MOST STYLISH WOMEN 2022

From ingénues to icons, real-life power players to virtual game-changers, our 2022 portfolio is a celebration of Singapore’s rich diversity and the different approaches to style it engenders.

- Jeffrey Yan

WAHIDAH ISMAIL, 25

Fashion creative & founder of Playlandd

What has shaped your approach to fashion?

Growing up as a hijabi Muslim woman, I didn’t really have any style icons I could look up to. So most of the time, it was me experimenting with my style. You pick up things from around you, from looking at fashion week and the work of fashion designers, and then juxtaposing all that to make it your own. That evolved over the years until I found what I am drawn to— bright and bold colours, because they reflect my personality. I am very loud. I like pieces that are unique, and I respect brands and designers that can come up with something unique.

What’s it like being a hijabi who also loves fashion?

There are some people who are more conservative that would say the way you dress, or your fashion sense, is not in accordance to Muslim law. To me, this is all part of your own journey. Even the change from not wearing a hijab to wearing one, is a learning process that you should be proud of. Personally, it makes me feel powerful because as a minority, when you go out there and people see you, or maybe even look up to you, it feels a bit like you are flying the flag for the community.

JESSICA GOH, 22

Model

How would you describe your sense of style?