Pushing Boundaries: Abby Kheir

L’Officiel Arabia: When and how did you decide to be a fashion designer?

Abby Kheir: Ever since I was a little girl, I used to love flicking through fashion magazines for the latest trends and loved playing dress up, mixing and matching different pieces.

When I was 16, I was working for my dad and across the road was a boutique owned by a super stylish lady. I waited for her every day to walk up to see what she would be wearing. I looked at the store all day long just wanting to be in there and not in my dad’s grocery store. That’s when I knew that I had to have a career in fashion.

LOA: Who has inspired you most in your life?

AK: My father and husband.

I worked with my father from a very young age. Watching him at work was my biggest education on business. No school could have taught me what I learnt from him, and I still learn from him every day.

My husband who built his own company from the ground up is the one that gave me the push to start my dream and believed in me. Without him, I might not have had the courage to take the plunge at such a young age. And until this day, he’s my biggest inspiration and support.

LOA: Tell us more about Abyss by Abby.

AK: The Abyss by Abby girl screams “Confidence and Sexy.” When I design a gown, I envision a sexy powerful woman who is the centre of attention. Abyss by Abby is definitely not for the shy girl, but is for the IT girl who was born to stand out.

 

LOA:  We believe you have a long list of celebrity clientele, could you name a few.

AK: Yes ,Khloe Kardashian, Eva Longoria, Madison Beer, Sofia Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, Becky G, Bebe Rexha have all worn our collection.

LOA: Which has been your most challenging project so far?

AK: Starting l Abyss by Abby Swimwear our bikini line this year has been a bit of a challenge, trying to figure out what works regarding shapes and fabrics, as it is a very different ball game from making dresses. But a challenge is not something I shy away from.

 

LOA: How has your Arab lineage influenced your creations?

AK: It definitely has helped me add class in my designs. Balance is the key. When making a sexy gown you have to be careful not to lose that mysterious appeal. 

LOA: Have you ever been to the UAE? If yes, how was your experience?

AK: Yes, I have and I fell in love immediately. I have always loved visiting Arab countries, feels like home away from home. I would love to spend more time in UAE.

 

LOA: What next for Abby?

AK: I have a big fashion project coming up in July. Which I am so excited about it. You will have to keep up to date with me on my social media platforms to see what it is! Stay tuned!