The Egyptian, Dubai-based fashion designer has carved out her niche in the world of fashion. Her creations have been gracing the red carpets for the past few years.

Halim initially wanted to study film directing but later pursued fashion design, embarking on a journey that drew inspiration from nature and women's power.

Ahram Online: How did your journey in fashion begin?

Marmar Halim: I have always been passionate about drawing and fashion since childhood. I had my own world and imagination, which was nurtured early on.

I graduated from a French school and developed a tendency to stand out and renew my style. I was always drawn to unconventional designs.

As I grew older, I dreamed of studying film direction. Then, I decided to study fashion design.

AO: How do you view the challenges facing the fashion industry in Egypt, and did you intentionally choose to move to Dubai to continue your career there?

MH: The challenges of the fashion industry in Egypt include the lack of quality materials, specialized labour, and infrastructure to support the industry.

Egypt has many talented fashion designers who need support. They are eager to prove their talent without expecting much financial gain.

I did not plan to move to Dubai, but my husband transferred there for work, and I came with him. After that, I decided to continue my journey in fashion there.

AO: What moments bring you the most pride and joy in your work? Who has been your main support throughout your fashion journey?

MH: I feel immense pride when I see that my talent has contributed to someone's livelihood. I also feel joy when I help the people working with me. I am fortunate to have a highly professional team.

My two families have been my main supporters in my journey. The first family is my own. I am a mother of four children, and I always do my best to be a mother they can be proud of.

The second family is my team, whom I completely trust. I rely on their opinions and believe that no one can succeed alone.

AO: How do you draw inspiration for your designs, and what truly inspires you?

MH: I draw inspiration from nature — the sea, trees, and more. Women, especially their personalities, inspire me greatly.

I love a woman with an independent character and self-confidence. For me, it is crucial that a woman expresses the design through her own personality. I like to have a point of connection with the wearer of the piece, discussing the design with her until we reach a point where both of us feel satisfied.

I do not like to impose my ideas, but I do love to execute the design in my own way to ensure that I am happy with the final product that comes from my fashion house.

AO: Who is your role model in the fashion world?

MH: I admire Elsa Schiaparelli, and Elie Saab is my ultimate role model in fashion. Apart from being one of the most famous designers in the world, I respect him deeply as a person.

He treats people with humility and sophistication, and I have witnessed this personally. He started when there was no internet or social media, and his success is the result of great effort.

AO: What is your favourite colour, and how do you approach colours in your designs?

MH: I prefer wearing black in my daily life. When I design, the first thing I think about is the colour board.

I have reached a point where I can blend colours to create a unique, non-traditional shade.

AO: What advice would you give to young designers just starting out in the fashion world?

MH: My advice is to be determined and persistent until you reach your goal, especially in the face of life's challenges.

AO: What are your upcoming projects, and how do you see the future of fashion?

MH: I am preparing a new collection that will be presented in January in Paris.

As for the future of fashion, I believe that what we now call "fast fashion" will decrease in the near future. I predict that people will return to the past when women owned a precious dress that could be worn several times.