Serving up a Maryam Nassir Zadeh-filled Summer
Searching high and low for secondhand MNZ to flaunt around the city
The other day, I marveled at the complete 360-degree change my mood has taken after a few days of warmer weather in the Bay Area. Since late winter, I’ve felt scatterbrained and uninspired. And while these feelings still come and go on their own accord, I have a brilliant sense of hope thanks to the potent combination of sunshine and light breeze that is beginning to grace the city.
Before this spark of renewal, I’d lament completing mundane tasks and errands throughout the day, as it was added weight to my already dreary disposition. But now they are opportunities for me to scheme about what outfit compositions I’d put together and the places I’d wear them.
Personally, I find it more effortless to dress for spring and summer. Warm knits are always popular in my book, but the prospect of light layers and gauzy linens are more enticing. I’m ready to trade in my insulating wool coats and ribbed turtlenecks for thin vintage t-shirts and crepe sundresses. For the last four months, I’ve stayed bundled up and enveloped like a small flower bud with so much potential. I’m ready to open up and show off a bit.
It can feel silly to think that simply the weather can initiate a momentum of positive change, but I have no desire to question the atmosphere of faith and optimism pervading my aura as of late. I am welcoming it in with open arms.
One of my favorite designers to don in the summertime is Maryam Nassir Zadeh. Zadeh’s easy silhouettes spell out form, function, and sophistication without being overly-fussy or complicated. Especially her shoes, each pair I own are not worn only in summertime, but year-round because of their versatility. Zadeh has truly mastered the art of creating the perfect sandal — beautiful, functional, and easy to wear.
MNZ is worth the high price tag, but I love seeing what secondhand pieces I can find online. I have a particular affinity towards pieces from earlier seasons (think back to 2015-2018), and they are abundant on resale market in 2023. The fondness I have is connected to my first foray into the world of contemporary women’s fashion. I had discovered Lisa Say Gah in 2016, back when it was still a hub for brands like Creatures of Comfort, MNZ, Delfina Balda, Trademark, and Suzanne Rae. I couldn’t afford most of these designers at the time, but my love for them remains the same, and now I search for what I missed out on eagerly with credit card in hand.
Agnes Boots in Iris Suede - Size 38 (eBay)
The first month I interned at LSG, these boots were part of the Fall/Winter assortment. That was back in 2017. Then, in 2021, I found a pair on Poshmark for $135 in perfect condition. Styled above with white jeans and a ribbed black top (and with my straw bag!), I wore them to the “Last Supper in Pompeii” exhibit at the Legion of Honor. These boots are meant for the later months of the year, but I think they are perfect for a San Francisco summer as well (re: breezy and foggy). See here for another pair in a smooth green apple leather.
Frau Blouse in White - Size 4 (Poshmark)
If you’re not a linen person (but really, who isn’t?) or just prefer to have a variety of summer fabrics at your disposal, cotton poplin is a great alternative. I love the Frau Blouse by MNZ. With its sculptural sleeves and high mock neck, it would be great styled with a pair of 90s inspired shorts or vintage dark indigo sailor pants.
Yara Dress in Black/White - Size 4 (Poshmark)
The famed, rare MNZ Yara dress. It was THE DRESS back in the summer of 2017/2018. I’ve missed out on it so many times on several sites — eBay, TheRealReal, Need Supply (who remembers?). It also came in all white, all black, and green/white colorways, but the classic white/black was the most coveted. I’ll see a few pop up here and there on resale sites, and I still have an eBay search notification set up for it. This one seems to be in pretty good condition, and it’s been up for a while so they might be taking offers!
Ivy Boots in Black Floret - Size 40 (Noihsaf Bazaar)
I’m pleased that the skirt-paired-with-high-boots trend is continuing to thrive well into summer. These Ivy Boots found on Noihsaf Bazaar are perfect if you’re wanting to break away from the minimalist look of smooth leather when wearing a denim midi or high-slit black crepe skirt. The repeating pattern is incredibly intricate and resembles a lace and ribbon kaleidoscope of sorts. Originally retailing for $900+, these MNZ boots are great buy at $200. Nonna also has a (new) pair in size 36 on sale.
Salma Dress in Blue Gingham - Size S (TRR)
Another “vintage” MNZ piece to tickle your fancy. A stretch, midi column dress might not seem like much, but your mind and body will thank you on the days you decide to throw this on. Featuring a universally-flattering square neckline and comfy seersucker fabric, the Salma Dress from MNZ is the perfect basic. It’s versatility means that it can be styled for an evening of dinner and drinks with a sheer organza wrap and strappy sandals, or for an afternoon of shopping and aperitivo with a light bomber jacket and your favorite sneakers. I also found another one in Lilac Gingham on Japanese Mercari for only $75 (!!!) if you’re willing to use a proxy service to ship to you.
Sophie Slides in Bubblegum - Size 38 (TRR)
Found another pair of these perfect bubblegum pink slides from SS16 featured in my photo above. I love the patent sheen with the light pink. It gives the shoes a delicate, soft look, like saltwater taffy. I found mine on Japanese Mercari for only $56, and at $175 these are also a steal. I’d recommend sizing up a half size in the patent styles, as they can pinch the sides of your toes if you have wider feet. I love wearing mine with jeans and loose pants, as well as with midi dresses and shorts.
Square Brown Glass Ring - Size 4/5 (Mercari JP)
Reminiscent of a glistening ice cube, this glass ring by Zadeh is elegant, eye-catching, and sculptural. If I had this ring (or any of Zadeh’s glass jewelry for that matter), I simply would not be able to get anything done. I would just sit and stare at it all day. This one found on Mercari JP is size 4/5, so it would be perfect on a pinky or ring finger depending on your size. I also found this round chartreuse one on Depop (not by MNZ, but still very similar and cheaper).
MNZ continues to design some of the best pieces in contemporary fashion, and if you’re not finding anything you love on the secondhand market, browsing a smaller boutique’s sale section is great option, too.
Nonna in LA has the amazing Cantina Slide in vibrant tricolore silk cord featuring a large Etruscan-style silver pendant, Maimoun in NYC (and now physically in LA!) has the Eden Top in vertical stripe with black zig-zag scallop trim, L’Oeuvre in Toronto has the Cleo Slide in a dreamy blue and white hand-painted ceramic print, and, finally, Pearl + Palm in Kansas has the detachable Chiara Pouch (hey, thats me!) in smooth suede attached to a western-inspired silver hardware belt.
Outside of fashion, last week I finished Big Swiss by Jen Beagin and started on Kafka Was the Rage by Anatole Broyard. Three people have told me to watch Vanderpump Rules (including my therapist), so that’s next on the watchlist.
Thank you so much for reading!
New reader here! Highly inspired by your tight curation of fun finds!