Rabia Zargarpur is the latest success story to hit Dubai's fashion scene. The award-winning designer talks to tabloid! about making it big.
Many would call her superwoman! Not only has she just won the title of International Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year, but Rabia Zargarpur sketches and creates 24/7, hits the gym more than four times a week and still manages to find time to hang out with friends, spend time with her son and even squeeze in a daily Facebook session.
But now, for the first time in her career, Rabia says she is finally looking forward to a day she thought she'd only ever dream about - exhibiting at London Fashion Week.
Universal
The Emirati fashion designer, who specialises in fashion for the modern Muslim woman under the banner of "universal modest chic", is preparing to take her unique style to London Fashion Week as the first regional winner of the inaugural British Council International Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award.
At just 25, Zargarpur became the first winner of the GCC/Mediterranean regional competition conducted by the British Council to find the International Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year - a competition which aims to discover talented and successful individuals who have both the creative flair and business edge to become future leaders and champions in their local fashion industry.
Global stage
Zargarpur, better known as Rabia Z - also the name of her clothing label - will now go to the International London Fashion Week next week to represent the GCC/Med region and to compete for the international title of this name against nine other regional winners worldwide. The young Emirati opened the doors of her home and studio to tabloid!
It was exactly as I imagined it. Rabia looks up from above a sea of sketches, textile samples and measuring tapes in an array of colours.
It's not tidy but you can clearly tell that everything has a place and that in fact the chaos is creatively organised right down to the last pin.
Speaking about her recent success, she said: "I am absolutely thrilled to have won the title of Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2008. It's truly an honour to be representing the GCC/Med region and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate and compete for the international title of this award in London during London Fashion Week this year.
Multifaceted
"I speak as a fashion designer, a Muslim, a woman and a mother and it's a tremendous achievement to finally see the fashion industry and the world of commerce appreciate and encourage the idea of an up and coming international brand name which seeks to fulfil the fashion needs of contemporary women of the Islamic faith."
Zargarpur, who has also won awards for Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai International Fashion Week for her designs, added: "I owe my success to all the people I have come across in my life, who have made me aware and/or reminded me that I have a talent.
Almost everyone I know has called me a trendsetter, which after several ‘surprised myself' experiences made me realise that I have a strong fashion forecasting sense."
But the crunch really came around six years ago when Zargarpur started wearing the hijab.
She added: "It was then I realised the need to be a designer for the modern Muslim woman, especially because there weren't any designers catering especially to our needs to dress modestly and yet stylishly.
"I have two lines, a mid to high price range and also a trendy lower price range which will be under a sub label. I am working on finalising that brand name. My presented line is fun, chic, versatile, modest, comfortable, practical, sporty, and classy and that is all I can say for now until the show!
Inspiration
"My inspiration for the competition designs would have to be my friends who cover up.
"There are many others demanding style with modesty. Having done my Spring/Summer ‘08 collection during the hot summer of Dubai, I was inspired to make this collection as cool and comfortable as possible without the need to layer the outfit for the purpose of covering.
"I have designed my ready-to-wear line as a complete look from head to toe. I was inspired by all the busy mums, working Muslim women and active students. There is something for everyone in mind."
How did it all begin?
From the age of six I knew all I wanted to do was design. I would use decorative silk flowers and leaves to make evening gowns for my Barbie dolls. Then as a teenager I got into designing my own evening gowns which got appreciative attention from strangers who would stop and ask me about my dresses, as well as from friends and family. One gown even helped me become high school prom queen.
What's your design style?
I have more than one style in my designs but all are more or less linked and they are: modern hippy chic; trendy; boho-chic; high street wear; sporty; casual chic; practical comfort wear and summing up my design style would be what I call "universal modest chic".
What do you think makes your designs unique?
I want my brand to reflect that modesty is beautiful, easy and very possible to attain while feeling good and confident.
What qualities do you think you need to become a successful designer?
An unshakable vision; persistence; confidence and belief in yourself; talent above the average and passion for your work.
What do you think of Dubai's fashion scene?
Dubai is a glamorous cosmopolitan city where people love beauty and fashion. Even the average resident is fairly fashion conscious. Dubai is not far behind on the global fashion scene.
Who do you feel are the best dressed celebrities?
In the Western world it would have to be Beyoncé Knowles. Also Heidi Klum and Sarah Jessica Parker. The worst dressed would have to be Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.
Which celebrity would you love to dress?
There are plenty of designers dressing Hollywood celebrities; I personally don't have that much interest in doing that. Now I think I would like to dress influential and admirable Muslim women like Queen Rania and some of the shaikhas like Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Al Maktoum, who is a superb athlete and will someday be a great role model for the younger generation of local girls.
What is next?
I hope to achieve great success with my concept, have quality mass production from my own factories, and supply some of the largest global stores in the world. I aim high but am very determined to achieve my goals, God willing.
Meet Rabia
Rabia was born and raised in the UAE before moving to the US 15 years ago.
She is now back."Dubai is home to me, so not only have I always wanted to move back here, my husband wanted to move here too."
