My Style: Shahrzad Moaven
Photo: Nikola Borissov for Fashion We Like // Make up: Stani Kireva
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Confidence is the remedy to any fashion disaster. Personally however, I haven’t met anyone with such skill to convince me that velvet and corduroy make a good match!
Please describe your style in three words.
It’s not simple…
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not having a full-length mirror.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, my mother.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Anything textured and sculptural.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
I love the vibrant colours, imagination and creativity that you see in most cities in India.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
A fusion.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I think understanding and being familiar with your body and skin tone. Also, always remembering to leave something to the imagination.
Celebrities and style...
Is what makes my business tick.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jewellery — they can make any outfit!
A woman should always look like...
They can enchant and captivate an observer.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My grandmother, who we had to strictly call ‘Maman’, and my mum. My mum has an exceptional eye for design. She can pick up something quite drab and turn it into something fabulous! Here’s hoping that it’s hereditary!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Depends on the weather and what jewellery motivates me to get out of bed that day.
What is your biggest regret?
Not listening to my mum more when I was younger. Recently she quoted, “Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
The three c’s — confidence, creativity, and colour.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I always sleep on it!
We will never see you wearing...
I can’t commit to this… as everything can be pulled off if you’re in the know! Exceptions may be Uggs and Crocs.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Youmna who creates beautifully, timeless handcrafted jewellery. I admire her skill of re-interpreting what we have seen many times into pieces which intrigue and are wearable art!
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Joan Burstein of Browns.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her watch.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A beautiful Chanel dress I purchased from Christie’s this summer and a studded 70s bag I bought in the late 90s in a flea market in New York — apparently it belonged to a stripper!
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Having studied at Central Saint Martins — I have too many to narrow it down to one.
Which designer/fashion house never fails to impress you?
Present, Tom Ford. Past, Hubert de Givenchy.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her trousers. I think it is important to know what suits your body type.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, it is all about one’s interpretation.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Eliza Poklewski Koziell — mum, wife and owner of one of the best jewellery haunts in London — Felt. She has incredible energy and style.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Never take anything for granted!
