages to look crisp with minimal effort – always so elegant and chic. I love that she wears her armour in her fashion statements and keeps her privacy locked behind the unique vintage pieces she collects and styles from her beautifully curated wardrobe. It’s super motivational on all levels.
What is the signature piece in your wardrobe?
Baggy pants. They embody a mix of the rush of the real world, where we need convenience to the fashion world where they can still feel elevated. Every angle works well, personally I have a few favourite styles I play around with when styling looks.
How does your style reflect you?
I don’t want to be determined by my style but I definitely just want to inspire people to feel and look confident in their appearance which I would want to portray in my daily looks, hoping to empower people and be relatable.
How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe?
I always push myself to pull out pieces from the back of my wardrobe that ‘haven’t seen daylight in a while’ to challenge myself to create looks from random choices which results in creating new vibes and pushing boundaries.
What does being fearlessly unique mean to you?
Those words just resonate when spoken together. It’s the power of standing out, stepping away from the usual, the expected and the typical expectations of our society. This is the element we should all work towards, the unknown, which is confidently owning our own strengths and weaknesses and being fearlessly unique.
Nat Morcos
CONTENT CREATOR AND FOUNDER OF GOSHÁ FLOWERS
How would you define your style?
I’ve always preferred a pared-back look and am constantly drawn to timeless, classic pieces I
know I’ll be able to style in different ways for years to come.
Who inspires you and why?
Kelly Wearstler for her flamboyant and eclectic approach to design and personal style. She is a woman of no age which is so fascinating and inspiring. Willo Perron for his ability to work across different genres in design and always bring something so simple but visually impressive. Coco Chanel as she built the most timeless, chic, and ultimate luxury brand with a strong unshakable DNA which year after year remains a subject of desire.
What is the signature piece in your wardrobe?
Chanel 22 bag. I have a very impressive collection of this bag style and I still can’t get enough. Versatile, easy, a timeless staple.
How does your style reflect you?
My style always says “She is different”. I am never afraid to try something new and a bit eclectic.
How do you experiment with different pieces in your wardrobe?
Over the years I have built a capsule wardrobe, not trend-driven but mainly driven by the architecture of every piece. I always upcycle items in my own closet by changing the length, and style of items I no longer love as much. I have a top for example which I made out of pants and it gives them new love and a new way of looking at the old by making it new.
What does being fearlessly unique mean to you?
It means to take risks. It means to trust your vision.
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Images: Supplied
