Architect and entrepreneur, Shahd Al Jumaily’s journey in the fashion world started while she was pursuing a degree in Architecture at the American University in Dubai. This nurtured her creativity and design skills, teaching her to sketch, and laying down the foundations of perfection, until her search for all things unique driving her to start her own fashion label, Zanajeel, in 2012, and now her new wedding planning business, The ArchiTales.
Although Shahd cites her first fashion memory being back when she was aged six and looking in awe at her mother’s wardrobe, it was not until she was at university that she became influenced by the 50’s era for its classic ladylike silhouette. Describing her personal style as very diverse and dependent on both the mood and occasion, Shahd’s go to designers range from Dior and Saint Laurent, to the high street, where she picks up her wardrobe staples from Topshop, ripped jeans.
‘I love to accessorise my handbags with a scarf, and here I have used a favourite Fendi scarf to give my Dior bag a new look. The bag isn’t the most common colour, but by swapping the scarves it makes it instantly go with different outfits, and can dress up the look.’
‘Fabula is a local brand based in Abu Dhabi, and they custom made me this bracelet before my wedding with mine and my husband to be’s names. I love anything personalised, and the idea of this one is nice, as being in Arabic makes it not so noticeable. The bracelet with the little red heart is from Chopard, and was a Valentines gift. Both stack up well together with my other bracelets, which I tend to wear in the evening, whereas for day I usually accessorize with just my watch and wedding ring.’
‘One of my friends gave me this Chanel brooch for my birthday, and I love it, because it is one of those pieces that I feel will instantly make any outfit look classy. I tend to in it to the lapel of one of my blazers, to dress my look up from day to evening, as the pearls add that extra bit of glamour.’
‘This bamboo tote bag is from Own the Looks, a company that my friend owns. Although it isn’t a fancy, luxury bag, it goes with everything, and is one of my go to accessories. It has a vintage, feminine feel, which works well with my style aesthetic.’
‘This Lancôme My Parisian Blush, is a beauty product that I can’t live without. Because it is easy to use, and the packaging is so pretty, I will always carry it around in my handbag. Before I got married, I acted as an ambassador for the brand, testing out their new product launches. During this period, I discovered a lot of great products which were focussed on a flawless base, that I have subsequently incorporated into my beauty regime.’
‘I have a signature look for my make-up routine, then when it is the evening I build up on what I have. For day, I use a normal eyeliner, and then in the evening I go over it with this NYX liquid liner, although if I have done it particularly well one day, then I will sleep in it so it is ready for the following day too! When it comes to lips, I am a big fan of a matt finish, so I particularly love this Armani lipstick, as it is a liquid matt, so nourishes my lips at the same time. Another product which I find super versatile is this Bobbi Brown bronzing powder, it can be used for a healthy glow, and then also for contouring and an eyeshadow.’
‘During the day, I tend to wear a simple flat sandal like these Hermes sliders, as they are both comfortable and stylish. I have this style in a few colours, as I feel they go with everything and give a nice finishing touch to any day outfit.’
‘When it comes to the evening, I will always dress up with a heel, and my go to shoe designers are Christian Louboutin and Gianvito Rossi. This particular pair are from Lodovico Zordanazzo, an Italian designer, and I find that they instantly transform an outfit. I tend to always keep a backup pair like this in my car, so that I am always prepared for anything at the last minute.’
