Let’s just say that juggling between home and career is precisely that – coordinating between two completely separate entities of life, being careful not to drop either. Lebanese-born Zayan Ghandour, and her two partners, Fatima and Dina are managing the circus act and flourishing at the same time. The trio are advocates of “mixing not matching” for both clothes and accessories – evident in their boutique.
S*uce first opened up its doors in February 2004 in Dubai. Months later, other S*uce boutiques began sprouting out in the Emirates. The initial plan according to Ghandour, was to “inject a sense of girly fun into shopping and make the whole experience of buying clothes and accessories more personalised and unique to each client.” S*uce is precisely that, a venue where women from all over the Gulf and Middle East can go to find out about the latest in fashion and living in style.
The funky atmosphere of the various S*uce locations give the whole shopping experience a third dimension. Ghandour adds that shopping there is not about choosing the items you need to see hung in your closet, like a little black number, but rather “What you really, really want. Nothing about fashion is serious,” Ghandour states, rather seriously for that matter.
So just who can shop at S*uce? “All age groups, girls from 7 to 77,” Ghandour enthusiastically confirms. Their client base is “young-at-heart, love colour and have a passion for anything unique.” Need proof? Ghandour’s favourite song, ‘You are My Sunshine’, should suffice. Having a great sense of humour and not fearing standing out in a crowd are plus points when choosing between the one-off items that this store carries.
The latest trends from global fashion hubs – New York, Paris, Milan, London and occasionally Brazil – are fused together in the crispy-coloured store atmosphere. The brands S*uce carries, range from the up and coming designer trends to the big names in the market. Phillip Lim, Anna Sui, Cacharel, ESSA and Tsumori Chisato are just a bunch of the variety the boutiques offer. “We also carry several diffusion lines such as MCQ, Anglomania and See by Chloe, as well as one–off limited edition pieces by local designers.”
The case with Ghandour, head buyer of S*uce, is that the stores come second, as she is the mother of twins. Her annual itinerary looks like a chaotic pink muddle signed with an asterix, from travelling to international trade shows, ensuring S*uce is getting the attention it deserves, and of course, the little ones. “It’s not easy, but not impossible either. It helps when you are centred and focused on what you do.”
She also had much to say on other notable women in the Gulf. “There are many opportunities for women in the Gulf as it is. Most women are educated and do extremely well for themselves. A great example would be Sheikha Lubna [UAE’s Minister of Economy and Planning], who has achieved so much in the UAE.”
Her busy schedule meant that the interview was drawing closer to an end, leaving us on this note, “Between buying, sourcing, overseeing branding and consulting with all the local designers, I barely have time for myself. I believe if you are going to do something, make sure you do it right and to the best of your abilities, and that takes time.”
And now, she returns to the one place in the world she longs to be: “At home with my daughters,” who are her biggest source of pride and joy.
From Dawn until Dawn:
7am – 2pm: The Kick Start
Meetings at the office are followed by lunch. Not many activities ensue during the day, but she patiently awaits her yoga session at night. She sometimes runs errands for the S*uce, if not, she delegates, unless its urgent.
3pm – 7pm: Playful Afternoons
Ghandour finds herself in the office until 5 or 6pm everyday, then she goes back to her most prized possessions, her daughters. They go to the beach or park and just play. She admits that she only sees her friends and family for dinners, and catching up on the phone isn’t much of an option as she always misses her calls.
8pm – 12am: Unwind
“I do yoga, then read or catch up with my husband.”
Ghandour’s two cent’s on…
Hero: “Not to sound cliché, but I believe everyone is a hero in their own right.”
Luxury: “A lifestyle.”
Passion: “A necessity.”
Favourite brand: “Ever changing.”
Favourite piece of clothing: “I have too many favourites. It would be unfair to select just one. Right now it is a vintage purple lace dress I found on a recent trip to Paris.”
Women and independence: “Something that should be seen as a given, not highlighted as an accomplishment.”
Future plans: Watch this space.
Free time: “Either relaxing at home, or practising yoga, or painting with my daughters.”
