BAZAAR Most Stylish Women 2022

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.

Blazer, Sandro. Top; hat, Maje. Scarf; rings, Wahidah's own.

How would you describe your sense of style?
It’s a bit more androgynous right now. I like wearing a lot of men’s clothes. When I was in my teens, my go-to was a cropped top and jeans but then I realised I was taking a lot of clothes from my brother’s closet and that I feel more comfortable in oversize shirts and layers. A lot of my clothes are thrifted—I think it’s more exciting to find unique pieces instead of something everyone else is wearing.
What has shaped your approach to fashion?
Honestly, getting into the modelling industry has been a really big influence. It opened up my eyes to a lot more things that I wouldn’t have seen if I weren’t in the industry. You’re constantly inspired when you go on set. Like, “oh I didn’t know something could be styled this way”—there are so many ideas you can just take with you. I also like to look at the street styles of models off duty during fashion week. I really like Sora Choi and Steinberg because they have this edge to them.

Playsuit; socks, Hermès. Earring, Jessica’s own.

How has your style evolved over the years?
In my early 20s, I had the tendency of following whatever the trend was. I would look at models on the runways and just copy whatever they’re wearing regardless of whether I could pull it off. Some things didn’t suit me but I still bought them because everyone else did; I made a lot of mistakes. I learned from those mistakes in my 30s, but then I became very conservative. I only chose certain brands that I thought were right for me and I never got out of my comfort zone, which was a bit sad. Now that I’m in my 40s, I am more ready to be challenged, more open to trying any kind of look—I just want to explore different things, which I think has a lot to do with self- confidence. It’s something you get when you mature. You don’t really care about what other people would say anymore, you know exactly what works for you and what doesn’t.
What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
My collection of Miu Miu LBDs! I bought them in my 20s. Back then, Miu Miu always had a little black dress every season and I collected them for maybe five years in a row. They’re just super cute. I don’t wear them anymore because they’re not suitable for me but they’re something I would pass down to my daughter. And I hope one day she will actually want to wear them.

Saint Laurent blazer; vest; trousers; necklace; CELINE wedges, Maggie's own.

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How would you describe your sense of style?
Masculine but with a bit of sexiness in it. A recent look that I really like is wide trousers worn with a tank top, like a nice, classic knitted tank. Maybe because I’m now 50, I tend not to go for an obvious sexy look. Definitely no miniskirts for me. If I do wear a dress, it’s a longer dress; if I have to wear a skirt, it’s a pencil skirt. Someone whose style that I like is Victoria Beckham.
How has your approach to fashion evolved over the years?
I started to understand my body better and that kind of evolved my style. You also see how fashion changes and it’s always in a cycle—look at jeans and how they’re always being reinvented. I never liked high-cut jeans when I was younger. Now I love high-cut jeans with a wide leg. I guess as you grow older, you know where your flaws are, what you want to flaunt, and what you don’t want to show. With age, I’ve learned how to go for styles that complement my body.

Shirt; trousers; earring, Gucci. Rings, Jessie’s own.

What made you fall in love with fashion?
I’m an avid gamer and an anime lover. When I was younger, my mum would buy games for me. I got all my inspiration from games and anime. Look at ’90s Sailor Moon for example—that look will never get old. I’m also into Final Fantasy and Elden Ring; even if the characters are wearing armour, they incorporate an element of fashion. Whenever I get to customise what the characters wear, I take the longest time ever because I really want to see how I can play around with it. That really shaped a lot of who I am today.
Who are the designers you love, and why?
When I was younger, I loved Alexander Wang because I loved how he played around with black. I was in an emo phase then but I also wanted to look interesting and not just emo, and I thought he did
that well. Later, I moved more towards a Simone Rocha aesthetic. She’s feminine, but also not ultra-feminine. And the way she uses gathering on her pieces—it feels really poetic to me. I would say that my style today is a balance of both aesthetics. If I were to wear a structured Alexander Wang, I would pair it with something sweeter that’s more Simone Rocha.

Top; dress; choker, Asmira's own.

How would you describe your sense of style?
I go for timeless things. I want to see myself wearing something for the next 10 years. But at the same time, I also believe in having fun with my outfits so what I do is add a statement piece to my look. That is usually an accessory like a scarf, a necktie, or a hat—I quite like a statement headpiece.
What’s your favourite fashion item?
My Dior Bar jackets. I have quite a lot of them—the classic ones from the 30 Montaigne collection, one from [John] Galliano, and the rest from the Raf Simons era. I have a Bar jacket from his first collection and one from his very last collection. What I love about the Bar jacket is that though it’s from 1947, it’s still so iconic 75 years later. That fits in with my philosophy—it’s something I see myself wearing through the years and even passing down to my daughter.

Dior jacket; skirt; shorts; ring; belt; customised earring; Chaumet ring (left hand); Cartier watch, Sam's own. Pumps, Roger Vivier.

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How would you describe your sense of style?
First of all, I have to be comfortable. I avoid certain outfits that are too revealing or that I don’t feel confident in because, when I’m wearing something, I want to be comfortable enough to be myself and just dance around. My style is also driven by me wanting to be different and trying various looks. I hope when people think of my style, it’s not one look in particular because I like to play with all kinds of different looks.
How has your style evolved over the years?
In the past, I always fell back on what I was comfortable with or what I thought looked good. Now, I feel a lot more confident. I don’t mind trying looks that are different from what I’m used to, and I don’t mind if it doesn’t make me look “pretty”—like the common standard of what an actress should look like, which is usually girly, feminine, girl-next-door. That was what I wanted to look like in the past, but it’s definitely not something I go for anymore. I am now a little more fearless—as long as I feel good in it, I will go for it. I think the biggest cause of that change is that I stopped caring about what people might think.

Jacket; top; jeans, CELINE. Necklace, Gucci.

How would you describe your style?
I would describe it as holiday vibes—I go for things that make me feel like I’m on holiday; sort of flowy, but with some structure. If it’s tight on top, it will be loose on the bottom, or vice versa. I like something I can move in. I will never wear something completely loose or completely tight or anything too skimpy. Fabrics are also important to me. I like cotton, linen—things that are breathable. Singapore is so humid and warm, and I hate perspiring in my clothes.
Who do you look up to in terms of style?
Emily Ratajkowski forever. She’s been my style icon for years. I love that her style is so casual and yet so chic. And she shops at places like ZARA, instead of just wearing all high fashion. Some people look try-hard when they wear high fashion but she just pulls it off effortlessly; she looks equally as good in Levi’s and a tank top.

Jacket; top; skirt, Versace.

What’s your style like and who are the designers you love?
I prefer wearing something comfortable so I like oversize pieces. I buy a lot of unisex clothes and menswear. My go-to look is a jacket with something more athletic underneath, worn with jeans and sneakers. Right now I love Rick Owens and Balenciaga because I think they’re doing something very special. I also like CELINE and Bottega Veneta. But you know how things change every season? I tend to gravitate towards different designers each season and then mix and match from there.
What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
I have a custom-made Givenchy piece—it’s somewhere between a garment and an accessory; it’s this gilded, fringed thing you wear over the shoulders. I ordered it when I went to one of Riccardo Tisci’s shows and I love how it can be worn with so many things. The workmanship that went into it is also incredible—I had to wait for months to get it!

Balenciaga dress; Amina Muaddi boots, Yoyo's own.

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How would you describe your sense of style?
Bold. expressive, and free-spirited. I believe it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it, so I’m always game to try new things and be experimental with my wardrobe. But if there is one style that I keep coming back to, it would have to be streetwear. It can be so many things—it’s casual and chic, fashion and luxury, and it’s all about self-expression. I love everything that has to do with street culture and street art—there’s something very alluring about how open-ended it is.
Do you have a style philosophy?
I think with true style, there are zero rules—as long as you’re comfortable in your skin, you’re good to go. And since I’m virtual, it’s entirely possible for me to push the boundaries when it comes to style. As long as I dare to visualise it, I can wear it—and I will probably pull it off.

Coat; sweater; top; skirt; underwear, Miu Miu. Boots; socks, Rae’s own.