Interview with Fashion Designer Andrea Benahmed Djilali

Hey there, fashionistas! Have you ever thought about what a fashion designer does? What if they could wave a magical wand and turn old, boring things into super neat, sparkly treasures? 

Picture provided by Andrea Benahmed Djilali

https://andrealdesign.co.uk/

Well, guess what? We found a fashion wizard, and she’s turning fashion design into a magical adventure! ✨🚀

She’s like a superhero for old clothes, turning them into cool, shiny things that make everyone go, “Wow!” 😲🌟💎

Now wait, let me share a funny secret about myself first. Before I became a magical fashion adventurer, I used to love tearing up torn or worn-out clothes. Can you believe it? 👕🔨

I swear, this time it’s true. No, I am not pulling your leg. I can’t even reach that far. I don't even know where you are. 😟😱

I used to turn those old shirts into magical cleaning cloths! It’s like I had a superpower for making everything useful and fabulous. 🧽🧼 

Ok, maybe not everything, or not that fabulous. After a bit, my rag collection grew so enormous that attempting to pluck one out of the cupboard turned into a comical game of ‘dodge the falling fabric frenzy’! 😂🎮💨

Enough with the detour. Let’s get back to this magical fashion designer story! She also has this totally enchanting project called Seaweed Elegance. 🌿✨

Right, seaweed, that wobbling, underwater plant. You had better read on if you want to know what she does to make it fashion fun, fancy, and friendly to our Earth. 🌍💚😍

Ready to join us on this magical fashion adventure? 🤔😮

We’ll find out how she turns boring things into fancy treasures and discover why seaweed is the newest superhero in the fashion world. 👗🌎

Get ready to be amazed, and maybe even get some ideas for your own magical fashion spells! 🚀👑✨

Picture provided by Andrea Benahmed Djilali

What is your name, function and the company you work for?  

Andrea Benahmed Djilali founder of AndReal Design

How old are you?

51

What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be? 

I specialize in transformative projects, notably the Re-Birth Denim initiative. My focus is to spotlight the inherent value within discarded materials, turning what might seem like waste into valuable resources with renewed purpose. 

Through the creation of handmade handbags and accessories, I present a sustainable and stylish collection where clients can discover cohesive pieces all in one place. Repairing leather handbags, to breathe new life into them. 

Additionally, I've embarked on the Seaweed Elegance project, a jewelry collection that showcases the beauty and sustainability of seaweed. This venture, named Seaweed Elegance, embodies my commitment to innovative and eco-friendly design, offering clients a unique and nature-inspired accessory line.

What made you decide to become a Fashion Designer?

Becoming a Fashion Designer was a journey fueled by my love for creating unique clothing. From cutting down my father's leather jacket to crafting skirts from old blankets, each piece told a story. 

I recall the amused looks and questions—a police officer even asked if I was from abroad because of my unconventional skirt. These moments of turning everyday materials into fashion sparked my decision to share my vision as a designer. 

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

Fashion holds great significance for me as it goes beyond mere clothing; it's a form of self-expression and a reflection of individuality. 

I believe that you are what you wear, and the choices we make in fashion directly influence our sense of self. The clothes we choose impact not only how others perceive us but, more importantly, how we feel about ourselves.

For me, the process of creating something unique is akin to a meditation—a serene and introspective journey. It's a form of artistic expression that allows me to translate my thoughts, emotions, and personality into tangible designs. Through fashion, I find a powerful outlet to express myself, to tell a story without uttering a word. 

In my creative process, I use denim as my canvas, painting on it to bring my ideas to life. This unique medium adds a distinctive touch, symbolizing the versatility and durability of my artistic expression.

Picture provided by Andrea Benahmed Djilali

What are your successes, and how did you achieve them?

I've had some exciting moments on this creative journey:

International Art & Design Competition 2018 (Italy): 

Winning felt like a dream! It showed that creativity knows no borders.

2020 Independent Handbag Designer Award (New York): 

Being a finalist was a big deal—it's New York, after all! Handmade bags, making waves internationally.

Veracity Innovation in Fashion Top Designer Award (Fashion Fiesta 2023): 

The latest win for my Re-Birth Denim collection - a recognition of innovation in sustainable fashion.

Behind all this excitement is a lot of hard work and endless hours. 

Big shoutout to my patient family—I can't thank them enough for being my biggest supporters. These wins motivate me to keep pushing boundaries in the world of creative and sustainable fashion!

What’s something you might want to do in the future?

In the future, I'm eager to continue hosting workshops, sharing my passion and expertise with students from diverse backgrounds. The joy of fostering learning and creativity is something I want to sustain.

Additionally, I envision hosting AndReal Fashion shows in collaboration with other brands. The central message will be a powerful one: "We are not competitors; we are each unique." 

I believe in the strength of teamwork, emphasizing that collective efforts lead to success. Supporting new brands is a priority, aiming to guide them and help avoid the challenges I faced in my early days.

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing or jewelry?

Not particularly. When it comes to clothing or jewelry, the brand name isn't a decisive factor for me. I make purchases based on an immediate connection—when an item resonates with me and feels like a perfect match in that moment, that's when I decide to buy. It's more about the personal connection and the love I feel for the piece at that specific time.

Describe your personal style of fashion?

My personal fashion style revolves around unique pieces rather than mass-produced items. I'm not a fan of seeing multiple people on the street wearing the same dress or carrying the same handbag. That's why I intentionally design distinct dresses and handbags, ensuring that each piece stands out and reflects individuality. 

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look? 

My fashion journey led me to a style that's all about elegance, with a sprinkle of gold sparkle and plenty of lace. My favorite aesthetic involves the allure of gold, the shimmer of sparkle, and the timeless beauty of lace—elements that define my signature look. The rococo era serves as a significant inspiration, influencing my design choices and capturing the essence of refined sophistication. 

Picture provided by Andrea Benahmed Djilali

Do you have an influence on other people’s fashion style?

I've had the pleasure of seeing the genuine excitement in people when they discover and wear my designs. There's a unique joy in witnessing someone feel different, confident, and inspired by what they wear. 

It's these moments that affirm the positive influence fashion can have on individual style. So, based on those experiences, I'd say yes, my designs do have an impact on people's fashion choices, and that's something truly special.

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

The best trend, in my eyes, is the shift towards sustainable and mindful fashion. I've noticed the abundance of unused clothes in my wardrobe and asked myself, "Why have these if I never wear them?" This realization led me to embark on upcycling, transforming forgotten pieces into something I'd love to wear.

Working on my upcycling project has become a passion. Why buy new fabric or dresses when there are tons of pieces ready for a creative revival? Upcycling is not just a sustainable path; it's a journey that nurtures a creative mind, promoting a thoughtful and eco-friendly approach to fashion.

What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment?

In my perspective, one of the less favorable trends at the moment is the prevalence of excessive cut-outs on dresses. It seems that, at times, designers may lose the balance, making garments appear more vulgar than stylishly sexy. Striking the right balance in design is crucial to maintaining a sense of sophistication and elegance in fashion.

What kind of fashion advice would you give us?

Invest in versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. This not only maximizes your wardrobe but also allows for diverse and stylish looks.

If you have a beloved dress that's damaged and you're reluctant to part with it, consider consulting an upcycling designer. They can offer creative solutions to salvage and transform the dress into a new, cherished piece, extending its life and sentimental value.

Buy a little black dress has long been hailed as a staple in every fashion-forward woman's wardrobe. Its versatility allows for endless styling possibilities.

Who is your style icon, and why?

Audrey Hepburn is a timeless fashion icon known for her sophisticated, minimalist, and elegant style.

Is there something else you would like to share with us?

If you're a denim lover, it would be my pleasure to create something special for you. Alternatively, if you have a favorite dress or handbag that you'd like to breathe new life into, simply reach out to me. Anything is possible, and I'm here to bring your fashion dreams to reality. 

Picture provided by Andrea Benahmed Djilali

Big thanks to Andrea Benahmed Djilali for tackling those questions! It's a joy for me to discover individuals who have a warm heart for nature. 🌿🌟

"Now, you absolutely, positively, without a doubt, have to take a stroll down memory lane and read my last blog post. Well, okay, maybe not a 'have to,' more like a 'pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top, won't you give it a go?'" 😄📚

https://seadbeady.blogspot.com/2023/10/interview-with-fashion-designer-margo.html

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady) 

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts and receive the next blog posts in your Email inbox  

Follow me on Instagram

Join me in my Facebook group to get more involved, if you want to be in my next gift guide, or just keep in touch 

Want to be on my blog next time?? Want me to review your product?? Just send me a message.

Liked my blog post? Share it with your friends by using the buttons below, or let me know what you think with a comment.