Nationality: Kuwaiti of Palestinian origins
Diploma: Double major in Economics & Finance
Star sign: Leo
Job: The founder and chief designer for the Lebanon-based bags’ label AILA, which was founded in March 2008.
What is AILA?
Fun, stylish bags made of rare skins, with the needs of modern women taken into consideration. The thought process that goes into my bags deals very much with aesthetics, comfort and practicality.
AILA means?
Its my favourite name and its meaning (coming from a strong force) in so many ways represents my ideals and beliefs.
Why bags?
I’m an addict, I love bags and I always used to find something missing in a design or something could be done differently, so it started out as a hobby yet here I am today selling all over the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Your best selling bag?
The Bow bag, which was my first design yet I am constantly amazed at how much demand it generates.
AILA’s biggest market?
Kuwait.
The in-colour right now?
Camel.
Your city of inspiration?
A split between LA, because it is so cutting edge with never a dull moment, and Paris because its romantic and I love how the French make a big deal out of the simplest things!
Shopping for bags or designing bags?
Shopping of course - it’s rewarding minus the hard work and anxiety [laughs].
Your favourite non-AILA bag?
I love so many bags, they’re my obsession but it would have to be the Hermès Birken, I even have a collection of them.
Life changing moment?
When my husband proposed to me! He is my rock, my best friend and my biggest critic all in one. He is so supportive of my career.
5 years from now: housewife or in vogue designer?
[Checks whereabouts of her husband] Designer for sure, it’s been a dream of mine since I was a child and I am now fulfilling it! Besides I’m still very young [laughs].
What’s in your bag?
My Blackberry, lipstick and agenda as well as my husband’s wallet, his car keys, his pills, oh and some wet-naps.
ALIA bags are available for sale at Cream (Beirut), Brown Booteek (Kuwait), Mosaic (Kuwait), Yazi (Manama), Boudoir (Doha), Vibe (Riyadh), Sauce (Abu Dhabi & Dubai) and Boutique Muscat (Muscat). Further distribution in Belgium, Sierra Leone and Syria is imminent.
