Style anatomy: Hira Ali

The designer and team head for Élan western couture, Hira Ali talks to us about her edgy style

The talented designer and team head for Élan western couture, Hira Ali talks to us about her edgy style and how she dresses for her body type

How would you describe your body type?

I am lean and petite  —  a bundle of bones.

Has your body type changed over the last five years?

There has been no drastic change as such! If you ever saw me eating you could easily mistake me for a starving horse, but by the grace of my fabulous genes, I have been blessed with a fast metabolism.

How has your style changed over the years?

It was a gradual process. A few years ago I had lush long hair, which made me look short; hence, answering a desperate style-make-over call, I took a bold step and chopped my hair off. Not just that, I also shaved half of my head! Over the years, my sense of style has become more edgy and androgynous. I love to experiment with volume, and oversized tunics while making sure it’s still minimalistic.



In your opinion what is your most troublesome area?

I wish I had thinner ankles.

How do you dress your body according to your body type?

Since I have long work hours, I try to find clothes that are extremely comfortable. My go-to pieces for the summer season are usually cropped tops and soft culottes. I also love wearing sweatpants stitched in season-friendly fabrics.

In your opinion what is the biggest mistake a person can make while dressing here?

Over dressing!



What silhouettes suit your body the most?

For me, it’s more about what suits your personality than the silhouette. If I wear a dress, my aim is to make it look as edgy as possible. Since I am petite and I love over-sized tomboyish clothes, I make sure they don’t engulf me completely. Other than that, I try not to get overwhelmed by print or fully worked garments –  I don’t want it to look like the dress is wearing me.



What is the one piece of clothing that you shy away from wearing and why?

I would never try or be able to pull a body-hugging suit like Kim Kardashian does. It seems like the most uncomfortable garment in the world!