Anika's Times: Anika Bozic Al-Sarraj

L'Officiel Arabia: When and how did you decide to become a content creator?

Anika Bozic Al-Sarraj: It was a mix of certain circumstances, my interests, talents and education. Since the earliest age, I was showing interest in various arts. I was always interested in writing and drawing, as well in acting and playing music. My parents supported those interests by signing me up to music schools and modern ballet classes. After I graduated journalism, I did my masters at Fashion Institute Marangoni.  In parallel to my schooling, at the age of 16, my modeling career began. At one point of my life, everything came together. I believe that we don’t necessarily have to label ourselves. All those job titles complement each other. The experience from one field could complement new ideas in another.

LOA: Who has inspired you the most in your life?  Tell us about your family? How do they influence your career?

ABA: One of my biggest living inspirations is my sister-in-law Dima Rashid, founder of Dima Jewelry, listed by Forbes as one of the top rising jewelry brands in the Middle East. Each piece of fine jewelry is meant to last forever, to be inherited and has so many stories to tell. I like this emotional connection and being part in the creation of those never-ending stories. On those basis, FMBM fine jewelry concept was born. Even though, esthetical point of view is more edgy and contemporary, but timeless at the same time. FMBM stands for “For Me By Me” and FMBM collections can be personalized according to the taste and desire while using our elements and capturing FMBM identity.

LOA: Tell us more about your Middle East lineage? Have you been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?

ABA: Middle East is all about contrasts; exotic and contemporary, lavish and modest, forward and traditional. In my fantasies, I always wanted to live the Middle Eastern dream, but at the end I fell in love with the reality. After almost 10 years between living and visiting various Middle Eastern countries, I have excellent knowledge about the culture and the traditions. I made friends with so many inspirational people and I feel very strong attachment to the entire region.

LOA: Tell us more about your inspiration behind just launched Huitième women’s wear brand, already worn by celebrities.

ABA: Nowadays, nothing is about the dress and everything is about the lifestyle that you could have in the dress. My vision for Huitième is to create and inspire unforgettable experience, the aim that every brand would ultimately want to achieve. Asymmetrical silhouettes are emphasizing the concept of duality and fulfilment of all the roles for the contemporary women.

When I talk about the influence, it has to be fully integrated and on various levels.

I am proud to be women and through my collections, I want to make all women feel that way. There is no better time to be a woman than nowadays!

LOA: What's next for Anika? 

ABA: More important than the final goal is the journey.  My ideas and desires might change, but the demand for happiness is permanent.  The idea of me inspiring others through my work makes me happy and content. This is what my journey is all about.