When we last met, Bedour ‘B’ Al-Saleh was a fashion blogger with one eye on the empire. What empire you might ask? The empire she’s been working hard to create, from scratch, using everything she’s learnt from past jobs. BOOM! Now that’s how it’s done. Why? Because “nobody puts baby in a corner.” Well, maybe it wasn’t that easy to be honest. Having worked closely in fashion for several years, Bedour decided that enough was enough. “I was tired of working for other people,” she started, “[I was] basically creating their dream for them when I knew I had better vision – so, that pushed me to take the next leap and build my own dream – instead of being hired to build theirs.” Wise words. Upon visiting Berlin, Bedour fell in love with the city and decided to make it her playground. Armed with her WOLFF Apparel tote (carrying her essentials, plus a little extra) and her trusty beagle by her side, she scours the city, and the world, to bring you the best mid-range market finds.
Bringing her vision to the world via an online boutique, Bedour is living her dream by being a fashion mogul. This vintage loving, obscure-designer collecting, trend visionary believes that there’s a distinct difference between style and money. When it comes to style, Bedour puts it simply, “Style is when you combine high and low with vintage and make your outfit your own.” Words to live by if you ask us. Money on the other hand, is exactly what it seems, designer-clad from head to toe with no personal touches. A beautiful, desirable piece isn’t necessarily an expensive one. Cue in WOLFF Apparel –the one stop shop for trendy and versatile pieces with a timeless essence to them. With none of the pieces labeled in any way (just a mere description will suffice), Bedour says it’s “because I want the clients to focus on the piece, on the way it is styled, and have that speak to them, as opposed to what label it is.” While WOLFF currently curates pieces especially for their shoppers, a WOLFF Apparel label is in the cards and a vintage line is in the works as well. Fingers crossed!
When asked what the online boutique represents, B said it beautifully: “WOLFF Apparel is for females that have a unique eye for fashion, rebels in their own sense, who aren’t intimidated by the new.” With an always-evolving fashion sense, Bedour’s style has taken on a more practical side with styled outfits rather than “costumes” as she had put it. Still, boots and sneakers can never put a damper on her panache. Though we’re not saying that there isn’t a little allure when it comes to certain pieces, Bedour has welcomed her new lifestyle with open arms and well, wardrobe. As she humbly elaborates, “I am my own person, my own individual and my outfits portray that.” With that in mind, WOLFF Apparel is for those seeking style and practicality simultaneously and won’t take no for an answer. Shipping worldwide, you can shop their collection online and enjoy it anywhere in the world.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is that it is me – 100% me. I get to wake up everyday and work for myself. Also, the fact that I feel I am doing what I was meant to do.
What are you working on currently?
I am currently working on getting WOLFF Apparel out there and talked about as it is newly launched. For this week, for instance, a photographer blogger from Berlin recently contacted me and will be shooting an editorial with WOLFF Apparel pieces and doing a cover of WOLFF Apparel and myself.
What do you find most challenging in your line of work?
Everything is challenging. The waiting though, waiting for the business to pick up, is the hardest. Also, the fact that I am doing this alone, from managing, to buying, styling, accounting to the legal aspects of the business. I have so many hats on that I have to put on and take off each day, it gets a little exhausting but it’s all part of the game.
What do you find most different about life inside and outside the Arab world?
Life is simpler outside of the Arab world. Simpler in the sense that everyone just does whatever they want – going about their life, doing their thing. No need for the ostentatious or showy behavior – just be you. Also, I do my own cleaning. Now, THAT is a first.
What do you find most different about work inside and outside the Arab world?
I have worked abroad more than working in the Arab world so it’s a bit difficult to answer that question. In Europe, there is more appreciation.
Where is most of your family?
My whole family is in Kuwait.
What were the circumstances under which you/your family left your home country?
I decided to leave to better myself. To learn and evolve – I always knew I would eventually do my own thing. Kuwait is so young and the fashion scene is young as well – I would be growing with it. I wanted to go somewhere where I was irrelevant and with my hard work, dedication, and creativity become someone relevant and sought after. I did that.
Where else have you lived?
Boston and Istanbul.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
How charming it is.
What is the worst thing about where you live?
No machboos.
Where will you eventually retire?
I don’t know! Goa would be nice, it’s been on my mind for a while now – but that’s a LONG way away.
Finish this sentence: In a year from now I will be…
Still in Berlin and adapting to the fast growing WOLFF Apparel and hopefully one of the top online boutiques in Germany and Kuwait.
Finish this sentence: I am…
Me.
Shop WOLFF Apparel’s incredible looks by visiting www.wolffapparel.com. Or you can connect with them on Instagram @wolffapparel or their Facebook: WOLFF Apparel, or simply email them at hello@wolffapparel.com.
