For the first time ever, we’re presenting you with Danna Jawhar, a fashionality who hails from the Instagram realm. Fear not, for the woman behind the stylish account, @ShabbyChique, is very real indeed.

With the rise and rise of Insta-businesses it can be quite tricky to recognize a true passion for style amongst a huge array of ‘fashion businesses’ on offer. Enter Danna Jawhar. She instantly captured the attention of the region’s fashion savvy with Shabby Chique, a brand conceived out of the designer’s inspiration from an evolving Middle East. Not only so, Danna fully acknowledges the power of social media, especially in giving her brand, infamous for its kitschy t-shirts and Kuwait-centric jewelry line, the acclaim she has earned via Instagram. Encouraged to be a part of this digital revolution, Danna wished to share her vision for fashion in an arena where others dressed the way they wanted without being judged. If anything, people quickly caught the Shabby Chique bug, as every fashionista in the know raced to get their hands on Danna’s designs as soon as they were available for sale. We sit down with fashionality of the month, Danna Jawhar, as she tells us more about the woman behind @ShabbyChique.

When did you first become interested in fashion?

Fashion is definitely a part of every girl’s life, however I have never been one of those girls that dresses up daily and owns 200 pairs of heels. I’m actually quite the opposite, and have always worn what makes me feel happy and most importantly comfortable. I love how Kuwait has changed over the years and how social media and networking has given a whole new meaning to the fashion world. The rise and exposure of street style was when I truly started to become more aware of the fashion world and wanted to get involved, I love how people don’t find the need to go out and spend thousands on looking stylish. Being able to dress well doesn’t mean you have to have the money to do so, and I love that people have started to see that.

Did you face any difficulties in starting your brand?

Of course, but my difficulties were definitely a blessing in disguise! I started Shabby Chique back when I was a student at AUK, thinking I would be able to juggle the life of a university student as well as trying to start up my own brand. It was my final year at university and I was in the middle of all my major classes in the field of Public Relations, which were very intense. Shabby just seemed to be there, something that I could not fully focus on. So I decided to put it on hold till I got my degree as that was my priority, and one day I would make Shabby Chique my priority again. As soon as I graduated, I didn’t dive right back into it, I didn’t feel the time was right and I’m a true believer that timing is everything.

I started to get so many ideas and I was so inspired by how fashion in Kuwait was evolving and I wanted to be a part of that! That’s when the timing suddenly felt right. Uploading my first picture on Instagram made me so nervous yet so excited, and that was about 7 months ago.

What type of Fashionistas wear Shabby Chique?

I have had so many different types of fashionistas interested in my collection, which is a beautiful thing. I love that it’s not only specifically for a certain type of girl. I’ve seen my t-shirts paired with track pants and flip flops, high waisted skirts and 6 inch heels, boyfriend jeans and skinny jeans! I am a very laid back and casual person and I have always loved t-shirts but could never locally find trendy and unique ones which is why I decided to do a collection specifically dedicated to just that.

We’re in love with your mini-series! Can you tell us more about this stunning jewelry collection?

I’m half Kuwaiti half British, and really wanted to have something specific and meaningful to symbolize my love for Kuwait. Wearing simple and intricate jewelry is part of my daily wardrobe, so I thought what better than to have my own collection of jewelry that came in the shape of our map. I have three different sizes to suit specific tastes.

Quality is extremely important to me, which is why I only provide 18-carat-gold. You can choose between yellow gold, rose gold or silver and everything comes in either a solid shape or just the outline. As for the mini collection, which is a tiny 1cm in size, I have my best friend to thank for that as she demanded her necklace to be the smallest size I could make it.

If a client tells me where they live, I can place a small diamond on there, where their home is located, to make it that little bit more special and personal. I started just with necklaces but now have bracelets and tiny 1 cm earrings too.

How would you describe your style?

A t-shirt and jeans combo with accessories that allow me to express my personality and feminine style. I also have a weak spot for bags and always have my nails done. Other than that I appreciate simple yet beautiful things and like being able to keep them casual and not over do them. But I’m also aware that just because something is in fashion, doesn’t mean it’s for me, and it’s important to go with what works for you and what makes you feel the most confident.

Where do you get inspiration for your style?

I have always been a huge fan of street style and I love how young stylish people have now become huge inspirations to fashion designers; style now isn’t only what hits the pages of magazines, it’s seeing the younger generation take risks and go against the rules of fashion. I love browsing through magazines, blogs, Instagram and Pinterest. Inspiration comes from personalities; style is who you are whether it is sophisticated, chic, feminine, and individualistic or even a little daring.

What is your style obsession?

Coming up to the colder weather it’s definitely printed sweaters or t-shirts and leather jackets. I must admit to getting very obsessed with the casual shirt loosely tied around my waist it adds so much to an outfit! I also love oversized shirts, sweaters and t-shirts, not everything needs to be fitted, casually tucked in one side is my favorite.

How would you style a t-shirt from your collection?

It depends on the look you’re going for, as my t-shirts can be dressed up or dressed down. Id pair my t-shirt with my favorite pair of skinny jeans, leather jacket sleeves rolled up and probably my espadrilles. Even tucked into a high waisted skirt with tights and casual boots for the winter with a statement-layered necklace.

Get your Shabby Chique by following Danna’s posts on Instagram @Shabbychique.