Netflix’s latest Arabic original series, The Exchange has stolen hearts across the region for its women-centric plot and glamorous ’80s fashion. Lead characters, Munira and Farida shake up the Kuwaiti stock market by being the first women in the industry, all while serving sensational looks — thanks to stylist Daylal Al Hajeri‘s creative vision. Find out how she set out to create distinct wardrobes for both characters, her favourite ’80s trend and how you can channel the vintage ’80s vibe in your looks today, all revealed below.
Courtesy of Netflix
Cosmopolitan Middle East: How would you say Farida and Munira’s style was different from one another?
The characters’ style reflected their different personalities. Farida was more classic, wearing one-piece outfits like dresses and timeless accessories, such as dainty jewellery and pearls. Munira, on the other hand, dressed like she wanted to be noticed, wearing an array of loud skirts, pants, and dresses with big and colourful accessories. This was even reflected in their hairstyles, with Farida wearing classic waves while Munira explored different trends. It was exciting to pull together a wardrobe that brought their personality to life in a visual way.
C: What was the process like while shopping for these characters in San Francisco/ New York, given that the Middle East focused on modest fashion?
In the 1980s women in Kuwait were very fashion-forward, following trends from every spot in the world from east to west. Farida and Munira are cultured characters and savvy with fashion, so they would have been influenced by global fashion trends.
C: How has modesty in the Middle East evolved from the 80s to now?
The Middle East has a rich heritage of fashion that has evolved over the years, influenced by global trends and styles, while still remaining distinctly Arab.
C: Although these pieces were sourced from antique shops in the US, how did you ensure they stayed true to Kuwait?
I started my research at home, looking through my family’s photo albums and home videos to study their style and fashion sense. I then moved to a broader scope, looking at other families in Kuwait, and then onto Egyptian movies. Finally, I researched the west, where icons like Madonna had a huge influence. After doing my research, I gathered the right 80s pieces from vintage stores that are true to my research and true to these characters.
Courtesy of Netflix
C: If there is one 1980s trend that you would like to bring to today’s day and age what would it be and why?
Shoulder pads! They add so much to an outfit’s silhouette and give a powerful feel to every woman that wears them.
C: If someone wants to channel the fashion from The Exchange’s show, what accessories or fashion pieces would you recommend them to buy?
The trend today is more about subtle minimalism, whereas the 80s was all about bold fashion statements, so I would recommend people buy on-trend accessories like earrings, drop necklaces and broaches, especially in bright colours like yellow gold to complete their look
C: How was it different working as a costume designer vs the stylist at a magazine?
Both jobs are really close to my heart but the process is different, with different challenges. As a costume designer, I had to read the script and create a separate wardrobe and colour palette for each character. Each scene and each development of the character changed their wardrobe direction and colour palette too, so I had to live within each character’s personality for as long as we were filming to make sure the outfits worked. For two or three months after filming, these characters remained a part of me!
However, as magazine stylists, we create an idea or message and created mood boards that were centred around a single style, colour palette or direction to execute a look. It was more focused on beauty and glamour to send a certain message to viewers.
Press play to watch The Exchange’s trailer below: