Sukaina Arini, I Like Your Style

What is “I like your style”? It’s the series in which we ask fashion lovers to share some of their favourite outfits and talk us through what inspires and influences the way they dress and shop. Then they nominate someone whose style they admire and so the style chain continues.

Soui’s style can be best described as laid-back and cool with a side of chic. Everyone’s favourite PR girlie constantly nails the juxtaposition of feminine and masculine in her day-to-day looks with her beautiful curls serving as a permanent accessory. We asked Soui about her favourite brands, fashion literature and styling tips.

Who is Soui?

Ciao Sauce, I’m Sukaina, but I go by Soui. I’m a stylist and fashion lover - always have been.

Since I can remember, my biggest passion has been colour-coordinating with my mum’s fits. I was born and raised in Milan, Italy, so naturally, my surroundings shaped my interest in fashion.

Weirdly enough, it was only after moving to NZ that I truly defined my unique style and outlook on what fashion means to me. I’m very proud of my heritage - what’s classic to Milan, but also my other half, Morocco and where I am now, NZ.

By trade, I’m an Account Manager at Public Library, the coolest PR agency in town. Shout out to the girlies I work with – the dreamiest crew and one the most talented in the country!

What do you love about your style?

Feels like a bit of a flex to talk about what I love about myself (basically, hehe), but those who know me, know I’m here for it. I think my favourite thing about my style is how, over the years, I’ve learned to balance comfort without losing the edge and flare.

I love that my fits are easy for work, (a very fashion-forward workspace will do it too) but throw on a pair of heels, and I can head straight to an event feeling 10/10!

At the end of the day, my ultimate biggest flex in fashion is confidence. That is, to date, my wardrobe staple for a killer fit.

Who’s been the biggest influence on your style?

My first and biggest influence has to be my mum. I mean, don’t get me wrong - I follow a whole lot of influencers and fashion connoisseurs who inspire me and keep me up to date with what’s cool and trending. But my ultimate fashion icon to this day? Wafaâ.

I die at the thought of going home and seeing her latest purchases - or finally being at an ‘appropriate age’ to claim that special piece from her wardrobe I’ve been eyeing forever.

My second biggest inspiration is definitely music. I’m currently in an RnB/neo-soul, and a bit of house music phase so my fits reflect that. Kinda Y2K. I’ll never leave the house without a little lip liner and gloss to top it all off!

Are there any ‘styling tips’ you use? Think wrong shoe theory etc.

Sounds so basic, but my biggest styling tip? Find your uniform. What’s that one unconditional piece or look you want to stick with for a bit? That’s your blank canvas.

I’m a colour-block girlie—love a tonal fit. Same-same, but different. Different shades of the same colour, mixed with different textures, to keep it interesting.

Also, accessories. I’m a big jewellery and interesting accessories lover. Lately, I’ve been sticking to sentimental pieces, but I firmly believe that the right bling can elevate even the most basic fit.

Another rule I live by: mix it all up. Always wear something thrifted (your eye-candy piece, the unique number), then pair it with designer pieces.

Slightly wrinkly? Perfect. Like I just casually threw this on without too much thought. Very French. That savoir-faire with a touch of nonchalance.

Who is your favourite local designer at the moment?

Wynn Hamlyn, hands down. I die for his gorp-but-really-femme womenswear range. He’s nailed the recipe!

I’m also in my silver era, so I’m a big fan of Stolen Girlfriends Club jewellery. Their chunky silver pieces are to die for.

Another staple? Beach Brains. I copped this epic pinstriped, oversized, floor-length coat directly from the designer, and It’s become a forever piece. Also, their Japanese deadstock wool pinstripe shorts? Love styling them preppy - knee-high boots, baby polo tee, speed glasses on ... chef’s kiss.

Love Wixii! Great basics, I have an appreciation of how they style their lookbook imagery as well. Makes me want to buy it all and in every colour, they release it too. Sign me up for all their cashmere and silks.

What about international?

International brands? Oh, the list is long and to be honest with you, it changes all the time. I think an all-time favourite is Paloma Wool, love how effortlessly this brand encompasses the everyday woman. Like you can be chic, alty and classic all the same time.

Massive fan of that and it reflects all the different aspects of my personality. Sometimes I want to be a girls girl and other times I prefer to be the ultimate tomboy girlie. Baggy on baggy, and on the move.

I also die for some of the classics: Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten, Ganni denim is great, Sacai.. the list goes on. I’ve ventured into a few Korean brands too lately, a place I want to visit soon for sure.

What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?

Getting asked to do this interview!! A big pinch-me moment.

What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

I would say when I had this femme punk era. We’re talking 11-13 y/o baby me who loved Cheap Monday’s black skinny denim, stripe gloves, ties and big skater shoes. I know, wild!! Paramore girlie - says it all.

Ultimately, fashion is an exploration of oneself tho and have no shame in having had all sorts of phases in life. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. Discover myself over and over, one piece of clothing at a time.

What’s that one special piece that you wish was a part of your wardrobe? Why?

I’ve been daydreaming about this floor-length Ganni coat forever. It’s boxy but has this inner buckle that cinches the waist. A few years ago, they made one in a maroon/chocolate colour, and I’m desperately trying to track it down second-hand.

And I die to have a custom ring made by Angostura. They call themselves a tribal punk label. Based in Rome, one of the co-founders, Giulia Tavani is a total muse - designer by day and DJ by night. She even hosts these events called Erotica. Obsessed.

If personal style is about the way we present ourselves to the world, what do you think your outfits often say about you? What message do you think you send to others through your style?

When I think about what I hope my style says, I think it’s less about an intention and more about a feeling. I tend to dress according to my mood, which I know sounds cliché, but it's true for me - I wear what speaks to me at that moment. I’ve always believed that clothing reflects who we are at our core. Beautiful and Multifaceted. Like the music we listen to.

Ultimately, I try to have fun with it, not take it too seriously, and I hope that comes across in my style.

Honestly, I hope my look says something like, “Wow, you’re cool” (Haha, jokes aside). But on a deeper level, I hope it keeps people on their toes. There’s nothing groundbreaking about what I wear, but I like to think it shows that you can be anyone and anything you want to be if you feel good about it.

What fashion literature would you recommend?

I normally consume a lot of content because of work so it’s hard to choose, but the ones I seem to enjoy the most are these two:

Outlander Magazine. An epic online zine that covers fashion, culture, lifestyle, and music. It merges all my interests in one and keeps me tapped into what’s ON. Latest collabs, reflections on fashion moments, and most importantly the latest cold to keep an eye on.

I’m here for it. The rate of content going live and how involved Outlander is in the actual culture is unreal!

I love Callum and what he does!

And of course, a classic, Business of Fashion – is essential for keeping up with acquisitions, market moves, and everything top-line in the industry. It’s my go-to fact-checking platform, keeping me in the loop for both PR inspo and things to keep in mind for my clients.

Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire.

Ohhh, I’ve been loving Marissa Lepps, a Melbourne-based content creator. Her “Get Ready With Me” videos? So good. Definitely my today’s muse.

Also, Hodan Yousuf - her layering is unreal. She’s always so feminine and gorgeous while still honouring her beliefs as a Muslim woman in fashion.

Follow Soui on Instagram @soui_sun
Interview by Yana Kulishenko