Quickly becoming the talk of town, Farida Temraz; founder and manager of the Egyptian haute-couture brand Temraza, has certainly secured herself a spot among the world’s most famous designers.
Starting with London Fashion Week and then Paris Fashion Week, the 24-year-old fashion designer has recently made it to the biggest event of the year; the Oscars as three of her designs were worn during the Academy Awards’ highly-prestigious events.
After being interviewed on BBC Arabic to discuss Temraza’s International Fashion Evolution, the super talented fashion creator opens up to Magnificent about her passions and dreams.
What’s the story behind Temraza and your passion for fashion?
Fashion has always been my passion. I’ve always been drawn to creating evening and wedding gowns on paper. So I decided to start my own brand and launched Temraza four years ago. Seeking global exposure, I presented my portfolio to London Fashion Week. Then I joined Paris Fashion week where I received the 1st Place Award. Later, I made it to Los Anglos Fashion Week where celebrities started to recognize and admire my designs.
Three of your designs had made it to the Oscars this year. Tell us more about that: the plan, procedures and celebs.
To my pleasure my pieces were worn by many celebrities including Laura Marano and Laura Bell Bundy at the SAG Awards. Then at The Oscars Temraza was the choice of T.V. star Sharna Burgess from Dancing With The Stars, Hollywood actress and beauty blogger Teni Panosian, and reality show star and E! Entertaiment host Morgan Stewart. My plan isn’t to pitch for business with celebs. I plan to work on myself, renew my creations and work with those who like and appreciate my brand. I dream of changing the world’s perception of Egyptian Haute-Couture and to prove that our couture can make it to all prestigious ceremonies and fashion weeks.
During your career path, have you studied fashion?
I studied vintage fashion and body shapes and what suits each and every body shape . I traveled to the USA and London to study in colleges there, but definitely I acquired my experience from practical life.
Do you think Egyptian designers have what it takes to own the red carpet in world-class events?
Any designer with desire, creativity and passion; and who is determined to pursue that passion, is able to do it regardless of his or her nationality.
Who’s your favorite Arabian designer on the red carpet?
Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab. I Love them both!
Which celeb do you nominate for the best-dressed award?
I do like many designs, but the one I like the most for being untraditional and sort of telling the story “of my life” is the white Temraza dress worn by Teni Panosian at Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Oscar Viewing Party. The dress includes 20 thousand pearls of embroidered drawings that are so close to my heart. I can’t help but to be biased to this one.
What are your plans to go from here?
I will proceed with my world tour till I reach my dream of becoming a global brand.
Trendy is tricky, what are your top tips for an elegant look?
My top tip is that it’s not about being trendy! Do what fits your body shape and skin tone. Do what fits you and complements your personality. If you feel good, everyone will see it and feel it. You have to feel good about what you’re wearing; that the way the story goes.
What is your favorite fashion trend right now?
My favourite fashion trend now is Stories of Embroidery. I am creating fabrics of certain embroideries. Each piece of embroidery has its own story which I create, draw and design in-house at Temraza. My latest collection that I crated 8 months ago was full of this new style of embroidery and now it’s trending all over the world.
Who’s your favourite fashionista of all time?
Aliaa El Esseily and Mariam Yehia, I adore their styles in terms of Egyptian ladies.
Finally, how can ladies get their hands on your designs?
My designs are very reachable for any lady who is looking for creative, artistic and fitting designs. I don’t copy-paste designs. I create pieces that flatter body shape and skin tone of each lady; whether she’s veiled or not. Temraza is currently available in Cairo, Paris, California and soon in more places worldwide.
We congratulate you Temraza on such big achievement and wish you bigger and bigger stories of success.
Interviewed by Ghada Sakr
Editorial Assistant: Sally Mahmoud