The Back- Stage View

Here are some exclusive photos of the Sahara Crew back stage of the KCL Culture Shock 2012. Designs by Zahra Zakariya, choreographed by Mariam Akinpeju, Photography by Kamilat Adetunji.
For more photos check out our NEW FACEBOOK PAGE!!! Don't forget to LIKE and SHARE

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Posted in: Clothing,Collections,Events,Fashion

The Run- Up to CULTURE SHOCK!!!

The past few weeks have been nuts, sewing, fittings, practice, more sewing, more fittings and MORE PRACTICE!Here are some pictures of the run up to the show... Make sure you like the new page for more exclusive photos.

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Posted in: Clothing,Collections,Events,Fashion

Culture Shock!!!

Exactly one week to go before Kings College London's ACS hosts their annual Culture Shock event. This year, the show is entitled EMPIRE, but the most exciting thing is that  I will be showcasing my designs. Some of my existing designs have an African  influence which suits the show very well, I will also be showcasing some never before seen pieces and designing others specially for the show.  I am also VERY excited to be working closely with my sister, a Medic at KCL who will be choreographing the Sahara Fashion Show which will showcase my work. Stay locked for exclusive behind the scenes pictures and interviews and pictures from the show.

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Posted in: Events

A Plate of Sunshine

Strengthening the bond of sisterhood is of utmost importance in Islam, what better way to bring the girlies together than hosting brunch =)
Good food, good conversation (make sure you keep it kosher ;-), good company and most of all lots of laughs.

Following the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW): The Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet"

Narrated by Abu Hurayrah, Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol: 8 Hadith 47 (Source: The Islamic Workplace)

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Posted in: Food,Me

"Your success can only come from Allah"

This is such a great reminder and a quote I've pondered on ever since seeing the Productive Muslim wall paper. When you realise that all you do, all your successes and even your perceived failures are by the permission of your Lord you start to lead a more fulfilled life. It's not about  playing the victim or pointing fingers, its about taking it on the chin an believing in the Qadr of Allah.

I hope everyone had a fantastic week and pray that next week will be even better. Make sure to get your Productive Muslim wall paper today, as a daily reminder on your phone screens, computers and laptops.

Love Always,

 (This wall paper was inspired by the verse in Surah Hud11:88. Make sure you like the Productive Muslim Facebook Page for constant reminder, interesting articles and beneficial advice on how to lead a successful, productive life according to the Quran and Sunnah)

Sahih International

He said, "O my people, have you considered: if I am upon clear evidence from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him... ? And I do not intend to differ from you in that which I have forbidden you; I only intend reform as much as I am able. And my success is not but through Allah . Upon him I have relied, and to Him I return.(Quran.com)

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Posted in: Inspirations,Islam

Get inspired by Nature

Open your eyes and your mind to all the beauty and blessings around you. 

Whether you're an artist or a designer, nature is full of raw inspiration. From the color of the setting sun to crunchy autumn leaves... anything can form the starting point of something great. Here are some random shots from my visit to the Botanic Garden in Oxford.

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Posted in: Inspirations

Strength and Elegance: Inspiration behind the logo

Who are you? What is your legacy? Where is your inspiration from? These are the things I wanted my logo to capture.

Thinking about the concept of this logo was a huge task in and of itself. I wanted it to represent me, be unique but ultimately be a recognizable brand.

My surname is Akinpeju, which translates for Yoruba into “The Warrior is the wisest”. I like to think that my ancestors were warriors who were part and parcel of the Great Oyo Empire which conquered a good portion of West Africa (go brush up on your history. Lol).

The spear signifies my ancestoral heritage aswell as the strength of character that I possess and try to build on every day. My heritage is a huge part of me and an aspect I am yet to explore with my fashion. I hope to incorporate this much more into my future collections.

The royal lily represents elegance and femininity that I hope will characterize my brand.

The Z is the brand; Zahra Zakariya, a combination of my first name and my father’s name.

My father is one of my biggest mentor (even though he doesn’t know it *wink*). He instills in all his children (the four of us) a go-getting attitude. He and my mother are such a hard working people, Alhamdulillah it’s rubbed off on their kids. Growing up, I remember coming home, ecstatic that I got an A on a test. First question my father would ask was “did you get 100%”, I would be like “Errrm…No. (maybe it was 91%)”, the he’ll say “go and do your corrections so that if you were given the test again you would get 100%”. As a child it’s slightly deflating, all I wanted to hear was praise and get a pat on the back, but now looking back I know that my up bringing was paramount in shaping the person I am today and my approach to life. Only the best will do, if you fall short of that *think and strategize* “Where did I fall short, how can I learn from this so that I do not make the same mistakes again”. 

Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it.

This is the ethos of the company. No obstacle is too large to overcome, dream BIG and most importantly work hard!!!

=)

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Posted in: Behind the Label

Drum Roll Please.....

It’s been a ghost town around here. Apologies to our fans but rest assured we’ve been working hard behind the scenes.

The big announcement…..Drum Role please…..  After 2 and a half roller coaster years Zahra & Zinah, formerly ZNZ Abayas is now Zahra Zakariya Fashion House!!!

We did promise ‘no more changes’, but such is life, we plan but Allah (SWT) is the master planner, mashaAllah. After careful consideration the Z and Z collaboration has dissolved but be rest assured, the legacy will be continued.

We at Zahra Zakariya Fashion House aim to bring you the best in modest fashion, an industry that has grown substantially over the past few years. We have a great team working hard to push the boundaries and one common goal in sight; REACH FOR THE STARS. Like the great saying, “Every set back is a set up for a greater comeback” and we’re buzzing at the prospects of the future.

A big shout out to our fans, without you all we wouldn’t have an audience. We are ever humbled by your love and support.

Onto bigger and better things Inshallah and we want you with us every step of the way!

Love Always,

Zahra Akinpeju

CEO of Zahra Zakariya Fashion House

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