Nadine Mustafa Meeting Alanoud Badr, the media platform meteorite, is like meeting the queen of a little empire. In truth, it’s really not a little empire. This elite fashion designer and impeccable stylist has gone from blogosphere to fashion superstardom, collaborating with the world’s greatest companies and commanding a combined following of over a million followers. The Saudi-Lebanese influencer based in Dubai, UAE does it all; she is the founder and fashion designer behind the label ‘Lady Fozaza’, a fashion expert, and a sensational TV persona. Women of all ages look up to her and her never-ending desire to inspire others to pursue their aspirations and achieve success and serenity. We couldn’t help but to seize the chance upon her visit to Egypt and have an intimate convo on her journey, recent collaborations, and ontake on fashion along with her personal style – Read on!
A real pleasure having you back in Egypt, we would like to take it from the get-go, what events in your life helped you choose fashion designing as a career?
Thank you, it’s such a pleasure being back in Egypt. Always such great energy and vibe. It’s not so much an event or occasion that helped me choose fashion. Passion waits for no events. It’s born with you and waits till you’re ready to bring it out into the world. I’ve always played with fashion. And fashion to me is a universal unspoken language that brings the world so much closer to each other as well as helps introduce yourself before you speak. It’s so powerful when you realize its powers and use them wisely.
Who or what are your inspirations for creating your ready-to-wear blazer designs?
Growing up I’ve always felt that blazers are the forgotten accessory in one’s wardrobe. It’s always been misunderstood and underestimated. So I wanted to give it the right platform and rebrand it in the eyes of many as something you can wear over and over again in different ways and that can last for years.
From your perspective, what are the most critical aspects of the fashion industry nowadays?
It’s so fast-paced and it’s also super easy to repeat and copy. This is why it’s important to not only stand out but to create a signature look with the brand that will help people point it out without seeing the label. They say you know you’ve made it when you don’t have to introduce yourself, the same goes for fashion and labels. We also need to remember that fashion tends to always come back in style so it’s important to invest in key pieces and not over the shop to help not only the environment but help guide the future for sustainable fashion.
You collaborated with many illustrious elite brands; however, Miss L’ is considered to be the most recent paramount. What do you think you brought to the label and what did it add to you?
My journey with jewelry design started with the mother company L’azurde. I wanted to create a more modern and accessible twist to their original line, I had the designs and they have one of the best manufacturers of diamond and gold in the region so it felt like a great match. I wanted to design and they wanted to appeal to the current and younger generation. I can safely say we hit the jackpot for four years now as I continue the journey with Miss L’, a label created by L’azurde to make sure those who want to enjoy buying jewelry can at an affordable price without jeopardizing the quality. Everyone deserves a little diamond in their lives ♥️
Can you tell us more about the latest collection for Miss L’?
Unlock your dreams is a continuation of a series of collections we started over the last couple of years. What makes a design iconic and bestselling is the right mixture between purity and modernity, and the Unlock your Dreams collection achieves just that!. The lock means a lot to me and it is the key element of the collection with its highly symbolic value, it is like an invitation to unlock dreams and fulfill goals. Part of the story is to always reach for the stars, surround yourself with your tribe of support, and finally unlock your true potential without fear. I wanted to give people the ability to make it personal with a lock that opens to hang whatever charms speak to you and that would help you remember your true potential ♥️ jewelry has always been a personal thing to everyone so I wanted to give it a more personal touch by allowing them to take part in creating the story they want.
So, how to unlock your dreams with this collection?
It all starts with a lock, modern, simply designed yet filled with the hope of dreams waiting to be fulfilled. Available in varying sizes and ornaments, it is meticulously made out of polished yellow or white gold, and comes in two versions: functional to which the amazing charms of the collection can be added for a personal touch that tells the story of its owner, and a non-functional version as the epitome of simplicity. Super feminine, some locks are paved with diamonds for extra preciousness. As pretty as it is, the lock won’t be completed without a chain, many chains are available to enable the wearer to customize the necklace in her unique special way. And to complete the look, matching bracelets, rings and earrings are presented along with the prettiest charms inspired by the beauty of stars, moons, and dreams.
How do you choose the brands you collaborate with?
I always look at the values and principles of a brand and see if they match mine. I also always like to work with brands that don’t mind taking risks and who love to grow and explore. Because that’s what life is all about …
What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
I’m currently into sneakers a lot, always a big fan of jeans but this summer I’m bringing out the ripped jeans and the unique ones like miumiu’s latest collab with Levi’s. I also love some summer neons and ice-cream pastels.
How do you think your design styles have changed over your career?
It’s definitely evolved but hasn’t changed much, I’ve always had a signature style with my jeans and blazers but also my style is very boho chic with a Little Rock n roll. So I think it just elevated itself in terms of brands than anything else as I grew older.
You have manifested a healthy lifestyle when it comes to self-love, how do you think one could reach a level of self-sufficiency and peace?
Self-love, I have a lot of respect for my body. I take care of it as well as my skin because it’s something you have for life, you can’t go buy yourself a new body. You only have one. I’ve always been a firm believer that it’s what you eat and drink that makes a difference to what you look like or feel like.
After your significant partake in Trending on MBC4, do you have any upcoming shows or media projects?
I was on ‘Trending’ on Mbc4 for 2 years. One of the best experiences that have opened my eyes a lot more towards the tv industry, that I found out I love being on. As for future projects, I can’t say yet but something is definitely cooking, so stay tuned.
Rapid-Fire Questions:
Favorite fashion magazine?
ELLE UK
Celebrity crush?
Jason Monao
Runway? or street-style?
Street style for sure
Heels? or Flats?
Both
Name your Top 3 favorite bands.
Isabel Marant, IRO, Dior
Favorite makeup or skincare product?
I don’t have a favorite. I have a favorite from so many.
