Nadine Mustafa There’s a very fine line between outdated and vintage. We found the epitome of vogue treasure with a modern approach located at a classic villa residency in Zamalek. Embracing the embodiment of fine arts in its name, Villa Baboushka is the perfect merge of timeless and deluxe. Straight out of the dreamiest folktale, there you’ll find the divine crimson blush entry to women’s paradise. To-die-for brands and crafts are aesthetically placed all around, making it the ultimate charming and high-end shopping experience. Since we breathe fashion, we had quite a talk with Villa Baboushka’s personal stylist, Dalia Abdel Shafi, about the exquisite fashion house and styling concepts.
Do you recall when you first became a personal stylist?
Not particularly. However, it has been my longing passion since I was young. It all started when I used to imitate my mother, a true goddess of mixing and matching. She was the one who taught me and inspired this technique of integrating patterns and fabrics. You can be playful with colors and textures, even seasons; combine velvet with satin and polka dots with stripes. The choices are endless when it comes to fashion and creating looks. Styling grew on me ever since. I turned it from a passionate hobby into a profession when I joined Villa Baboushka, and what a journey it has been.
What was your path towards becoming a professional stylist?
It was more of fate rather than a path. I was in advertising for almost thirteen years, dreamt big and worked hard for it till I reached my last station working alongside the best creators and directors in the region. I just took a leap of faith and knocked on Villa Baboushka’s door, told them how eager I was to join their platform, and the rest is history.
What makes Villa Baboushka a constant elite?
First and foremost, it’s all about the passion for featuring quality, fashion and everything that is striking to the sight. At Villa Baboushka, we are always seeking absolute class, looking for trends and on the constant lookout for what is new rather than what is in season. Our secret key is being at the front of every fashion avenue and ahead of the latest news.
Villa Baboushka is an all-inclusive artsy house. How does it display such versatility in harmony?
This harmony is a state coming from a precepted vision. We always had a bigger picture in mind, and we continue working to achieve this specific image and valuing the same standards we started with. There is a story behind Villa Baboushka with all its branches and divisions – a long journey that we thought about a lot before execution. That’s why we have everything complimenting each other. Nothing was placed randomly.
Tell us more about the Marni collection and collaboration.
Marni is a brand that we got last summer and will be with us in the upcoming season as well. We were very excited to include them as a brand and had immense fun playing with their versatile pieces.
How do you pursue brands for collaborations?
It is that continuous pursuit of what’s new in the fashion world, be it concepts or brands, not necessarily the luxury brands almost everyone knows about. We like to go for a different spectrum of brands rather than the commercial ones. With every brand or fashion house we collaborate with, I always like to tell the story behind it and narrate the vision of every featured designer and who they were inspired by.
Who will you be collaborating with this fall?
We have many brands we are enthusiastic to collaborate with; amongst them are Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto and we just launched Comme des Garçon.
Does Villa Baboushka cater to a specific woman in mind?
We have every woman in mind. Even in the buying process, we try to incorporate a range of options. We get a brief, provide our clients with different options and take it from there to mix & match until we meet their satisfaction with the outcome. The most important thing is that our clients leave with a boost of internal confidence and glamour.
As a professional stylist, how do you choose what looks work for each client?
Initially, it’s better to meet up with the client in person. To determine the preferences, challenges and what works best for their body shapes. Once I figure this out, I like to keep a part of the outfit in her comfort zone, yet try to push it with an unexpected twist to create contrast, confidence and comfort.
How would you describe your style?
That is a tricky question. I don’t have a specific style in mind but I like to go for what my mood has in store for me. There is a big part of me that wants to bring femininity back to women even while wearing pants, and that is what I feel like most days. My friends consider my style a little boho but it always comes down to how I feel during the day.
Your favorite brand and item in your closet?
My favorite brand is most probably Vivian Westwood; I love what that brand stands for. That leads me to my favorite item – a skirt designed by her that I bought almost ten years ago from Villa Baboushka in Zamalek. I wanted it so much that I had to save up for it.
What items do you think are worth splurging on?
I think there should be some pieces in your wardrobes like a good pair of fitted jeans, a well-tailored black coat or a beautiful crisped white shirt. You should splurge on what you love; shopping is a remedy, and I believe that a lot of women seek happiness and joy through it. Having perfect items can make you feel wholesome and fresh.
What’s the best style advice you’ve received?
Experiment, try things on and consider every option out there no matter how diverse or bold it might seem. Extend your fashion senses and go for other options out of your safe zone.
Now, what’s the best fashion advice you’d give to women?
Play dress-up. We used to play around and create different looks when we were younger, and I believe we deserve to feel that sense of liberation and joy once more. We owe it to ourselves. It will help to build your identity and boost your confidence as well.
