Celebrating 10 years in the industry, multicultural designer Faiza Bugessa shares her minimalist Dubai headquarters
Photo: Rohit Sabu
Faiza Bouguessa, an Algerian-French fashion designer who has lived in the United Arab Emirates for almost 20 years, is influenced by her multicultural upbringing. “Algeria has deep ties to my heritage and France has a great influence on my cultural perspective. The United Arab Emirates is my home and I want to make a meaningful contribution and travel creatively. It represents an exciting future that we hope to continue,” she says. The owner and creative director of Bugessa prefers to work from her office in Bugessa, located in Dubai's Her Design District.
The designer credits her love of fashion to the women in her family and her understanding of different types of art. “My grandmother played a vital role in my practical education, teaching me how to sew and knit from an early age.As a teenager, I knew I wanted to be a designer and had a strong interest in fashion myself. “My mother started buying me fashion magazines. I used to look through them,” she says. Her upbringing in France also influenced her love of style, which is an important part of French culture.
While Bugessa considers her workspace to be cluttered, most people would find it tidy. Thoughtfully structured into individual zones, it seamlessly combines functionality and beauty. “On one side is my personal office, an open workspace, a workshop dedicated to sampling my work and processing orders from the atelier, and a conference room. On the other side is a carefully selected lounge area and showroom. Yes,” says the designer. The space was designed by Italian architecture firm Open Projects to reflect the brand's minimalist, modern design philosophy.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
The offices in Bugessa will not only be used to display new collections, but also to host private events and viewing parties. “We are creating an environment that feels like a second home to visitors,” says the designer. Notable pieces include a striking black ottoman by Emirati artist Latifa Saeed, the Wassily chair by Marcel Breuer, and the modular sofa On the Rocks by Edra. The open floor plan extends to the office and features sharp lines, mid-century modern furniture, and contemporary art. His 1927 B32 Marcel Breuer chair is installed in the conference room, creating a nostalgic contrast. Her private office, with its AR Cordemeijer Cleopatra daybed and vintage Italian leather chairs, offers a glimpse into her passion for art and design. “This space allows brand lovers to be fully immersed in an intimate experience, allowing them to explore and shop the collection in a personalized environment, deepening their understanding of the brand and its core design values. It goes deeper,” Bugessa says.
Playing Deep Focus music is an important part of Bugessa's daily routine at the office. “We find that this particular type of music improves concentration and creates an environment suitable for deep work,” says the founder. For Bugessa, inspiration tends to be most evident at night. “The stillness of the night encourages unfiltered thinking and allows my mind to wander and explore.”
Photo: Rohit Sabu
She draws much of her inspiration from art, architecture, and design. “I often say that I read images, whether they are objects or photographs. The rich visual tapestry serves as a constant source of creativity and innovation in my design process.” She also says, I'm also inspired by my team and my customers. “I have an amazing team that pushes me forward and their presence brings out the best in me. Additionally, my amazing customers serve as a great source of inspiration. Their guidance, feedback, and my The way they experiment with my designs all contributes to the creative energy that fuels my work, especially when I see how my designs increase their confidence,” says Bugessa. Masu.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
A typical day begins with an hour of mindfulness. “I sit in a coffee shop and write in my journal, meditate, and focus on myself while drinking coffee. This gives me time to transition from being a mother to being a leader. ” she says. The day continues in the designer's workspace, where she checks emails, prioritizes tasks, and leads dedicated work sessions and collaborative meetings with her team. Her day ends with setting priorities for the next day.
Photo: Rohit Sabu
Bugessa releases collections four times a year that incorporate the highest quality materials to ensure the durability and superior quality of its products, while maintaining a forward-thinking approach to design and sustainability. “We focus on creating clothes that are simple, comfortable, timeless, and fit perfectly into any woman's wardrobe.” I envision myself not just dressing up beautifully, but feeling like my true self. “I want to be remembered as someone who contributed to the empowerment of women through clothing that goes beyond trends and celebrates women's individuality. Ultimately, I want to be remembered for the positive impact and inclusivity I brought to the industry. I hope it stays,” she says.
Originally published in Vogue Arabia April 2024 issue