Turning 24

In a bit less than 57 hours ago I turned 24. Looking back at it I realized what a great and hectic year I had gone through and since It has been a while since I last updated you about my life. I decided  you guys need an update highlighting the events and obstacles I faced.

This time last year I was packing and getting ready to move to Dubai to set up my own fashion brand, in the creative community called Dubai Design District or shortened as D3. D3 is a new area in Dubai incentivizing regional and global creatives to be part of the growing creative sector in the region. With my brand in mind, I was in the hunt for a space that I could call my very own atelier.

The first few months of the year were quite hectic, with setting up the company, paperworks, and obtaining my residency here in the UAE. Due to the fact that Dubai Design District – D3 is a new area we were waiting for the buildings to finish for us to walk in and create the interior fit-outs, and decorate. As of the 1st of December 2015 we can officially say we are almost there. The fit-outs are complete and all we need is a few movable partitions, life size paintings made by moi and a fitting room curtain (which I have custom ordered, which will be made out of pure camel leather) for us to officially make it our home.

While preparing for our store and creating my first collection. I got the great opportunity of being offered a space in a regional fashion event based here in Dubai called Fashion Forward. It was such a great opportunity to hold my own presentation to showcase my own wearable art pieces.

Driving home from work on my birthday made me realize how many countries I have moved from in the past 4 years. I celebrated my birthday this year in Dubai (where I currently live), the year before in Jordan (as I was visiting my family), the year before I celebrated it in Milan, and the year before that in Washington D.C. Moreover, it showed me how I had a vision and how I am currently working towards it. A year ago I was completely in the dark unsure of what was going to happen. I can’t wait to see what this year has hidden for me.

Love,

Zaid

P.S. I am sitting on my desk in the atelier typing this out. Can’t help but wait for you to come and visit.