My UAE: Cutting edge fashion designer Budreya Faisal

Emirati fashion designer Budreya Faisal is a self-taught success story. In the past seven years her label bleach has gained industry recognition and much to her joy later this month Faisal, will contest the India and Middle East Regional Final for the International Woolmark Prize, which will be held in Dubai.

Budreya Faisal developed a love for fashion while studying car design in Italy. Courtesy Budreya Faisal

Budreya Faisal may not be a formally trained fashion designer, but the success of her cutting edge label, Bleach, proves that professional training doesn’t necessarily make you any better at your craft or more likely to succeed.

“My collections are simple, with a little edge and bold silhouettes … more often than not resembling Japanese fashion which is my biggest inspiration,” Faisal says.

The 32-year-old Emirati fashionista developed a love for fashion while studying car design in Italy a few years ago. Since then, her unique Abaya designs have taken the industry by storm.

“In Italy I had a friend who owned a beautiful boutique, and two close friends studying fashion, and another who was a designer for a respectable Italian label. They all helped me find my love for fashion,” she says.

“Then I came back [to the UAE], hired a tailor, and practised with fabrics and cuts for two years before starting my first label in 2009.”

Faisal, whose signature style is a mix of sporty-chic and bohemian and whose label ‘bleaches’ the boundaries between convention, style and modern practicality, says the most satisfying thing about starting her own label has been watching it grow.

“Watching it grow and take its place nationally and regionally among the top Abaya labels is a sweet and humbling reality.”

Born in Abu Dhabi and raised in Dubai, Faisal is incredibly proud of her success. Later this month, she will be among the finalists nominated to contest the Middle East, India and Pakistan regional final of the International Woolmark Prize first established in 1953, one which has been won in the past by industry legends such as Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent.

“It’s incredible … I had no idea how big this nomination was until I met with the Woolmark office in Milano,” Faisal says. She is immensely proud that the regional final is being held in Dubai.

“It’s a little terrifying since I am not a formally trained designer, but to be a nominee, because of how I have proved myself as a designer, is incredibly thrilling.”

What is your favourite pastime and why?

Driving while listening to music and singing. Because that’s the only way I can blast the music as loud as I need to, to let it take over me.

Which is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Laos… what a beautiful country. The people, nature, food and simplicity of Laos are unparalleled. I believe that’s because it hasn’t been exploited by tourism yet.

If you could describe yourself in five words, what would they be?

Passionate, real, spontaneous, curious, stubborn.

Who inspires you and why?

My mother and my sisters. They are strong and delicate, expressive and respectful, artistic and humble. And designers such as Antonio Marras, below, and Yohji Yamamoto.

What CD are you currently playing in the car?

Hozier. Though I wish it was Tracy Chapman’s or Bruce Springsteen’s greatest hits.

What has been your favourite project to work on and why?

Right now I have to say it is the Woolmark project. I always do my best under pressure; I get an adrenaline high and I create – I haven’t worked with this much pressure since I dedicated 100 per cent of my time to Bleach.

What is your advice for young Emiratis?

Our wonderful country is ready for all that is different and supports all innovations. So do your part, research, learn, train and don’t hold back.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

To be unapologetically myself.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I would definitely fly, so I could fly the whole world over and over again, from every perspective, while feeling the wind on my skin.

What is your favourite time of year and why?

It’s whenever the weather is below 30C, so I can drive to more deserts, mountains and beaches.