Q+A: Jiman
When nurture decides to challenge nature, you’d find that the latter would always win. Not everyone is born with an inherent eye for style, and to devise an entire look made up of the unexpected and the norm is something truly genetic. Muhammad Nizam, or better known as just Jiman, is a lawyer who unexpectedly found himself in the role of fashion stylist. Proving that luck is just as important as hard work, Jiman gives us a brief insight on his extra profession.
It seems that you are adept at two completely different things - law and styling.
I’m an accidental stylist. A friend couldn’t make it to a styling job and offered me to take his place. The client actually liked it – and offered me to do another one, which was a fashion spread involving the hosts of the first season of travel series “Teman”. So, this styling thing kinda took its own course and I just went with it. I also have a column in GLAM magazine Lelaki on streetwear.
Do you prefer law or fashion?
Both. But I find it exciting to have a fashion alter ego.
Who is your favourite designer?
John Galliano. His work is so well crafted that each piece should be put in a museum. When he came out with the Egyptian-inspired collection, I thought this man was crazy genius. It was a spectacle of which I have never seen before. I also adore Hedi Slimane, Marc Jacobs and Nicolas Ghesquière.
Is there anyone in the local industry that you admire?
I have so much respect for Wirda Adnan and Cheah Wei Chun of GLAM magazine. They are visionaries who altered the perception people had on Malaysian fashion. Dare I say, that they have also managed to change how local women dress. From cutting edge covers to the exciting fashion spreads, GLAM is the best fashion magazine for women in Malaysia, in my opinion.
As for designers, I like Nurita Harith and Alexandrea Yeo. These two ladies are super talented and ultimately, they need your support. Last year, I styled a charity fashion show at Marketplace for an AIDS Foundation benefit featuring clothes by up and coming local designers. I picked up Alexandrea’s clothes from the collection “The Third Gender” and put them on boys. It was amazing. Alexandrea was doing the bold shoulder thing way before everyone else did.
Who would you love to style?
In Malaysia? Tomok. I saw him on TV winning One In A Million and I have to admit that while he puts on a stellar performance and deserved the title, there are lots to improve in regards to his style. So, Tomok, call me!! I will show you how and where to spend the money you won.
What about your own personal style? Describe it.
I have worn a lot of really crazy things in my 20s. Feathers, ruffles, high heel boots, you name it! But these days I just stick to my favourite jeans and T-shirt. It’s all about the fit. But I am always bejeweled. I love accessories. So even in dirty old jeans and a vintage black t-shirt, people perceive me as having a “big look”. But I make sure that I look good – always. Life is too short to have a bad outfit.
Lastly, what is your fashion 'Don't'?
Gosh, where do I start? Shiny suits! At AIM this year, there were some unfortunate shiny suits. One was in unflattering red. I understand that fashion is all about self expression, but this is an award show where class is key! So unless your name is Britney and your single is called Oops I Did It Again, you need to stay away from red shiny suits.
[Images courtesy of Muhammad Nizam (Jiman)]
