Zahra Lyla is the social media starlet; you NEED to add to your follow list in 2021. When it comes to all things fashion and lifestyle across the Gulf, Zahra has been a mainstay for many years, after finding success with her first blog in 2009.
Zahra was born and raised in Dubai and was not your typical fashion girl growing up. She had two brothers who were extremely academic and this veered her towards Computer Science. Impressively, she is competent in the highly covered technique of coding, a skill which still helps her in her business and self-built, “The Other Agency AE”.
In 2009, Zahra felt like she needed an outlet to express her newly acquired love for fashion, beauty and style and voila, Just Lyla {previously Lyla Loves Fashion} was born. It is a journal of sorts that chronicles her experiences in the fashion industry in the Middle East and eventually the UK.
Zahra’s time in London was extremely successful; it was here where she obtained a Post Graduate certificate in Fashion Communication & Design from Central Saint Martin’s and a Master’s degree in Media Production from London College of Fashion (LCF). Zahra loved the culture in London and was able to gain inspiration, paired with her experience in one of Dubai’s finest art galleries. “When I was here, it really expanded my cultural creativity (…) it inspired me a lot and helped me to translate the creativity into the clothing I was wearing.” In addition, she was able to gain coveted internships at Harper’s Bazaar and The Sunday Times Style magazine – placements which are on the dream list of any young fashion students. Her mentor and tutor at LCF strongly encouraged here to continue her blog upon her return to Dubai, given the rise in popularity in the region. It was a move which has truly paid dividends for Zahra.
During her impressive fashion career, she has created opportunities for herself to work with the likes of Harper’s Bazaar UK, The Sunday Times Style and assisting top stylists such as Mel Ottenberg, photographers Sean and Seng and model Joan Smalls. Due to her great content and fame across the region, Zahra was given a life-changing opportunity in 2016 to help with the roll-out of Vogue Arabia, the Holy Grail for all those in the fashion world. She has also been chosen to partner with luxurious brands such as Cartier, Tiffany, Dior and Bottega Veneta.
When chatting with Zahra, what comes across is her passion and confidence. She knows her industry and can communicate it in a clear, honest manner – something which her plethora of fans online clearly adores about her. Now, her focus is to keep growing her business, The Other Agency AE, which helps businesses in the region to humanise their social presence via digital storytelling.
Zahra’s vast cultural awareness, influences and experience contribute to her overall appeal. Some of fashion’s most coveted brands trust her to represent, and it is easy to see why. Young women truly need positive role models to aspire to, Zahra Lyla is a great place to start.