As she celebrates 10 years in the industry, multicultural designer Faiza Bouguessa shares her minimalist Dubai headquarters
Photo: Rohit Sabu
Having lived almost 20 years in the UAE, French-Algerian fashion designer Faiza Bouguessa is influenced by her multicultural upbringing. “Algeria holds a deep connection to my heritage, France has significantly influenced my cultural perspective, and the UAE represents home and the exciting future where I aspire to make meaningful contributions and continue my creative journey,” she says. The owner and creative director of Bouguessa favors working from the Bouguessa office in the Dubai Design District.
The designer attributes her love for fashion to the women in her family and her appreciation of various types of art. “My grandmother played a pivotal role in my hands-on education, teaching me sewing and knitting at a young age. In my teens, my mom, who wanted to become a designer and had a strong interest in fashion herself, started getting me fashion magazines. I used to look through them a lot,” she says. Growing up in France also impacted her love for style as it is an important part of French culture.
Although Bouguessa considers her workspace messy, most would find it organized. Thoughtfully structured into distinct zones, it seamlessly combines functionality and aesthetics. “On one side, there’s my personal office, an open workspace, a workshop dedicated to sampling productions and fulfilling atelier orders, and a meeting room. On the other side, you’ll find a carefully curated lounge area and a showroom,” says the designer. The space was designed by the Italian architecture firm Open Project to mirror the brand’s minimalist and modern design philosophy.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
The Bouguessa office not only showcases new collections but is also used for hosting private events and viewings. “It creates an environment that feels like a second home for our visitors,” says the designer. Notable pieces include a striking black ottoman by Emirati artist Latifa Saeed, Wassily chairs by Marcel Breuer, and a modular On the Rocks sofa by Edra. The open floor plan extends into the office, characterized by sharp lines, mid-century modern furniture, and contemporary art. The meeting room features B32 Marcel Breuer chairs from 1927, providing a nostalgic contrast. In her private office, an AR Cordemeijer Cleopatra daybed along with vintage Italian leather chairs offer a glimpse into her passion for art and design. “The space allows brand enthusiasts to be fully immersed in an intimate experience, inviting them to explore and shop collections in a personalized setting that deepens their understanding of the brand and its core design values,” says Bouguessa.
Playing deep focus music is a vital part of Bouguessa’s routine while at the office. “I’ve discovered that this particular type of music enhances my concentration and creates an environment conducive to deep work,” offers the founder. For Bouguessa, inspiration tends to strike most prominently during the evening. “The tranquility of the night encourages unfiltered thoughts and allows my mind to wander and explore freely.”
Photo: Rohit Sabu
She draws much of her inspiration from art, architecture, and design. “I often say that I read images, whether they are physical objects or pictures. The rich tapestry of visuals serves as a constant source of creativity and innovation in my design process.” She is also inspired by her team and clientele. “My amazing team uplift me, and their presence brings out my best. Additionally, my wonderful clientele serves as a tremendous wellspring of inspiration. Their guidance, feedback, and the way they carry themselves while trying my designs all contribute to the creative energy that fuels my work – especially when I witness how my designs elevate their confidence,” says Bouguessa.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
A typical day begins with an hour for mindfulness. “I sit in a coffee shop, where, while having my coffee, I journal, meditate, or focus on myself. This gives me the time to transition from being a mother to being a leader,” she shares. The day continues in the designer’s workspace where she reviews emails, prioritizes tasks, and leads dedicated work sessions and collaborative meetings with her team. Her day ends by setting priorities for the following day.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
Bouguessa releases four collections a year that incorporate top-quality materials to ensure the durability and superior quality of the products, all while maintaining a forward-thinking approach to design and sustainability. “We focus on making clothes that are simple, comfortable, timeless, and fit well into any woman’s wardrobe.” The designer envisions women feeling not only beautifully dressed but also authentically themselves when wearing her clothes. “I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to empowering women through clothing that goes beyond trends, celebrating their uniqueness. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered for the positive influence and inclusivity I brought to the industry,” she says.
Originally published in the April 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
