In July 2010, Badr produced a limited edition collection of statement blazers, which since then have been making headlines and gaining the attention of local and international fashionistas.

“If there is one style I can always fall back on it’s the blazer and jeans style — jeans for their never ending story with fashion, and the blazer for its timeless elegance and molding ability,” said Badr. “It is as timeless and addictive as the jeans, if not more at times. It also embarks a statement,” she added.

The designer is one of the most famous fashion figures in Dubai, where she manages to turn heads and camera flashes wherever she goes. Born to a Saudi father and a half Lebanese, half American mother, it took long before Badr used the mix to her advantage.

After a long time flowing international fashion brands, Badr decided it was time for her to express her love for fashion by bringing her own fierce creation, “Lady Fozaza,” to life. She named the brand after a nickname she’d been known for in fashion circles.

“Fozaza is a nickname I used to give to my aunt, who passed away years ago from cancer. Her name was Fawzia and she was everything to me. She was a big fashion influence and a designer in her own right,” said Badr. “My logo says it all: I called my line Lady Fozaza, because she taught me to always be one, and the wings on my logo represent freedom of creativity and expression. The two elephants symbolize family, because elephants are very spiritual creatures and they remain with their families for life – from father to mother to grandfather and grandmother and babysitters,” she added.

Badr never looked to blogging as a job; it was a hobby and a chance to help aspiring designers to be heard and projected. “I love to help upcoming designers reach their goals and dreams. Fashion runs through my veins, but what fuels it is pure passion,” she said. “Blogging has paved the way to my dreams of designing one day what represent my beliefs in fashion. To have your creations come alive is priceless,” she added.

According to Badr, Lady Fozaza will only design blazers, because to her they seem to tell the fashion story very well. “It is my introduction to the world I’ve been in love with for years, but I will come to the body of it all soon with a transition to blazers that will leave everyone waiting for more,” she said. “Fashion is an addiction. It’s like makeup in a way: it should bring out your best features, but should be respected,” she added.

Badr said that blazers were the accessories that everyone seemed to be taking for granted. "A woman who wears Lady Fozaza blazers is confident, fearless and independent, a woman who is at her core,'' she said. "I dare each woman to explore a side of her she's been afraid of. Seek and find you true self,” she added.

Lady Fozaza has no age limit. If a woman can carry it well, then it’s meant to be hers. “I think everyone should know what suits them and at what age, but I do not want to limit my collection, as I truly believe age is nothing but a number. Your spirit is what holds you back,” said Badr.

The materials Lady Fozaza uses depend on the season and include textures from chiffon to silk, from jersey to velvet, and from metallic to sequins. “They all have a story to tell through each person who wears it,” said Badr.

Badr aims for women wearing her blazers to feel powerful, confident, and rulers of fashion. “My blazers are little divas; they demand attention and they get it,” she said. “My signature is in the shoulder pads, which give power and are almost a simulation of wings to take you to your dreams. I think anything is possible if you believe, and I believe we, women, are capable of more than what we set ourselves for, so never sell yourself short,” she added.

Fashion designing in the Gulf is not competitive but rather saturated, according to Badr. “It’s true that anyone can become a fashion designer and create a line, but not everyone can make it. It’s not about cutting a certain fabric or creating a certain clothing item,” said Badr. It’s about much more and as a fashion consultant, I urge anyone who wants to start designing to look deep into herself, because your designs first need to be an extension of you. This way, you develop a signature that will make sure your designs are a walking interpretation of yourself,” she added.

“People need to be able to recognize your designs a mile away and love them for their uniqueness in bringing something much needed into the fashion world,” said Badr.

Lady Fozaza is based online but sells in Bahrain at Blush Boutique and in Kuwait at Walkin Closet. Soon it will also sell in Dubai at a location that will remain a surprise until Dec. 15, so stay tuned.
 
For more information visit www.ladyfozaza.com