Biography

Early Life & Beginnings

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Zayan Ghandour's innate talent for storytelling through design was evident from the start. Her career in fashion began modestly but impactfully with a limited edition t-shirt line. This initial venture quickly gained notoriety amongst editors and buyers alike, signaling the arrival of a fresh, creative voice in the region.

The Birth of Sauce

In 2004, Zayan co-founded Sauce (s*uce), a multi-brand concept boutique that would go on to redefine retail in the Middle East. Starting in a small beachside strip mall in Dubai called The Village, Sauce broke away from the convention of mega-malls and international luxury brands. It offered something different: a curated, quirky, and highly personal shopping experience.

As Creative Director and Head Buyer, Zayan oversaw the expansion of Sauce into a retail empire with 9 boutiques at its peak. She introduced new concepts including Sauce Rocks (jewelry), Saucette (childrenswear), and Sauce by the Sea, positioning the brand in the UAE's most prestigious 5-star hotels and resorts.

Zayan the Label

Following the immense success of Sauce, Zayan turned her creative energy towards her own eponymous brand. Zayan the Label debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2011 to critical and commercial acclaim. The brand, known for its playful yet sophisticated aesthetic, seamlessly blends contemporary style with timeless charm.

Drawing inspiration from her twin daughters, Zayan's vision is prevalent in every collection. The label opened its first standalone store in Dubai and is distributed internationally, including at prestigious department stores like Bloomingdale's and Harvey Nichols.

A Creative Visionary

Beyond her own brands, Zayan is a mastermind behind Wonder, a concept that encapsulates her passion for design, innovation, and thoughtful creativity. Her influence extends far beyond retail; she is a dedicated advocate for fostering creativity and entrepreneurship in the region.

Zayan has single-handedly promoted and sold the collections of many young and previously unknown local and regional talents, launching careers and contributing significantly to the Middle East's thriving creative ecosystem.