5 Careers, 5 Women, 5 Questions...Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah

Noor Mubarak Al-Sabah: AlOthman Fashion Director

1) What is something you love about your current position and what is something you loathe?

I absolutely love the fast pace and constant change and surprises that happen in fashion. Every few months there are new collections to view, new trends to work, and new designers to discover. It makes day to day work always interesting without being predictable.

I loathe the brash competition between clients over dresses. I’m sure it happens all over the world, but in Kuwait, it gets extremely competitive as to who wears which piece first, sometimes I just want to tell them- “Hey, its just a dress.”

2) Where do you get your wonderful sense of style from, who inspires you?

My style is a true result of my mood and state of mind. When I am feeling sexy, I’ll wear a femme fatale silhouette, when I’m feeling troubled I’ll layer several pieces over each other to distract from my mind, and if I’m feeling playful I’ll be a little daring with my clothes and try something new.

Having said that, I still do have some style icons such as Anna Dello Russo, Bianca Jagger, and Sophia Loren.

3) What is your favorite weekend ritual, do you do anything outside of work during the week?

I love to workout; it really relieves my stress. Trying anything from biking, running, kayaking, or boxing. I love being on the sea, on boats just cruising. But I will admit, nothing beats lazing with a fantastic film, sushi, and ice cream.

4) Why did you choose the career you did; who would you love to meet one day (has that person indirectly influenced your career choices)?  

I always loved fashion, since I was a little girl I’ve been sketching gowns and shoes. I also grew up in a household with one very fashionable mother and four sisters, so it seemed somewhat inevitable. I never really thought I would find this position in Kuwait, but it turns out that there is so much potential here as it is yet an unsaturated market.

I would love to meet the late Isabella Blow as she was so essential with discovering talents such as Alexander McQueen and Philip Treacy. She also seemed to have a dynamic personality with both glamour and terror that took over her fabulous hat wearing head that led her to suicide. When will there be a film about her?

5) What is one piece of advice you would give to friends/readers who are struggling in their careers?

I am blessed to be working in the industry that energizes and excites me, but still there are days when I feel overwhelmed. My best advice is to always remind yourself of your goals and dreams; this will keep you going on and on. Also, remember that you are your own best tool, so look fabulous, be driven, be courageous, and take risks. People will admire you for your accomplishments and you will take a lead among others.