Milking It: Zaahirah @_ZAAHIRAHWILDE_
Interview by TMILKY
Introducing Zaahirah: a gorgeous model and Desi fashion icon, now making her acting debut in the whacky, fantastical short film ‘Synthetic Fish’.
What’s your go-to milk?
My go-to milk is semi-skimmed cow’s milk. I’ve never managed to get into almond or oat, partly because they caused an eruption of cystic acne on my chin. Coconut milk is divine, though.
How do you incorporate London-inspired unique style into your wardrobe?
I feel like my style is all over the place. But one thing that remains constant is my love of incorporating Desi clothing and jewellery into my everyday style. I love muted colours, but nothing too bright – it makes me uncomfortable, haha. I think if I had to put my style into words, it would be dark, elevated minimalism with 90s tones.
Share your process for planning and creating your fun fashion videos.
I don’t have a process, if I’m honest. I should be – I reckon I could be further if I had a pattern, but I don’t. I’m quite sporadic most of the time. I just stick a sound on that a I like and show the outfit that I feel confident wearing.
What are some of your favorite spots in London? Think food + filming spots.
I feel like the entirety of London is a filming spot. It has a multitude of personalities in each zone – I think that’s what I love most about London. As for food, I have a love for Chinatown. My best friend and I have this ritual whenever we manage to meet up (ld bsf): we get a matcha cake and a strawberry shortcake and share. Our favorite thing to do together is eat – I love her; she’s basically the sister I never had.
Talk about how you got in character for your recent appearance in the short film!
Oh my god, it was my favorite thing ever. I got to play out a childhood dream. It was my first acting experience and with such a wonderful group of talented people. Anisha, the creative director, is just amazing. When she explained her concept to me, I was in awe – her brain is incredible, and the creativity she displays is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I got to act out a character that doesn’t speak, but only uses her eyes and body language to instill arrogance and detachment in her victims. It felt naturally unnatural. My favorite thing about the experience was that it was a full South-Asian cast, and everyone looked like me. It was the first time, in a creative space, that I felt safe and relaxed.
What’s one fashion tip or trend you’re scared to try?
The one fashion trend I’m scared to try is anything mini. I wish I could pull it off because, on others, it looks sexy as hell. But the thought of me in anything mini makes me feel uncomfortable – I don’t think it suits me, and also, my legs get weirdly cold, even in the summer.
What’s the hardest part about filming clips for social media?
The hardest part of filming clips for social media is actually filming. I always make a mental note to film, but somehow, I always forget, and then I miss out on filming my fits or what I’m doing that day.
