What shows have you attended this FFWD?
I was able to catch Taller Marmo and Madiyah Al Sharqi, and loved the Arwa Al Banawi presentation. I love supporting some of the regions’ most promising designers.
Which designers stood out for you?
My favorite designers right now coming out of the region are Nathalie Trad, Faiza Bouguessa, and because I love fine jewellery and everything she does, Nadine Kanso of Bil Arabi.
What trends have you seen emerging for the season ahead?
I’m a girl who loves stripes so I loved what Taller Marmo did this season. Being a minimalist, I always love Faiza Bouguessa's voice and her take on the abaya- by continuing to reinvent it in ways that let the garment speak to international audiences. Her new collection is absolutely breathtaking, easy, and for practically every kind of woman.
Have you spotted any up and coming regional designers?
I’m loving Hind Mattar who hails from Bahrain and am actually working with her during her Fashion Prize journey. Nafsika Skourti is another great one I hope will go places.
What was your style guide when dressing for the shows?
I don’t do anything different or out of the ordinary just for fashion events. It just ends up looking too contrived. I’ve been a victim to that before and it wasn’t great. So I now just make it a point to not over think the fact that I’m going to a big event. Just be you, chances are you’ll end up looking great if not better anyway. Authenticity is key. It’s how you can truly promote your original self.
My original self loves a good linen shirt and a nice pair of jeans, or a cool pair of cargo pants from Dries Van Noten. I also love wearing Tome’s Karate pants throughout the day because they’re always so fun and easy.
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What are your tips for remaining stylish yet practical at fashion weeks?
Don’t over think it, and ask yourself, “Can I be in this for the next 10 hours and be comfortable?”
What did you pack in your suitcase?
Staples included: Acne jeans and jacket, linen button down shirts, my favorite Etre Cecile t-shirt and a comfortable black velvet blazer (although Dubai was still too hot for velvet!)
Bags: I love my LV Frank Gehry bag, which I brought with me this time. My favorite clutch designers include Nathalie Trad and Olympia Le Tan who I never travel without. This lovely Kuwaiti label going by the name of Folklore sent me this really fun felt wrap clutch with “Mannequin” written on it, which I wore several times throughout my trip.
Shoes: This is where I have the most fun a girl can have. I packed some Aquazurra Forever Marilyns in white, the Chanel slingbacks that have the world going gaga, the Gucci fur loafers that also have the world going gaga, and a pair of Laurence Dacade suede flatform shoes. She’s currently one of my favorite designers.
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What are your beauty saviors on a whirlwind fashion trip?
I am an avid user of serums. I’ve been using Estee Lauder’s advance Night Repair for a while and it really suits me. I wish I could be that girl who gets 10 hours of sleep a night, but I can’t/don’t. I do try to hydrate, and keep the makeup to an absolute minimum. Other than that, I always make sure to never ever sleep without washing my face at night.
How would you describe your style code?
Keep it simple, and if it gives you a little kick in your stride, you probably look great!
What are your tips for dressing in such hot climates?
Anything linen, and/or white is my way to go. But if it happens both linen and white, well that’s just a homerun.
What trends will you be sporting next season?
I’ve become so basic in my dressing choices that often times I find it hard to adhere to trends. I do enjoy experimenting with shoes and handbags in general so that’s where I don’t mind hopping on the trend bandwagon. But with regards to what I’ve seen designers doing as of late, I really do love the bell sleeve trend, anything off the shoulder, and/or the wide leg pant. Johanna Ortiz and Kym Ellery are two designers whose collections I had an immense amount of fun viewing this past Fashion Week in Paris. I’d very much love to be living in their pieces next season. I’ve seen several variations of the kimono style jacket, which could be something fun to try and experiment with.
What/who has influenced your style growing up?
My style has seen some pretty bizarre phases. I think I drew inspiration from way too many places and sources and wasn’t able to channel or filter it to what would suit/ be an extension of me. I am now able to do that a lot better. I have definitely become more confident and sure of what my aesthetic is and every outfit I put together tries to be an extension of the last one I wore.
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Who is your style icon?
I adore Cate Blanchett. She’s just wonderful! Other women whose style I truly admire and am inspired by are Bianca Jagger, Anya Ziourova, Solange Knowles, Suki Waterhouse. Designers themselves are such icons and can influence you to no end. Love what Johanna Ortiz, Natasha Zinko, Rosie Assoulin, and Kym Ellery are doing for the fashion industry as of late.
