Zahira isn’t the name her parents gave her, but a name she chose for herself. Now in her late forties and the mother of two grown sons and a teenage daughter, she has been known as “mum” for most of her adult life. Originally a painter, multimedia artist and musician, she was seduced by the possibilities of leather as wearable art, blending the authority of the material, as she puts it, with the femininity of the boudoir.
Zahira met her partner, photographer and fellow musician Idris De Angeli, some six years ago in Greenwich Market, where he was selling glassware. Zahira was working in an antiquarian bookshop nearby, and she speculates the inspiration behind her work with leather hails from her days spent handling the beautifully carved leather-bound books, some of which are over 300 years old. “The beauty of their craftsmanship and longevity were striking,” she says.
Shortly after meeting Idris, Zahira set up a market stall making flowers and arrangements from torn and discarded leather jackets. Having been a belt maker back in the 1980s, Idris knew where to find materials and fittings and, as luck would have it, he held on to his old leather hand tools. Together they made their first waist-cincher and Zahira’s Boudoir was born.
Photography by Idris De Angeli and Ian Felton
Suddenly, they needed space to work. Idris was teaching yoga at Trinity Buoy Warf — a most unusual arts quarter in the Docklands, comprised of colourful reclaimed shipping containers that are refurbished and used as studios. This multi-skilled pair had already formed friendships with several of the Warf’s residents and loved the vibe. When a suitable studio became available, they leapt at the chance. Zahira says, “I love the site, it’s so charged with history. We have London’s only lighthouse, and of course the river views, which I find very calming. Also, the community here is great. There are other artists and musicians on site and it’s nice to be able to step outside and chat to like-minded people.”
Zahira’s artistic background lends a distinctive approach to working with leather. “I look at the body like a sculpture. Each one is unique, and I love the fact that, even though I may repeat a design, the leather will always do something different to the wearer. The more you work with leather, the more alive it becomes. I get very excited by all the possibilities that leather has as a material. You can carve it, emboss it, mold it, and paint it.”
Zahira enjoys collaborations which “stretch the creative boundaries between different art forms.” A recent project with art photographer Claire Swindale and make up artist Becky McGahern was particularly harmonious. “The three of us came up with the same concept about skin and tattoos — what’s dead, what’s alive, what’s soft and what’s structured? It worked out beautifully, and the lines between craft and art were merged.”
Photography by Claire Swindale
One short article on Zahira’s Boudoir described the brand’s philosophy as “celebrating adulthood rather than eternal girlhood.” Questioned on this subject, our leather-clad lady agrees with the sentiment. “Advertising is aimed at women, making us dissatisfied with our curves and the way our bodies change shape when we have children. We are bombarded with imagery about being young and thin, but what’s really important is being healthy in body and mind. Aging is a natural process, and we can be old and sexy with all of our wrinkles and greying hair. I design for many women in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and I can put on a corset and feel sexy without dyeing my hair.”
She goes on to say, “That’s the one thing about the fetish scene — you find the women within it embracing themselves no matter what size or shape they are. What’s more powerful than a woman who feels confident in her own skin? I enjoy doing the fetish shows because, unlike America, which has a mainstream tradition of items made with heavy leather, the UK seems to fear it on the whole.” It was while working the fetish event scene that Zahira noticed the vast majority of goods aimed at the community were mass-produced, of poor quality and with little imaginative flair. This is something she very consciously set out to change, in addition to traditional fetish imagery. “Much of the designing is done by men for men — it’s what they want to see us in, rather than what we want to wear ourselves. Why can’t we wear things that are beautiful and feminine, but still remain playfully functional?”
Photography by Idris De Angeli
Just like the antique books she encountered at the market, Zahira strives to create pieces with serious longevity, which she hopes will be admired and used for centuries to come. “The leather industry used to be such an important part of London’s history, but very little of that is left.” She believes that educating people in crafts leads to an understanding of the skills and dedication of artisans, and she relishes the opportunity to pass on her expertise. Enabled by Zahira’s workshops, many of her students have gone on to start their own businesses making and selling all manner of leather goods. “I personally have an interest in steampunk and combining modern technology with traditional craft. I’d like to aid future generations to define their own sense of individual style and to empower people with a new set of skills.”
Zahira’s one-day leather corset making workshops run throughout the year and cost £150. Visit zahirasboudoir.com for more info.
Many thanks to Zahira and Idris! Check out their fine work in the Seller’s Items below.
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148 comments
Sign in to add your ownikabags says:
Fantastic !!! Congrats !
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Of for check :)
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Great article, I really like the look of those offices. Really imaginative use of shipping containers! Your work is beautiful too really love all the buckles.
1 year ago
Lin222 says:
Zahira, You are very talented and VERY creative. Also, the photos really show off your designs beautifully. Lin
1 year ago
Jungle says:
Oh you have just the most beautiful and unique designs!
1 year ago
squarehare says:
I love your style but being vegan wount wear anothers flesh, hope one day you will work in friendly materials so 47 year olds like me can show your incredible work of too:)
1 year ago
jungledread says:
I love that you love women's bodies for what they are. Confident, unique, creative women are the most gorgeous ;)
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
love the leather and lace concept!
1 year ago
twokeepers says:
Zahira - Gorgeous work!
1 year ago
debrossehardesty says:
I love Zahira's philosophy: "celebrating adulthood rather than eternal girlhood." Yes!! Beautiful work.
1 year ago
callmemimi says:
Wow ! I'm in love with the Corset Belts ! So feminine !!!
1 year ago
IconicPillows says:
great items!
1 year ago
SweetandDandyVintage says:
Beautiful work. One of the corsets above reminds me of the Legend of the Seeker show. Sexy and strong. Great article!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
Good interview Zahira I love your shop and of course all of the corsets. I'm so glad you embrace the beauty of us as we get older and really more confident with age and our own style. I'm 51 about to be 52 next month and I like your style and outlook on life it rocks!
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
ooh la la! this hula girl likes! your craftmanship is fantastic. Thank you for this article.
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
these are so beautiful!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
Just stunning!
1 year ago
vestedbeevintage says:
oh my this an absolute Art! love all of your design. have a wonderful rest of the week.
1 year ago
embellishedlife says:
As a leather lover myself, I agree with all your philosophies. And yes, until women start loving the skin we're in and dressing ourselves in what we want (as opposed to being dictated to by fashion whiles), we're doing ourselves a disservice. Beautiful, beautiful corsets.
1 year ago
sabahnur says:
woow so feminen!
1 year ago
SiriusFun says:
Wonderful works of creativity! I love that philosophy of loving your body the way it is and embracing your own version of sexy despite age and body shape! Thank you for this excellent article!
1 year ago
rebeccasanchez says:
Impressive work!
1 year ago
mtlctr says:
You need to come to the USA so you can make gun leather for the .45 you could carry. Corsets are hot!
1 year ago
Silvia66 says:
Wow! Fantastic work!
1 year ago
ThePidge says:
It's a joy to see the workmanship which celebrates the beauty of the true nature of feminity.
1 year ago
ancienesthetique says:
so lovely to read all about the beginnings and growth of someones art...I also love the name Idris as I was born in a town nestled under the welsh mountain Cader idris, good luck with your art, v
1 year ago
ErikaPrice says:
Fabulous work, absolutely love those corsets!
1 year ago
NorthDesign says:
very impressive
1 year ago
CeliaSews says:
Very elegant and unusual designs : ) xx
1 year ago
VintageZen says:
wow! amazing work.
1 year ago
blueskyclouds says:
Gorgeous craftsmanship...just beautiful.
1 year ago
LvoffStudio says:
Art. Art. Art ! Off to make a treasury inspired by this!
1 year ago
oldohiofarmfinds says:
oh yes! i adore your work ♥
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
Creative influences that stand the test of time, fashion that is durable yet exquisite straight from the artist's touch, I had some waist cinchers I wore with romantic dresses when a teen
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
just love the " docklands" that is amazing!
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
just love the " docklands" that is amazing! and such great artistic talent here!
1 year ago
organikx says:
Gorgeous!
1 year ago
AllureByU says:
Absolutely gorgeous!!
1 year ago
natureaccessories says:
uniqe...all the luck:) and many new wonderful creations!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
You are truly a leather artist and your work is amazing!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
Such fabulous work. Spot on. As a former tv/movie costumer I give you pro kudos. Love it all!
1 year ago
urbanheirlooms says:
What a show-stopper! I always screech to a halt whenever I see a piece from Zahira's Boudoir. The craftsmanship is magnificent. I love their philosophy as well, "celebrating adulthood rather than eternal girlhood." They are truly a match made in heaven!
1 year ago
RPotterStudio says:
H O T! And beautiful------:)
1 year ago
Crybabe says:
Wow, what an inspiration. Thank you for featuring Zahira!
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
Seriously sexy. Gorgeous leather that really doesn't look "designed by men for men." How refreshing.
1 year ago
naughteebits says:
DREAMY!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
WOW!!!
1 year ago
yasminbochi says:
Beautiful work, great article!
1 year ago
YellowViolet says:
Thank you Zahira for recognizing that older women are beautiful despite what mainstream advertising wants us to believe. I wish all women were as comfortable in their own NATURAL skin as you seem to be!
1 year ago
feralgirl says:
AMAZING!
1 year ago
beadenchanting says:
wow -- what amazing talent you have! absolutely beautiful! i would so love to be able to dress in your fashions everyday!
1 year ago
corsetwonderland says:
Such beautiful work! I always admire the buckle corsets Zahira makes <3
1 year ago
MyDelilahBurlesque says:
I saw your creations on your stall at H&H in Derby last year... they are even more beautiful in real life - absolutely stunning! Best wishes xxx
1 year ago
amth13 says:
Hand sewing just got sexy. Great article
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
What an interesting article and beautiful work. I am always so glad to know there are sellers like this out here in the Etsy community, amazing women who emanate integrity and purpose. Thank you!
1 year ago
Suzannemolyneux says:
I love that photo of the woman with the tilted hat, very old west looking. She looks so powerful. At a distance, first glance she looked like Isabella Rosselini...love it. Great!
1 year ago
ClosetGothic says:
How very beautiful.
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Awesome! Beautifully constructed!
1 year ago
topsyturvydesign says:
Your art is pure magic Zahira! PS - I LOOVE container studios/homes!
1 year ago
topsyturvydesign says:
Your work is pure magic Zahira!
1 year ago
Laila4you says:
Awsome, love it!
1 year ago
BreatheCouture says:
Love love! Amazing construction and so sexy beautiful!
1 year ago
PlumeandPetals says:
wow~ very unique, love it!
1 year ago
DoneganCo says:
I love your work.
1 year ago
zumo says:
Amazing work! Hand sewing rocks! Would take the course if I wasn't in another country.
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
It is wonderful to see a celebration of femininity. Thank you!
1 year ago
poopanolli says:
Absolutely fabulous stuff! Truly art to wear and bravo for the sentiment "celebrating adulthood rather than eternal girlhood."!!!! At 47 I feel sexier than I ever did!!
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
Superb!
1 year ago
Steampunkitis says:
Hot stuff! Love those boots.
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Great article! Three cheers for "celebrating adulthood rather than eternal girlhood!" Off to browse your lovely leather creations!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
You go girl! I'm with you on that. I'm so glad that you have included the much older womanly body I'm 51 soon to be 52 and I love your style and taste. I'll have to order me one of your corsets and belts. You have a wonderful and very exciting shop. Thanks for including the older more mature side of being a woman.
1 year ago
honeydipjewels says:
What a rare creative force of beauty and craftsmanship! I actually cut out a few photos of this bad Mama Jama for inspiration when I make my leather products. Thank you for being true and non-mainstream, Best regards K
1 year ago
catscratch says:
Love it! Sexy, beautiful, confident in her own skills, abilities, skin. Not willing to compromise comfort for style, soft ,feminine, strong,healthy, romantic. Drool worthy!
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
Wow! I temporarily forgot I was a vegan these are so beautiful. Too bad I'm single...
1 year ago
ChocolateRoseMint says:
Stunning, beautiful, sexy and LOVE the punky futuristic styling. It's so nice to see these items that older women can love too ( I'm 43 & think it rather tiring some folks don't understand that sexy can be forever, not for the 20 & 30 somethings ). You've definately got my ♥ !
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
WOW! Sexy Strong and Beautiful! Thanks from an older "mama"-love your partnership!!!
1 year ago
TackyTimeBomb says:
Absolutely Stunning!
1 year ago
LaBohemeBijoux says:
Love, love, love it all...your amazing designs, your empowering philosophy (yes, I'm fifty and still fierce), and your stunning photography. Congratulations Zahira on a great article!
1 year ago
LuLusApple says:
Oh those are spectacular! I want, I want!
1 year ago
tim8234 says:
nice items can you give me any suggestions.
1 year ago
carlossantiago says:
Very nice! and beautifully made! Free Shipping Weeeekend continues today and tomorrow @ my shop anywhere in the USA!
1 year ago
SarahMR says:
Your work is lovely! I enjoyed reading the article as well. Your a wonderful artist with leather! 1Sarah
1 year ago
SunlightCreations says:
You inspire me.....I love your work and your attitude...Lovely
1 year ago
terry222 says:
i love these looks http://www.littlegiraffeblanky.com
1 year ago
SavoyFaire says:
Fantastic real life story and beautiful items! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
tatteredrouge says:
Congratulations!! Your work is a wonderful mash-up of leather and womanly feminine - LUV it!
1 year ago
myAvonlea says:
Wow, incredible <3
1 year ago
asecondtime says:
Fabulous work!
1 year ago
artsdesireable says:
Just what any Granny needs! Super too.
1 year ago
shellseye says:
Cool stuff!
1 year ago
LeapARTandVintage says:
Zahira, Amazing work! I love that you are not only promoting youth like so many do! It is such a fleeting time and the rest of life is even more interesting than those few years. Beautiful pieces, you have definitely raised your craft to an art form. Thank you for sharing a peek into your life. All the best!
1 year ago
ToadLillie says:
Fantastic article! Love your comment about leather being "alive". Your designs are so striking, sexy and empowering. Love! xo
1 year ago
terry222 says:
love these ideas http://www.cuttingboardbamboo.net
1 year ago
arsniccandy says:
These are truly gorgeous items....and very special that they are all handmade.
1 year ago
susissatchels says:
How imaginative you are! Stunning work!
1 year ago
ReyesRobledo says:
Wow! I am speechless, love the corsets!
1 year ago
BattieClothing says:
Congradulations!!! So happy to see a UK corset maker get featured, your work is fantastic and I adore your corsets. I have to agree with you about the UK been afraid of the fetish scene and that it is wonderful to have a female designer who knows what women want to wear instead of what men think we want to wear. I wish all the best with your continued success :)
1 year ago
BattieClothing says:
Congrats!!! Super happy see a UK corset maker get featured and it's great to have a real female fetish designer who knows exactly want women want to wear not men think we should wear. Wish you all the best with your continued success :)
1 year ago
diaxeirosjg says:
great,sexy for all ages...nice work.
1 year ago
BlkSheepProductions says:
Oh. My. God. Your work is jaw-dropping beautiful. And backed up with your belief that leather work for women should inspire confidence in the wearer by accentuating and celebrating their bodies? Brilliant! Thank for the amazing work you do!
1 year ago
BettysBeautyInBeads says:
Wow! I love what you do with leather!!! Wish I had the bod for it ;-) Excellent work.
1 year ago
terry222 says:
wow, these are incredible.. http://www.giraffecomforter.com
1 year ago
terry222 says:
wow, i love leather http://www.giraffecomforter.com
1 year ago
odiliafu says:
Congrats! Amazing work!
1 year ago
LillysWorkshop says:
Corsets are so much fun :)
1 year ago
DeaDivina says:
Very creative! I love the look of leather, so these instantly caught my eye!
1 year ago
WhiteHorse1 says:
This is super creative :) and fun! "Rights, how much are they Worth $?"
1 year ago
NewEnglandCurio says:
A wonderful article about a strong, confident, creative woman. Amazing craftmanship. I really enjoyed reading about your outlook on life and the female body. Shannon
1 year ago
beliz82 says:
Great Shop Congrats !!!
1 year ago
SylviaJanssen says:
Great shop and story!
1 year ago
appearences says:
wonderfull work
1 year ago
ManoBello says:
Being a leather designer, I am blown away by her work and story. Very inspiring and thoughtful. I totally agree with the "aging naturally" without the downside that society tries to place on us. Leather lasts, and there is no textile or fiber that can match it's beautiful substance and feel.
1 year ago
ManoBello says:
I forgot to say CONGRATS on the feature! <3
1 year ago
artofjane says:
Beautiful work and very interesting article.
1 year ago
shop1848 says:
Fabulous! Stunning work!
1 year ago
etrelles says:
Gorgeous items and fabulous article! Leather is an amazing and natural medium. I'm with manobello - there's nothing like it :)
1 year ago
crudeco says:
...........secure, confident, powerful designs for women....even in my mind I can pull these corsets off. Good read and encouraging for women of all ages and stages.
1 year ago
Tina669 says:
love the leather and lace concept!
1 year ago
Tina669 says:
love the leather and lace concept!
1 year ago
BettyVonBat says:
Oh I just love your designs, they are so darling!!!
1 year ago
sdfgeee says:
Gorgeous leather production, love him
1 year ago
Satchelman says:
Very nice work, great use and feel for leather.
1 year ago
drawcity says:
Wow, incredible work!!! http://www.drawcity.blogspot.com
1 year ago
realfaery says:
WOW! I never thought of this! Gorgeous!
1 year ago
pasin says:
Great article
1 year ago
pasinwedding says:
Wonderful
1 year ago
pasinwedding says:
Love them all
1 year ago
susissatchels says:
pure phantasy!
1 year ago
Dryw says:
Great work!!! You are such a talented person... I see some gothic elements on your clothes :D
1 year ago
sillycut says:
very inspiring!!! you rule!!!
1 year ago
lassandaliasdeana says:
chic and sexy!! ;)
1 year ago
celticsteam says:
I love your stuff....the look and the ideas behind the look!!!!!
1 year ago
BettyBee says:
um....WOW!!!! I LOVE your pieces! Thanks for sharing your story. I've been thinking about trying my hand at leather pieces and you've inspired me to take the leap :)
1 year ago
filigreelamps says:
Your work is absolutely stunning! Such great quality and time put into them! Michelle :^.)
1 year ago
totallyoutofhand says:
Zahira, Your work is awesome. Lee
1 year ago
GiRLStreetVintage says:
Gorgeous GORGEOUS GORGEOUS!!!!! GiRLStreetVintage
1 year ago
springflowerchild says:
Amazing, amazing work. And I love to hear the stories of people who really live art. Bravo!
1 year ago
mgjewellery says:
Beautiful corsets. Love those buckles too.
1 year ago
eissa says:
Beautiful work!
1 year ago
jaipuronline says:
Very interesting......
1 year ago
lulisplanet says:
Marvellous!
1 year ago
sophisticatedwedding says:
amazing, it takes a lot of talented people to get such beautiful work done, thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
machete123 says:
This was a really fantastic post that I really do appreciate. This is something that is really amazing and interesting to me to say the least. bowl kitchen sink
1 year ago
machete123 says:
ii have never seen anything like this they look so lovely. http://www.bowlkitchensink.com
1 year ago
Muffeze says:
I love your design. Keep up the great work
1 year ago
strawberrycouture says:
It's nice to know leather can be so sculptural!!!
1 year ago
TheGraveyardGirls says:
Your corsets are stunning!!
304 days ago
Carina Mary from FishPunk says:
Wow, seriously cool! I have some steampunk jewelry in my shop. I love the look.
34 days ago