THE VIEW: Zayan Ghandour, owner of S*uce boutique

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Zayan Ghandour

Supplied

How did you come up with the name S*uce?
The dictionary definition [of sauce] is exactly what we wanted to bring to the fashion and design scene in Dubai: unique, covetable pieces that add flavor, zest and piquancy to everyone’s wardrobes.

Some of the pieces you stock are quite ‘out there’ – would you say you take risks with your buying?
I always go out looking for things that I love without hesitation – they don’t necessarily need to be practical or by any means ‘classic.’ It’s always funny when the quirkiest of our products are the first to sell out, and that definitely happens often.

How would you describe your own style?
Playful, girly, unpredictable, and always experimental.

Name three great pieces to invest in for Fall 2013.
A graphic or slogan sweatshirt, a tutu skirt (obviously!), and a statement necklace or headpiece.

You’ve also turned your hand to designing – what have you found most challenging about launching Zayan the Label?
I’d say the production, and making sure deadlines and standards are met. But seeing all those ideas and fabric swatches and inspirations come to life and converge into a complete collection makes it all worthwhile.

What are some of the favorite pieces?
I love the tutu skirts [a Zayan the Label signature] from the Fall 2013 collection, and my Spring/Summer 2014 collection will have a gorgeous kiss and eye motif.

Where do you get your inspiration: Travel, museums, galleries…?
Actually, I find children’s instinctive sense of style inspiring – when parents allow them to put together their own outfits and the way they mismatch their prints. It’s imperfectly perfect.

What do you think are the biggest challenges that the Middle East, and Dubai specifically, faces in order to be seen as a credible fashion destination?
We have no shortage of creative talent but it needs to be combined with the necessary manufacturing and planning requirements to enable designers to move to the next level.

If you could choose any model/photographer to star in/shoot your next collection campaign, who would it be?
She’s not a model, but I love Emma Stone – she has a genuine and infectious smile and a tongue-in-cheek, playful personality. For photography, I’d definitely choose Tim Walker for his unpredictable use of props and creative imagery.

Do you have any collaborative projects in the pipeline?
For our annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, Sp*rkle for a Good Cause, we are teaming up with an LA-based jewelry designer to create limited-edition charm necklaces. We’ll be working with another designer to make a special product in support of Dubai Expo 2020, and we’re also collaborating with local brand Mochi for the Dubai Mall Vogue Dubai Fashion Experience on October 10th.

Zayan the Label will be participating in Season Two of Fashion Forward, Dubai, October 15^th-18^th

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