Who says you can’t be stylish after 50? Zaihani Mohd Zain shows us that you don’t need to be a sweet young thing to stand out in the fashion department.

I first came across Zaihani Mohd Zain when she was unceremoniously caught in a cross fire between Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir and photographer Riduan Ismail who posted a photo of this former stylist and fashion advisor for Media Prima on his Instagram account.

When Marina commented on the post to ask about this lady and the statement necklace she was wearing, Riduan’s reply was a curt: “so not ‘glamour’ of you to ask that question”.

zaihani.jpg

She’s indiferrent to the incident and nonchalantly remarks: “I wasn’t entirely unknown then. There was a slight increase of followers on my Instagram but I did not get stares or people coming up to me, asking for clarification on the matter.”

Zaihani’s fashion style sure made a lasting impression and it was then decided that when I grow up, I want to be just like her.

Her meticulous styling and her insouciance fashion sense sets her apart from her peers. Her candour and courage, highly commendable.


Zandra Rhodes AW'16.jpgAt the Zandra Rhodes AW16 show in Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: ZaihaniMZain/Instagram)


Mouawad CNY Open House 2016.jpgKeeping it simple at Mouawad's Chinese New Year open house this year. (Photo: ZaihaniMZain/Instagram)


Marsha Milan Londoh's wedding.jpgZaihani is just as comfortable and stylish in a traditional outfit. (Photo: ZaihaniMZain/Instagram)


vintage.jpgSome of the vintage brooches in her collection.


cocktail rings.jpgCocktail rings, her favourite accessories.


“My fashion mantra is simple. Be relevant, be up-to-date as much as you can possibly afford. We’re all wired differently, what we perceive as visually pleasing differs from person to person.”

As a fashion graduate, Zaihani has experimented with loads of clothes and accessories but she never conciously conceptualised her style as we know it today. It just happened organically.

“Truth be told, you can’t create style. It’s either you have it or you don’t. For me personally, accessories can make or break a look. My current favourites are a collection of vintage multi-coloured brooches and cocktail rings which I often use to complement my outfits,” she explains.

Her tip on accessorising is to keep in mind which item you want to be the focal point, be it the earrings, necklace, bracelets or rings; but not all at once.

As we age, our body shape changes and we tend to make safer choices. What’s her advice to these women?

“If you love fashion and enjoy dressing up, then there are sacrifices to be made. Watch your weight. People may say size doesn’t matter but who are we kidding? It does! Why do you think the big fashion houses do not cater to plus sized women?” She asks matter of factly.

Zaihani was one of the judges at the recent Miss Malaysia Universe 2016 pageant. She keeps herself fashionably busy by giving talks and attending fashion events.

Here’s everything you missed at the Miss Universe Malaysia 2016 Gala Night.