REEMA AL BANNA IS USING THIS TIME TO RE-EVALUATE HER PRIORITIES

Reema Al Banna, the designer behind the contemporary kaleidoscope that is the brand Reemami, reveals why quarantine is the best thing to ever happen to her chess game.

How are you finding the transition to a new way of working/life?
This pandemic has truly changed everything. It slowed us down, the fashion world needed that to be honest, we never had a chance ot take a breath and re-evaluate, it’s always been go go go. The transition has been difficult, but necessary. All my employees have been working from home, the communication part through video calling has been a challenge. However, I’ve learnt to look at the silver lining, I’ve connected more with family, and I’ve learnt how to enjoy being at home all day, of course all by having a daily routine, which includes working out, breathing and taking strolls. Something struck me the other day on how clear they sky has become, I’ve grown up here in the UAE and I’ve never seen skies clearer. We can actually see the stars!

What have been the biggest challenges?
Communicating with my team, and my suppliers, missing the world and being out there.

What’s been the most pleasant surprise?
The connections we created with my family. I’m usually in and out of the house, but this has got us closer together. I’m working on improving my chess skills, so that’s a plus!

What are your hopes for the future?
I hope that this pandemic will end soon and that it won’t result in a lot of losses.

What message do you have for Grazia readers?
We’re in this together, stay safe, stay home, create a routine, adapt and try to make the most out of this situation!

Photos: Courtesy of Reema Al Banna