Photo: Courtesy Netflix
There’s no dearth of exciting shows on Netflix, and the latest binge-watch on everyone’s radar is one that comes from the region itself. Kuwaiti series Devil’s Advocate has quickly topped charts on the streaming platform, and tells the compelling story of a defense lawyer who takes on a particularly noteworthy client: a footballer who has been accused of murdering his wife.
Starring Haya Abdel Salam, Ali Kakooli, and Noor Al-Dulaimi, Devil’s Advocate has turned out to be the drama of the season, and doesn’t just stand out for its gripping plotline, but also for its strong styling. Cue Talal Shehab, Kuwait-based stylist and content creator. The man behind the leading cast’s wardrobe, believe it or not, started his journey with fashion as a child, styling his mother and sister at home. “I began experimenting with colors and fabrics even during my school days,” he shares with Vogue Arabia. “It was during this time that I first discovered my love for playing with different elements to create unique and eye-catching outfits. [My mother and sisters] graciously allowed me to experiment with their wardrobes, which provided me with the perfect platform to practice and develop my skills. Each of them possessed their own distinct style and personality, which challenged me to think creatively and adapt to their individual tastes. I am truly fortunate to have my mother and sisters in my life. Besides being my number one cheerleaders, they have also taught me valuable lessons on how to embrace and work with diverse personalities and opinions. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my journey as a fashion enthusiast.”
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The years of practice don’t go unnoticed in Devil’s Advocate, where sharp silhouettes add depth to intense scenes, and strategically handpicked colors bring in everything from elegance to a touch of danger. Below, Shehab highlights his five favorite looks from the show, and the stories behind their conception. Keep reading for a deep dive into his life, and his love affair with all things fashion.
Talal Shehab handpicks his five favorite looks from Devil’s Advocate
Pistachio soft serve
Photo: Courtesy Talal Shehab
I created a modern lawyer look for this scene. For the ensemble, I chose a classy pistachio shirt as the base. The soothing green hue adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. To complement it, I opted for a brown vest and coat combination. The warm earthy tones of the vest and coat create a perfect contrast with the pistachio shirt.
To add a bit of flair to the outfit, I went with a pair of dark green pants. The deep shade of green strikes the right balance between sophistication and uniqueness. With these pants, the overall look becomes even more distinctive. As for accessories, I couldn’t resist accessorizing with a Prada purple purse. The vibrant purple shade adds a pop of color to the ensemble, making it stand out even more. The Prada brand ensures a touch of luxury and style, completing the whole lawyer look effortlessly.
Black leather for the win
Photo: Courtesy Talal Shehab
In this episode, the cast really pulled out all the stops to create an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Most of them were dressed in stylish black leather outfits that added to the overall intrigue. The attention to detail in the wardrobe department really brought the whole episode to life. It added an extra layer of excitement and made every scene feel more intense.
Ali definitely stole the spotlight with his edgy look. He rocked a sleek leather jacket paired with a maroon turtleneck, giving off major cool vibes. On the other hand, Haya looked absolutely stunning in her leather coat and pants, perfectly matching it with a black turtleneck. And can we talk about those Gucci gloves?
Wedding grandeur
Photo: Courtesy Talal Shehab
I styled Ali for his wedding scene, and let me tell you, he looked absolutely phenomenal in his Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo! The moment Ali stepped onto the wedding scene, all eyes were on him. The tux not only fit him perfectly, but it also exuded elegance and sophistication. The attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship of Dolce & Gabbana truly shone through, making Ali the epitome of class.
The classic design of the tuxedo added a touch of timeless charm to Ali’s overall look, elevating him to another level of suave and dapper. It perfectly accentuated his features, highlighting his natural style and confidence.
All denim everything
Photo: Courtesy Talal Shehab
Denim has always been a classic wardrobe staple, and combining it with the comfort and sportiness of New Balance sneakers can create a unique and stylish ensemble. Whether you’re going for a day out with friends or meeting up for a casual work event, this combination is sure to turn heads.
Gucci cook-off
Photo: Courtesy Talal Shehab
I believe that this Gucci look not only adds a touch of elegance to the vlogs but also enhances my creativity in the kitchen. It serves as a reminder that we can infuse beauty and style into every aspect of our lives, even when we’re cooking up delicious meals!
From carefully selecting the perfect Gucci outfit, including a chic apron with the brand’s signature logo, to choosing stylish accessories and even incorporating a hint of Gucci-inspired makeup, every detail was thoughtfully curated to create a cohesive and glamorous look that truly reflected my personal style and passion for cooking.
Vogue Arabia in conversation with Talal Shehab
How did you enter the world of fashion and content creation? Was this always a dream of yours?
This was an exciting journey my older sister, Reem Shehab, and I embarked upon in 2019. We created Shehabs Studio, a platform dedicated to fashion consultancy and creative management.
As passionate fashion enthusiasts, we noticed a significant gap in the fashion industry here in Kuwait. The styling efforts seemed to be somewhat lacking in uniqueness, with many looks appearing repetitive and as though they were copying one another. Moreover, we often felt underrepresented in the media. These factors pushed us to step in and make a change.
Our vision was clear: we wanted to create an impact and shake things up in the industry. We believed that we could change the game by offering something different and inspiring. With our combined skills and expertise, coupled with a burning desire to revolutionize the fashion scene, we were determined to bring forth fresh ideas and perspectives. Shehabs Studio quickly gained traction, and we found ourselves gradually making waves in the local fashion community.
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Tell us about some of the women you have styled in the past. Who was the first big celebrity you worked with, and what was that experience like?
The first woman I had the privilege of styling was my own mother. As a working professional who frequently interacts with higher-ups, my mother expressed the desire to maintain a current and professional image. She wanted to convey qualities such as strength, reliability, confidence, beauty, and independence. Witnessing her aspirations and seeing how she wanted to present herself to the world truly inspired me. It sparked a fire within me to translate that powerful message through the medium of fashion.
As I embarked on my journey as a stylist, I had the opportunity to work with various talented individuals. However, one experience that stands out to me the most is when I had the honor of styling the renowned celebrity, Laila Abdullah. I have always admired her work and admired her unique personality. When we first met, there was an instant connection, and our chemistry was nothing short of extraordinary. Collaborating with Laila on her wardrobe was a remarkable experience, and it only deepened my passion for styling.
I am truly fascinated by the transformative power of fashion and its ability to communicate a message and tell a story. It is incredible how the right outfit can empower individuals, enhance their confidence, and express their unique personalities. As a stylist, I strive to help others discover and embrace their own sense of style, while also staying true to their individuality.
Photo: Courtesy Netflix
Coming to Devil’s Advocate, how did this project come your way? Did you style the entire cast (Haya Abdel Salam, Ali Kakooli, and Noor Al-Dulaimi) or one celebrity?
I got to know Lulwa Abdulsalam, the showrunner, when we started contacting each other through social media when she saw one of my posts pop up on her timeline. She was impressed with the uniqueness, the modernity, and the originality of my work on social media! During our brainstorming sessions, it became apparent that our mutual passion for styling and creativity would allow us to bring a fresh perspective to the entire cast.
One of the standout moments for me was working closely with Haya Abdel Salam, who portrayed the character “Lulwa”. It was a pleasure to collaborate with her as we aimed to convey a specific style that would reflect her character’s personality and vision. By incorporating a mix of colors, accessories, and a subtle yet elegant makeup approach, we were able to achieve a look that perfectly encapsulated her character’s essence throughout the series.
I must also highlight the remarkable performance by Ali Kakooli, whose portrayal of the character “Bader” was exceptional. Ali’s dedication and commitment allowed him to truly immerse himself in his roles and become one of the finest method actors of our time. His character, Bader, served as a reflection of his own personal experiences with online bullying and the intrusive nature of public scrutiny. We collaborated closely to convey Bader’s mental health struggles and inner darkness through his outfits, ensuring that every detail told a story.
Photo: Courtesy Netflix
What was it like for you to work on a full-fledged Netflix show? Were you more nervous or excited?
The excitement came way before the announcement that it will be premiered on Netflix, to be honest.
Throughout the filming process, I pushed myself to new limits, ensuring that I brought my absolute best to the table in order to meet the high expectations set by the production team. I am proud to say that I believe I succeeded in doing so. There were days when we had to work tirelessly for more than 18 hours, and numerous scenes were shot late at night to capture the essence of crime scenes. This included filming in real jail locations and mental health institutions, which at times proved to be quite unsettling.
Challenging as it may have been, I embraced the opportunity to grow as a stylist and to deliver a performance that truly reflects the vision of the project. The commitment and dedication of the entire team involved were truly inspiring, and I am grateful to have been a part of such a talented and passionate group.
I am confident that the final product will captivate and engage audiences, as it explores thought-provoking themes surrounding crime, mental health, and personal struggles. The storyline is compelling, and the depth of each character adds another layer of intrigue to the overall narrative.
Given the prestige and popularity of Netflix as a platform, I strongly believe that this project has the potential to reach a wide range of viewers and leave a lasting impact. The ability to stream it worldwide will undoubtedly help its visibility and create opportunities for meaningful discussions.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this project and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. It has been an incredible journey.
Photo: Courtesy Netflix
How did you go about styling for this show? Did you start off with a color palette? Or notes on the character’s personality perhaps?
After a productive meeting with director Essam Abdelhamid, executive producer Faud Ali, and writer Fatima Alamer, we reached the unanimous decision to adopt a timeless approach for our project. One of the key elements in achieving this vision was the careful selection of a color palette that encompasses earthy tones. By studying and analyzing each character and their respective moods, I aimed to create a captivating and colorful contrast between the decor and the characters, while maintaining a sense of realism that resonates with the viewers.
Furthermore, I strongly believe in the importance of ensuring the comfort, confidence, and overall preparedness of our cast members on set. To this end, I made sure to diligently check and follow up with each actor to ensure that they are camera-ready, not only in terms of their performances but also with regards to the outfits I have personally chosen for each scene. This attention to detail is crucial in bringing out the best in our talented cast and enhancing the overall quality of our production.
Photo: Courtesy Netflix
As someone who has worked so closely with fashion, what are your top five rules to looking stylish 24/7?
First and foremost, it is essential to always accessorize with jewelry. Jewelry has the remarkable ability to elevate any outfit and add a touch of glamour. Whether you prefer delicate and subtle pieces or bold and statement-making designs, the right jewelry can truly make a difference.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to play with colors, textures, and patterns. Experimenting with different combinations can create unique and eye-catching looks. Mixing vibrant hues, incorporating different fabric textures, and combining various patterns can result in stunning fashion statements.
Additionally, make an effort to discover new brands. While it is easy to stick to familiar brands, branching out and exploring lesser-known designers can broaden your fashion horizon. It allows you to discover unique pieces and discover styles that resonate with your individual taste.
Another crucial aspect is knowing your wardrobe inside-out. Take the time to assess your clothing collection and identify key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. Having a clear understanding of what you own helps you maximize the potential of your wardrobe and curate stylish ensembles effortlessly.
Lastly, research and understand your body type. Every body is unique, and understanding your own proportions can help you choose the most flattering clothing silhouettes. Whether you have an hourglass figure, pear-shaped body, or any other body type, knowing what works for you can help you confidently showcase your best features.
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What are five things every woman should have in her closet?
Firstly, a black dress is a timeless piece that can be effortlessly dressed up or down. It is perfect for formal events, cocktail parties, or even a night out. The versatility of a black dress ensures that you can always rely on it to make a bold fashion statement.
Secondly, a blazer is a wardrobe staple that adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Whether you’re attending a business meeting or a social gathering, a well-fitted blazer can instantly elevate your look. It can be worn with dresses, pants, or even jeans for a more casual yet polished appearance.
Next, an oversized hoodie is essential for comfortable and relaxed days. Not only is it perfect for lounging around at home, but it can also be styled effortlessly for a trendy streetwear look. Pair it with a pair of jeans or bike shorts, and you’ll exude a laid-back yet fashionable vibe.
A classic white shirt is another crucial item that can be styled in countless ways. From formal office attire to a more casual weekend outfit, a white shirt is incredibly versatile. It can be worn tucked into a sleek pencil skirt or paired with jeans and heels for a chic and effortless look.
Lastly, bike shorts have been gaining popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. They are not only comfortable but also provide a stylish athleisure look. Whether you’re going for a run or running errands, bike shorts paired with an oversized hoodie or a flowy top can create a casual yet fashionable ensemble.
