Zufi Alexander has done it all. She's danced on famous floors for famous faces, modelled for top London companies, graduated from Oxford University and was one of a handful of people selected to work at Christie's auction house.
But the Dubai-born handbag designer decided she'd only made it big when Cate Blanchett was spotted with one of her creations. And that was just the beginning of her success.
Within weeks the list was growing with celebrities including Beyoncé Knowles, Sienna Miller and Gwyneth Paltrow carrying Zufi bags with pride around New York and at prestigious events.
But stars or your average Dubai-shopper alike, 34-year-old Alexander says she still gets tingles up and down her spine when she spots a Zufi number out in the real world.
‘Pinch myself'
Born and raised in Dubai before moving to London at 15, Alexander said: "I sometimes have to pinch myself. I was in the Mall of the Emirates and I nearly fell over my own feet when I saw a lady carrying a bag I designed. I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to it but it's a wonderful feeling nonetheless."
After graduating with a Masters in business from Oxford University, England, Alexander secured a job with Christie's auction house. But it wasn't long before bags had taken over her mind.
She explained: "I would sit in important board meetings in London and my mind would just wander away from me. Before I knew it I would have a page full of sketches of small handbags which I eventually had to accept was my passion. It was actually my boss who one day looked at my doodles on the page and urged me to get into design."
That was a road which didn't prove easy in the beginning, as Alexander searched tirelessly for the perfect team, materials and factory to produce her bags.
She said: "Being an absolute perfectionist did not help in the beginning but it has certainly got me where I am today.
"I eventually found a factory in Italy with top-class standards and I am so pleased with what I am producing each day."
Luxury and extravagance
Alexander knows what extravagance and luxury are first hand. Incorporating these two elements into her handbag collection, through the use of rich colours and exotic textures that exude high fashion, Alexander has created a handbag that appeals to royalty and celebrity alike.
Designed in London and handcrafted in Italy, it is no surprise Alexander's collection was instantly picked up by stores and boutiques around the world, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Intermix, and Harvey Nichols to name a few.
She said: "My family have been my strongest support arm and without them none of this would even be possible. I am so proud of them and they are proud of me."
Alexander attended the Ibn Fini School in Sharjah until the age of 15 and still has many friends in the UAE despite living in London permanently.
She added: "I draw inspiration from the woman who wants to ditch her designer dog for a more contemporary and equally eye-catching handbag!
"My designs are bold and confident with a style of their own which is slightly urban chic, yet glamorous. I use prints from all over the world including crocodile, python and many kinds of leathers. Each bag makes a statement I am proud of."
Alexander is visiting Dubai to research the use of accessories in the region.
She added: "I would love everyone to own a Zufi bag and in order to achieve that goal I have to know what people in the region are looking for. I love coming back to the UAE. It will always feel like home for me."
