Inside the wardrobes and homes of the region’s most respected trendsetters and tastemakers. This week we enter the home of Mochi founder Ayah Tabari.
Who: Ayah Tabari | Age: 27 | Nationality: Palestinian | Profession: Founder of Mochi
Let us tell you this: Ayah Tabari is no average expat girl. As the founder of fashion label Mochi (stocked in S*uce and Valleydez) she spends a lot of time travelling to exotic locations, most recently India and Thailand, sourcing local textiles and costume while being inspired by everything the countries have to offer. This is perhaps why there’s an air of boho chic about her as she welcomes us in her favourite pair of ripped Levi shorts and signature Mochi jacket. “I dress for my mood,” she says. “So it really depends on how I’m feeling when I get up.” This outfit clearly states she’s feeling pretty relaxed – and why wouldn’t she be? With a greatly praised first collection she’s at the top of her game.
As she leads us round her family home it’s obvious that art plays a huge part in her life and her designs, which focus on fabric, colour and embroidery. Trinkets from her trips are dotted throughout her home with fresh flowers scenting the large open spaces. Spotting a little Buddha figurine, Ayah tells us about some of her amazing experiences while travelling across Jaipur in India, which inspired her first collection. Her second collection, which launches in October, is inspired by Thailand. We can’t give too much away but judging by what we saw, you best snap it up quick because it’s bound to fly off the shelves.
My Beauty Secret: I keep it minimal during the day – concealer, bronzer and a slick of mascara. In the evening a bright lip is a must, I have a huge collection of colourful lipsticks.
Bargain Hunter: I love vintage finds! When in London I visit Portobello and Spitalfields market. I also love asos.com and I’m also slightly obsessed with Zara at the moment.
Style Icons: I love Nicole Richie because she knows how to pull just about anything off.
Treasured Pieces: A handmade jacket that I found on my trip to Thailand and some incredible jewellery pieces and kaftans from India. I’ve also kept some Mochi pieces from the first collection for myself.
Shop Stop: Forever 21 is great for simple T-shirts and Zara has really stepped up in the past few seasons. When in Dubai I love shopping at Level Shoe District, Harvey Nichols, Socialista, S*uce and Bambah Vintage. When I’m in New York I can’t help popping into Bergdorf Goodman.
Uniform Of Choice: My vintage Levi’s denim shorts paired with a T-shirt and lots of vintage accessories.
My Wardrobe: Every closet should have simple T-shirts, lots of jeans (you can never have too many) lots of prints and lots of gym clothes. For shoes, I love Gina – the flats are such a statement. It’s also important to have timeless beige, black and silver heels because you never know when you’re going to need them.
