Scent of success
Yasmin Al Mulla, Emirati designer behind Dubai-based fashion label YNM, has recently collaborated with a luxury fragrance house EX NIHILO on a Dubai Limited Edition scent.
She took inspiration from Dubai’s traditional houses to skyscrapers and gave an edgy and unique olfactory interpretation of her beloved city through FLEUR NARCOTIQUE.
Only 150 bottles have been produced and the scent itself focuses features top notes of Italian bergamot and lychee which is balanced out with peony at the heart and musk at the base.
Below, Yasmin talks us through her inspiration and gives us an isight into her career.
Can you tell us why you wanted to collaborate with EX NIHILO?
We do believe in the same concept when it comes to creating. Both very fond in creating timeless concepts and designs — Ex Nihilo is a brand I relate to, combining all aspects of beauty in a product to create a statement outcome.
What was the inspiration behind the design of the bottle?
Inspired by my beautiful city, and a tribute to my iconic city; my beloved Dubai. I wanted to combine Dubai old versus new in a very contemporary way— The wooden element is formed by the classic old windows, seven lines/louvers representing the UAE’s seven emirates, and the Burj Khalifa’s art deco sketch engraved on the mother of pearl is to highlight Dubai’s urban beauty, astonishing details across the city.
What do you love about Dubai?
The magnificent history of my Dubai, the impressive transformations over the years, astonishing details across the city, and outstanding rapid developments.
What are the key elements of your role as a fashion designer?
Every stage of each collection is essential in a different way and I do take part in all 360 process. Taking up in a newly direction season after season to lit every woman’s heart by each divine fondness. Each stage of the production process is closely and directly monitored: starting with the colour scheme, inspirations, mood-board, procurement and importing international textiles, to hand sketching the entire embellishment patterns, followed by the final hand-stitching process a head of each production period.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I spend the entire morning at the office or running from meeting to another if it’s not being held at our D3’s office, always having exciting things to work on; I think the key to success is to love your job. My gym session usually starts at around 17:30 (I’ve been working out four times a week for the past 10+ years) post that I head home to prepare my dinner; being a health enthusiast I always cook my meals myself — and usually do prefer dinners at home, unless I have other plans then I head directly after getting ready at the gym to the evening plan.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Your education is your strongest tool that no one can take away. Have faith in yourself, create your own path, and believe in achieving your goals by yourself. Women are being supported in way so many levels all over the world, use your chances, and always remember that there is a room for everyone.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
Few of my favourite labels Max Mara, Zimmermann, Reay, The row, Gabriella Hearts, and my personal label YNM— in additional to COS and Zara from high-street labels. As for shoes; Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Aquazzura, Jimmy Choo, Giovanni Rossi, Sergio Rossi, Dior, and the list goes on. I am a huge shoe lover— I believe that adding a statement pair of shoes to a classic outfit can elevate it to a whole new level, and flaunting a minimal pair will compliment your edgy dress beautifully.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
A positive challenge to be specific—launching my debut collection on our own sole online store platform five years ago was extremely challenging, as it was a new platform, launching a modern, minimal, and contemporary take on classical RTW Dubai based labels. However it was phenomenal as were completely sold out in less than a week.
Media: Supplied
