Growing up, Nasiba Hafiz was never a typical kid. With her intense artistic discussions with her father to her hours of exploration in her mother’s wardrobe, Hafiz’s flashes of prodigal talent were emplotted in a world that helped to mold her.
Hafiz was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to an artist family who supported her drive to pursue a career in fashion. Hafiz began in fashion photography, drifted into the world buyers, picked up the expertise of a visual merchandiser. All of these cultivated Hafiz’s passion for the industry.
This extended journey was only the starting point for Hafiz’s career as a fashion designer. Since the launch of her label in 2011, she has managed to redefine polka dots and the immutable glam of retro fashion.
Her latest showcase in Dubai’s Fashion Forward proved the brilliance of revamping vintage staples. The ready-to-wear collection is a modern interpretation of the garments that Hafiz’s mother preferred during the designer’s early years.
Along with the evident polka dots and ruffled sleeves, Hafiz did not leave her father’s style out of the collection. One of the dresses showcases the designer’s evident creativity as she managed to fashion her father’s silk ties into the contours of an outfit aligned with 21st fashion.
Daily News Egypt talked with the designer about her beginning, education, and the kind of effect that her parents have left on her designing ethos.
Growing up, did you always long to become a fashion designer?
Ever since the age of 12, I wanted to become a designer. Later on, I went to London to study fashion photography and styling at London College of Fashion.
How did your Saudi nationality and growing up in Jeddah affect your career?
My parents were from Saudi Arabia and they were absolutely into fashion. They both had unique personal styles. They highly influenced me and my personal taste when I was growing up. I left Saudi Arabia when I was 15 to attend boarding school in Switzerland and then afterwards I went to London to study fashion.
You have worked as a stylist, buyer, and visual merchandiser; how did this diverse journey affect your designing career?
It is what made me who I am today; each job left its mark on my current work.
How would you define your style?
Cool, sporty, comfortable, black, diverse, and different but most importantly it is highly inspired by my parents’ old items.
Where are you stocked?
I mainly do pop-ups around the world and I am currently preparing to launch my website very soon. But my flagship store is in Jeddah at Homegrown Market.
What is next for you?
I am currently working on launching my own website and perfume.
