Empowering designs
Since 2016, Dubai-born designer Marina Qureshi has been creating contemporary and sophisticated pieces that evoke international appeal thanks to her experience at Alexander McQueen and Masha Ma.
For SS20, she created a collection perfect for long, sunshine filled days and warm, lively nights. Inspired by all things summer, the rays of the golden sun glistens through the season with vibrant yet pastel hues and feminine silhouettes. It is filled with youthful glamour that has a cross-generational appeal, it’s no surprise that her pieces have hit a mark with Lara Stone, Florence Welch, Amanda Seyfried and Ellie Goulding.
Talk us through the inspiration for your SS20 collection.
The SS20 collection takes inspiration from pink beach in Komodo Island not only in soft pastel colour palette, but also in terms of resort style trend and intricate details like belts with tassels, pebble shape gold buttons, wrap effect and Balloon sleeves.
What is your favourite piece from the range?
The Liz Dress.
What inspired you to launch Marina Qureshi in the first place?
It all came very naturally, I always wanted to do something related to creativity, I was confused between interior and fashion, but eventually set my heart on fashion when I was 15, and enrolled in Esmod at 17.
Talk us through your daily routine
Not glamorous at all, I’ve never been a morning person as I am most creative at night when the world is asleep. Maybe because there are less things to worry about. I start everyday by checking my emails, call the factory as quickly as possible so that I don’t fall back asleep. I lately started working out 3-4 days a week, and always prefer to do it before I start my day. I have never been successful in working out in between or after work.
Once I’m in the shower, I am in work mode and start planning the day ahead and things I have to get done. I love a good breakfast but don’t usually find time, sadly most of the days its cereal and coffee at the office. The majority of my day will be taken up working on fittings contacting fabric suppliers, liaising with the factory. I take a short break, have lunch, check Instagram, and post content. Late afternoon is when I get into momentum to reply to all my emails, paper legal work, shipment and if any out of office work needed to be done.
I use my evenings to spend time having a good cooked meal, Netflix, Instagram and occasionally go to network events to meet new people sharing the same interest. At 3am I get in my creative zone, do the trend research, read Business of Fashion, watch runway shows, learn about new companies and what they have to offer.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Discover your passion, have faith, think positive and don’t give up.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
Rag & Bone, COS, Lululemon, The North Face.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Don’t see it as a race, it’s a journey. Enjoy the ride and don’t be ashamed of growing organically.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Starting up something and getting every aspect of the business in order and embracing failure and recognising opportunities.
Images: Supplied
