Next Up: Bouguessa
Left: Rawya Catto, Creative Fragrance Manager
Right: Ronza Al Beainy, Bouguessa Retail Executive
How many people can say that their boss went out of their way to help them develop outside of work? A combination of Arabian hospitality and the universe responding to something I probably should have started long ago. Blessed. Rawya began following this blog after overhearing a conversation about me writing on my experience in Dubai. She gushed on her similar attraction to fashion, and shared some great regional accounts she follows on IG. I was appreciative of the sincerity, and pleased that my posts thus far had piqued anyone's interest, let alone hers. She could have stopped there. Then I got an email requesting our viewing of a designer collection downtown.
At Suhoor, an early morning meal before the start of the day's fast, they met. Rawya and Faiza. Wearing a stunning original abaya suit set, Faiza enamored everyone in sight. Including her new acquaintance. They became fast friends, indulging in the necessary fortification for the hours ahead. Rawya raved about the designer's talent and vowed to keep in touch to watch her budding empire grow. And she did.
Left: Faiza Bouguessa, Founder & Designer
Right: Ronza Al Beainy, Retail Executive
Faiza is French-Algerian, and officially launched Bouguessa three years prior in the United Arab Emirates. As per their online presence, the luxury RTW label "embodies the classic and contemporary... beautifies women and glorifies their personality." She teamed up with Ronza as her Retail Executive a short nine months ago, and the brand has been purring since. As a former stylist and personal shopper in Lebanon, Ronza sought new growth opportunities, and ended up falling in love with the unique Bouguessa aesthetic and Dubai value proposition. The duo are strikingly beautiful. But it is their humility and craftsmanship which won me over.
Bouguessa has already garnered the attention of many, having been featured in June 2016 Vogue Arabia and seen as recently as last month on Saudi Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz.
The Bouguessa Ramadan 2017 Collection is inspired by the rich historic culture of bedouin women across the Arab world. A minimalist approach that marries the not-so-conservative and expressionist allows the abaya to shine as a trendy nucleus for any wardrobe. French influences are present in inception and construction. Styling is endlessly customizable, and I love that a statement piece can double as a staple when worn over more understated casual wear. The woman who dons Bouguessa is classy and unbothered. Her confidence is matched only by the wind she carries.
For those in the Islamic faith, Ramadan is a month-long spiritual recharge. Fasting requires self-restraint and discernment between desires and necessities. This lifestyle collection, and brand, embody a balanced life, full of elegance, free from excess.
Bouguessa is currently hosting personal client showings this month only, and will preview for retailers at the end of June in Paris. The Ramadan 2017 Collection retails for AED2,700-5,000 ($735-1,360). Made in UAE.
