My Style: Rozan Ahmed
Photo: Plhong Flores — Courtesy of Rozan Ahmed
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Lady Gaga is a style combination that I object to. In fact, I now regret putting her name and the word 'style' in the same sentence.
Please describe your style in three words.
As I like.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Choosing an outfit significantly too small for the waistline or bust. More skin than clothes is never a good look, and if you’re a guy who decides to wear leggings, new age or not, I can’t accept it.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes. Role models are clues to your greater self, a perfect physical source of aspiration.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I like lace’s charm, velvet’s mystique, and the cuddle of good quality cotton. Reiss have a unique elasticity to some of their dresses. I have no idea what it is, but it’s nice.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Kuwait blew my mind when I visited last year. I fell in love with their respectfully unabashed experimentation. Forward, traditional, local and global, all at once. I saw every garment combo imaginable meshed so seamlessly. There were even odes to ghetto fabulousness. Ha! It was great.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I’m bold, in my own conservative way.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Why would I bestow more rules on myself? Aren’t there enough in this world to follow?
Celebrities and style...
Don’t often co-exist. But when they do, it is never forgotten.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Handbags. I developed a very worrying addiction some fourteen years ago.
A woman should always look...
Effortless, well kept… fresh, in her grace.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Style can never be taught, or bought. I believe it’s a gift.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on three fundamental things: my mood, the weather’s mood, and where I’m going.
Your biggest regret is...
None. Sometimes I have momentary regret. Like when I spark conversation with someone who talks too much. Other than that, life’s mistakes are eventually lessons.
The three essential things a woman should know about style are...
Style is not to be tried, pushed or copied. Style is.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Honestly, I shop like the average man. I tend to know what I want, go get it, then head straight to the nearest spa where I’ll meet my shopaholic friends later.
We will never see you wearing...
Crocs, Uggs or any outrageously obvious name brand garment, of ANY kind.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I’m a big believer in celebrating what is locally produced, and always look for the best in creativity within my immediate realms. Bahrain’s Lulwa Al Amin, for her choice in fabrics, and how beautifully she puts them together. Kenya’s Anne McCreath and her team of designers are all doing wonderful things with African prints — way before the trend hit any Western catwalks. Dubai’s Orkalia made me a beautiful dress for this year’s Cannes Film Festival. I just love her opulence and great attention to detail. There’s much to appreciate directly in front of us. We just need to step away from what’s essentially forced.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Far too many to list I’m afraid. I’m inspired on a daily basis.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her face.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A vintage Chanel bracelet, formerly my mothers, and my Never Full Louis Vuitton bag… it’s kind of become my partner in crime. The stories we share, they are novel-worthy.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is...
Her attitude.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Trying too hard is an enemy of style. Comfort is your friend! Always!
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Style for me transcends fashion; it’s more about a personality, which is then complimented through clothing, so I’d love to see popular political figures, outlandish singers, figures whose personalities have propelled them into the public eye, and because of that, their style decisions by way of clothing are suddenly getting attention. That would be interesting.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Let it be.
