Khadija Mahmoud: Fashion Blogger & Architect

Beauty and brains definitely came as a package for this young professional. She's a fashionista in love with architecture and a Vivo babe. Doesn't she just make our outfits come to life?!

What’s the first thing you do in the morning when you wake up?

Honestly speaking, I reach for my phone and check for any missed notifications while I slept, then I check Instagram. I know it’s unhealthy but everyone does it, right? At least that’s how I try to justify it to myself...(laughs)

You'd never leave the house without...?

My wallet and lip balm.

Your must-have clothing item?

My hijab! My obsessions tend to change quite often but that’s the one thing that’s constant.

One thing you spend too much money on?

Makeup. It’s a problem.

Your personal style is...?

Modest streetwear with a sprinkle of glam.

Who's your number one fashion inspiration?

Rihanna!

Why did you start blogging?

I had an interest in fashion and needed a creative outlet for all the school-related stress in my life at the time. Modest fashion was just beginning to take off locally, so blogging felt appropriate. As much as the blog has taken a major back seat for the past year, I’m grateful for that outlet at the time.

What's a key takeaway from your experience so far?

I’m happy to see a content creation being taken more seriously. It's a great opportunity for people who would make this a full-time job. Personally, I have other commitments but it’s so encouraging to see this become an option for so many.

What's your creative process like?

It’s all about curation and inspiration. If I see something I like, I always take a photo. But it all comes down to the composition of the shot and curation to my feed. It all needs to fit together.

Would you say being a 'modest fashion' blogger has helped to narrow down competition for you?

Yes and no. It helps for sure that our main audience is definitely a smaller community. However, there are a lot of 'modest fashion' bloggers out there right now. I'm happy about this though because it shows that we are not just a ‘niche’ anymore. It’s a growing community of like-minded people which is always great.

Your favourite fashion magazine?

Vogue, typical I know; but it’s a classic and I love classics.

Your favourite travel destination?

Where I’ve been - Seoul. Where I plan to go one day - Tokyo!

The most exciting person you've ever met?

Toyo Ito! I know this makes me a huge nerd but to this day, seeing this man in the flesh was so exciting for the architect in me!

One person you'd love to meet?

Rihanna!

How do you maintain a work-life balance?

Work-life balance? What’s that? (laughs) I mean, I try to live my life during the weekends, but other than that, work is so time-consuming that it's pretty much all I can give.

Would you say you've mastered social media?

Not at all. There’s so much nuance and psychology to it that I don’t think anyone can ever truly master it.

But how do you not let the social media stats get in your head?

I create content for myself and for my own creative flow. I just so happen to have a small audience and I couldn’t be more grateful for the positivity I get from them all! I always prioritise my state of mind take breaks any time I need to. I'd never pressure myself to create content when I don’t feel like it, no matter how much of a hit the ‘stats' will take. It will never be about that.

Your current fashion obsession is?

Belt bags.

One thing your followers would be surprised to hear about you?

I’m a huge introverted nerd with a weird love for astrology. Oh! I’m also only 5’1”!

One thing you haven't gotten around to doing but would love to?

Sky diving.

The greatest life advice you've ever received?

Always trust in Allah’s will.

Advice to anyone who wants to get in to the content creation space?

If you have a passion for it, just do it. Nothing should ever stop you from what you want to do.