Ever since she was seven, Heba Wahby was sketching her own designs. She decided to follow her passion for fashion, and became one hundred percent dedicated to being a designer and stylist. We got to talk to the talented Heba Wahby about her journey as a young aspiring Egyptian fashion designer, and she even gave us some fashion tips. Check out what she had to say.
1. Firstly, tell us more about yourself, and your educational background?
My name is Heba Wahby. l was born and raised in Egypt. At an early age, I was exposed to a rich, long history of art, multiculturalism and breathtaking ingenuity. Since l was little, I started showing signs of creativity. While other children were drawing the sun, rainbows and stick men, l was drawing dresses and jewelry, and wearing my own handmade designs (dresses, skirts, earrings and necklaces) I have been creative and obsessed with fashion since l was a kid.
I am also very fond of sports. l was a professional swimmer in the Egyptian national team for five years and participated in a lot of competitions all over the world. I finished my bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business. I got married to my high school sweetheart and moved with him to Canada two years ago and started taking fashion courses and working in an immigration office at the same time.
2. How did you know that fashion is your thing?
When l was a kid, l was obsessed with mixing fabrics, colors and textiles. Other kids used to read comics, l used to save for fashion magazines (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar), which were really expensive for a kid! I started drawing and designing dresses when l was seven, started cutting and transforming my clothes when l was 10 then l started wearing my own designs when l was 15.
3. Are you a shoes or bags girl?
I love shoes, especially high heels. My collection includes all the colors of the rainbow and much more. But my real obsession is fashion jewelry and accessories, l just love long chandelier earrings, huge statement necklaces, double rings and bracelets.
4. Who are some of your favorite designers?
Some of my favorite designers are Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavali, Elie Saab, Versace and Zuhair Murad. They all have one thing in common, which is showing women’s femininity in all their designs and l truly love that. I also love Givenchy, Gucci, Marchesa and Dsquared.
5. How long have you been working as a designer?
I have been designing and drawing all my life because it’s simply my hobby. l started professionally working in the fashion industry in 2010 in a music video as a wardrobe stylist. l designed all the outfits for the artist and models and the video was played several times on Melody Hits and Mazzika.
6. How do you prepare for a fashion shoot?
When I am preparing for a fashion shoot, first l decide on the theme and outfits. Then l start casting models, fitting sessions, scouting locations, booking photographers, hair stylist and makeup artist. .
7. Where do you get your inspiration?
I can find inspiration anywhere: nature’s colors, scenes, people and animals.
8. What are some of your favorite fashion websites, magazines, or books?
Style.com, Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle.
9. What are your hopes for the future? Who would you love to work with?
My life goal is to have my own fashion house. l would love to work for Roberto Cavalli, Elie Saab or Versace.
10. So, for this summer, what are the must have pieces that you recommend to us?
Well it’s all about neons and bright colors this summer, maxi chiffon neon skirts, summer dresses with floral prints, neon accessories, colored wedges and clutches. The hottest this summer are the huge multicolored statement necklaces
11. Where can our readers find out more about you and your work?
They can find most of my work on my Facebook page.