TheStar | Style Watch | Fashion designer Izrin Ismail on clothes that make a statement

TheStar | Style Watch | Fashion designer Izrin Ismail on clothes that make a statement

JUNE 12, 2021. Kuala Lumpur

Izrin Ismail, the founder of Innai Red, a local label that celebrates the art of bespoke with a directional approach to traditional evening wear, reveals details about her personal style.

A designer who founded Innai 16 years ago, Izrin is the living, breathing symbol of her brand’s ethos of effortless, elegant luxury. 
What is your favourite/go-to-look?
I must say I’m a big fan of midi-length dresses with statement details – exaggerated sleeves, big buttons, smocking details, pleats, these to name a few.

I personally feel that dresses work for all occasions – from work to dinner to being the best-dressed guest. My wardrobe is filled with cotton dresses from saturated brights to fresh whites.

What are your three essential style/beauty items?
My three essential style items are: gold accessories, sunglasses and technical sandals (which I currently have a thing for), and my three essential beauty items are sunblock, makeup primer and lip balm.

How has the pandemic changed your style?
The pandemic has changed my shopping habits. I am now in purchase pieces that give more longevity (slow fashion) rather than fads (fast fashion). My style remains the same, but I must say, I’m more in flats and sandals than I used to be.

Who is your style icon? Or What's your inspiration? 
My style icons are the Russian It girls Miroslava Duma and Ulyana Sergeenko for being always polished and quirky. And I also love Shay Mitchell’s nonchalant style.

Give us one style tip, or two? 
Dress effortlessly chic. I normally incorporate trends into my wardrobe and make them my own. We must know that not all trends suits us, so we need to be careful about our choice of garments, accessories, colours and cuts which should be appropriate for our figure, features and lifestyle.

Credits
Text, concept and coordination: Nasa Maria Entaban
Photos: Izrin Ismail

Shop INNAI RED's RTW 2021 Gula Melaka Collection