Nazzy Belgari is a designer who doesn’t follow any rulebook.
The Abu Dhabi-based designer has become known for her one-of-a-kind kaftans and reversible coats, all exuding a slew of different colours and patterns.
Nazzy is known to utilise the ikat method, which is an ancient technique of weaving textiles where lengths of raw, undyed yarn are bundled and tied to prevent colour from penetrating the thread. The Iranian designer principally uses this technique from master weavers in Uzbekistan, as well as India, Japan and Thailand.
Her designs have not only been adorned by many from the region, including those from royal families from the gulf countries, but also by notable artists and tastemakers such as Isabella Rossellini, Tilda Swinton, Hend Sabri, and Martin Scorsese.
The designer is set to showcase her designs in Paris next month at the Asia NOW art fair. Ahead of her appearance in the French capital, Nazzy sits down with us as part of GRAZIA’s Career Edit.
My current role is…
NB: Sourcing rare hand loomed and heritage textiles, designing classic pieces that are not about disposable trends, but about timeless style.
When I was younger I wanted to be…
A gallery owner or a journalist.
My favourite subject at school was…
NB: There was no single subject but a few, such as literature, art and history.
My first job was…
NB: A part-time journalist, as I was studying journalism in Washington DC.
My career path so far has been…
NB: Accidental.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
NB: Facilitating. When I was setting up the company back in 2012, I looked into registering the company in New York which proved to be time consuming and costly. I set up the company in the UAE in just a day.
I was inspired to enter into the fashion space because…
NB: My grandmother collected textiles and I grew up surrounded by colour. My love of textiles has guided me and led me on the path I’m taking now.
My daily routine consists of…
NB: Yoga or any form of excersise, working and brainstorming with my talented and experienced team of artisans, consulting with my suppliers in Asia or traveling to Asian countries, researching new designs of embroidery and textiles and of course staying in direct touch with our clients.
My role as CEO & Designer entails…
NB: Being involved in every aspect of our creativity, from research and tailoring to packaging in a sustainable way.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
NB: Is the demand for “a new collection”. People always ask what is new. And we explain that if there are new beautiful hand loomed textiles, there will naturally be new designs.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
NB: To be recognized not only as a fashion designer, but as an artist.
A quote I live by is…
NB: When you plan, God laughs.
