One is a designer so famous her business has seen her become a billionaire and voted the 73rd most powerful woman in the world, the other is a stylist supreme and editor extraordinaire, it really was only a matter of time before Tory Burch and Anna Dello Russo – two people who represent strong, empowered women working in fashion today – joined forces.
This month Anna Della Russo and Tory Burch will fly to Qatar for the opening of the Tory Burch boutique in Doha’s Lagoona Mall.
The celebration will begin with a cocktail party at the store on December 9 for Doha’s tastemakers, media and celebrity guests. On the night Anna will share styling tips with the guests as they take a tour of the new space and discover the holiday and resort collections. The following day, she will host private styling sessions with a select group of 10 Qatari women – we couldn’t be more envious.
Anna Dello Russo front row with Derek Blasberg, Liu Wen, Maggie Q and Jessica Alba
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the launch of our boutique in Qatar with Anna Dello Russo. Anna is one of a kind — her style is over the top in the best way possible. Her creative spirit and love of color are truly inspiring.”
To celebrate the exciting launch we asked Anna to interview Tory about feminism, fashion and the future…
Anna Dello Russo: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about being a strong working woman today?
Tory Burch: I don’t believe it should ever be about gender – it should be about the quality of work. As a woman, however, I understand what other women might want and need. My biggest challenge has always been balancing work and my family. It’s something I work on every day.
Related Story: Carine Roitfeld Reveals Her Life Lessons
ADR: When you first launched your brand, did you have a goal to make it a holistic, lifestyle one?
TB: From the beginning, I wanted to build a global, lifestyle brand. I hear that now and I have to laugh because I had no idea what, in fact, that would entail. Our plan was to take our time and open three stores in five years – we opened 17. Now we have more than 160 boutiques globally, which is not something I ever could have imagined when we were starting out.
Related Story: Social Media And Fashion – The Connection
ADR: In the last few years so many things in fashion have changed – from journalists to the designers themselves. What can we expect from Tory Burch and what do you feel like you have left to achieve – if anything?
TB: I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, but there’s still so much more we hope to do. We will continue expanding our global footprint in a careful and strategic way, always maintaining the integrity of our brand. Our foundation is also always part of the equation. We just launched our new website, which is a dynamic source of important information for women entrepreneurs as they start and scale their businesses.
ADR: Speaking of emerging brands and businesses, what advice would you give to a young, aspiring stylist or designer?
TB: It goes without saying that you need to discover your passion and be prepared to work incredibly hard, but I also tell young entrepreneurs to take their time and be patient. Success takes time. How about you?
ADR: The best advice I’ve ever received is to believe in my dreams and never give up. I learned to work hard under Franca Sozzani’s schooling at Vogue, and the advice I’d pass on would be to put effort and passion into your work, but be modest.
TB: What is it about fashion that appeals to you so much? And what do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t in the industry?
ADR: Fashion is evolution and reflects the transformation of society. I love that it’s a never-ending circle. If I wasn’t working in it I’d love to be a hair stylist or perhaps I’d have my own store. I like to sell things!
Anna Della Russo And Tory Burch are heading to Doha to open the new Tory Burch store
ADR: Let’s talk about the new boutique in Qatar – what do you think it is about your brand that speaks to the Middle Eastern customer? And to women around the world?
TB: We’re proud to be an American company, but our inspiration comes from women around the world – from Qatar, from Hong Kong, from Paris, Marrakech and New York. We focus on design and fit – colour, embellishment and easy silhouettes have been part of our DNA since the beginning. We’re thrilled our brand has resonated with women globally. How would you describe Middle Eastern style?
ADR: I like it! I like their passion for fashion and their extreme glamour. I like the fabrics and the colours and the amazing embroideries. I think my style is very close to the Middle Eastern one!
The new Tory Burch boutique can be found in Lagoona Mall, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Read the full Anna Dello Russo and Tory Burch interview in the December issue of Emirates Woman
Interview compiled by Olivia Phillips
