Inspired by gold, glitter and diamonds, Dina Ayesh’s stunning debut collection of gowns redefines glamour. There’s a touch of the free-spirited flower power era in her magical, softly flowing dresses, combined with a serious dose of high-powered style. Ayesh’s dresses are liberating, playful and whimsical. And with their striking colour combinations, liberal use of gold and intricate embroidery, they’re not for the faint-hearted!
How did you venture into design?
I always dreamt of launching a career in fashion but having two children and being a hands-on-mum made it difficult to find the time. I actually started designing a long time ago, but only for myself. I used to design all the evening gowns I wore at weddings and everyone would always ask me where I got my dress from. I finally took the initiative last March, after another friend’s wedding, when everyone told me that I should start using my talent. I decided it was time!
How would you describe your label?
It’s about glamour, rather than just dresses. To me, each dress is a piece of art; it’s unique. That’s why I don’t repeat the same dress twice. I want each woman to be distinctive and special. I always try to make alterations to each dress, either with different colour combinations, stones or embroidery. It’s like putting yourself into a sea of colour and trying to come out with a different combination of hues every time.
What’s the theme of your collection?
Summer nights – sparkling, shining, colourful and bright.
What do you have in mind when you design?
I try to consider that not all women have perfect bodies. The dresses I make hide certain imperfections or flaws, so the final result should make the wearer look and feel fabulous.
What inspires you and how do you translate your inspirations into design?
Glitter, gold and diamonds! Travel has also been a big inspiration. The more places you see, the more you broaden your horizons. I’m also an avid reader and books often inspire me. I read a book about Anthony and Cleopatra recently, and it described a Pharaonic dancing scene with fairy-like women wearing golden flowing dresses, so I imagined what they must have looked like. Because I didn’t study fashion, I try to envision instead. I also rely on my intuition when it comes to choosing fabrics for a design. I never know ahead what I will be doing with a certain fabric when I buy it – my inspiration comes spontaneously!
What’s your philosophy?
“Live today like there is no tomorrow.”
Who’s your favourite style icon in the Middle East and on the international fashion scene?
Queen Rania of Jordan is my favourite style icon. She is so elegant and graceful and she is always careful about the choices she makes as an Arab monarch. And as I’m half Palestinian, she makes me very proud. My favourite jewellery designer is Dima Rashid. I admire her perseverance to achieve international success. The way she uses gold and stones is exquisite, making her designs the perfect complement to mine. As for style icons, I have to say Janan Shihadeh. She’s a beautiful woman with amazing confidence and taste. Both of them are my muses. You don’t have to look abroad to find real style icons, we have a handful here!
How would you describe the Dina Ayesh woman?
An ultra-confident woman who feels like she is the queen of the night. Lively, glamorous and stands out in any crowd.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I would love to see my signature label ‘ Dina Ayesh Night’ in Avenue Montaigne in Paris, right next to Dior!