Hi my name is Selina Farooqui.
I am 20 years old and am currently in my first year at the French Fashion University Esmod. Having moved to Dubai just recently, I have finally had the opportunity to really see and experience the fascinating and ever growing industry of fashion. 
At the moment I am still discovering what fashion means to me and who I am as a designer. As a student of fashion design I have had the chance to explore, learn, experiment and just be creative with my designs. And now the Swarovski Young Designers Competition has really gotten me a step closer to finding my own unique style and process, and has made one of my dream designs a reality.

The gown I designed and created for the competition is my interpretation of The Art of Intimacy. The dress gives off an aura of warmth, softness, purity and most importantly the feeling of romance and being deeply in love with someone. The gown is decorated with handmade roses, orchids and lilacs, symbolizing passion, delicate beauty and first love. Paying careful attention to detail and creating a symbolic meaning with the embellishments, makes wearing this gown a personal and intimate experience for the bride.  The sunray pleated body of the gown is inspired by waterfalls. Focusing on the idea of purity, as well as privacy, a second layer of white pleats gently flows through as the bride moves. Rows of crystals drip down within the folds of the outer pleats, and their brilliance and shine are hidden and then magically discovered with every step the bride takes into her new life. This is my vision of The Art of Intimacy.