I love the first days of New York fashion week, because it’s the moment of the most daring, yet under-the-radar designers that do true wonders – without the presence of major venues, influencers, and all that stuff… Maryam Nassir Zadeh is definitely one of those designers. Although she’s beloved by her New York fandom of female professionals, she’s a designer who is far from (and, what’s most important, has no plans to be) glossy establishment. It’s a brand for women like Susan Cianciolo, Paloma Elsesser and Hailey Benton Gates – bold, diverse individuals with their own sense of style. Maryam’s clothes are, as the designer herself says, simple and intuitive. They never dress or invade you. But you’re free to experiment with them, the way you want, according to your mood. A fleece zip-up cinched with low-slung belt over a pleated skirt; beaded knit tucked in a pencil skirt; tie-dye harlequin top over a pair of cargo pants; blue leopard print coat and a delicate frock; zebra boots with a brown, leather overall. If you can’t really afford Maryam Nassir Zadeh, don’t be afraid to try the ways the designer presents the outfits. Her ‘hand-picked dressing’ is all about mixing, and spontaneity. No total looks. Bit of vintage, bit of edgy, bit of feminine: that’s the grab-and-go look of a New York woman whose wardrobe is consciously (or unconsciously) nurtured by Zadeh throughout the years.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki (featuring a Hilma Af Klint artwork).