BestFan

(BestFan): You only create a limited number of each design. How do you think that affects your line overall, and how have customers responded to that? (Suhaila): What I do is made to measure and the reason I do this is because I don't want to do mass production at this time. Let's say you were going to a big dinner and you know half of Montreal is... going to be there. It's having more control over what I'm doing, and I find having that luxury, and having the woman feel like she has that one beautiful unique piece so she's the only one wearing it. If another woman comes and is going to the same gala and wants to buy a dress from me, I'm going to make sure she's not buying the same fabric. (BestFan): You donate a portion of the proceeds from every collection to charity. What made did you decide to do this? (Suhaila): The goal was if we do something like this, I want it for a purpose too; I don't just want to be designing and making things. So we decided that we would like to open up a school back home for the unfortunate. So we booked out tickets and went travelling, and that's where I saw the fabrics and the suppliers and the people. And the poverty in the world was unbelievable, so it gave me more motivation to do what I had to do, because I knew if I was going to be making money I could put it to another direction as well. I donate 5% of every piece sold. Because at the end of the day, you're not going to take money with you, so if you can have a bit of it to share and to help someone else profit from it, I think that's a really good feeling. (BestFan): You've worked as a buyer, stylist, and a designer. Of all the different sides of the industry you've seen, what are some of the most exciting things you've encountered? (Suhaila): Meeting amazing people. I find everyone is a celebrity. There's a quality in everyone that they're a celebrity. I love every single person I meet. You know they say when you look at a celebrity you're in awe? I'm in awe of everyone.Read More