Today, we’re stepping into the wardrobe of Melih – a DJ, curator, connector of communities, and undisputed king of style. Known on stage as Shah Rud, Melih is a Kurdish artist and co-founder of HUNGR, Tallinn’s beating queer heart. Beyond the decks, he is the force behind Shelter – an encompassing movement, label, and event series that offers refuge through contemporary club culture.
Whether bringing people together on the dancefloor or through his expressive, intuitive sense of fashion, Melih approaches style the same way he approaches music: with intention, emotion, and a deep respect for roots.
With an ear tuned to global frequencies – shaabi, baile, gqom, deconstructed club and beyond – Shah Rud uses Shelter as a vessel for connection, spotlighting artists and scenes often left on the margins. It’s a platform where ancient traditions and futuristic sounds collide, where folkloric visuals merge with cutting-edge performance art to create immersive, alternate realities. At its core, Shelter is a sanctuary – for queer expression, cultural exchange, and sonic exploration. And much like his style, it’s bold, boundaryless, and unapologetically personal.
These pants were a rare find – picked up from a now-gone metallic barracks at Balti Jaam. Technically secondhand, but never worn – from PrettyLittleThing. Mesh top was Jaded (I think), shades were drifted. Cool, but zero breathability – total sweat-fest at a rave.
I think it first occurred to me that clothes, indeed, matter, was back in high school. I was in boarding school, and every trip to the dining hall felt like a mini runway. From lining up for food to finding a seat, people were watching – checking out the fits, and silently sizing each other up. We used to trade clothes all the time too; it was part survival, part self-expression. That’s when I realized that clothes carry more than fabric. They carry intent, attitude, even mood.
Top by Ican, GMO, pants are drifted, shades from Alan Crocetti. Feels like a proper summer fit – light, clean, and easy.
Cardigan from Dystopia (Bali). Pants by Jaded, slides from Rambout. A simple, relaxed look – easy to wear, no effort needed.
One of my earliest memories tied to clothing has to be Eid. My parents would get full new outfits for me and my siblings – from head to toe. The night before, we’d fold them carefully and place them right next to our beds, ready for the morning. I still remember that feeling – barely able to sleep from the excitement, knowing that as soon as the sun rose, we’d step into something fresh and special. It wasn’t just about the clothes – it was the ritual, the joy, the sense that something meaningful was coming our way.
Top from Lyuocheng, pants again by Jaded. Another breezy look – built for comfort but still sharp.
Thinking back to the evolution of my style, high school was a bit more primitive. Our school was out of town and we weren’t allowed to leave campus, so we had to get creative – borrowing pieces from each other and putting fits together with whatever we had. It was more about resourcefulness than intention. University was more laid-back. There was more room to experiment, but I wasn’t fully tuned into what my style was yet. Things started to shift when I moved to Istanbul for work. That’s when my current style began to take shape. I think it’s mostly driven by what I find aesthetic – textures, silhouettes and the mood something gives off. It’s less about trends and more about instinct now.
Vest by RX Uniform (1st pic), mesh layer and jeans from Jaded.
I think style begins with knowing yourself – knowing your body, what feels good on you, and not being too caught up in trends. Trends come and go, but style sticks, when it’s personal. Some people just wear clothes; others wear them, if that makes sense. Style begins when you stop dressing to fit in.
Shoes are Eytys, pants + vest from MSBHV – structured but with enough ease to move.
There’s a kind of magic in finding something that feels like it was meant just for you. It makes getting dressed feel more personal, more intentional. Clothes can definitely be a form of communication – depending on what message you want to give ツ
Pants by Lyuocheng, top by Rambout, vest from MSBHV.
Clothes also hold memories. That’s why certain pieces have sentimental value for me. I try to be practical when picking out what to wear day to day, but I honestly fail at that quite often. It really depends on the mood of the day.
Both pants and top by Lyuocheng, jacket from Jaded – comfy.
Top is by a Polish designer who’s now left fashion for the music scene. Vest from Hoodrich, pants by Viadellerose, shoes again Eytys.
And when it comes to style that catches my eye – Eliise, for sure. Never a bad outfit. Liisa Saleh – I just love how free she is with her choices and how she makes things work. Siim Oja is super distinct, very particular. And Luka Sabbat… timeless pieces. Always inspiring.
Pants from Dystopia, top by Viadellerose, boots from Rambout – clean look.