Have you been watching the Kuwaiti Netflix shows recently – such as The Cage and The Exchange? Have you noticed how the styling is so on point and that each decade is represented with impeccable detail in terms of fashion? That is the work of Daylal! She has incredible depth when it comes to her styling prowess, and we decided to catch up with her to learn more about what she has done and her process.

Daylal is a fashion stylist, creative director, costume designer, and she has these roles down to an art. She knew she wanted to be in fashion early in life. It was her mother’s wardrobe that was always tempting to her, but probably her mother’s interest in dressing her perfectly was what shaped her passion further. Daylal tells us that her mother “would make a big deal out of my outfit if the accessories weren’t right; she would go out of her way to make each outfit I wear for whatever occasion simply perfect.”

When Daylal was 12, she attended an American school, and it was her mission to style her uniform every semester with different accessories and different designs for her pants or skirts. At that stage she thought she wanted to be a fashion designer, but she found that styling is her passion: “i love the challenge of styling where each person is different and has their own style. I find that each personality can pull off something different in their own way, which makes a stylist’s challenge so much fun.”

Daylal considers fashion to be make or break, and she finds that a person’s sense of fashion tells her a lot about them which she feels affects her work more than any editorial or a designer’s collection. She shares that styling defines her and it’s a big part of her, and therefore she finds inspiration everywhere, even in the mundane. “So, when looking at buildings, art, clothes, or even a wreck I always see something that elevates my work. I like street style and I prefer to mix and clash between different styles. I like a classic look with an edgy twist or a casual attire with an elegant fabric. I like styles that are not repetitive and not typical. Therefore, when it comes to designers, it depends on the season which one resonates with me. I love it when a designer presents a different collection. That’s why each season I have a different favorite,” she explains.

Although Daylal always knew that she wanted a career in fashion, she had to make an agreement with her father that she would pursue a bachelor’s in finance, which is something that made sense to him, before continuing in fashion. And just like any super smart cookie, she finished her 5-year program in three and a half-years so that she could get started doing what she loved. After doing her masters in fashion, she was working in the public sector by day and as a stylist for Marie Claire Arabia by evening. She also decided to get certified as a media stylist from London School of Fashion and got her masters in Fashion Merchandising from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She then moved to Los Angeles and again was working two jobs, one as a stylist for Bloomingdale’s and the other as a stylist assistant for Zoe Costello, the Hollywood celebrity stylist. Clearly, she is no stranger to working hard and to making her dreams come true!

Daylal never stops, she keeps going and keeps creating impeccable looks that have us in awe. Recently she has worked on the cover of Elle magazine, the Gucci campaign for GQ magazine, Zain’s Eid TV commercial (which we adore!), and of course, all The Netflix shows among so much more. She tells us that when she was working on The Exchange, she ended up making friends with the older generation in San Francisco and New York to source items to make sure that everything was real and relatable, from cuff links, to earrings, to sunglasses, and even some clothes. It is a project that she is very proud of.

We are so awed by all the fabulous styles she is creating and transporting us to different seasons and decades. However, it hasn’t always been easy for her. Daylal shares that “10 years ago in Kuwait it was very hard to pursue a career and degree in fashion. I went through tough battles and sacrifices and difficult decisions to be where I am today. I did it all to serve as an inspiration for other girls to follow their passion. I like to think that I have paved the way for them, but I believe that whether it’s fashion or any other career, love what you do with all your heart, and you will reach places you never dreamed of.” We love this advice!

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE

What do you most value about your friends?
They support me and tolerate my shortcomings, and accept me unconditionally.
Which living person do you most admire?
My parents.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Achieving constantly.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Attending fashion weeks, runway shows, and industry events can be considered an extravagance for me as a stylist.
What is your most treasured possession?
YSL fashion books with his samples in them which I treasure but haven’t been able to read them yet because they are in French, but hopefully one day.
What is your greatest fear?
The “what if” – that is why I always go for whatever comes my way.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I don’t take no for an answer.
Which talent would you most like to have?
To paint.
What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?
Loyalty.
What is the human trait you most dislike about others?
Pessimism.
What is it that you most dislike?
Unappreciation.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“What’s your budget?” and “I will send you a proposal!”
What are your favorite words to live by?
I am not meant to be happy; I’m meant to be great.
Where would you most like to live?
Italy
If you could have any job, what would it be?
Marine biologist.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Building my career 11 years ago when styling was not popular in our market and all the obstacles were against me and no one comprehended what I was trying to achieve.
What do you hope for the future?
To make the change in the fashion industry that everyone is hoping and wishing for.

We know that you have seen Daylal’s work somewhere, she has done so much that it is impossible to miss! Follow her on Instagram @daylalstylist to learn more about what she is doing, but also admire her stunning work!