Meet The Designer: 6 Questions With Marie France Van Damme

If you’re a fashion enthusiast then you have definitely heard about the oh so brilliant designer, Marie France Van Damme.

A Canadian-born, Hong Kong-based fashion designer who entered the world of fashion at a young age and has made a fabulous career out of her passion. She is known for her globally influenced line of luxury resort, swim, and ready-to-wear.

Most of her signature pieces have a touch of hand embroidery and opulent fabrics making every piece from the collection quite exclusive.

Her collection is mainly for busy women who enjoy traveling the world and have a sense of sophisticated style

She has 11 retail stores across the world, one in Dubai Mall too (just FYI) and the brand has expanded into a full Ready-To-Wear collection from morning to evening, city day and night, resort, and beach bridal.

Here are a few Q & A’s with Marie France Damme

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career as a designer?  

I entered the world of fashion at a young age working as an intern during a summer holiday.

The brief interaction with the industry quickly changed my path, i knew then i wanted to pursue a career  in Fashion , I fell in love with the business of fashion.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?

That you need to be very disciplined, dedicated, passionate

If you are not willing to make a  lot of sacrifice, do not go into the fashion business!

What is one thing you look for when interviewing a potential candidate for your company?

Passion.

Passion for the brand, passion for fashion.
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?

Instagram, Facebook — It plays a huge role , not that i am a fan of social media but i understand its outmost importance and its plays an even bigger role in China .

For me social media is about ‘’ to see and to be seen’ , so it is not always obvious for a small  luxury niche collection to find the right angle on instagram or WeChat ,

I still love most the beautiful glossy magazines ( Harpers Arabia is one of my favorite )

What is your favorite part about being a designer?

Traveling and meeting my customers!

I love to interact with my customers ‘fans of the brand’ , i get inspiration from them and their different cultures

It is important to understand the nuances of each market but  like me, my customer travels around the world, she wants to travel light and travel smart , she needs to look good and feel good  from morning to night

We have developed a global presence in , Asia , the United States , and Dubai, I routinely  travel to our stores to meet with our customers and prospective clients by hosting in-store events and informal fashion presentations

A few weeks ago we introduced a small pop-up -lunch event in Dubai at The Mirage Drift Beach Club,  where I had the chance to meet so many great new friends. I opened my first store in The Middle East at The Dubai Mall, just an excuse to visit Dubai more often.

How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes? 

I want them to feel sexy yet chic, confident , glamorous, walk into a room as if they own it!

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