Marwa Sayed is the founder of UAE-based womenswear label Three Fifty Nine. The Egyptian designer has been invited to show at London Fashion Week in September, after winning top honours at a contest organised by the Dubai Design & Fashion Council. We find out more about her.
If you could wake up anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you be?
A Mediterranean island, such as Rhodes in Greece, which has a historical background, green hills, rich valleys and a picturesque row of beaches. The island is a unique blend of cosmopolitanism, tradition and pure nature, which really suits my personality.
You're sitting down to the perfect meal. Where are you, who are you with and what are you eating?
I am in my home in Egypt, with my family. I'd definitely be having molokhia, which is a very traditional Egyptian green soup dish that is usually served with rice.
What is your definition of good style?
Anything that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own body. When I design, I always keep these factors in mind as it's very important to me that my clients feel confident in a Three Fifty Nine look. I also like to create unique styles that bring out a woman's individuality, because good style should be as individual as the person wearing it. I try to design pieces that can be worn by women of different sizes and various body shapes. Every woman out there will surely find a piece in my collection that speaks to her, matches her style and makes her feel comfortable.
What's the best piece of fashion advice you have ever received?
Stay true to yourself and your sense of style.
Where do you go to shop?
I prefer shopping online, as it is faster and more convenient. I am shopping on Yoox.com more and more often.
What is your favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
A vintage Fendi bag passed on from my mum.
If you could dress any woman in the world, who would it be?
Queen Rania of Jordan, because she is such an inspiration to all women and humanity.
What does your dream home look like?
It's an all-glass summer beach house with sunlight streaming through all day long.
What is your favourite destination in the world?
The Amalfi Coast in Italy. I went there a couple of years ago with a group of friends, and it was just breathtaking. You could never get bored of how beautiful the view from any cliff is, and how relaxing it is to just spend some time on the beach.
What is your next holiday destination?
Sri Lanka, exploring a few tea plantations.
What are your go-to beauty products?
Clinique face wash, La Mer moisturiser and the Better Than Love mascara from Too Faced. My skin regime includes the essentials. I start with a cleanser and a toner, followed by a moisturiser, and I try to use various hydrating masks every now and then. I tend to change my moisturiser every season as my skin reacts sensitively to changes in the weather.
What does luxury mean to you?
Luxury, to me, is confidence. You need to feel confident in what you wear and the way you dress. If you achieve this, then you have achieved a levelof luxury.
And what is the most overrated luxury, in your opinion?
Private jets and sports cars.
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[ Alice Temperley on her love for white shirts, waistcoats and more ]
[ ‘Never trousers, never flats’ and other style decisions Léa Vignal-Kenedi lives by ]
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