From a home project to a brand on the lips of most A-listers – how did you break into the celeb world?
It is perfect timing. It happened at a right place and at a right time surrounded with right people and right projects. It’s a rare opportunity that knocks on your door and all you have to do is allow them into your world. This is just how it works.
When did you realise you’d truly arrived?
I don’t feel I have arrived at all. I don’t think you’ll ever feel that as a designer. I feel I have so much to aim towards but then again I am a perfectionist, I always aspire to do more, make myself better and better every day.
Your personal favourite among your creations?
I love the Queen Jacket. The white fluffy jacket that A-listers have bought and worn. I have it as well.
Is it true that a lot of celebrities say they wear faux fur when it’s actually real?
Don’t crucify me for being the messenger but yes, it happens.
Is backlash from animal rights campaigners a reason you decided to launch the fake fur line?
Faux is becoming huge in the fashion business, so it becomes a ‘must-do’ for every brand to venture to this material.
Why did you choose the Middle East for your new expansion?
I love the Middle East region. My favourite clients are from here. They are fun, they love the colours, the brand and generally are open-minded and accepting.
Who’s been your favourite star to style, and which star are you hoping to dress in the future?
[Swedish model] Elsa Hosk would be my next one, if I have a chance to choose. The favourite one was Kylie Jenner. She looked amazing and she rocked the jacket.
What does it feel like seeing one of your creations on a celebrity?
Surreal. In the beginning it is head-spinning, but after a while it becomes a part of the job.
Does fur have a place in the desert?
Absolutely. It normally travels from the desert. All of my UAE and Middle East clients travel so much to Europe and of course they take my jackets with them.
Name 3 pieces you’d never wear.
I would never wear a Chinese farm-grown fur coat, ever. I’d never wear platform shoes. And I’d never wear crystals anywhere on my clothes.
What is the Middle Eastern woman’s style and how has she evolved over the years?
Only a few years back it was so very traditional, which is amazing. However, now they are all about fashion, trends, Paris and London shopping, colours, textures, etc. They are coming out of the bubble and trying to explore the edges of fashion, which I truly love and admire. The Middle East is a fashion capital on the rise.
What do you find women in the region look for the most when it comes to fashion?
How trendy it is, how expensive it is and how many celebrities wore it.
How does the Dubai fashionista differ from the others in the Middle East?
Dubai is a totally different world compared to other cities in the region, it is way more Westernised and modern due to the influence of the expat community, and therefore what they wear differs a little.
Does fashion have a role in redefining feminity?
Yes, absolutely. A lot of times I have heard men complaining that women are becoming masculine and men more feminine. Fashion is responsible for the blurred lines at times. I am very much into traditional values so for me fashion has to reflect that.
You wanted to become an actress initially. Given a chance would you move away from your designer career to acting?
It’s hard to say. I don’t necessarily want to. I have never even taken an acting class or enrolled in an acting school. It was just there in my head that if one day, if that moment comes by an accident, which it did, I would not let it slip away. I probably wouldn’t let it slip away now either.
You’ve lived in Greece, Miami and London. How’s life in Dubai been in comparison?
I find it amazingly beautiful, so comfortable. I find it entertaining with unlimited spots to hang out and things to do – you will never have a dull moment in Dubai.
What one rule do you live by?
Never miss a chance. Even if it’s a tiny chance, you have to go and risk it. At the end, you have one life to live. The chance may never come again. It’s something I would pass on to my future kids.
