Noticing a gap in South Africa for luxurious, detail-oriented semi-formal wear, Zahra creates tailored garments for versatile occasions that evoke the joy of looking and feeling great. Her design philosophy that looking good fosters a sense of vitality guides her approach to designing both clothing and decor pieces, ensuring that each piece reflects her commitment to elegance and personal empowerment.
What epitomises elegance to you? My depiction of elegance cannot be reduced to one simple factor. Elegance is a conglomeration of a host of qualities displayed by a person, from the way they talk, the manner they portray themselves, and the way they dress which generates an aura that leaves a lasting impression. Finer details such as appearing well-read, and socially aware, and having mannerisms such as sitting or walking a certain way all contribute to the overall poised energy, I believe epitomises elegance.
What does the phrase slow fashion mean for you? For me, slow fashion is defined by the craft and love that goes into creating and making an item of clothing. While the process is relatively more expensive you can ensure a high-quality finished product, as all materials are hand-selected, with transparency across all production levels. Unlike fast fashion’s wasteful and unethical practices, slow fashion values quality over quantity and ethical labor.
How do your cultural background and personal values influence your design aesthetic? The second set of tablecloths I launched were directly influenced by my culture, specifically, the observation of Ramadan. I was intrigued by how the celebration of Ramadan was more festive than I had experienced growing up. It sparked a wave of inspiration that led to a collection of Arabic tablecloths in honor of the growing festive spirit of Ramadan.
On a personal level, I grew up around women with exquisite taste. My mother is a pioneer of taste, and my grandmother was always meticulous about the way she presented herself, this included the way she dressed and her space. Having these influences from a young age massively impacted my approach to fashion and interiors and gave me an eye for small yet significant details. House of Harhaz is a diverse brand due to my experiences while travelling. These experiences heavily influence my aesthetic approach to design.
What routines help you find inspiration and fuel your creative process? Traveling plays a major role in my creative journey. Being in new spaces is an enlightening experience but daily rituals are the vital framework for effectively fuelling my creativity. I also have established a set of daily practices, which I do not rigidly stick to but interchange as I please depending on what I need on a particular day. Meditating when I get up is a practice I don’t compromise on. I then do Pilates, listen to a podcast, and then go to a nearby coffee shop to brainstorm. My new motto is, “When your mind is stuck, move your body and when your body is stuck, change your environment and stimulate your mind”. It is phenomenal what an early morning stretch session and coffee will do for your psyche! Along with these practices, having a vibrant and organized studio space with all the tools I need is how I maintain flow throughout my creative process.
How do you balance timelessness with innovation to create designs that feel both classic and contemporary? In my opinion, a good cut and high-quality fabric signifies timelessness, and this is consistent in all my designs. I use a lot of classic design elements in my pieces like lace, gathers, bows, and various cuts like the square neckline to emphasize House of Harhaz’s commitment to embodying feminine elegance. This is well balanced with innovative techniques such as bias cuts, which are fashioned to hug the body in a most flattering manner. Many of my dresses are “midi” length which adds a youthful energy to a typical classic design. I combine these elements to create items with the ideal composition of classic design and a contemporary approach to display my interpretation of traditional and timeless fashion.
What are your wardrobe and living space indulgences? I will never compromise on a good pair of shoes, earrings, and done hair when putting an outfit together. These small elements have a compounding effect on your overall look and can make a basic outfit look and feel more put together and luxurious. In my living space, I do not go a day without lighting a candle. A candle generates serene energy, uplifts you, and makes your home smell alluring. With regards to décor, a stack of interesting coffee table books is something I always incorporate in various parts of my living space as it adds so much character. The combination of functionality and versatility is subconsciously present in my interior design choices.
If you were stuck on an island and could have one additional luxury item, what would it be and why? A: My silk eye mask! It is hilarious how much I rely on my eye mask to put me into a deep sleep, so I would definitely choose to have that if I was stuck on an island. At least I would be well rested!
