Get to Know Shaakira Saldin: Melbourne’s Multifaceted Model & Creative
Photo: Zane Qureshi
So, tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Shaakira, I am a freelance model of two almost three years, and I am a creative in Melbourne.
How and when did you first get into fashion?
I’d say I’ve always been into fashion. Even as a young child, I have loved wearing monochrome outfits, the blues the blacks, the greys etc. As a Muslim and a hijab-wearing person - matching your hijab to your outfits is so difficult. But I said you know what I’m going to slay this. So Fashion has always been pretty big in my life since I was young, I’ve always been learning about different brands, designers and styles.
How did your family and friends support your early aspirations in pursuing a creative career?
My brother is a huge supporter - he’s always there at all of my runways & he hypes me up before each shoot. My parents are not as supportive. They are aware I’m in the creative scene and that I do photoshoots but they don’t know to what extent. In that sense, I heavily rely on my friends and my brother for support. Otherwise extended family they are always asking about my photoshoots and what I am doing next.
Do you take any influence from your heritage and culture when you approach projects?
YESS! 100% As a hijabi model it is kind of obvious that I incorporate my scarf into all my shoots and people see that so I want it to be something that is more widely acceptable so that a woman who isn’t showing her hair can be seen as equally beautiful, especially in the creative scene.
How would you describe your fashion style?
I would say my fashion style is forever evolving. But my main factor is whether or not I am comfortable. If I am not comfortable I will not feel confident. I am not a big high heel girly so most of the time I’m in sneakers and relaxed fits. I also love bright colours like orange, hot pink etc.
Photo: Alex Nguyen
What is one thing you would like to contribute back to your culture?
Let people who are like me see that there is nothing wrong with doing something outside of their comfort zone. Especially in fashion, I get a lot of younger, more impressionable girls who get inspired but are scared because it’s not their scene. I want them to express themselves in ways that make them feel comfortable and confident.
Who or what inspires you?
Who inspires me? YOU DO!! Everything and everyone inspires me. Everyone I have ever met even in passing has had some influence on my life which is a very non-main character of me to say that. Through each interaction, I can change a bit about myself whether it's like someone who has cool socks, and I’m like hmm I should wear cool socks.
You have worked with brands such as Wiebored, Bourgeois+61, Push and Pull, The Plagiarist, etc. Do you have any favourite clothing brands?
If I don’t say, The Plagiarist, Hish will kill me hahaha. In terms of what they stand for, I love The Plagiarist. They are like my second family. But I also really admire the Push Pull community. They were the first brand I have worked with, and they have honestly shown through their campaigns and constant evolution that Push Pull is 100% for the people by the people. I have worked with them on multiple releases, and they genuinely make me feel so happy to be part of their community.
If you could collaborate with any brand or person, who would it be and why?
Hodan Yousuf. She is amazing. Her outfits have changed my life! The way she layers and styles her scarf it's so high-end yet also could be thrifted. I think she would be such a cool person to work with. If she’s reading this, yo hit me up haha.
Do you have a favourite cultural dish that you or perhaps your family makes?
Oh, my dad makes this dish called ‘Kottu’ which is shredded chicken with spices, onion and roti. And it tastes amazing! It’s one of my favourite dishes.
Shaakira Saldin + Vanessa Vun photographed by Zane Qureshi (2023)
Do you have a favourite film?
My Favourite Rom-Com is 10 Things I Hate About You. Favourite Aesthetic film I like is Wes Anderson, Grand Budapest Hotel. And do you know Parasite by Bong Joon-ho? OMG, that film is amazing, I love it so much.
Favourite song or album?
There’s this Thai artist named Phum Viphurit. He came to Melbourne, and my brother got tickets as a present for me. He is probably one of the cutest human beings on earth, he’s so smiley. I’ve been listening to his album, Manchild.
You’ve worked with lots of brands, you’ve walked runways, etc. Do you have a favourite experience you have had through fashion?
Melbourne Fashion Week 2022. My First big girl runway.
What is one thing you would say to younger models who look up to you and may want to pursue a career similar to yours?
Life is so short. What do I do? I don’t go to uni, I don’t have a full-time job, and I am just chilling. The way the creative scene has expanded and allowed me to grow as a creative individual has helped me become the person I am. Just do what you think you want to do! Any young creatives who want to tap into the scene, just stop thinking and start.
Would you have any advice for other fellow Muslim kids who may want to pursue fashion but perhaps family and religion are holding them back a little bit?
Like I said, life is too short to be so rigid in the things we do. Everything comes and goes, and if an opportunity arises that you are keen on doing, 100% take that opportunity. Even if you’re concerned, how will society view me? It doesn’t matter! It doesn’t matter what Auntie at the dinner table is saying, because where are you and where is she?
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In five years, I will be 26. Damn. My goal is to have 350x Photoshoots under my belt, have walked for 25x runways and have a billboard somewhere.
Dream brand to walk for?
Dior in either the New York or Paris fashion week!
What can people see from Shaakira in the coming months?
GREATNESS BEING DONE BY ME.
