AW20 Style Notes with Zeena Shah
Multi-talented Zeena is an art director, stylist and designer with a real passion for all things colour. Based in east London, Zeena started her career in fashion as a print designer before realising styling and art direction was her calling. We asked Zeena to give us an insight into how she is styling the season with her AW20 style notes.
My style is eclectic, colourful and fun, it's my identity, there is no simpler form of self identity it's the first thing people look at and notice from afar. I want to be the great grandma with the fabulous wardrobe every grandchild wants a treasure from. Every piece I choose is so carefully considered. Colour and pattern play a huge part of my choices. This has definitely been inspired by 3 years at art school spent dying and screen printing textiles as well as my mum's fabulous wardrobe.
A penny lane inspired coat in blush pink will always look fabulous and brighten up a grey wintery day.
Getting dressed should be an enjoyable part of your day, taking pride in your appearance is such a confidence booster and making it yours is the fun part!
A sunshine yellow dress that can be dressed up and down and a colourful mood booster. I'd pair with sandals on a summer's day and wear them for a wedding with some heels.
For as long as I can remember I loved dresses. I used to spend hours dressing up barbies with my sisters when we were little. I'd change their outfits more times a day than even made sense. I also loved the paper tab crafts where you would cut out pieces and stick them to a model. Another labour of love to create my fashion collections. This and being hugely inspired by my mum who is a brilliant sewist, knitter and crocheter I learnt these skills early on and this certainly inspired my art school days and creative career. I'd be lost without it; it really is a part of who I am.
I always reach for a sweatshirt and I loved the pretty floral ruffle detail that makes this one oh so unique.
I love looking at the history of fashion, vintage clothing, sewing patterns and photographs are all things that I love looking at. As a designer creating a mood board is such a pivotal point in the process and the putting together of images is something that definitely inspires my outfits. I love Scandi style and Parisian chic. I often find inspiration in London street style, there is so much creativity here I love living in London so much.
Zeena's AW20 styling tips
Layering! Forget about seasons and get excited about layers. I'm going to be layering my 70's inspired prairie dresses no end. Dress for comfort and there may be some unexpected happy accidents. I loved cycling short and blazers over the summer but how will this change for the cooler season. Be playful and have fun with colour blocking and pattern. There is so much power in colour, use it to elevate your outfit and your mood.