Forbes honouree Zainab Jiwa embraces superhero theme with pearl web corset, henna at event
UK-based Pakistani creator Atifa Arshad in a custom spider-web sari (left) and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 honouree Zainab Jiwa in a modest Spider-Man-inspired ensemble (right). PHOTOS: atifaarshad, zeewhatidid/Instagram
United Kingdom-based Pakistani content creator Atifa Arshad attended the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere London, wearing a custom spiderweb-inspired sari that fused the Marvel fandom with South Asian fashion.
Atifa shared photos from the premiere on Instagram. The content creator donned a black sari featuring intricate red spiderweb embroidery, complemented with matching red embroidery along the neckline. She completed the look with traditional jewellery, a sleek bun, and a handbag featuring the same spiderweb motif.
“Spidey Sari for the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere! HELLOO?!! (I fear nothing will ever top this look),” she wrote.
Discussing the outfit, Atifa revealed that the design was created by Lebanese designer Rita Qaranbach before being stitched by her family’s tailor in Pakistan.Â
On her Instagram stories, she shared the original concept sketch by Qaranbach and explained that the outfit had been planned months before she even received an invitation to the premiere. “She designed what I envisioned. I then sent this to my tailor. I’m talking three months ago with, yes, NO INVITE!” she said.
Screengrabs: atifaarshad/Instagram
Atifa’s look drew praise from international fashion commentators, including American celebrity stylist Luxury Law, who has worked with actors and singers including Zendaya and Ariana Grande.
Screengrabs: atifaarshad/Instagram
Atifa was not the only South Asian creator to embrace the superhero theme. Content creator and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 honouree Zainab Jiwa also attended the premiere in a modest Spider-Man-inspired ensemble.
Her outfit featured a skirt by Raishma and a pearl web corset created by Harriet Christelow.
Zainab also incorporated South Asian tradition into the look with intricate spiderweb-inspired henna.
Atifa and Zainab’s outfits demonstrated how traditional craftsmanship can be creatively fused with pop culture, representing South Asian fashion at a major Hollywood event.
