Redefining Style, Confidence, and Individuality at Every Stage of Life
Fazila Sciberras, a personal stylist and image consultant, combines her love for creativity with her passion for individuality. Born in Bangladesh and raised in the UK, Fazila pursued her love for fashion by studying at the London College of Fashion, building a styling career after a chance encounter in Selfridges.
As a child, Fazila was fascinated by fashion and creativity, with a keen eye for detail. She pursued Fashion Design at Salford College of Technology and earned her diploma at the London College of Fashion. “I chose London due to the cultural mix, along with diversity and opportunities,” she says. After graduating, she designed clothes for herself and private clients from the Gulf States. A chance meeting with a lady at Selfridges, who admired her outfit, led her to styling. Fazila soon discovered her true calling in styling, transitioning away from clothing design.
Due to the Gulf War in 1990, Fazila’s clients returned to their home countries, and many London-based clients lost their jobs due to the recession. Fazila experienced every business owner’s worst nightmare. “My business disappeared overnight, and the whole experience was challenging. I decided it was time to change careers.” Fazila transitioned into advertising, working as a Director of Worldwide Creative Services, including spending three years at the International Advertising Film Festival, often referred to as the Oscars of advertising.
While Fazila enjoyed the glamour, the stress and burnout took a toll on her health. She realised that she needed a change. During her recovery, she decided that if she could work this hard for someone else, she could channel that energy into her own business. After moving to Malta, the Netherlands and Southern Ireland, she eventually returned to the UK in 2010 to rebuild her life. Despite the recession and feeling misunderstood, she pursued her dream of becoming an image consultant and personal stylist once again. After working various jobs, she finally resigned in December 2021 to fully focus on her passion.
“Image consultants are the pioneers of style and fashion,” Fazila explains. “They create trends with a vision and are constantly evolving towards what comes next.” Her approach to personal styling ensures every client feels good throughout the process, avoids following the masses and embraces functionality. “I always ask clients to show me a photo of themselves where they felt most at ease with their look. I pick out what stands out about them and bring that essence into the present moment. Seeing men and women reach this level of confidence gives me true satisfaction.”
Fazila describes herself as unusual and different. Recently turning 60, she rocks a pink buzz cut and says, “I am inspired by worldly fashion, imagination and style. People should not be afraid to be individual.” She challenges the taboo of ageism, criticising societal pressures to conform to certain standards at specific ages. “I find a lot of it far from the truth and often insulting.”
Fazila was featured on the cover of L’AMOUR Magazine, which showcases designers, photographers, stylists, make-up artists and editors, celebrating creativity and individuality. She currently collaborates with brands that share her values of bespoke luxury, sustainability, individuality and functionality.
Two years ago, Fazila met Andy Conway and Rhiannah Balcombe from UNDERFOUND, who reignited her passion at a time when she was ready to give up. They encouraged her to embrace her individuality as her own brand, leading to a transformative photoshoot in May 2023. Now the in-house stylist at UNDERFOUND and UNDERFOUND Studio, Fazila works on campaigns and photoshoots featured in various publications, thriving in the creative direction and post-production process.
Some of Fazila’s career highlights include winning several awards for agencies she worked with at the International Advertising Film Festival in Cannes. She’s also flown a private plane under supervision and recently won ‘Best Dressed’ at a Women in Business event, which she describes as “an affirmation to keep striding and ride the big wave again.”
The advice Fazila would give to her younger self is: “Stop doubting yourself and deviating from your goals through people-pleasing, as it drains you and takes you off the road you choose to follow.” She emphasises the importance of reflecting through meditation, maintaining a positive environment, and eliminating negativity or unethical influences. Keeping a close, supportive circle is key to staying on the right path.
You can find Fazila on:
Her website: www.fazilasciberras.com
Instagram: @fazilasciberras
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