She’s young, passionate and hugely talented. We just had to meet Eva Assali, the girl behind Evita signature lace and the boyfriend shirt.

What’s the story behind the boyfriend shirt?
One morning, feeling particularly lazy, I decided to wear a shirt that my friend had left at my place. I was not in the mood for something tight and fitted and just wanted to throw something over my jeans. That night the compliments I got astonished me. Success was immediate. Et voilà... the boyfriend shirt was born!

Where does your love for fashion come from?
My obsession with fashion dates back to my childhood. I remember going through my grandmother’s collection of vintage jewellery and tasteful outfits. I was born and raised in Haiti so I grew up surrounded by an explosion of colours and forms.

Why did you choose to go to communication school instead of studying fashion?
I went to fashion school at first and then transferred to communication school because I wasn’t greatly inspired at that moment in my life. I wanted to do something that could help me see the other sides of fashion. Now I have the great combination of not only fashion but public relations as well.

Available online at www.evaassali.com or at Birdcage (01 993991, Mokbel Bldg, Dabass Str, Saifi Village. Mon-Sat 10.30am-7pm) and Kitsch Boutique & Bakery (01 575075, Gouraud Str, Gemmayzeh. Mon-Sat 8am- 9pm, Sun 10am- 9pm).