“I want to do what she’s doing.”
Shakira Khan is fronting a striking new fashion editorial and exclusive interview in Polyester Zine’s December issue, marking another major step since her Love Island breakout.
The 23-year-old from Burnley appears in a bold shoot that reflects her refusal to fit the usual reality star mould.
The editorial credits makeup artist Grace Ellington, hairstylist Francesc Cardona, and stylist Neesha Champaneria, who lean into playful, confident styling rooted in individuality.
Shakira rose to prominence alongside Yasmin Pettet and Toni Laites, helping reshape Love Island with sharp humour and unfiltered observations about villa life.
One standout moment saw her joke, “If I speak, I am in big trouble,” a line that quickly became a fan favourite.
Since finishing as runner-up, she has embraced social media on her own terms, sharing niche music tastes, cosy pyjama birthday celebrations, and everyday moments.
In the interview, Shakira revealed she almost gave up on Love Island due to the demanding application process.
“No one tells you how long the application is,” she said.
“It’s pages and pages of information about yourself, and it took me like three days.”
She admitted reaching the video stage was nearly a deal breaker, explaining, “That’s my final straw, I’m not doing this.”
A chance encounter at an ITV event changed everything, leading to a rapid casting process and an offer to join the series later.
Shakira turned it down, saying, “If I was ever going to do Love Island, it would have to be the first week or nothing.”
She explained the decision came from protecting a career she had worked hard to build, despite always loving the show growing up.
Reflecting on representation, Shakira shared why visibility matters, particularly for mixed-race South Asian women.
“You could go down the street and see ten mixed race girls who look like me,” she said, “but I’ve never had that in the media.”
She added that seeing herself on screen can spark ambition, saying she loves it when young viewers tell their mums, “I want to do what she’s doing.”
The fashion editorial features looks from Ashley Williams, Lucila Safdie, SEX by Vivienne Westwood, HRH, Katya Zelentsova, Coperni, and Contemporary Waredrobe.
Key pieces include a pink Ashley Williams dress, a green HRH swimsuit, and a crochet Katya Zelentsova dress styled with Coperni boots.
The Polyester Zine feature cements Shakira Khan’s growing influence across fashion, media, and conversations around South Asian representation beyond reality television.
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