Notes on Individuality: Zunaili Malik

Zunaili Malik has built her career on something harder to teach than technique: instinct. Across publishing and editorial, she has styled and art directed with a sensibility that is precise yet deeply personal. We spent a late afternoon with her in her sunny Primrose Hill neighbourhood, talking about unlearning the industry, dressing for herself, and why a strong point of view never needs to announce itself.

1.    You've spent years styling and creative directing across publishing and editorial, and now you're building something of your own. What's the biggest takeaway from that journey?

Honestly, you have to learn to trust your own gut over the noise of the industry. Spending years in editorial means you're constantly analysing what everyone else is doing, what's trending, what fits into a specific box. Building my own thing forced me to unlearn a lot of that and use all that experience to create something that feels very close to my personal self and style.



2.    Where do you find inspiration? And how do you know when an idea is worth pursuing?

I'm a naturally curious person. Inspiration tends to live in everyday things, even the mundane ones. It's really about how you choose to look at something. There's always something interesting to find if you pay enough attention. A creative idea is worth pursuing when I keep coming back to it. That's usually a (good) sign.

3.    What's your relationship with getting dressed for yourself, not for a job? And what drew you to Buna?

My style is quite minimal. Oversized silhouettes, tailoring, really good basics. I'm constantly on the move so comfort genuinely matters. I'd rather have a great pair of jeans, an oversized shirt and good shoes than something I've put on just because it's trending. What drew me to Buna was how understated it felt. The fabrics, the ease. Pieces you just put on and feel good in.


Zunaili is wearing Penny Lane Silk Strap Dress

4.    Across everything you do, what's the throughline? What are you always trying to say?

Individuality, always. Bringing out what feels authentic to the person or the idea, rather than forcing an aesthetic. A strong point of view that still feels natural.


Zunaili is wearing Verdant Notes Blouse and Pants

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Creative & Curation: Gariyashi Bhuyan
Video: Yuliang Kai