According to designer Arwa Albanawi, maintaining a certain degree of excellence is not an option, it’s mandatory! The young Saudi designer's creations transcends cultural authenticity melted in a pot of modernism and Avant-Garde aesthetics. Get to know the woman behind the label and fall in love with her within 5 minutes in this interview.
University: Bachelor in Finance from Dar Al Hekma University, Jeddah Fashion Design Courses at London College of Fashion Age: 30
Q: When did you find in yourself a passion for designing? A: Since I was a kid, I used to spend hours just flipping through fashion magazines that I take from my mom and cut out all the campaigns I was drawn to. I grew up in a home filled with passion for art and fashion, my mother is an artist and a chic dresser. She taught me a lot, without her I wouldn't have made it as a designer, my father is also into art, he has been collecting art for years and he’s an impeccable suit dresser, I used to watch him choose his suit fabrics with his Italian tailors when we travel, and I learned a lot by watching him choose his made to measure suits. I then just naturally was drawn to this world and kept dreaming until it happened Hamdilla. Q: Was starting your brand a hard move and what was the struggles? A: I started when I lost someone very close to my heart and that was my grandfather Ali Albanawi. I used to be very close to him and I would visit him in Germany all the time as he lived there; he was a huge Gianni Versace fan and I always loved his fashion sense. I was working at a magazine at that time and when my grandfather passed away I felt lost as I never lost someone so close to me before so I quit my job. I used to wear his Versace shirts the whole time, then I decided to launch my label of suits that were inspired by him. Q: Whats your favorite part of being a fashion designer? A: I dream, everyday I dream! Also, meeting beautiful women that I get to dress that we end up inspiring and empowering each other. Q: At the beginning of establishing your brand, did you think you'll reach to where you reached to now? A: I dreamt it? Yeah, but didn’t know I would just keep my intentions there and let God lead my way, I still want to achieve more and more Inshallah. Though, I’m happy that God got me where I am today. Q: What skills do you think are necessary for a successful fashion designer? A: An eye of a Shark; You have to perfect your quality and have the skill to spot something wrong. An experience in fabrics and to differentiate between them. You also have to know how to style, I guess, because you are going to mix colors and prints together. Q: What are the peaks and perks of being a designer and starting your own brand? A: The perk that I’m here now writing my answers to RUH Magazine, I’m happy to share my story with you. It’s a journey and it keeps going.. Q: When did you get to a point where you feel so pressured in your business? And how do you manage to handle it. A: I guess before every show and fashion week, I get tense, because you’re presenting your collection to the world and you’ve been working on it for 6 months. It’s crazy. I pray and then call my mother to calm me down. Q: Favorite brands you worked with? A: Adidas Originals and Levi’s. Q: What is the future for Arwa AlBanawi? A: Flagship store. Q: Most proud moment? A: When my AW17 show was on Snapchat story worldwide.