Zeynab Elhelw, or as most people have come to know her on Instagram Fashion Pirate, has been a fashion icon for a while now. The Turkish-Egyptian beauty has been garnering attention, mainly for her beautifully put together outfits, as well as the lavish lifestyle she seems to lead.
Despite all that, Zeynab is not your ordinary Instagram fashion-pseudo blogger. With a website in the works and an impressively sizable following, Zeynab's popularity seems to be on a never-ending rise.
It was our pleasure to be able to sit down with the Fashion Pirate herself, and ask her a few questions we knew were on everyone's minds!
Tell us about yourself. Who is Zeynab ElHellw?
A down to earth chick, born & raised in the urban city of London, with diverse tastes and friends. I'm simply obsessed with vibrance, spontaneity, movement & fashion.
From which country do you hail?
Well, I'm a cocktail of Turkish & Egyptian roots, with a British twist
You've grown quite a following on Instagram. Is that how it all started? With Instagram?
Well, I started just posting daily inspirations, and inspired shoots. I kept it fun, simple and honest.
From where do you draw your fashion inspiration?
I have a lot of music and art in the family, and therefore I was nurtured as a kid, and gradually dived into fashion school, Central Saint Martins, to be able to broaden my abilities.
Favorite 2014 style trends?
They would probably have to be the typical cropped top look, as well as the transparent panel skirt ensemble. The cliche does spring to mind as we speak!
"Fashion Pirate", who are the fashion pirated, and why the name?
Well, consider the envelope of people collaborating on the blog. They are the pirates. And fashion, well this is what we percieve it as.
Who is your fashion style icon?
I can say a mix. I can't really pinpoint a style icon, however I am a little obsessed with Raf Simons' gravitational spin on asymmetrical dresses. Since I work at Dior, I have a first hand view.
As a well-travelled style icon, which city has most inspired you in terms of fashion?
I would definitely have to say Istanbul. The colors, the random boutique trends of young designers. I can promise you, visit the country on a bimonthly basis and the trends change quicker than the seasons!
Favorite fashion city?
London Town. I love the urban cosmopolitan twist! Anything is flawless, it is more about how you have the ability to confidently strut it!
Let's talk Arab designers; favorite Arab designer?
Well, I am a tab obsessed with Elie Saab & Zuhair Murad. Simply because they have to be over the top to wear them, which ironically is very contradictory to my casual sense.
The Middle Eastern fashion industry has seen a boom in recent years, and yet we still have a long way to go. What are your thoughts regarding the ever-growing fashion community, especially in Egypt and the UAE?
It really is developing very fast! People have a thirst and a large palette on this. As long as the restrictions lower, creative gurus will most definietly emerge. I do believe in collaboratios. Influences from mixed medias will always be a plus!
How do you put together your outfits? Does it take a lot of planning, or do you simply throw them on?
Throw them on and run! The patience to plan is definitely not in me!
When it comes to Instagram fashion stylists, it's all about taking the perfect shot. What else does it take to perfect an OOTD shot?
Smile! That's definitely a piece of advice I keep getting.
What does your workout/diet look like? A lot of your followers, I'm sure, are interested in finding out how you maintain your physique.
I visit the gym, swim and tan. Being happy also helps! Just make sure your schedule has a lot of "me time/hobby time". It doesn't always have to be about working out and dieting. Simply put, the best workout and diet consist of having fun!
I'm sure everyone is interested in Zeynab ElHellw's closet. What one accessory can't you live without?
Half of my closet is in London, the other half here, which is not ideal! It would have to be my Love Bracelet, simply because you know it won't come off. As for clothing, I'm not too picky in that field. I love to mix and match layers. Switch it up as much as possible!
What is the one product you'd never leave home without?
Mascara, defnitely! Opens up sleepy eyes in the morning.