Name: Nada Abuzaid
Place of birth: England
Current residence: London, Dubai and Jamaica

I grew up in Kent, on the same street as fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. I had a very alternative British Arab upbringing because my parents were very open minded. They raised me to be a citizen of the world and we have close friends and relatives from a diverse range of countries, religions and cultures. I see myself as a proud internationalist.

Hair: Alero May, Photography: Desmond Murray, Stylist: Shatha Aka Muse, Dress: Venom Couture, Model: Samir Hashi

I am the founder and head designer of Venom Couture, a seductive and elegant label where I create Swarovski embellished red carpet gowns, bridal wear, ready to wear, stage bikini’s and the most recent addition the ‘gleeve’ (a combined leather glove and sleeve). My favourite service is designing custom made garments for my clients, I get my inspiration from their beauty and the various shapes and sizes they come in.

Gleeve styled by Rusana Rahman

I started designing custom made pieces when I was 16. My first piece was a jewelled bikini which was worn by Miss Universe Fitness 2000 and appeared on Euro Sport. I decided to obtain my bachelor in Fashion and Business and when I graduated I interned at an established couture house in Dubai. In Dubai I was able to build a client base of Saudi princesses and when I traveled to New York and London I gained a few celebrity clients.

ITV newsreader Charlene White at the Screen Nation Awards 2011

In my style books it’s never too early to wear evening-wear. Who says a couture gown should only be seen at night. Sometimes I wear a tiara with my jeans; it’s not against the law!

I’ve traveled to many countries but my most memorable trip was Jamaica. I was invited to appear on a TV show called Mission Catwalk which is the Jamaican version of Project Runway. I was a guest judge on episode 9 and the talented Jamaican designers I met were a great inspiration.

Dubai is my favourite city because I love its stylish culture. I worked for a top atelier called Arushi where all the aristocrats and royals have their couture gowns custom made and elaborately embellished.

But I do love the streets of London because it’s like a live catwalk.

I’m a strong, driven and ambitious woman and I feel lucky to be liberated because most women in the world don’t have that freedom. I believe women have the capability to be mothers, wives and world leaders all at the same time.

I am Complexd because Cleopatra has always been my inspiration. In essence I often feel like the reincarnation of her, when I read about her I feel like I am reading about myself.

See more of Nada’s designs here