I deserve the best!
Dressing Dreams: Inside the World of Kuwait’s Influential Stylist, Musaed.
CiiN Magazine is thrilled to present an exclusive cover interview with the multi-talented and influential Musaed Al-Mutairi from Kuwait. Renowned as a stylist, art director, and prominent male influencer, Musaed has carved a distinctive niche in the world of fashion and creativity. Known for his versatility, daring aesthetics, and contemporary style, Musaed graciously takes us into his unique world, sharing insights into his creative process, fashion philosophy, and the responsibilities that come with his popularity.
In this interview, Musaed reflects on his journey, from childhood revelations in fabric markets to becoming a trendsetter on Instagram. With humility and a sense of responsibility, he discusses the joy and challenges of social media fame, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to oneself. Musaed’s commitment to authenticity extends to his fashion aesthetic, photography collaborations, and the profound impact of his favorite quote: “I deserve the best!”
Delve into the mind of this extraordinary influencer as he shares anecdotes from memorable shoots, details his creative process in styling, and offers advice for aspiring fashion models and influencers. Join us in uncovering the inspirations and aspirations that drive Musaed Al-Mutairi’s success and creativity.
Hi Musaed! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, who is Musaed in your own words?
A lot of people find it challenging to answer this but I’ll do my best; I am Musaed Al-Mutairi. I am different and have been for as long as I can remember. I love it, and I have embraced this in everything I do professionally and creatively. I strive to find a way to express myself by staying honest and true.
You always trend on Instagram; how does it feel to be so popular?
The feeling is a mixture of joy, humility and responsibility. I’ll explain; It gives me great honor to be considered popular, as you said, but it comes with the responsibility and awareness which I will always cherish as I try to be a contributor of healthy positivity and healthy habits.
Additionally, it keeps me grounded as I realize that this life on social media is not forever and cannot be the only thing that define me as an individual and to balance it in with real life.
How would you describe your fashion aesthetic?
I would describe it as the people who I have collaborated with would and say that it’s versatile, daring, and contemporary. It reflects the current fashion trends with a dash of personal style. I am not a huge fan of repetition or imitation. I take how I dress and how I dress other seriously and responsibly. I always adapt my “3 question” rule before deciding on an outfit: “when? Where? And with whom?”
Your photos on social media are unique and outstanding, who is your favorite photographer(s) to work with, and do you engage in photography yourself?
Regarding this matter, I have worked with various professional photographers and each one was unique in his/her own way. I don’t believe that it entirely depends on having a professional photographer. I always strive to combine all elements to create a perfect shot that suits me, my idea, the outfit I created and the location. So it takes a little while to get into the alchemy mode to create all of this.
What is your philosophy? And what favorite quote of yours helps keep you grounded and focused when life brings challenges your way?
I deserve the best! I keep saying to myself and repeating it all the time, and mind you, I do not just refer to objects, I also mean best quality of life, for my health, comfort, rest, mind food, actual food, and relationships. No compromise.
Can you explain to us a little bit about your creative process, how did you end up in the styling world?
It all started with me as a young boy going to the fabric market with his mother. It was a moment of revelation; I entered a world of fabrics of all kinds, colors, shades and print. I remember asking all sorts of questions back then. Soon my curiosity became a desire to learn and I entered the world of luxury retail to take it a step further. It just kept on growing and it continues to this day.
What’s your most memorable shoot?
It was with the amazing and creative photographer Faisal Al-Besher for my birthday last year. He embodied everything I stand for and I loved working with him. It was Avant Gard, different in every detail and its result was beyond even my expectations. Suffice to say that he had me fully suited with my necktie and leather shoes as if I was going to a meeting, then made me jump in the sea to become fully wet and then pose for a picture. It was genius.
What does a typical day in your week look like?
It starts early with making my bed, a warm shower, getting dressed (outfits of the day are picked the night before), then favorite part is we I start mixing my favorite perfumes with incense to prepare for another long productive day full of work, appointments and social interaction.
5 facts about you people may not know.
- I love to walk barefooted around the house
- I like solitude
- I don’t shop whenever I’m travelling
- I prefer desert outings more than parks or places with plants
- I have been to therapy sessions more than once
About your clients, how do you match their personality with your ideas and then with the event?
Using the rule I mentioned above of the 3 questions helps me very much when I am dealing with clients as it sets a clear goal and provides a vison. It makes them feel safe and help building trust. I will expand on that:
When: time is very important; it decides the colour, fabric and style the client will go with.
Where: location; to dress according to where the event will take place.
With whom: it decides on the importance of the even and this decides whether to add an extra touch or not.
Do you also create a mood board when you have to present an idea?
I tend to create mood boards for big projects like TV series, commercial or video clips. Because it is needed to ensure the transformation of the cast to embody their intended roles. Therefore the mood board is created to match the main client needs and vision and then magic is born.
Where do you mostly find inspiration when it comes to creating mood boards and looks?
In everything around me. I find inspiration in social media and in my surroundings. I browse magazines and familiarize myself with various budding fashion trends; like Scandinavian or K-pop.
What’s your go-to-look?
A look that is true and accurate and perfect in all its dimensions; style, measure and fit. You don’t have to dress expensively to look good, you need to be dressed right.
Do you have some favorite designers for your clients but also for yourself to wear?
No, because my clients when they reach out for work or a consultation know firsthand that I do not depend mainly on luxury brands. I am, however, more interested in finding out their fashion sense and style, then I pick the pieces and mix them up to create a look that is symmetric and elegant. It brings me great pleasure when want to step outside their comfort zone and try something new and love the end result.
What do you like to do when you have time off?
Nothing. Period.
Do you think that the fashion industry is opening up the spectrum for the ideal image of a male model, and do you think this has engaged a wider audience of everyday men?
I will answer in regards to Kuwait and gulf specifically. There has been a wide acceptance to that concept and image. It is met with a lot of attraction from this generation of everyday men and created various opportunities.
What do you consider the most common stereotype about male models?
I don’t believe it is as common now as it was before when the first thing that would pop in your mind when you say male model is ultra-masculinity with super specific facial features. Now the fashion industry has become fluid in its vision, and eventually depends on the purpose of the campaign/ photoshoot to get the perfect model for the correct message than image.
Who would you look to for inspiration when you feel low?
I turn to my own circle; who always inspire me and are important to me.
What does the future hold for Musaed?
It holds everything that I believe that I deserve from love, happiness and more success.
What advice would you give other men who have become interested in being fashion models, Instagram personalities, or influencers?
Be yourself, stay true, never be fake, and to take ownership of your role as an influencer in both appearance and manners.
Your message for CiiN magazine.
To put is simply; live each day of your life! Always try to be the best version of yourself. And to give as much love and attention to yourself as you give others.
Okay now for some quick ones…
Current favourite piece in your closet? All of them or else they wouldn’t be in my wardrobe (laugh)
What are your favorite accessories for yourself? Rings and pins
What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Drink water
What do you have too many of in your closets? Suits
As a kid, what was your favorite cartoon? “Demetan Croaker, the Boy Frog” known in our region as the “Brave Frog”
If you won, the lottery what would you buy first? A house
What was your best subject at school? Geology
What achievement are you most proud of? People’s love
Does money bring happiness? Yes but also no
https://www.instagram.com/musaed_1980/
THE TEAM:
Photography: Faisal Al Besher (@f_albisher)
Interview & Project Management: Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)
BTS Videography: Eisa Bohadi (@eisa_bohadi)
Special Thanks to: Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (@culturebah – www.culture.gov.bh)
