~StyleIn~ ~ ZAHRA ZAKARIYA

This year I have decided to take part in the Silk Route StyleIn Design Competition.

It has been a manic few weeks trying to bring my design to reality before voting starts, but now I present to you my final design not only on paper but also as a finished product. I name my design....Silk Fusion

My final piece has been made using a crepe silk fabric, which enhances the elegance of the design. From the initial sketch to the final product the dress has visibly evolved. After making the mock up of the bodice, I fell in love with the simplicity of the shape and cut. At this stage I was unsure as to whether I still wanted to include the silk chiffon ruffles that were in the original sketch.

By the time I made the bodice using my final fabric I decided to keep it simple and sophisticated, retaining the gold buttons for a nice classic edge but doing away with the front ruffles inorder to enhance the beautiful silhouette given by the simple shoulder detail.

The colour plays a big role in establishing the design. The soft pastel of the salmon colour is timeless, elegant and unique and a big theme that will be seen in future designs and collections.

My driving force for taking part in the competition is to not only promote myself as a designer, but also to contribute to the Muslim Fashion industry and bank of ideas as to how women can dress modestly and still be stylish at the same time.

Please show your support and VOTE for my design on the Silk Route StyleIn site, or just click on the vote hyperlink.

Designed and edited by Zahra Akinpeju (aka Zahra.BZ)

Many processes were involved in the evolution of Silk Fusion.

From sketches in pencil, pen, water colour and even oil pastels, to paper patterns, cotton mock-ups and fabric sampling. At the end of it, i'm glad to be able to share the finished product with you.

This project saw me staying up to odd hours of the morning as I gave myself a very tight schedule to work with.

I organised a photo-shoot to showcase the finished design and also record a short video which I'll share with you also.

Photography (so far) by Zahra Akinpeju (aka Zahra.BZ)

I also designed and make a unique hijab to complement this look, from a silk chiffon fabric mixed with a gold lace fabric.

This abaya can be made glamorous with simple accesseries such as a gold hijab, heels and some simple jewellery like the bracelet I have on in the picture above.

Your look can be totally transformed, by throwing on a blaser and a simple pashmina hijab, allowing you to wear this same dress to work, a business lunch or any other smart- formal event.