IN the competitive world of fashion designing stands Fawzia Al-Nafea - proud fashion designer, mother, wife, owner, savvy businesswoman and a woman of many hues. Exactly like her designs, which the world of fashion has accepted by open arms. As I tilt my head to take in the imposing but regal black building with ‘Al-Nafea' written in gold, a feeling of awe fills me and it gets stronger as I step inside. The place is sophisticated, with a regal staircase leading to the lady's simple office. For 28 years, Fawzia Al-Nafea has made women “feel like a Queen”- in her words – with her superbly cut and exquisitely designed haute couture dresses. Her clientele boasts of the who's who of society. Beyond all the glamour – and the proud trophies and statues standing on a desk – what strikes most is the determination in her eyes, in her stride, in her persona. “I believe in myself, I always have and that has made me come so far”, she says as she proudly shows her latest Spring/ Summer collection titled Aroma Therapy. The dresses are in smoky colors with flowing organza and taffetas seemingly caught in a fire of their own. Fawzia left a cushy career in the teaching profession in 1980 to throw herself into an unconventional world of fashion. “I have been drawn to the world of fashion ever since I can remember,” she says. “It was a tough decision to make but once I did I put my heart and soul into it and in 1982 smelled success when all my dresses were sold on the night of my first fashion show at Dhahran Airport Hotel.” Now the owner of Al-Nafea Haute Couture, FOZ jeans and FOZ woman, Fawzia has truly arrived after having overcome hurdles, dodged controversies and gone against the conventional role of a Saudi woman. “My family, except for my husband, was against my doing this, but now they are proud of me. I think it is so very normal.” Fawzia has showcased her designs in prestigious fashion shows in Bahrain, Beirut and Rome, most notably the Lux Fashion Fall/ Winter show in September 2005 featuring the best among Gulf designers and of course the wedding exhibition in Bahrain in 2000 where she received the “Best Designer award”. “Winning the award was the defining point in my career – a point where my trust in myself was reinforced. There was no looking back.” “Ever since I can remember, I have been intrigued by how a piece of fabric can be turned into a work of art that makes a woman special. Fashion to me is about making a woman happy, making her feel trendy and bringing out emotions which will become a great memory.” Seeing artisans work in factories where dresses for world-acclaimed designers like Valentino, Gucci, Prada and Chenille were being made taught her how designs come alive in dresses. Back in the 1970's, the factories were not closed for outsiders as they are now. “On my frequent trips to New York, Chicago, Japan and Egypt, in my youth, I observed artisans weaving their magic. I leafed through magazines carrying the work of famous designers, I studied the detailing and the workmanship that actually went into drafting, designing, cutting and sewing”. A self-made designer, Fawzia has had no formal training, save a two weeks' course in Milan on the basics of designing. Each season sees Fawzia Al-Nafea come up with a collection that has a theme. “I have a theme or subject and all of my dresses in the theme come together – the colors, the fabrics, the design and overall look. Fawzia also makes made-to-order dresses on the requests of her long line of clientele. “Some women come with special requests for wedding or special occasions. I feel satisfied when a woman gets what she wants. A woman needs to feel special and my dresses make her feel just that.” “My designs are not for the Saudi women alone but for women across the globe. That's how I work and that has made my women in own country respect me for my work.” With clientele of the FOZ line boasting of many rich and famous women including members of the Royal family of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, it is no surprise that her work is getting her rave reviews in the world of European fashion as well. “I need more money to actually go to Europe to showcase my designs. I will in the near future” For now, with numerous fashion shows in Bahrain, Lebanon, Dubai, not to mention Rome, Fawzia is busy turning her business into a huge success. “I am inspired by anything that is good and beautiful. I am a romantic, for me delicious food on my plate, nice perfume that I smell across the room, swaying trees on a windy day - everyday things inspire my work.” With two boutiques - one in Al-Khobar and the other in Manama, Bahrain boasting of more than 120 artisans from around the globe, she is all set to open another boutique in Al-Gosaibi village, Al-Khobar next month. “My goal is to make my line FOZ a global name in fashion,” she says. Has it been hard to break away from the traditional role of a Saudi wife and mother to get into a workplace as unconventional as this? Pat comes the reply, “It is always difficult to start something new, to go somewhere very few people you know have gone. But it is difficult for the first few days, maybe first few months and few years. There is certainly a way beyond all the difficulties and hurdles. I think I am the perfect example of that”. Fawzia Al-Nafea is an inspiration to budding Saudi fashion designers who are yet to prove themselves in the cutthroat world of fashion. “Budding designers should take up the challenge of putting in hard work, always learning and dreaming and slowly their dreams will come true,” she says. She says that success in any field- fashion or otherwise is never easy. “It is a lot of work – day and night, day after day. You have to be patient, keep working and in the end your work will speak for itself.” __
