Bazaar Belief: Fidda Al Marzouqi On Her Career-Defining Moment, Role Model And Biggest Regret
The Emirati fashion designer shares her life experiences, and role model…
Fidda is the self-taught Emirati designer behind the successful fashion label Cabochon. She has an impressive resume with a career in public health as a senior health officer for the UAE government. Cabochon caters to a discerning clientele looking for inclusive couture-level pieces that put an emphasis on originality and artistry.
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Career-defining moment?
Fidda Al Marzouqi (FM): Definitely creating my fashion company Cabochon. I come from a medical/scientific background but I’ve always loved design. Be it fashion, interior design or event planning. Working in healthcare satisfied my inquisitive side for understanding science and nature, but launching my fashion company taught me how to take risks and that if you have a natural flair for something, you should go for it – and that definitely fulfils the creative in me.
HBA: Who is your career role model and why?
FM: The greats of the fashion world, they paved the way and taught us that it’s OK to be daring, different and to think outside the box. Beautiful work is timeless, it is always appreciated.
HBA: What life-defining moment changed the way you think about everything?
FM: Covid-19 made us appreciate everything more and count our blessings. It made us re-think our lives and put things into perspective. It highlighted the simple everyday freedoms we didn’t even stop to think about, and how we shouldn’t take anything for granted.
HBA: Biggest regret?
FM: I don’t believe in regret, I believe each decision you take along the path of life takes you to where you are meant to be. A decision for yourself would be based on the best of what you knew at that moment in time.
HBA: What does family mean to you?
FM: Everything. Family means support, love, a sense of belonging and security.
HBA: Who or what feeds your soul?
FM: Meditation, being close to the ocean and nature, or fun times with the people that I love.
HBA: The values you most admire in others?
FM: Perseverance regardless of one’s background and kindness regardless of one’s circumstances.
HBA: What motivates you?
FM: Knowing I am still learning and getting better at doing certain things. To continue to work and improve on myself, and seeing growth in my way of thinking and understanding of life.
HBA: Can we have it all (and what does that mean)?
FM: I’m a Gemini, I have different interests so yes I think we can. Being involved in more than one project simultaneously has been a pattern for most of my life. I believe we can have a career, a business and a family. We can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and make time for ourselves. Balance is key and always prioritise what is important.
HBA: Describe yourself in three words?
FM: Creative, passionate, meticulous
HBA: Which experience in life taught you the most about yourself and why?
FM: I find that challenging times push us to do better, learn more about ourselves and
understand ourselves better. I think that once you start understanding yourself more, you have a better understanding and awareness of your surroundings and of others.
HBA: What would you tell your younger self?
FM: Honey, it’s OK. It’s really NOT that serious!
HBA: The key to success is?
FM: Discipline, dedication, consistency, understanding the details in a simple way, self-love and finding a rhythm that works for you.
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2022 Issue