This awards season, A-list celebrities have been bringing their most glamorous and bold looks to the red carpet. Statement fashions, after all, are a huge part of the awards circus: Part of the fun is tuning in to see all of the stars in their finest couture. But it’s not just nominees who are turning heads. Beyond the velvet ropes, one red carpet reporter in aprticular is giving top-tier stars a serious run for their money. Meet Zainab Jiwa, who has been on the scene everywhere from the Cannes Film Festival to the recent Wicked press tour.
Jiwa is a London-based journalist and internet creator who specializes in red carpet hosting. “I specialize in film, TV, and fashion,” Jiwa tells Vogue. “I host film premieres, interview actors, and produce content that blends these passions together. I also like to add creative elements like fashion, comedy, and art into everything I do.” Interviewing stars at film premieres and awards shows, Jiwa has emerged as a style star in her own right. You can often catch her channeling method dressing, pulling together looks that are perfectly themed to the event she is attending. She wore Glinda-pink for the Wicked premiere and an armored gown to the Gladiator II carpet, among other standouts. “Picking my outfit is always a fun part of the process,” says Jiwa. “While stressful, I love dressing on theme—it’s a playful, creative challenge I always look forward to.”
Navigating the Hollywood scene is relatively new for Jiwa, who began working in the field around 2020, after graduating from the University of the Arts in London. “Growing up, I was always a fangirl—I wanted to be queuing at the film premieres, hoping to catch a glimpse of the talented people behind the movies,” says Jiwa. During Covid lockdown, she began experimenting with posting content online, creating her own costumes or crafting outfits inspired by films. The posts quickly garnered an audience and landed her invites to major Hollywood events, where she now creates content with top stars. (Jiwa has over 500,000 followers on TikTok alone.) “I quickly realized not only did I enjoy it, but I was also good at making people feel comfortable, while still having the right film knowledge,” says Jiwa.
Last year s Wicked press tour was a highlight. Jiwa attended the premiere in London back in November, wearing a thematic metallic pink blouse and skirt by Sabirah. “The designer specializes in luxury modest wear, and this piece made me feel both empowered and beautiful without needing to reveal anything,” says Jiwa. “The cut and silhouette are absolute favorites of mine, and in full pink glitter? Yes, please. It just screamed Wicked and something Glinda-approved.”
Jiwa has also brought her method dressing to premiers such as Bridgerton and Gladiator II, the latter of which caused her to go viral, thanks to her epic armor-inspired design by Raahim Khan. “We discussed deep into the details—colors, fabrics, textures, the overall mood—even down to how I would carry the fabric while walking,” says Jiwa. “We decided on holding the sash the way it was done in the Roman era, inspired by Denzel’s character. Every part of this outfit, from the pleats to the structure, was planned with intention.” At the House of Dragons season two premiere, Jiwa also wore a custom look by student designer Anzila Aftab, which leaned into the fantasy and surreal vibe of the show. “The vision was inspired by the Faceless Men from Game of Thrones,” says Jiwa. “The dress [had] layered veils covering different masks, deep red tones, and striking gold details. It was one of those pieces where you either get it or you don’t—and that’s fine by me. I like something with a little bite to it.”
Whereas red carpet hosts are typically in classic gowns or suits that don’t detract from the stars, Jiwa’s willingness to turn heads and go for it is utterly refreshing. “Method and concept dressing is one of my favorite parts of attending events,” she says. “Fashion is such a powerful form of art and expression, and I love using it as a way to connect with the movie.” Looking ahead, she already has her sights set on many more method dressing opportunities. “How to Train Your Dragon is one I know I can really have fun with—between the Viking elements and dragon themes, I’m already planning,” she teases. “Also excited for Avatar: Fire and Ash, Wednesday season two, and Superman. It’s shaping up to be a seriously fun year for fashion!”
