DUBAI: French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa, founder of the celebrity-loved fashion label The Bouguessa, has dropped her Spring/Summer 2024 collection.  

The designs celebrate contemporary fashion, merging minimalist aesthetics with striking colors. 

“This collection embodies simplicity and vibrancy in perfect harmony,” the designer told Arab News. “The focus on quality craftsmanship and sophistication ensures a timeless aesthetic and modern feminine elegance.” 

The color palette features camels, nutshells, pinks and sky blue. With a versatile range of indoor and outdoor pieces, the collection offers looks that can be worn separately or combined. 

The designer explained that her design philosophy revolves around creating classic, timeless pieces that can be worn during the day and at night and work for a variety of occasions. 

The development process of her collections is shaped by a variety of inspirations, she said.  

“Sometimes it’s the fabric I start with, other times it’s an era or an artistic discipline,” Bouguessa said. “However, regardless of the initial influence, most of my designs naturally blend with each other and can easily be converted from daytime or work outfits to evening looks with (a few) accessories.”  

While aesthetics are, obviously, important, the designer emphasized that her and her team’s main concerns when developing any collection are “comfort and wearability.” 

“I like to think that my designs make women feel confident and strong while being able to be worn during days on the go,” she said. “I also design for myself, and there is not a style (in my collection) that I would not wear. 

“We also aimed to infuse the lineup with powerful and visually striking styles,” she added.  “Take, for instance, the Rafael prints, which exemplify this balance, as well as the thoughtfully distributed color palette throughout the collection. I tried to reimagine some of our signature pieces and classic silhouettes, injecting them with a fresh sense of modernity through cuts and color choices.” 

Bouguessa also discussed her dual upbringing, saying that she embraces positive aspects from both France and Algeria. 

France, she said, has influenced her cultural and technical understanding of fashion. “(The) fashion weeks are always closely covered by the media, and various documentaries about designers and fashion houses are aired during that time on television,” she added.  

Meanwhile, Algeria provides her with a deep connection to her heritage. “It is my roots, the warmth of my family,” she said. “And many Algerians will tell you about our extremely strong connection with the land.  

“My Algerian background translates differently from my French background,” she continued. “It is a little more subtle — through details or choices of fabric. The French touch is more obvious through the cuts and silhouettes. However, none of it is intentional, I believe these elements will always appear effortlessly in our work, as they are part of our identity.” 

Bouguessa’s brand has garnered support from several celebrities, with the first being Beyonce, who commissioned an abaya from the label in 2015. “It was quite a moment,” the designer recalled. In 2017, the singer wore an emerald velvet Bouguessa gown to a charity fundraiser. The dress quickly sold out.  

The label has since been endorsed by numerous A-listers, including Eva Longoria, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Jessica Alba, Melissa McCarthy, and Kelly Rutherford, as well as esteemed royals such as Jordan’s Queen Rania and Saudi Arabia’s Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. 

Bouguessa emphasized her desire to be “remembered as someone who contributed to empowering women through clothing that goes beyond trends. I hope to be remembered for the positive influence and inclusivity I brought to the industry.”