Courtesy of Shirene Rifai
LOCAL FLAVOR
Shirene Rifai has a closet full of local brands, particularly emerging designers from her home country of Jordan. “I love dressing up,” she says. “A few of my favorite pieces are a gold sequined gown by Dania Dahleh and a fringed dress with appliqués by Raya Bisharat.” Her fashion sensibility is a mix of femininity and modern fervor that’s translated through tailored coats and voluminous skirts from Laith Maalouf. Championing the Jordanian fashion landscape doesn’t just stop at her closet. Rifai is a board member of Dezain, mentoring up-and-coming talents and working on the inaugural Dead Sea fashion week that’s set to launch in October.
WRAP STAR
“I love all wrap dresses,” says Rifai, who is a devotee of Diane von Furstenberg. “I haven’t come across one I didn’t like,” she says of the style launched by Elsa Schiaparelli in the Thirties and which was quickly adopted as a staple of American designer sportswear. “It’s my signature because it’s gorgeous and practical.” She expands her collection of DVF body-skimming silhouettes with wrap jumpsuits and easy-wearing tops.
Courtesy of Shirene Rifai
PUNCHY PRINTS
“I’m not afraid to wear prints from head-to-toe,” the fashion consultant says. She gravitates towards vivid patterns in bright mood-boosting colors, including a fun grasshopper green suit with rose print lace from Twinset, floral combinations from Joseph, and Kenzo’s bold psychedelic motifs. “Prints work as camouflage, drawing the eye away from problem areas,” she explains. “Wearing the same kind of patterns together is elongating as it doesn’t break the line of your silhouette.” Her secret to pulling together her look is to find the right balance. “I wear subtle makeup and keep my accessories minimal in solid colors.”
HEAD OVER HEELS
For extra elevation, Rifai usually chooses between a selection of Gucci platforms and Louis Vuitton pumps. But her Saint Laurent high heels are her favorites. “They are my walking shoes. I reach for them all the time.” When at home, she wears a pair with chain and pearl embellishments that she styles with black denims and a graphic khaki green top from Gummy Bear Apparel by Jordanian designer Farah Hourani. Just don’t expect to see Rifai in a pair of flats – she switches up her look with boots that range from thigh-high cuts by Stuart Weitzman to delicate Christian Dior stilettos.
Courtesy of Shirene Rifai
CONFIDENT CARRYALLS
To stay organized during a busy day full of meetings, Rifai reaches for a structured bag. She rotates her black Capucines Louis Vuitton, a Fendi Peekaboo, or her new sturdy Givenchy satchel. When she wants to add personality to her look, she grabs one of her colorful shoulder bags, such as a powder pink Christian Dior or an electric blue Barbara Bui design. What does one of the busiest women and style stars in Amman tote around with her? “I can go anywhere with my handbag. Even travel. My passport is always with me. I also carry my makeup bag, my Chanel Coromandel perfume, some breath mints, and a power bank to charge my devices.”
THE MANE ATTRACTION
One of Rifai’s favorite features is her head of lustrous locks. The former shampoo ambassador rarely pulls back her waist-grazing layers and prefers her strands to flow free. “My hair is down most of the time. I only put it up when going to the gym or if I’m wearing something really busy,” she says. How does she maintain her high-gloss strands? “I do treatments every five days.” Her hair regimen includes nourishing masks and conditioning creams, and using the right brush is a must – “since I have long hair that easily gets tangled,” she says. “I have a strict system with my hair because I’m constantly using a hairdryer and curling iron to style it. Also, nobody touches my hair except for my hairdresser.”
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Originally printed in the July/August 2018 issue of Vogue Arabia.
