10 Style Rules From A Cool Creative Consultant
Images: @TARAZADEH | @AMIEGRAYLING | @ELJAYBRISS
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10 Style Rules From A Cool Creative Consultant

Tara Ghazanfar is of Persian origin, but a childhood spent between Paris and New York means the now London-based creative consultant has a discerning eye for fashion. From embracing trends to the best way to make a look pop, here are the style rules she lives by…
Images: @TARAZADEH | @AMIEGRAYLING | @ELJAYBRISS

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@TARAZADEH

Play with your style. My own is very eclectic and I love experimenting – one day I could be wearing a feminine minidress, and the next it could be a bodysuit with some baggy pants. When I was in high school, everyone wore the same black or white trainers, and I would be the one wearing the bright yellow ones. My style has always been a bit “out there” – I like to think of it as bold and confident. 

Collect unique pieces. I have a particular passion for and was fortunate enough to inherit some incredible pieces from my mother, who loved brands like Comme des GarçonsRomeo Gigli, and Jean Paul Gaultier. It’s these pieces that will make any look that much more interesting.  

My own is very ECLECTIC and I love EXPERIMENTING – one day I could be wearing a FEMININE MINIDRESS, and the next it could be a BODYSUIT with some BAGGY PANTS.

Find inspiration all around. As a creative person, I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings, the people I meet and my travels. I met many amazing designers during Paris fashion week when I used to have my brand and was represented by Maison Pyramide. Brands like Nafsika SkourtiRobert WunReemamiSilvia Astore, and Vanina really captured my attention and I love them because they are elegant and edgy, classic yet contemporary, all at the same time. Some other brands I love are Roberta EinerJanashiaMathildamoosKourhCasablancaRotateFanci Club and Romani – just to name a few. I'm always on the hunt for something different, special and new, and I love discovering new talent. I also draw inspiration from other content creators, like @Chalaux, @MayaChantout@Emnitta@Heir@Jo.rdan@GildaAmbrosio@DanaHourani and @SvitaSobol

@TARAZADEH

Wear things that are flattering. If something is beautiful but just doesn’t look good on you, don't wear it. There's no need to force yourself to wear trend-focused pieces. Be comfortable and confident in your own approach to style. I am petite, so I like wearing short dresses or shorts as they make me look slimmer. I always go for minidresses and platform shoes. After recently losing some weight following the birth of my second baby, I plan to indulge in more bodycon dresses this summer. I want to get some pieces from Leslie Amon and Oceanus too. 

Always add a statement piece. Getting dressed can take me anywhere from five seconds to a good 20 minutes. I mostly work from the Electric House and like to hold my meetings there too. On those days, I might dress super casually in jeans and a plain top, but I always add something that stands out, like a bright yellow Saks Potts coat or a red snakeskin Stand Studio jacket paired with my platform boots or some trainers. 

@TARAZADEH | @AMIEGRAYLING

Find your signature look. I have a slight obsession with platform boots – some might say it’s my signature style. I own way too many, from Versace and Prada to Valentino, they fill my closet. Recently, I turned my son’s bedroom into my walk-in closet just to be able to store them. It had to be done, and now my sons are happily sharing a room – which, in my defense, something they'd been asking for, so, everyone's happy! I also have a passion for blazers – I recently counted around 30 in my closet. 

Do trends your way. I am definitely inspired by what’s going on in fashion, but I don’t follow trends blindly – I like to interpret them in my own way. For instance, mesh ballerina-style shoes are currently very trendy thanks to brands like AlaïaDear Frances, and The Row. But they're just not my style, and I don't feel comfortable wearing them. However, the "mob wife" look has been something I've always been drawn to. I haven't necessarily adopted it just because it's trendy – I've always owned big furry hats, jackets with bold shoulder pads and chunky vintage jewellery. 

@TARAZADEH | @AMIEGRAYLING

Let your shoes do the work. If you’re looking to add fun to your outfit, I would suggest starting with a statement shoe. Right now, I’m loving orchid shoes. Recently, I discovered a Mexican-based brand called Rumvama that offer some stunning orchid detailed shoes. Also, experiment with pattern or print. Another way to add a fun touch is through your jewellery. 

Play with colour. I own a lot of black but I'm also daring with my colour choices. I particularly love this jacket from Yomi – its blazers are statement staples but they’re still timeless. Colour, for me, also depends a lot on my mood. I enjoy wearing a little black dress with vibrant shoes and a statement necklace. I'm drawn to bold, contrasting colours because they create a vibrant look. Also, exploring monochromatic outfits is a great way to get into colours – think different shades  but head to toe. 

I am definitely inspired by what’s GOING ON IN FASHION, but I don’t FOLLOW TRENDS BLINDLY – I like to interpret them in MY OWN WAY.

Use your own eye to find the pieces that speak to you. Right now, I'm loving Misho Designs – the brand makes stunning bold and gold pieces that make a real statement. With big earrings like these, you can go all out with your outfit or keep it toned down. I would pair them with a pair of jeans and a colourful top to make the whole look pop. For shoes, D'accori has my attention. I’d wear these with a short outfit to accentuate long bare legs. I'm also very into sparkly bags these days – I've been wearing the transparent Lalingi bag a lot and the Swarovski mini Marina Raphael bag. While I'd like to say I dress casually when carrying those bags, that's a big lie – I usually opt for a long fitted dress or some sparkly pants, paired with a cut-out top from Lama Jouni.   

Follow @TaraZadeh

@TARAZADEH | @MASHAMEL


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Asymmetrical Draped Mini Dress With Heart Jewel Details, AED 3,560 (was AED 7,115) | Rowen Rose
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