We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Samia Yousif ("SY").

Samia Yousif, designer of the modern collection Samia Yousif, was born and raised in Geneva, Switzerland and began her journey studying business. Holding a Master’s degree in International Business from an International Business School in London, a Bachelor’s degree in Business with emphasis in Business Management from Webster University in Geneva, and an International Baccalaureate from the International School of Geneva, it's no wonder that Samia decided to go into business for herself. But why fashion? “As a child my mother used to always make dresses for me and I was always around her when she was doing her process,” Samia recounts. “She would take my measurements, I would help cut the patterns and sometimes even choose the fabric. Come high school graduation she wanted to buy me a new dress. But I asked her if she would mind sewing me one. So I drew her the design, we both went to choose the fabric and with her guidance I understood which fabrics went together and which didn’t. For my graduation, I was wearing a dress that I had designed.” Speaking of being part of the MTV EMAs, Samia says “It's more than an honor. But I don’t think I've taken it all in, still. I grew up in the MTV generation. It was a family affair; we never missed a music award show, used to even tape them as we watched. Never had I thought I would be a part of it! It’s just amazing.” And now the likes of Beyonce and Lady Gaga have Samia Yousif pieces in their closets. A dream indeed.

Samia Yousif Designs

We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Samia Yousif.

Designer Interview of Samia Yousif:

DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

SY : Since I was a little girl I have been designing clothes, my first creation was for my high school graduation, where I designed a dress especially for that occasion. After many years in the corporate world, I was inspired to start my brand to help women to achieve greatness without losing their style and femininity in the process.

DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

SY : The Samia Yousif brand is an upscale, unique and stylish women's online clothing boutique, created in 2013, Geneva Switzerland. Comfort, functionality and timeless looks are the key elements to the high-fashion inspired collections, working in a wide range of color pallets and fabrics as well as design style line. The collections are made up of structured and feminine separates as well as suits and dresses. The Samia Yousif brand understands that all clothing is a form of self-expression, allowing women to differentiate themselves.

DI: What is "design" for you?

SY : I aspire to inspire people. Which is what I think art and design are, as they start from nothing, a blank canvas, like an invitation to release what is inside each and one of us. It is a pure expression of the soul that creates a bond between the artist and the audience, by which the latter can learn and be inspired too within his/her own interpretation.

DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?

SY : Dresses, Suits, blouses, separates for women.

DI: What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

SY : Alia silk dress. It is very feminine and delicate.

DI: What was the first thing you designed for a company?

SY : Alia dress.

DI: What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

SY : Silk and wool.

DI: When do you feel the most creative?

SY : Early mornings or very late at night. Usually when i'm very tired and daydreaming.

DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

SY : How it would fit on a womans body.

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

SY : Pensiveness and serenity

DI: What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

SY : joy and excitement

DI: What makes a design successful?

SY : To me there is no right or wrong in design and by definition the design is successful if you’ve taken it from concept to completion. But at the end of the day if the design 'speaks' to people then it is successful.

DI: When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

SY : Originality, functionality and finishing.

DI: From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

SY : Every designers responsibility is to improve human well-being and livelihood and thus should think about the consequences and meaning behind every project - how it will impact the society and the environment.

DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

SY : 2016 - New York City/USA; NYFW - Show case-Fashion Against Bullying

DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

SY : From my corporate work experience. I mix and match the clothes and wear them in different manners and then suddenly an idea pops in my mind for a new design.

DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

SY : Pretty structured and fitted designs on the more formal designs and very flowy for more of the casual designs.

DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

SY : Switzerland.

DI: How do you work with companies?

SY : Via email and phone as they are mainly internationally located.

DI: What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

SY : A designer has to have a passion for what he/she does.

DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

SY : Keep going no matter what!

DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?

SY : Every design has to have a purpose.

DI: What skills are most important for a designer?

SY : Imagination and patience

DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

SY : Everything starts with a blank piece of paper and pencil.

DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

SY : I always have clear set goals for each day, by order of priority and i make sure to leave some down time for anything that comes up unexpectedly.

DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

SY : 4-6 months depending on the complexity of the design.

DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

SY : Where i get my inspiration?

DI: What was your most important job experience?

SY : Approving and improving the samples once they were ready, before approving them for production.

DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

SY : Fashion design. I love to draw and working with fabric.

DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?

SY : The brand gaining further recognition and open a boutique in Geneva so the designs can be brought to life locally

DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

SY : I develop the designs myself.

DI: How can people contact you?

SY : samia@samiayousif.com