How Irina Rezwan embodies both artist and muse.
BY AYUSH MADAN
As a working student, I quickly learned that sustaining your craft takes more than just commitment – it demands relentless drive. Every artist walks a tightrope, balancing their creative passion with the practical need to pay the bills. At just 24, Irina Rezwan masters this balancing act, writing for foodpanda by day and painting under candlelight by night.
Irina’s artistic talent revealed itself at age three, and she has only honed it since. Entirely self-taught, she has been sharing her creations with the world since she was conscious. Irina exudes confidence – both as an artist, and as a woman who knows exactly who she is. You can see it when she holds a paintbrush, but even on a motorbike, zooming down Sukhumvit Road, Irina stands out in a sea of fast fashion. In her closet, you won’t find any Divided jeans or GENTLEWOMAN totes; instead, when I ask where she gets her clothes, her answers are always consistent: “thrifted,” “a talad” (market), or from the motherland – Bangladesh.
“I don’t want to wear what everyone else is. I want my clothes to be unique,” she reveals. It’s not about standing apart from others, but presenting herself authentically. For Irina, this goes beyond fashion. Unlike artists who wear smocks, she lets her outfits bear the marks of her creativity. “All my clothes are speckled with paint,” she adds with a chuckle, as her art effortlessly spills into her closet, creating a colourful palette of self-expression.
Irina is unafraid to experiment with print, and elevates each outfit with her exquisitely curated jewellery and statement accessories. Dripping in handmade silk tops, oversized earrings, and opulent gem-studded necklaces, she doesn’t just wear fashion – she serves it. Whether she’s channelling a mystic sorceress forced to work or a denim-clad city socialite, Irina’s signature curls, striking features, and radiant smile ensure she’s slaying every look.
THE ARTISTIC EYE MEETS FASHION
Your paintings are known for their bold, vibrant reds. Does this passion for colour influence your wardrobe?
Quite the contrary! As much as I love colour on the canvas, I always find myself reaching for black and neutrals in clothes.
Occasionally, I’ll step out of that and pick a fun colour or print, but old habits die hard.
How do your cultural or personal roots influence your fashion choices?
Growing up, I always saw my mum putting effort into dressing up – matching jewellery; picking cute shoes. All I could think was, “I want to be like that when I grow up.” Moving to a culturally-diverse city like Bangkok makes me appreciate my Bangladeshi heritage even more, so I love a good fusion outfit.
Are there any designers, eras, or fashion icons that inspire your style?
Not particularly. It’s more personal for me – what calls out my name versus what doesn’t. But if I had to choose someone, I would switch wardrobes with Masaba Gupta in a heartbeat.
Your work has such a powerful and unique identity – how do you express that individuality in your clothing?
If I’m being completely honest, I’m only recently finding my style. Growing up in a conservative society made it hard to express myself the way I truly wanted. Moving to a city like Bangkok allows me to be free in ways I never was before. I’m constantly inspired by the people I see in the city, who are dressing in ways that feel true to themselves. That, in turn, inspires me to start personalising my clothes and accessories with paint from time to time.
