Designer yarns

Fashion is about creating an image for an individual. When I design a piece that represents a client's personality, I am creating her image.

My designs are a combination of couture and prêt-a-porter. I like pieces that have a reference to fashion history like vintage couture of the '40s and '50s. I prefer haute couture though, where I never repeat the same piece.

I love redesigning garments by using a wide variety of materials like wool, silk and taffeta. Each material flows and sits differently; each texture has its own story.

As a designer at Bugatti Fashion House, I follow the client's brief. The best designer is one who designs an outfit exactly as the client envisaged. That isn't easy; it requires creativity.

I focus on making sober silhouettes that are glamorous and mature.

My inspiration comes from everything related to women. I am also inspired by British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

His designs are exceptionally unique and elegant. And, of course, I love the revolutionary creativity that Elie Saab represents.

I needed determination and willpower, not just imagination and creativity.

I completed my BA in Fashion Design and Marketing at the American University in London in 2003 and then completed a one-year internship in Paris.

There I was asked to scrub floors and clean the atelier.

I didn't mind because I wanted to get to where I wanted to be.
I was young and desperate to achieve my goals. Fashion designing is not a typical job. Unlike banking, for instance, where a fresh graduate would find easy employment.

After that intense internship, I returned to the UAE in 2004 and worked for six months on an African-inspired collection.

I designed 20 outfits, and did everything from pattern to sewing. I organised a small-scale fashion show in my sister's antique shop, Eclectic, and invited friends, family and any press I could get hold of.

The response was unexpectedly good. I realised my determination had gotten me somewhere.

I still have those 20 outfits. I plan to keep them for their artistic value.

Travel plays a big role in my designs.

When I travel, I visit new, unexpected places. I collect items that inspire the designer in me. And, of course, I shop
a lot. It's important to travel light so you have room to bring back travel collectibles! I find vintage markets very alluring because you never know what you might find that could inspire a whole collection.

I have travelled to Lebanon, Spain, Greece, Morocco, India, London, Paris and the US. My favourite destination is London – it's historical, artistic and fascinating.

When you travel, I think it's important to be spontaneous; to have an open mind and enjoy every aspect of the journey. I also believe one shouldn't be afraid to get lost. Travel is about discovery and adventure. International participation
I entered two well-known competitions – Lancôme Designer Award and Mission Fashion, Lebanon's reality TV show.

Mission Fashion is based on the American television series, Fashion Runway, where contestants attend a fashion school for models and designers headed by Elie Saab.

After seeing the adverts, I entered and went to Lebanon to audition in 2006. Luckily, I was selected. The show ran for three months with weekly eliminations for both the modelling and designer categories. After 10 weeks, it was my turn to return home. Still it was an amazing experience to work under Elie Saab.

My participation in the Lancôme Colour Design Awards held last year was another important stepping-stone in my career. This annual competition brings together designers from
10 countries.

I was selected to represent Dubai. The competition was held in Paris where I exhibited my collection of four pieces inspired by the sartorial nuances of Marie Antoinette's wardrobe. And I won the Colour and Texture Award, which was part of the three main awards at the competition!

The fashion demands of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is like my second home, I was born here. (I haven't visited my home country, Iraq, since the First Gulf War, 17 years ago.)

I work as the head designer in the exclusive Abu Dhabi-based Bugatti Fashion House. I design luxury, evening and wedding outfits. Most of my customers are Emiratis. We do not have a fashion label yet, but plan to expand our present status.

The competition is stiff. The residents prefer contemporary designs that respect the traditions of their society. Designs that have a handmade couture feel are most popular.
In the next five years I'd like to launch my own fashion label. Through fashion shows I want to create a theme of fantasy couture and ready-to-wear collections.