It's no surprise that YASMINE has taken the fashion industry in Egypt by storm. Her innovative designs have left a mark on all fashion enthusiast and are paving her way to the top. I was very fortunate to be able to ask her a few questions about her journey so far, the hardships life dealt her and what it's like to influence the Egyptian fashion industry.
Peaches & Azaleas: Can you tell us what exactly it is you do?
YASMINE: I design and construct 2 collections a year, as well as I have added a new division to the brand; the Couture section.
P & A: When did it all become obvious for you that this is what you wanted to do?
Y: I've always wanted to study and pursue art. After graduating high school, i started to apply for universities in Europe and the US, not necessarily in the field of fashion design, later on when I got my acceptances I decided to go to Paris and study at ESMOD specialising in the field of fashion.
P & A: When did you establish YASMINE?
Y: September 2012
P & A: How long has it taken you to get YASMINE where it is today?
Y: Since the day I launched my first collection about 2 years ago.
P & A: What is the process of designing a garment, starting from the sketch to the finished product?
Y: I do a lot of research first to find an inspiration, then I start doing really fast sketches to interpret the inspiration onto an actual wearable garment. Then after I start researching fabrics and materials, and start doing small samples if something has a specific detail; to be able to know how it will work on the fabric.
P & A: You are an example of how when an Egyptian designer starts a label and puts their all in, they can reach very high places. How hard was it for you to reach the place YASMINE is in right now?
Y: Very hard, I do most of the work alone, from both the business and design part. So I had to be very careful of everything.
P & A: What obstacles were hurdled your way through the journey you were on to establish YASMINE as a well known brand?
Y: A lot, I was surprised by many things. From sewing to PR and management.
But theres always a solution.
P & A: Nowadays, Facebook is littered with wannabe designers who think all it takes to make a name for yourself is a three step process: copy the design of something you already own, buy the fabric, get it manufactured. With all that you've been through with your label, what do you have to say to these designers?
Y: Stop copying other designs! Its not about creating an exact replica of something that has been made before; its about taking what has already been done and altering it and making it your own deign and retain.
P & A: With the fashion industry slowly but surely growing in Egypt, many girls are starting to realise that it is their calling. What words of encouragement do you have for girls who aspire to become successful designers with successful labels like you?
Y: To give it your all, be extremely committed, and don't depend on anyone but yourself and instinct.
P & A: When did you finally know that you had made it in the fashion industry? By that I mean, what event transpired let you know that you were cemented as an icon in the fashion industry?
Y: Well, my first fashion show was very important, its when I realised my hard work didn't go to waste. Then along the way when people started knowing about the brand, an not just my friends, but random people as well.
P & A: Where do you see YASMINE in five years?
Y: Hopefully international.
P &A: Where do you see the Egyptian fashion industry in five to ten years?
Y: Could be an established fashion region.
P &A: Do you believe that Egypt is on it's way to becoming an influential player in the fashion industry? Do Egyptians bring something new to the table that hasn't been brought before?
Y: Every country has a history and something beautiful about it, however its very difficult to become an influential player in the fashion industry, since its not really a fashion forward region.