Beauty on the Streets: Eva Khurshid’s Fatima Monkush and Nyla Hashmi

Fatima Monkush and Nyla Hashmi. Photo Credit: Bianca Alexis

Name: Fatima Monkush / Nyla Hashmi

Age: 27/24

Occupation: Designers/Creative Founders of Eva Khurshid

Location: New York, NY

Website: www.evakhurshid.com

FATIMA: “I’m your classic American Mutt; half Bengali and half American Mutt (my mother’s family take great pride in this) my mother is Italian, Portuguese, among other things. I’m living my dream; designing for Eva Khurshid with my best friend. I’m a nerd; I read comic books and watch anime.”

NYLA: “I am living my dream — being my own boss and designing for a collection that my best friend and I started. I’m a fashion fanatic but never a fashion victim, my style is easy and uncomplicated with an edge which translates to our brand. My beauty regimen is minimalistic and always go for a natural fresh look- not looking too overdone is the key.”

My style is: FATIMA: Easy going. I love looking fashionable, but it shouldn’t be hard work. NYLA: modern, chic and uncomplicated.

Designers I love: FATIMA: Devi Kroell…although I’m devastated she’s not designing for her namesake anymore. NYLA: Devi Kroell (we definitely can relate to her aesthetic), Prabal Gurung, and Proenza Schouler are my favs at the moment.

People usually compliment my: FATIMA: eyes. They’re a weird color and change with whatever I’m wearing. Instant accessories ;). NYLA: style.

I’ll never forget the time: FATIMA: I met Milo Ventimiglia at New York Comic-Con! It’s no secret that I’m a big nerd. He was there introducing a new comic book project he was working on, and I found a new hero. My husband has come to terms with this. NYLA: The first time I was invited to fashion week to see the Oscar de la Renta show. It was amazing!

For my skin, I love to use: FATIMA: I use a combo of Clinique and Olay products. I swear by Clinique’s All About Eyes cream. I’ve seen a huge difference since I’ve started using it. NYLA: Clinique’s All About Eyes.

My favorite makeup tip: FATIMA: Lip stain! It’s perfect for that no-make up look and just freshens you up. NYLA: clear mascara on eyebrows– keeps them in place, because my eyebrows get a little crazy sometimes.

Current beauty product obsession: FATIMA: My LORAC liquid eyeliner pen. It’s so easy to use I wear it almost everyday. NYLA: Lancome Artliner— the best liquid liner, it’s like a felt tip market and goes on so smoothly.

But I also can’t live without: FATIMA: CoverGirl’s LashBlast mascara! I know everybody loves it, but it just works so well. NYLA: Bronzer (I use Sephora’s in Riviera), because it makes me look healthy! Otherwise people ask me if I feel ok…

My favorite scent right now is: FATIMA: I’ve been using Chanel Coco Mademoiselle for a while now and it’s my go-to scent. It’s very fresh and is a much younger scent than Chanel No. 5. NYLA: I’m obsessed with D&G’s 3 L’Imperatrice.

People might be surprised to know: FATIMA: That I’m a second degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. NYLA: My friends and I (including Fatima) are working on a comic book project together about South Asian American superheroes.

My favorite product for my hair is: FATIMA: Bumble and Bumble Styling Balm. Even my husband’s noticed a difference! NYLA: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray— it gives texture to my hair when it’s all flat.. Love!

I don’t understand people who don’t like: FATIMA: peanut butter and banana anything! Sandwiches, smoothies, etc. NYLA: the combo- peanut butter and chocolate – it is THE best.

The restaurant I can never get tired of is: FATIMA: Noodle Bar in the West Village. I can NEVER get sick of this place! If you go there you have to order the Singapore Noodles (I usually order the veggie version because I love bok choy) and make sure you bring your appetite. It’s gotten to the point where this is the only thing I’ll order. It’s seriously comfort food. NYLA: Bare Burger in Astoria– it has the best burgers. I get something different every time and I love every meal as much as I loved the last meal I had there. They have ostrich, elk, lamb, buffalo, and beef burgers. AND to top it off — peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes!

Though I can make a mean: FATIMA: pot of chili. It’s seriously the only thing you’ll want to eat! NYLA: cookies, I make some awesome homemade chocolate chip cookies.

What inspires me: FATIMA: Our customers. Really. We’ve received some really inspirational letters from fans and customers who are just so excited that there is a company out there providing women with exactly what they’ve been waiting for. NYLA: at the moment- Morocco, after a trip there, the culture, textiles, color and architecture has been very inspiring.

2 Comments

  1. They are lovely. We interviewed them for Divanee: http://divanee.com/view_article.php?aid=301

    Always nice to see Muslims representing on a large scale!

    Posted 6.28.10
  2. Amel Ead / MERINO wrote:

    Hello lovely ladies: Just thought I’d touch base. Even though I’ve closed the brick and mortar store I still think of some of my favorite designers.

    Any idea where I can find a friend a beautiful mother of the bride gown. It needs to be modest in esthetics. Her daughter is getting married in December

    Posted 10.12.12

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