Vibrant on Week
and Redone and Amane Tuerdi start styling from scratch, which is why I buy plain fabric and do all the beadings and sequins my way as I am also very fond of jewellery – my collection always has some or the other form of gems, crystals etc., used on them.”
Laila who visits the UAE thrice a year, said: “Although inspiration for my designs has been from all the places I have been to and all the people I’ve met, I can’t deny that there is something special about my UAE connection and collection due to the amazing multi-culturalism that exists here.”
She added: “It’s a blessing to be able to experience the UAE and it has given an excellent exposure to my collection, which is inspired by people of different nationalities, wearing different traditional and modern styles. Also not to forget my Moroccan background that has inspired me Lamia Massare
to use vibrant colours and styles and sequences in my designs.”
Latest collection
Talking about her collection at the Arab Fashion Week, Laila said it combined unique style and materials to appeal to the modern-day fashionable woman.
“We are women and our hormones play a big role in our life. Which is why we may want to wear a flowy dress one day and the next day, suddenly we may want to go for a short skirt. That is why I give different cuts to my dresses and jackets.”
Giving out her fashion philosophy, Laila said one should wear whatever makes one feel comfortable and confident. “I don’t like to limit my style to traditional or modern designs because women are vivacious and I feel we cannot contain or limit their personality only to a particular style. Also I travel extensively, which is why my collection is inspired by the people I meet and the countries I visit as I translate my experience into my collection. This is why you will see a mix of a lot of different colours and different kinds of dresses – long and short – in my collection, as this helps me cater to a wide variety of women worldwide. Every piece, I feel, should speak for itself,” she said.
Music in her designs
Her husband Redone, who was present by her side at the Kayat couture show, also gave his music for her show.
Calling her husband her ultimate cheerleader, Laila said: “My husband is always involved in whatever shows I do and is almost the backbone of my shows. He motivates and encourages me at my shows. He is always present backstage with me trying to see if everything is going well.”
Talking about the special song that was used as part of the choreography at the fashion show, Laila said: “The song played at my show was one of the first songs my husband made with Lady Gaga. I was with them when they created this song which is why I find it very special. The funny part is I did not even have a fashion line when this song was composed 10 years ago and since my Dubai show is always special, we decided to play our special song here.”
Calling the UAE a breeding ground for creative talent, Laila, who visits the UAE often, said: “The UAE offers the best of the best to anyone who is creative and likes to innovate. This country plays a huge part in the fashion world and the best designers of the world make special collections especially for the UAE because of its acceptance and the access it gives us to a wide variety of audiences.