(MENAFN- Arab News) The buzz of high-end fashion is making waves nowhere but in the Middle East region as it emerges as the next biggie when it comes to driving both creativity and commerce associated with it. It's no wonder then that there is no dearth of creative newcomers joining the industry on a daily basis and turning things around in their own high-powered style.
One such game changer is a Lebanese-born Dubai-based designer Roula Ghalayini whose designed bags are very much at the core of women's impeccable taste for fashion in this part of the world as well as in the overseas market. And hopefully should be so for their uniqueness! After all they instantly resonate with her clientele's individuality.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News we meet the beautiful designer to find out what actually drove her to design bags and much more.
She wanted to design handbags because of a particular reason that fitted in well with what she believed in. 'Accessories are among the few fashion elements that are not prone to malaise arising from any sort of prejudice. They can be worn and enjoyed by women irrespective of their height age or waistline. They also transcend cultural sensitivities and traditions' she says.
It has been an extraordinary journey for her from getting a bachelor degree in graphic design with distinction from the American University of Beirut to taking a series of courses with Esmod and London College of Fashion. 'My degree taught me that design really is a way of life. In one statement it taught me the art of looking at things sideways. On a more practical level it shed light on the basic principles and tools that distinguish great design from mediocre design' she points out.
Roula began her career working for a globally famous advertising agency Leo Burnett where she was the art director. During her stint at the firm she worked creatively upon creating corporate identities leading her to eventually map out holistic image campaigns that went on to win awards in advertising festivals such as Cannes Golden Drum and Epica. After five years of creating and building brands in a non-stop way many of which were fashion related she realized it's time to have something of her own. That's how everything got going.
She announced the launch of her brand 'Poupee Couture' in 2007 which has enjoyed fantastic success as well as amassed a loyal following across the region and internationally ever since. In 2012 in recognition of its huge popularity Poupee Couture was featured in Vogue magazine in their 100 Best Bags list where it came in at number 14 in between Saint Laurent and Stella McCartney. From then on the brand officially became the 1st Arab accessories brand to make it to that title.
However she deliberately wanted it to resonate with women everywhere so she gave it a new lease of life with a vivacious name 'Rula Galayini' which has more of an edgy vibe to it.
'Over the years I have evolved as a designer and my designs have also evolved. I felt that whilst Poupee Couture was very much inspired by the modern Arab woman I also wanted to design for a more international audience. Poupee Couture is still very much a part of me and my brand with a whole new name today' explains Roula.
Rula's beginnings stem from her native Lebanon where she unearthed and redefined the country's artisanal roots using the signature Oriental and Arabesque latticework that adorns the surface of historical structures.
One can't help but feel utterly mesmerized after taking a look at the elegant curves of the clutches. They are inspired accessories with a real life edge. Rula Galayini is a reflection of the woman who wears it: strong edgy and sensual; a power-bag and a contemporary statement piece. Her collections are designed for the everyday routine yet tailored for the surprises that one never expects. With its playful metal work buttery leathers streamlined geometric designs and contrasting colors her bags are as distinct and remarkable as the women who carry them.
In fact all great works have inspiring anecdotes behind them that play a pivotal role in their completion to say the least. And her designs too are heavily influenced by three major factors; art architecture and nature. She draws inspiration from Lebanon's bounty of natural wonders and rich millennia-old artistic heritage that have continued to arouse the creativity and genius of prominent artists across the centuries.
But she likes to put it this way 'Inspiration can come from anywhere even from the most mundane things. I generally like to begin by questioning the status quo and challenging the existing chain in hopes of coming up with something quite fresh and unprecedented.'
Essentially she uses a combination of premium quality genuine leathers and gold plated brass hardware in the making of bags. In addition wood serves as a framework for many of her clutches.
Eventually color is an essential factor of her design. 'It can really make or break your piece. I feel one of my signature traits is the usage of color in my designs that appeal to my customers' she says.
Her enviable creations are the favorites among crowned heads from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They have also been featured on the American TV hit series 'The Carrie Diaries'. Other celebrities who have been spotted carrying Rula Galayini bags include Rocsi Diaz Jo Whiley Carmen Lily the Saturdays (pop group) and numerous regional and international bloggers.
She doesn't support the notion of favoritism as to who wears what from her eclectic collections. 'Each RG bag is an extension of the woman who wears it and brings it to life in her own individual way. I simply don't have any favorites when it comes to celebs carrying or putting their faith in my bags' she states clearly.
The differences that existed in the past between Arab women and their Western counterparts in terms of what types of bags they prefer for themselves are no longer applicable. Traditionally Arab women were thought to have extravagant taste and only buy into items that are over the top. Those times however are changing now. They are becoming increasingly well-traveled and exposed which is in turn empowering them to create their own distinctive styles similar to their Western counterparts. The shopping trends between Eastern and Western markets are becoming increasingly blurred. When an item is well designed it has universal appeal.
'I design for the modern woman who is strong outspoken and is determined to break through the glass ceiling. Her demographic is simply a detail' she says.
When all is said and done this second chance she got to re-launch her brand became all the way possible through crowdfunding. She chose this procedure because it shows credibility and confidence on the entrepreneur's behalf about the potential of the company. Crowdfunding involves accepting donations for an idea but then not necessarily being accountable for it. 'I wanted to convey the message that I had a clear business plan and was dedicated to the growth of my business. Being there to be held accountable is one way to give investors confidence. And likewise by giving investors a share of the company you gain mutual interest and they become dedicated to facilitating or accelerating the growth of the business you are in' she reveals.
But it wasn't easy for her to take this decision. Believe it or not it's always difficult to share or give up a part of something so dear to you let alone something that is your own creation. 'But a smart entrepreneur should never get too emotional about their business as ironically that may even stunt their growth. I knew that having a smaller part of something great would by far be better than having the entirety of something good' explains Roula.
Perhaps this bold move emanated from her high regard for Richard Branson as a perfect role model.
'He is my entrepreneurial star. He is full of such admirable determination and courage that it naturally comes to him as he achieves his somewhat extravagant ambitions. In addition to this he also makes sure that he really enjoys the overriding process along the way. Branson is someone who knows the mantra to enjoy life to the fullest whilst creating a fantastic legacy for himself' she says.
In the coming months and years she would like to expand her brand combined with a mission to diversify it also. 'I am a firm believer that to do something well one needs to focus at least in the foundation years. For now my attention is on handbags and occasionally accessories. In the near future I envision creating a long awaited collection of bags for men too' she says.

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