By Syeda Amtul
“Fashion is a lifestyle for me, the way one eats, walks or even sleeps are all included in fashion,” said Nabila Nazir, a young Saudi fashion designer. Nazir transforms traditional dresses into beautiful modern attires, which is an art on its own and requires a lot of creativity.
Nazir, initially started her profession as a fashion designer before turning into a fashion stylist. Her dresses are very popular amongst the modern and traditional Arabs residing in the Kingdom. Nazir’s elaborate and illustrative collection caters to every generation in a trendy way. Nazir’s aim is to create standout collections.
In an exclusive interview with Saudi Gazette she said her journey in fashion started at a younger age.
“I was young when I started designing clothes and my family encouraged and gave me unlimited support to express my creativity. I graduated in marketing from King Abdul Aziz University Jeddah and moved to London to accomplish my fashion-designing course.”
SG: What does fashion mean to you? How would you define your work?
NN: I love fashion. Fashion is a lifestyle for me. The way to eat, walk or even sleep all includes fashion. I am in love with fashion and styling but I love my culture, Heshma (dignity) and traditional old designs appeal to me. It’s a part of our daily life, something we can’t live without, something we all interact with and so should be something we really love, My work expresses modernism in a traditional way, so I am not creating only party wear but my designer clothes are suitable for every aspect of life.
SG: When did you realize you wanted to become a designer?
NN: After university, when it was the time for me to choose a career then I decided to be a fashion designer. I love to design clothes and it’s something I started when I was very young. I always had a strong desire to look a certain way, dress a certain way and stand out somehow.
SG: What was the first thing you ever designed?
NN: I remember it was a Hijab piece for Ramadan and an evening dress.
SG: Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece of clothing?
NN: Generally I use my laptop and work on my ideas; my sketches are my best friends. I draw sketches, use my colors and then I work on the rest.
SG: What skills according to you, do you need to be a fashion designer?
NN: Well, I guess that depends on what exactly you’re doing. If you love all aspects of fashion design and you really want to be successful, I would hope that you know how to sew, draft patterns, drape and sketch. It has always been important to me to satisfy my customers. I always use several colors, every color has its own desirability and every fabric has some special quality. Show your creativity with a variety of colors and fabric types.
SG: What inspires your designs?
NN: My inspiration is old tradition, back to basics as I am very attached to basic traditional clothing styles like the Egyptian traditional wear. I watch old movies to learn about Arab and non-Arab costume designs. My favorite designers are Ellie Saab, Roberto Cavalli and John Galliano.
SG: What advice do you have for a young woman who wants to be a fashion designer?
NN: Start making your own clothes! At least start sewing. You have to start learning on your own, that’s how you’re going to develop something, work hard and study well.
SG: What matters to you most as a fashion designer?
NN: To understand the need and desire of people, to satisfy customers through my work is my passion.
Location: Ebraheem Aljafaly, Tahliya Street.
