Two years ago Rana Zeyada left her home in Cairo, Egypt to chase a long time dream in Los Angeles. The fashionista had hoped to pursue an education in fashion design, but found herself learning so much more on live sets and by working with professionals. She landed the role of wardrobe assistant for Camp X Ray, a motion picture staring Kristen Stewart that explores a friendship of a Guantanamo Bay prisoner and soldier, and now, as she says, “the world is my oyster.”

Zeyada has always played dress up, and as a child was encouraged by her mother who used to help her tailor outfits for her dolls, and taught her how to successfully thrift and vintage shop. When she started working Zeyada saved all year to invest in traveling trips to scour vintage spots world wide for inspiration in unusual mixes. She created a style for herself that is influenced mainly by old cinema and theater. She is a huge advocate of thrifting, recycling and even making your own pieces, as long as it is inspiring to the wearer.

“I believe each woman should develop and evolve their own style and not follow mainstream fashion and become brainwashed,” she said. “Wear what suits your body and lifestyle. Avoid branded trends, it’s a hoax!”

In 2012 Zeyada landed in Los Angeles for the first time to explore schools and possibilities to pursue her dream. She landed a short term gig as a children’s theater costume designer, and became acutely aware of her unique approach to fashion. She decided to start a blog that was far beyond any girly fashion blogs. Her husband Hassan Said, an award winning photographer and filmmaker, started shooting pictures of her amazing ensembles and her blog ‘El Fabricator’ was born.

Now a resident of the beach town of Venice, California, Zeyada’s blog is reflective of a comfortable style with a statement. She boldly pairs prints with polka dots to create a bohemian look that is brought to the present with a white blouse. Vintage black blazers are brought back to life with Levi’s jeans and a Michael Kors bag. Most often, you will find her in 40s and 50s dresses, and 70s bohemian pieces. No matter what era her inspiration is from, her styles are bound to turn heads of all ages.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Being able to advocate my style and inspire with a different sense as I get inspired every day.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently very focused on getting my blog off the ground in addition to designing and developing wardrobes for a couple of films that will be shot in the US and abroad.

What do you find most different about life inside and outside the Arab world?

I guess it’s the lack of diversity in the Arab world vs. meeting people from all walks of life who are trying to thrive and succeed together.

What do you find most different about work inside and outside the Arab world?

To put it in a simple perspective, if I were to start a fashion career in Egypt it would take a lifetime and more. In California I am finding hands-on experiences and I’m learning from welcoming professionals with years of experience in the industry.

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Egypt.

Where is most of your family?

Egypt.

What were the circumstances under which you/your family left your home country?

I left because I wanted to study fashion, and there is no major industry for it in Egypt, so I flew to Los Angeles.

Where else have you lived?

Nowhere else.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

The beach town life.

What is the worst thing about where you live?

Not having my family around for when I am down and need the support.

Where will you eventually retire?

It’s too early to decide. The world is my oyster!

Finish this sentence: In a year from now I will be…

Managing a successful blog that will inspire and connect with independent women all over the world.

Finish this sentence: When I die, I will…

Well….I’ll be gone.

To get in touch with Rana email her at elfabricatorblog@gmail.com or visit her blog at www.elfabricator.blogspot.com. Keep up to date with her news on Instagram @ranazeyada and Twitter @Elfabricatorblg.