Congratulations on the collaboration with Samsung! How did this partnership come about?
They reached out to us a few months ago, and after understanding their vision—and seeing the Flip phone in person, with its compact, fun, and youthful design—the collaboration just felt like the perfect fit.
How is the innovation of Samsung’s Galaxy X Flip6, the inspiration behind the capsule collection, captured within the designs?
The compact size of the Flip phone allowed me to push beyond design limitations, giving me the freedom to create without restrictions. This sense of creative liberty led to the Lyna bag— a sculptural piece that reflects the youthful energy of the phone, while incorporating its three distinctive shades.
The Flipside Collection is inspired by Generation Z. How did you aim to capture the generation’s vibrancy?
Gen Z's love for charms is something I find really exciting, and I’m happy to see it make a comeback as a fun way to add a personal touch to their style. For this collaboration, we included Arabic bubble letters, which adds a bold and playful element that aligns with their vibrant energy.
What do you admire most about Generation Z?
What I admire most about Gen Z is their unapologetic individuality. They're incredibly creative, resourceful, and passionate about using their voices to bring about change. They have this fearless approach to expressing who they are, which I find refreshing.
The Lyna Bag is central to the collection and is a wearable work of art. What was the creative process behind the bag?
The Lyna Bag originally began as a doodle while I was on a call. I had the idea to explore a new shape, and this collaboration felt like the perfect moment to bring it to life. My team and I worked closely together, starting by crafting the design in wood to perfect its form. After several revisions, we were able to create the first prototype.
The collection also features the Mini Leora, which encourages expression through customisable elements. How important do you think it is to instill confidence within the younger generation, and how do you hope to do this through L’Afshar?
Instilling confidence in the younger generation is crucial, and as a mother of two boys, I place a strong emphasis on this. The Mini Leora, with its customisable features, is designed to help individuals express their unique style. By incorporating charms, we offer a way to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Through L’Afshar, I aim to empower people to embrace their individuality and express themselves with confidence and most importantly fun.
L’Afshar marries architecture, art and fashion through unique silhouettes and the use of acrylic. How do you continue to ensure L’Afshar stands out?
I focus mostly on creating pieces that are not only visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking. The use of unique materials like acrylic plays a key role in this—it allows me to explore new textures and shapes that aren’t typically seen in fashion. The pieces have an industrial elegance to them especially by the way they are constructed. By paying attention to the finest details, I create designs that are both bold and timeless, making a statement while remaining relevant.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
My advice to aspiring designers is to stay true to your identity by holding firm to your aesthetics, beliefs, and values. Don’t let outside influences sway you—be authentic to who you are and what you stand for.
What’s next for L’Afshar?
An expansion into a new realm, stay tuned…