Bazaar Arabia Spends 24 Hours With Leila Kashanipour
Known for her impeccable, never-gets-it-wrong style, the London-based Iranian brand strategist spends her days between family, fashion and Maison Estelle
I wake up at 6:00 AM. My kids are basically my alarm clock. The secret to waking up refreshed? Plenty of clear liquids the day before, on top of a balanced protein-heavy diet.The first thing I do is get myself ready before waking the kids up (on the off-chance that they’re not already awake). I’ll throw on some workout clothes – I’m loyal to Alo Yoga and Lululemon.
At 7:20 AM I prepare breakfast for the kids. I also check my phone and school groups to make sure everything is organised for the day. 8:10 AM We leave the house – we’re lucky to be a 15-minute walk from school!
8:25 AM After I’ve dropped the kids off, I’ll head to the gym (I do this four times a week). I focus on strength training and cardio with some Barre or Pilates thrown in. I head home around 9:45 AM to shower and start my work day. On the way home I’ll grab a coconut matcha latte as my treat! I stopped drinking coffee 10 months ago.
I wash my hair twice a week using either Ricardo Vila Nova or Harklinikken products. For body care, I use SVR creams as they’re hypoallergenic and good for sensitive skin – they’re also clean (check them on the Yuka app!). For skincare, I use the ZIIP Halo device to prep my skin. My current obsessions are the ReVive Brightening Serum, the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti- Aging Serum, MZ Skin Microtox Tightening Eye Serum, and either the Natura Bissé Essential Shock Intense Cream or Augustinus Bader’s The Light Cream.
My make-up routine takes me 10 minutes max. I use a mix of the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder glow with SPF BB cream. I love the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer for my under eyes and Hermès powder bronzer and highlighter. For my lashes, I use the Sweed Beauty Eyelash Growth Serum, followed by the Sensai 38°C mascara. My go-to lip product is the Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm in shade Slip for a natural look.
By 10:30 AM I’m getting dressed. I don’t typically follow trends. I’d say my personal style is defined by a balance between feminine and masculine silhouettes with a fun twist. My work uniform is usually Citizens of Humanity jeans, a boyfriend-fit T-shirt, and a cardigan. I love Liberowe, Aligne, Soeur and La Ligne NYC. Accessories and jewellery are also a must, a strong belt from Khaite or Chloé, and some Loro Piana ballet pumps always complete a look.
When it comes to jewellery, I’m definitely a magpie. I enjoy collecting jewellery whether it’s faux or precious. Being a trained jewellery designer, it’s a true passion of mine. My most cherished pieces are anything my husband has bought me – the latest being an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch with a baby blue face.
I love all of my bags. Those I don’t use, I sell – I’m constantly chopping and changing! From my Chanel 22 to my Hermès Kelly 28 in Navy Sellier, and my Savette Pochette. I use them all!
At 12:30 PM I’ll break for lunch. I love a protein heavy salad. I eat tuna and salmon once a week, as well as chicken, eggs and red meat the other days. I travel often for work, but not as much as I used to. In addition to a few press trips, I go to Paris twice a year for fashion week. I turn down about 70 per cent of invites in order to stay at home and be present with my family and friends. My favourite way to unwind is a spa day in solitude! I recently loved my experience at Surrenne at the new Emory hotel. I also love checking myself into a wellness retreat, I can’t tell you how much I loved SHA Wellness in Spain last April.
I stop working around 5:00 PM when the kids come home from their various clubs, and start work again when they’re in bed at 8:00 PM – unless I’m out for dinner. I have a busy social life and love spending time with friends once my children are in bed. We usually eat
out three times a week – we love Oswald’s, Maison Estelle, Bar Des Prés, and Straker’s. Part of my work involves hosting events – which I really enjoy! I always think of my guests and respect the time they’ve allocated in their busy diaries to be with me or the brand I’m hosting for, so I try to create a memorable experience. I’ve hosted events for brands such as Chanel, Tiffany & Co., La Prairie, Mouawad Jewellery, ReVive Skincare, and Moynat to name a few.
If I’m working, I’ll close my laptop by 10:30 PM, and I’m usually in bed around 12:00 AM. I don’t sleep much –about six hours a night does it for me. Before bed I’ll take my Harklinikken hair supplements – I’ve always woken up feeling well rested after taking them.
Leila’s picks
From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia April 2025 issue.