Fashion Forward Day 1: Ayesha Depala rolls out ready-to-wear

UAE - Dubai - Mar 08 - 2012: Ayesha Depala, UAE based fashion designer, pose for a portrait at her boutique at Jumeirah Village Mall. ( Jaime Puebla - The National Newspaper )

Ayesha, is FFWD any different for you this year? From my experience of the first season, I think it's superseded my expectations. They've learned from Season 1 and matured from it. The Garden is a new idea that they've brought to Fashion Forward which is great for young, fresh talent – great for accessory designers. Of course, all the buyers will be walking through The Garden's doors, so for me personally, it's a great addition this year.

As you say, it's a great place for new talent – but you're already firmly established as a couturier. So, what made you take a stall and not do a runway show? Well, this season, we wanted to specifically be in The Garden because we're launching our ready-to-wear line. It's real prêt-a-porter, with prices starting from around Dh400-450. We wanted to show it to our [existing] clients but also take the opportunity to introduce the brand to new ones. For example, those who might shy away from walking into the boutique because they think it's only about couture. So, we thought this presence would be very helpful in that way, and that's why we're here this season.

Your stall in The Garden is awash with dentelle, chiffon and pearl embellished RTW pieces. Is that the signature of your new line, mirroring your couture? I'll always be very devoted to couture. I love designing eveningwear, although, I don't get to wear it as often as I'd like! I think couture will always be a mainstay of my collections, it's just that this season I'm focusing on RTW and we plan for it to have a very strong influence in the coming seasons.

Ayesha Depala’s boutique: 31, Ground Floor, The Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Phone: [phone]