Nassima is a French fashion designer based in Lanzarote who creates unique pieces, such as her body swimsuits, with completely recycled materials.
In an interview with Ekonomus, she tells how she fell in love with Lanzarote and how the island influences her designs, which under the Zayhan brand, also show influences from the most chic fashion of Paris, where she worked as a fashion photographer and previously, for many years, as an actress. At the end of the conversation, a gallery with her latest collection is included.
- Where are you from?
I am French and I was born on the French Riviera, where my father's family lives, although I have lived many years in Paris, where my mother's family is from.
- Your first contact with the Canary Islands was in Fuerteventura. Isn't that right?
I first visited Fuerteventura in 2018 and in Corralejo I was very surprised by its nature and its tranquility. I felt very calm, I can't explain it well, I felt that that was life.
- And how did you get to Lanzarote?
It was the time of the pandemic and I wanted to go on a trip with my young son. We arrived and I loved it. I fell in love with its minimalism and its aesthetics.
- What did you do before creating fashion garments?
First I was an actress. I started when I was 9 years old and worked in the world of cinema, television and theater for about 15 years.
Then I worked as a photographer and videographer at fashion shows and events.
- What does the word that gives name to your brand, Zahyan, mean?
The origin is Arabic, it means beauty, grace, elegance. I have ancestors from Algeria and Morocco.
- How would you describe your pieces?
I consider them a hymn to independent women, workers, mothers, lovers, business women... who little by little have achieved an important place in society, so that they feel beautiful, recognized and unique.
- There are body swimsuits, pants and skirts, right?
Yes, on the one hand there are the body swimsuits, with lycra ruffles, which are unique pieces, no one else makes this type of design. They are very chic and versatile pieces.
They can be used as a body, to work and wear other clothes on top, and also as a swimsuit to go to the pool or the sea.
The pants and skirts are black, very classic, but mixed with denim fabrics. I mix the chic style of Paris with the elegance and minimalism of Lanzarote.
- What inspires you from Lanzarote?
The mix of black and white, its architecture and its nature, its sand, its volcanoes, its minimalism.
- What kind of materials do you use?
It is all recycled material. It is about upcycling (transformation of materials into products of greater value). Zayhan is part of the Proexca selection of brands that use recycled materials.
I get the fabric in Lanzarote and in the peninsula. It is a very circular fashion, unlike the fast fashion of multinational stores that, to make a pair of jeans for example, need transport of fabrics of more than 60,000 kilometers.
- What colors do you use the most?
They are timeless and elegant colors, associated with luxury. Especially ochre, cream, bronze and black.
- Who are your main clients and how do they acquire your garments?
Especially French clients who buy through the website or my social networks.
- What do customers tell you about the garments?
They tell me that they are very beautiful and very comfortable. The body swimsuits have a very soft stocking-type lining.
- Where is your studio?
In the center of Arrecife.
- Can it be visited?
Of course, if they want to see the private showroom it can be done. They can send me a message through Whatsapp to the number 647359102 and we will organize it so they can come and see the clothes at my house, which is also a store. (Laughs).
- When will you have your next fashion show?
I am waiting for the confirmation of Lanzarote Moda to participate in its next fashion show on the island and also in the one in Fuerteventura, which is usually in June, although there is still no definitive date.
