Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
Originally printed in the the February 2018 issue of Vogue Arabia.
AMBITIOUS AMBASSADOR
When style influencer Dana Hourani was approached by Fashion Prize ready-to-wear winner Faissal El-Malak to be his brand ambassador, she took on the role immediately. “His designs drew me in, and I fell in love with his look book and the vision behind it,” she says. Since the rising Palestinian designer scooped up the sought after title, his gauzy, long-sleeved, midi dresses and openback, indigo silhouettes have found a permanent home in Hourani’s closet.
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
SARTORIAL SOUNDTRACK
Hourani’s blog, DTales, is plugged into the latest trends and collaborates on content with Christian Dior and Burberry. It’s also where she showcases her Céline and Balenciaga-filled closet and her affinity for music. “I wanted to create a website that unites my love for fashion and music under one platform,” explains Hourani, who began writing songs at 13 and has also dabbled in singing. She serves up a curated mix of playlists on her blog, ideal for hosting friends, setting the mood for a dinner party, or a road trip. What’s topping her personal music chart? “I like indie and soul.” A slender finger stacked with delicate rings from her sister’s namesake jewelry brand, Donna Hourani, glides across her iPhone as she pulls up her library. “I’m really into Post Malone and Khalid right now,” she says. Other mainstay tracks include the haunting vocals of Frank Ocean and Norah Jones.
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
COOL-GIRL BASICS
“I generally like to keep it classic, but I always try to maintain a unique look,” she sums up her fashion formula. “I can be quite feminine, and other times very masculine.” The Lebanon-native brings an understated elegance to her style through closet staples. “Céline is my go-to for the perfect blazer,” she says. “I’m also a huge fan of button-down shirts, especially from Carolina Herrera.” Hourani channels a 90s-inspired vibe with stonewashed jeans. “I love Levi’s for that vintage feel and Balenciaga for its cuts.”
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
GEORGIA ON HER MIND
“When I want to buy statement pieces that are still somewhat classic, I look to Georgian designers,” reveals Hourani, who attended Tbilisi Fashion Week Spring 2018. “I’ve been following them for years, and I finally got to see everything live.” Names on her radar include Lado Bokuchava, Aleksandre Akhalkatsishvili, and George Keburia. “While remaining timeless, their work is so avant garde, with an edgy, streetwear twist.” As for scoring pieces that add an outré appeal to her look, she heads to Matériel. A slouchy suit in olive green leather, silver chrome pants, and a tomato-red deconstructed coat are just a few of the pieces she recently acquired from the Georgian fashion collective for emerging designers.
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
MOTHER KNOWS BEST
While Hourani’s style showcases a relatable twist on today’s trends, transitioning into motherhood also played a role on her sartorial modus operandi. “My style matured in that I really think about the pieces I buy. If it’s not comfortable, I won’t wear it.” Fit and function play a leading role when she’s running after her two-year-old daughter. “I don’t want to wear anything that will restrict my movement, especially when I need to keep up with my little girl,” she says. A large tote is her first choice of handbag silhouette. “I can put everything in it – including her toys and snacks – and remain fashionable.” She rotates between a leather Céline slinger, a plaid Burberry shopper, and an oversized Loewe shoulder bag.
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
TECHNICOLOR VISION
“I don’t really like mixing prints,” the style muse says about her wardrobe palette. “I gravitate towards bright, solid-colored separates.” While she keeps her everyday beauty look minimal and simple, she elevates her trademark style with high-impact eye makeup at night. For an evening look, she paints her lids with saturated eyeshadows in bright fuchsia, poppy red, or flaming orange. “I use colors from Urban Decay and M.A.C. a lot, and a hot pink from Kylie Cosmetics,” she says. When she wants to pack a real punch, she reaches for a pot of shine. “I’m really into sparkly eyes. I have a gel eyeshadow that I picked up from Ad Hoc in London that I love. It’s bright pink, glittery, and gorgeous.”
Photographed by Stephanie Moukarzel for Vogue Arabia, February 2018.
