Flair Magazine Having launched her brand only one year ago, Mariam Daoud has already succeeded in dazzling us with her creativity and the fresh, unique spirit she brings to the Egyptian haute couture market. Don’t believe us? Take a look at her stunning evening gowns. We talked to her about her latest SS19 collection and how she first started on her road to success.
When did you decide to take on fashion designing as a career?
I actually started drawing illustrations at a very early age. After school, I was searching for a fashion design school, but unfortunately I didn’t find one in Egypt so I resorted to the next best thing aligned to my dream. I graduated from the faculty of fine arts in decor of theatre, cinema and the TV department. This is when I got the chance to start designing theatre and dramatic costumes. After that, I decided to learn more about pattern making, draping, styling and embroidery through workshops and online courses so I can start my own project.
At what point did you feel you were ready to start making your own line?
After taking many courses and feeling that I’ve learned quite a lot about everything in the field. I also observed famous fashion designers to learn about their careers, how they started and what they faced and so on. I would look at Alexander McQueen, for example, Dolce and Gabbana, Balmain, and from the Middle East, Zuhair Murad. Then, making a research on the market helped me figure out what the customers need exactly, and I found the best Egyptian workers to work with, who can provide a very high quality of finishing, which can match the standard of international brands.
What is the story behind your Dove SS19 collection?
As usual, before every collection I look for a main theme. For this season, I decided to choose doves as my inspiration because I find in them freedom, purity and simplicity. This came with a limited color palette of white, black, off-white, grey and gold, but I felt that each color had a different appeal and presented different layers of beauty.
Would you describe to us your favorite pieces from the collection?
I can’t ever pick just one piece since all of them are my creations and carry my spirit. I feel like they are all my babies.
Did you face any challenges in the design process?
There is the everyday challenge to improve quality and finishing so that I can surpass customer expectations. That’s what I care about the most.
We also love your previous collection. Tell us about the theme behind it.
My FW18/19 collection is inspired by the renaissance era – an era of discoveries and creativity. For me, it represents the clever combination of romance and relevance. This collection was created to reflect the eternal beauty of a strong and individual woman who likes to appear different and unique. It’s modern, yet has a classic touch.
Where are the most random places you find inspiration?
Travel is the best way to find inspiration. Before my first collection, I had visited some places in Europe and that’s how I was inspired by the renaissance era.
What drove your decision to start designing suits for men?
I’m all about art and challenge…the first suit I designed was an artistic collaboration project, which was for the actor Sherif Hafez to wear for a photo shoot. I got very good feedback on that suit, and that’s why I decided it is not my last so stay tuned to see more in my next collection!
What are your plans for the future of your brand?
My plan is to succeed both locally and internationally. My dream is that every woman who wears MD gowns feels unique and wonderful.
How would you describe your personal everyday style?
I usually go for the casual look and pick rather comfortable pieces, as I tend to spend most of my days in the workshop monitoring all the work process and details.
Where do you see the Egyptian fashion scene in a few years?
If we continue in the same direction we’re going, I’m guessing we will establish an exceptional spot in the international fashion industry.
By Sarah Guirguis
