Fashion Forward

woman3_2706031 Fashion ForwardNabila Nazer decided to design her own dreams and create a career as a fashion designer in her home country, Saudi Arabia

While some of us wait for the future to shape our dreams, a few like Nabila Nazer fashion their own futures.

Part of a crop of young emerging talent in the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia, Nabila — who started her career in the field in 2007 — talks about being a fashion designer and a career woman in the Kingdom, and the importance of chasing your dreams.

“I have always loved fashion and been passionate about design, from a very early age. It is precisely when I discovered that there is a strong demand — specifically in this region — for classic, sophisticated and elegant clothing, as well as stylish hijabs, that I decided to make it a career,” says Nabila.

After taking courses in fashion design, in London and Saudi Arabia, Nabila launched her inaugural collection in 2007. “It was the culmination of all my hopes and dreams! Thanks to support from my family and the Saudi Arabian media, my first line got significant exposure,” she says.

woman6_2706031 Fashion ForwardNabila states that being a local is precisely her strong point in the field. “As a Saudi woman, I know what other women in the GCC are looking for, in terms of fashion, both in daily life and for special occasions. These insights inspire me and help fuel my creativity. My speciality lies in elegant everyday clothing, from dresses to hijabs.”

The designer, who retails under her own brand name, Nabila Nazer, from a boutique in Jeddah, plans to soon expand her operations to all the GCC countries.

Inspired by international names like Elie Saab, Roberto Cavalli and John Galliano, Nabila emphasises that, “when I design, I specifically cater to the modern Arab woman of today. I think of what she wants to wear everyday: so my designs incorporate current trends, but remain classic and understated. Each collection has a specific story, which translates in the designs. To me, fashion is not just about what we wear — it’s a lifestyle.”

Nabila cuts a candid picture on both the drawbacks and advantages of being a fashion designer in her country. “There is definitely a thriving fashion industry emerging in Saudi Arabia. This, of course, can be attributed to the country’s growing roster of talented fashion designers, many of who are gaining recognition worldwide; they have certainly proved themselves. We also have established fashion colleges in Saudi Arabia and, most importantly, a true vision that is being shaped for the industry.

“In my experience, the biggest obstacle is the financial aspect of funding a new business or project. Also, as a fashion designer in our country, it can be particularly hard to find adequate resources; we also don’t have runway shows, which means showing and reaching our creations to customers can be very challenging,” reveals Nabila.

“As a career woman, finding a work-life balance can be trying, as you don’t want to compromise on your work, nor your home life. Lastly, creating collections that truly convey my vision is challenging. My ultimate goal is to expand my brand, making it available in various boutiques across the GCC.”

On making a style statement and evolving an individual style, Nabila says, “Buying a dress isn’t enough; you also need to know how to wear it, accessorise it and what footwear to pair it with. The overall look should be perfect, which is why I also advise clients on their hairstyle and makeup. I want women to look and feel beautiful, inside and out. That is also a form of empowerment… Also, dress in style at all times, not just special occasions.”

The young woman’s advice isn’t limited to the fashion-related. She has a word for aspiring fashion designers and fellow career women — and that is to pursue their dreams. “Shed your inhibitions and reservations, take initiative and go for it. The fashion industry is truly remarkable, as it allows you to tap into your creativity. So, if you are an aspiring fashion designer, start doing what you love — making clothes and building a signature style,” states Nabila. An incredible work ethic is also key if you want to pave a path to career success, she believes.

“I believe that talented Arab women, in particular, require substantial levels of support and encouragement when it comes to pursuing their aspirations and dipping into their dreams to make them a reality. That is precisely what drew me to Flake’s Dip Into Your Dreams campaign. It serves as the ultimate platform for talented young women to accomplish their goals and live the change that they desire. More importantly, the innovative campaign helps women embrace their dreams, transcend their fears and forge their path to success.”

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