Zainab Jiwa’s ensemble at the House of the Dragon premiere in London in June 2024 was captured by Samir Hussein/WireImage. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE magazine, Zainab Jiwa delves into her passion for fashion, film, and television and how she expresses this enthusiasm on the red carpet. Jiwa began showcasing her outfits on TikTok in 2020 before receiving her first major premiere invitation in 2022. Embracing her South Asian and Muslim heritage, Jiwa makes sure each red carpet look incorporates a cultural flair. As a red carpet correspondent, Jiwa expertly combines her love for fandom and high fashion at top TV and film events.
While the idea of method dressing and cosplay isn’t new in fan communities, Hollywood’s biggest stars have recently drawn inspiration from their projects for standout looks during press tours. Notable examples include Margot Robbie’s pink ensembles for the Barbie promotion, Zendaya’s athleisure choices for Challengers, and Halle Bailey’s mermaidcore outfits for The Little Mermaid.
Having graced numerous red carpets, the 28-year-old influencer has leveraged her passion for fandom and fashion to craft ensembles that resonate with the essence of the movies or TV shows. Jiwa’s unique identity as a South Asian and Muslim woman significantly influences her fashion sense, with her hijab serving as an essential element in completing her looks. She views her Muslim identity and modest dressing as a source of creative inspiration and a fun challenge in creating her fashion statements.
Reflecting on her childhood, Jiwa recalls merging her love for film, TV, and fashion at a young age by recreating outfits of her beloved characters from Doctor Who and the Marvel universe. Her academic background in fashion and creative directing, coupled with her TikTok presence during the pandemic, has helped her connect with a diverse audience who appreciate her fangirl spirit and representation. Jiwa’s TikTok content resonated with a major Hollywood studio, leading to an invitation to interview a cast member from one of their projects – a moment that left her in tears of joy.
After her initial opportunity, Zainab Jiwa was later invited to her first red carpet premiere for The Witcher season 2 in 2022, where she styled her own outfit. Admitting she was unsure of how to dress for a premiere, she reflects on the difference between her outfits for the season 2 and season 3 premieres. She learned that she didn’t have to choose between looking nice and sticking to a theme but could do both. For the season 3 premiere in 2023, Jiwa had more fun with her look, drawing inspiration from the fantasy show by incorporating elements like armor and cultural touches. Jiwa emphasizes the importance of cultural accessories in her fashion journey and how embracing her South Asian roots has become integral to her style. She credits her newfound love for her culture to discovering the significance of jewelry and how it changed her perspective. As she began attending larger events, Jiwa sought collaborations with designers to elevate her red carpet looks, with designing her outfits being her favorite part of the process. She mentions a standout outfit by Sabirah, known for modest luxury wear, which she wore to host the London premiere of Wicked in November 2024. Jiwa emphasizes the importance of working with designers who align with her style vision and being open to collaboration depending on the event’s timeline.
In her pursuit of creating something unique and personalized, Zainab Jiwa shares her preference for collaborating with new and emerging designers, particularly students and recent graduates. Having been in their shoes during her university days, she understands the significance of showcasing one’s work to a wider audience. Jiwa appreciates the fresh perspectives and creativity that these designers bring to the fashion industry. One of her standout looks was at the House of the Dragon season 2 premiere in June 2024, where she wore a striking outfit designed by Anzila Aftab featuring three faces on the skirt. This ensemble beautifully merged her cultural identity with fashion, emphasizing the deeper meaning behind her hijab.
Jiwa’s love for blending culture, theme, and creativity is evident in her various outfit choices, such as a gold and black saree for The Hunger Games premiere and a Moroccan and Algerian kaftan for the Lord of the Rings premiere. She also praises Muslim hijabi designer Ruaa Elmansuri for the all-white outfit she wore at the Sky Awards. Inspired by the creativity of emerging talents, Jiwa is always on the lookout for statement pieces that reflect her individual style, whether it’s a bold ensemble or a more understated look. Her passion for fashion has not gone unnoticed, with notable figures like Denzel Washington and Zendaya acknowledging her unique sense of style.
As Jiwa continues to grace red carpets and attend prestigious events, she embraces the challenge of curating show-stopping outfits that capture the essence of the occasion. Despite the pressure to consistently deliver sartorial excellence, Jiwa thrives on the excitement of putting together memorable ensembles. While her ultimate goal is to attend the Met Gala, she remains dedicated to celebrating the artistry of filmmaking through her fashion choices.Through her distinct fashion sense and unwavering commitment to creativity, Jiwa continues to make a lasting impression on the industry, leaving her mark on each event she attends.
