"Timelessness," Alia says, "is what I want my designs to exude. And, above all, I keep in mind ease and comfort. That's why I came into this industry in the first place - to design and create pieces that I would want to wear myself."

2016 marked the 5th year since the Alia Bastamam brand officially launched, with the first collection presented in April 2011. From there, the Alia Bastamam brand has expanded into the diffusion label Alia B., skewing more focus on the expansive ready-to-wear market. While Alia designs what she feels for her main line, the diffusion label Alia B. is younger and more trend-driven. "They are the same woman," Alia explains, "Alia Bastamam is more womanly and more confident, and Alia B. definitely likes to have fun with what she wears." In essence, the two brands represents the two sides to every woman.

If you can dress any celebrity, living or gone, who would it be?

“I’ve always been intrigued by the sensual and androgynous characteristics of Hollywood screen siren from the 1930s, Marlene Dietrich. She was elegant, engaging and most importantly, fearless!”