ALL DRESSED UP

Significant life lessons aside, the pandemic has changed our perception of style and its essence in our daily lives. For these industry insiders, the act of getting dressed up is a practice steeped in joy, optimism, and self-expression

- TANYA MEHTA

TASNIM AHMED, writer

For New York-based Tasnim Ahmed, style is an opportunity to convey her sense of humour, without using words. She perceives it as one of the earliest art forms she’s learned and loved, one that’s worthy of celebration. The young writer is also quite the aficionado when it comes to acquiring second-hand luxury and archival pieces that make up much of her present wardrobe, so don’t be surprised if you spot her in the grocery aisle dressed in a shiny Prada Matalesse coat. “My mum has been one of my biggest inspirations as far as my style goes. Longevity in clothing has always been important to her and she never considered what was ‘of the moment’ when she dressed up. Now, in my 30s I’m getting a taste of what it feels like to dress for me. When I purchase something, I ensure I can wear it in multiple ways on different occasions, I’m always finding an excuse to give my favourite pieces some airtime, which means I’m almost always inappropriately dressed.”

Accurately encapsulating her current state of mind is a feathered Prada blouse that’s “ridiculous yet glamorous and always perplexes my husband every time I pull it out.” She’s paired it with a skirt from Prada’s Spring 2020 collection – the intricate beadwork reminds her of the work of karigars back home. “The sandals are by Miu Miu from The Real Real, crafted in a brocade-like fabric. Every one of these pieces always manages to put a smile on my face. It stays true to my ‘uniform’ so I feel comfortable and in my skin, but also so fun and ‘out there’. I think that represents feel-good fashion to me: Wearing what feels truest and joyful to you. The biggest impact that the pandemic has had on my perception of style is to not take it so seriously and to not be so rigid with its parameters.”