128 |Harper’s BAZAAR|September 2014CREDIT HEREith September comes the biannual
drop of new season collections into
stores, accompanied by page after
page in glossy magazines such as
this one showcasing those looks as
they started life on the runway
(Catwalk Collections, page 116). But what can appear intimidating,
or often downright bizarre, to anyone for whom fashion is an
interest rather than a career, is often simply a mirage of conceptual
hair, make-up and styling. Strip away those distorting factors and
you start to reveal the individual gems that the season has to offer.
The coat that, off the catwalk, looks less costumey and more like
something you can envisage in your own wardrobe. Or those shoes
that, teamed with a pair of distressed jeans, are no longer quite so
scary. Increasingly, however, it’s not the unattainable image of
heavily-styled catwalk models that alerts us to the buying potential
of such pieces, rather it’s real women wearing them their own way
in real life situations. Step forward Instagram, the new generation
street style showcase. Populated by women whose style we can
admire in real life situations – seeing someone look chic while
collecting the kids from school is far more relatable than the kind
of outfi t deemed appropriate for hanging around outside a fashion
show – this social media obsession has made insta-stars out of its
most stylish members, many of whom can spark a selling frenzy far
more effectively than any supermodel. To that end, Bazaar has
enlisted Kuwait-based Iranian mother-of-two Yalda Golsharifi
(Instagram following 205,000 and counting) to rework some of
the season’s key pieces in an everyday execution.
“What I love most about fashion is all the ways you can express
yourself,” the 28-year-old says. “The fashion scene in Kuwait is
really popping and I love keeping up with new trends.” Certainly
no slave to catwalk dictates, Yalda maintains her own identity,
whatever she’s wearing, taking a designer piece and making it
work for her life and style. “The dress and coat combo is so hip
and I’d wear it out to dinner,” Yalda says of Chanel’s eye-popping
citrus coat. A chunky knit is a new season must-buy; strip away
the space age styling of Saint Laurent’s cape and it becomes an
everyday essential, ideal for dressing up or down. “It’s an
effortlessly chic look,” Yalda says, “it feels so me.”
But it’s Gucci’s 1960s shift that has really won her
heart. The condiment colour might appear hard to
stomach, but anchor it with black accessories and
suddenly it’s a no-brainer. “The mustard Gucci
dress was my favourite look,” Yalda says. “Not
only is it fl attering, it also makes me feel
feminine and strong.” A great mission
statement to take you into the new season.W
STYLE
The
Coat, Dhs42,900, Chanel.
Tunic (part of a set), Dhs7,695
Victoria, Victoria Beckham.
Bag, Dhs5,290, Jimmy Choo.
Shoes, Dhs3,190, Christian
Louboutin, Ring, Dhs2,200,
Saint Laurent by Hedi
Slimane, Bangles, Dhs750,
Noir at Sophie’s ClosetT H E
COAT
Forget pink,
A/W14 is all
about orange
outerwearCHANEL A/W14■
FINISH THE
LOOK WITH...Sunglasses,
Dhs2,030,
FendiWatch,
Dhs75,500,
DiorNecklace,
Dhs1,950,
MarniShoes,
Dhs5,300,
Chloé