Zainab Jiwa’s Rise to Fashion Fame through Method Dressing (Exclusive)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Zainab-Jiwa-89_03142025-57981a2b703541bd94ac55d54a828e39.jpg)
Zainab Jiwa has captivated audiences with her unique approach to fashion, blending her love for film and TV shows with her passion for style on the red carpet. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jiwa shares her journey from sharing outfits on TikTok to gracing major premieres with her stunning ensembles.
From her humble beginnings in 2020, posting outfits on TikTok, Zainab Jiwa quickly gained recognition and was eventually invited to her first major premiere in 2022. She has since become a prominent figure on the red carpet scene, infusing each of her looks with a cultural touch that highlights her South Asian and Muslim fashion heritage.
Method dressing and cosplay have been popular concepts within fandoms, and Jiwa has mastered the art of translating her passion for these genres into elevated red carpet looks. Hollywood stars like Margot Robbie, Zendaya, and Halle Bailey have also drawn inspiration from their projects for their press tour outfits, reflecting a growing trend in the industry.
For Jiwa, fashion has been a lifelong love affair. She sees her identity as a Muslim woman who covers her hair as an opportunity to creatively express herself through her outfits. Embracing her cultural background has been a significant influence on her fashion choices, leading her to incorporate traditional South Asian elements into her ensembles.
Growing up, Jiwa felt a lack of representation in the media and decided to carve out her own space by recreating her favorite character’s outfits from shows like Doctor Who and the Marvel universe. Her background in fashion and creative directing, coupled with her TikTok success during the COVID-19 pandemic, paved the way for her to explore the intersection of fandom and fashion.
As Jiwa’s popularity soared, she caught the attention of a major Hollywood studio, leading to her first red carpet premiere for The Witcher season 2 in 2022. Reflecting on her journey, Jiwa acknowledges the learning curve of dressing for such events and the balance between looking elegant and staying true to the theme of the occasion.
With each red carpet appearance, Jiwa continues to push the boundaries of her creativity, collaborating with designers to craft custom-made outfits that showcase her unique style. Her dedication to working with new and upcoming designers, including students and fresh graduates, underscores her commitment to supporting emerging talent in the industry.
One of Jiwa’s standout moments was her avant-garde ensemble at the House of the Dragon season 2 premiere in June 2024, where she wore a dress featuring three faces designed by Anzila Aftab. This look exemplified her ability to fuse her identity and fashion into a captivating outfit that resonated with audiences.
As Jiwa’s star continues to rise, she remains focused on her love for celebrating movies through her sartorial choices. While eyeing the prospect of attending the Met Gala in the future, she is currently gearing up for the premieres of How to Train Your Dragon and Superman, ensuring that her fashion journey is far from over.
Zainab Jiwa’s fusion of fandom, culture, and high fashion has garnered admiration from industry stalwarts and style icons alike, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of red carpet fashion. Her dedication to embracing her roots and elevating emerging designers sets her apart as a trailblazer in the realm of method dressing, inspiring others to celebrate their identity through fashion.