Redefine elegance with Faiza Bouguessa

The renowned glocal fashion designer speaks on the latest trends, dressing an outfit up or down, and sustainability and simplicity in fashion

Dubai-based designer, Faiza Bouguessa, has achieved great heights in the fashion world. Her label, Bouguessa, founded in 2014, features a contemporary minimalist sophistication focussed on clean cuts and impeccable details catered to the modern woman. From her studio in Dubai Design District, she designs three collections a year. We caught up with the expert to get to know her thoughts on current fashion and what she values as essential to personal styling.

How does one dress to match their personality?

Dressing is all about a feeling and reflecting your personality, character, mood. You have to ask yourself: What do I want to achieve today? Do I want to look formal, casual, impressive? What is my personality type? Am I creative, feminine, relaxed? If you see yourself as feminine and elegant, ladylike dresses and blouses might be your go-to, whereas a more androgynous character might prefer jeans, a tee and an oversized blazer. It's all about what works for you, rather than dressing how you 'think' you should. It's important to feel comfortable in what you wear.

How does one style one garment for different occasions?

Accessories and layering is key to switching up a dress for different occasions. If I was styling a simple slip dress for brunch, I would pair it with sandals and a light cropped jacket, whereas if I was styling for the office, I would layer a roll-neck underneath, add a blazer on top and a pair of minimal heels. For dinner, I'd suggest a long overcoat, gold jewellery and your favourite strappy sandals.

What are the key elements to dressing up or down?

Don't overthink it! Less is always more. Dressing down can simply require a few minimal pieces like a pair of sneakers and a crossbody bag. Dressing up needs a killer pair of shoes and some beautiful jewellery, but it's whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What colours are in vogue this season?

Brown and all sort of natural tones. I feel that with the pandemic and the lockdowns people have found comfort in warm natural tones like cream, beige, brown.

Why do solid colours appeal to you more than patterns?

I like the extreme minimalism behind a monochrome look and how it becomes such a strong statement. Personally, when I wear a full monochrome outfit, I feel very confident and super comfortable at the same time, never overdressed.

What are some common mistakes that women make while dressing up for a night out?

I honestly don't believe in fashion rules anymore, I believe in dressing in ways that make us feel ourselves, at ease and confident. I myself wear flats very often when going to dinner but I would compensate with a red lip, black or monochrome outfit and statement accessories.

What is important in fashion for the modern woman?

Women are more conscious now with their shopping habits and are looking for timeless pieces that will last a long time rather than buying fast fashion and following trends. Sustainability is having a moment and will continue to do so, so finding brands that are giving back to the planet or people, and using ethical practices and fabrics, is the top of a modern woman's priority. You can find boutique brands all over the world, with even large e-commerce sites are stocking sustainable brands.

Your signature line follows an eco-conscious approach, what brought about this change?

At the beginning of the pandemic, I felt it was necessary to make positive changes and better choices as a brand to reduce our waste and evolve towards a better future for our planet. I believe sustainability is important in all industries, and it should become a concern for a wider number of industries and people.

What do you factor in when styling celebrities?

We try to dress celebrities whose style is an inspiration or whose style is similar to our DNA. However, it is usually the celebrity stylists that style the celebrities, we just send them a selection of garments they requested to loan for their celebrity client.

What is the mantra that you apply to all your lines?

It's a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery that says "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away".