17 hours ago
The Desert Muse Edit with Moroccan Stylist Khaoula Chiga
From pleated silhouettes to windswept headscarves, Chiga—aka Zif Hayati—serves up a dreamy Desert Muse edit grounded in heritage, movement, and mood.
If you've ever paused mid-scroll on a perfectly styled Moroccan scarf, chances are it was Zif Hayati . Behind the drape is 26-year-old stylist and image director Khaoula Chiga.
A name that translates to The Scarf of My Life, Zif Hayati is Chiga's nod to the traditional headscarf worn at home or after the hammam. 'I started content creation to make Zif Hayati more visible in the fashion industry,' she says, 'and to challenge the idea that it's only meant for home wear.'
Though her degree is in chemical analysis, fashion came first. 'My mom started studying fashion design when she was pregnant with me. I became her first model—whenever she learned something new, she'd try it on me,' she laughs.
Today, she works from that same atelier, styling and sewing with a vision that blends heritage and contemporary fashion. 'We have such rich heritage, and it deserves international recognition.'
Her references range from Moroccan classics to Mirror Palais and Jacquemus. 'If I didn't dress modestly, I'd probably live in Mirror Palais,' she says.
Now, she's building Zifelle , her upcoming modestwear label: 'It's everything I've ever wanted to create in one place.'
Look One | Sands of Time
'The flowy linen set mirrors the shifting sands, while the deep red leather bag and garnet necklace add richness inspired by Moroccan craftsmanship,' she tells SceneStyled. 'The golden makeup ties it all together.'
Na-kd | Linen Wide Leg Pant
Na-kd | One Shoulder Linen Blend Top
Zila Russi | Terez Dark Red Leather
Maayaz | Dahlia II Garnet Necklace
Kiko | Golden Oasis Chic Lips Beauty Kit
Look Two | Kasbah Nights
'Luxury is in each detail,' she explains. 'The Moroccan jewellery speaks to my style— it's where my love for heritage meets my obsession with clean, contemporary design.'
1309 Studios | Odelia Green
Okhtein | Malleable Clutch in Gold
Mekouar Joaillier | Pendants d'Oreilles 'Granada'
Jimmy Choo | Zyra 50
Dior | Oud Ispahan
Look Three | Dune Reveries
'This one feels like the desert's softness and sunlit warmth,' she says. 'Earthy tones, airy fabrics, and subtle handcrafted details– this look is timeless desert grace.'
Zimmermann | Acacia Maxi Dress
Kenzaklay | Green Zelij Set
Dolce Vita | Kesha Sandals in Bone Leather
Beauty of Joseon | Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Longchamp | Le Pliage Filet XS Mesh Bag in Ecru
Look Four | Palmshade Serenity
'This look reflects who I am. It feels like home to me—sunset tones, soft light, and that quiet beauty I grew up watching at the end of every day.'
Mirror Palais | The Sunset Gown
Zyne | Tory 45 in Orange
Moonglaze | Sheers in Gilded
Jacquemus | Le Bisou Perle Ivory
Jennifer Fisher | Samira Huggies
Look Five | Sirocco Soul
'The desert is never silent; it's the sound of the wind carrying stories of distant lands and endless horizons,' Chiga contemplates. 'Just like the breeze, these pieces flow with energy.'
Bottega Veneta | Angle Cat Eye Sunglasses
Hermès | Poivre Samarcande Eau de Toilette
Bottega Veneta | Viscose and Linen Dress
Chloé | Woody Mule in Vintage Khaki
Chloé | The Chloé Peonies Square Scarf in Silk Twill
