Firsts by Deena

What does the evolution of a designer look like? How do designers find their DNA? For designer Mary Katrantzou, who started off by pursuing a career in architecture and interior design and then found fashion as her medium of expression, her journey led to her breakout collection being featured in London Fashion Week’s 2008 graduating show, to then launching her eponymous label in 2009. Today, she’s the Creative Director of Bulgari Leather Goods and Accessories. Given the moniker Queen of Print, Mary’s iconic designs have redefined how prints can tell stories, becoming her undeniable USP. However, her journey is much more than her designs—it’s a testament to the evolution of a designer and the discovery of one’s creative DNA. Honest and candid, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the conversations Deena and Mary share regularly. Their friendship is deeply rooted in mutual trust, and this podcast is a product of that bond—two women, longtime confidantes, connecting over their shared journeys and creative philosophies.

We're back with an episode that is unapologetically honest! Remember when fashion reviews weren’t just about hype? Hanan Besovic, the voice behind the popular Instagram account @ideservecouture, is bringing that era back. 'When the work is good, I love to praise fashion. But when it's not, sorry!' he tells Deena. Hanan’s platform represents a new wave of fashion commentary on social media, but what sets him apart is his sharp humor and distinct voice, which have attracted a dedicated following among fashion enthusiasts. In this episode, Hanan and Deena dive into the highs and lows of Fashion Month, Hanan's roots, his journey into fashion, and much more.For feedback or suggestions, reach out to us at info@deenathe1st.com. Keep it chic ✨

At the end of our Deenathe1st.com interview with legendary photographer Albert Watson OBE, he mentioned that he would like to be asked about the position of art in photography and we had to follow it up with a podcast episode on Firsts by Deena! Hundreds of magazine covers, a Grammy on his shelf, the most popular portraits of Alfred Hitchcock, Steve Jobs, among others, and a career focused on the play of light, graphics, and film, Albert’s genius cannot be taken lightly. In this episode, Deena and Albert exchange thoughts on the role of AI in photography, the evolution of photography, and above all the art of photography. Here’s episode 10 of Firsts for you! 

A supremely creative, endlessly curious individual—that’s how we would describe Ahmad Swaid. It’s high praise but well-deserved for the new founding Editor in Chief of Dazed Middle East. Born in London to parents from Sierra Leone and Lebanon, Ahmad grew up traversing these spaces that informed his identity. Through these formative experiences, he learned that all he wanted to do was tell stories, to collaborate, and craft powerful narratives championing voices we don’t often hear from. His journey to this point is nothing short of incredible! This episode is moving, it’s honest, as Deena and Ahmad open up a conversation on the evolution of editorial in the Arab world; and why now, more than ever,we’re seeing platforms that are in service of telling stories that have often laid hidden over the years.  

For the very first time, a panel has come together on the podcast to speak on a subject that needed to be discussed: why art from Saudi Arabia is now in the spotlight. This is on the back of Hafla by Sotheby's, an ongoing exhibition celebrating art from the Middle East. On the panel we have Ashkan Baghestani, the Head of Contemporary Day Sales at Sotheby’s and Princess Nourah Al Faisal, the founder of Nuun Jewels and the CEO of Art of Heritage, a Saudi luxury fashion house. The panel explores the cultural richness and historical depth of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts. Additionally, Princess Nourah shares insights on her jewelry design journey with Nuun Jewels and collaborations with Asprey, while Adhlal—the consultancy she founded—aims to nurture future Saudi designers. The episode delves into the challenges and potentials of the Middle Eastern art market, advocating for broader exposure and appreciation of the region's artistic heritage.

Magazines have declined, and while the digital world offers up more content than we can consume, we've lost the editors who were the tastemakers of our cultural zeitgeist. Dana Brown is the author of Dilettante, a memoir that takes the reader back to the golden era of magazines and publishing in its epicenter: New York City. But the book also tells you Dana’s story - a barback who got noticed by the editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair and then spent over two decades at the publication. We’re so excited to share this next episode of Firsts with you that will educate you or take you back to 90s New York, open up a conversation on the power of writing, and above all will include candid tales from the heyday of the print world. Follow the show to stay updated - there’s never a dull moment on Firsts by Deena! 

A rebel. An artist. A maverick. Elsa Peretti created jewelry inspired by the world around her and this is only part of her legacy. Elsa inspired a style of jewelry that is classic and timeless, with pieces that have held resonance across generations. Collaborations with designers such as Halston, Giorgio di Sant'Angelo, and most successfully with Tiffany placed Elsa’s work on the map globally. But under her iconic pieces — the bone cuff, the vase necklace, and Diamonds by the Yard — lies a woman who created with authenticity that reverberated through her work. In this episode, Deena pays homage to Elsa by tracing her origins, discussing her creative process, and sharing her thoughts on what made Elsa a force to reckon with.

In this episode, Deena is joined by her friend and groundbreaking designer, Sultan Al Darmaki. He is the first contemporary Middle Eastern designer to have his work displayed at the V&A Museum in London. In this episode, Sultan and Deena begin by discussing how Sultan paved his path in the world of fashion and then they speak to the rich, yet lesser-known history of Middle Eastern fashion. The episode explores the challenges faced by both as outsiders in the fashion industry, and how Sultan is now dedicated to increasing accessibility and opportunities for emerging talent through 1833 Club.