Dress the Way You Want to Be Addressed with Farida Raafat: The Power of Bespoke Style
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In the latest episode of Wear Who You Are, host Natalie sat down with Farida, the founder and creative force behind DALYA, a women’s bespoke company, to explore what it means to truly “dress the way you want to be addressed.”
The result was a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about bespoke fashion, identity, and the power of clothing that fits—not just physically but emotionally.
DALYA is a brand built around a simple but radical idea: women deserve access to bespoke clothing that meets the same standards of quality, fit, and craftsmanship long afforded to men. Frustrated by the lack of options available, Farida launched DALYA to fill the gap—and in doing so, has created a space where custom clothing becomes a tool for self-expression and confidence.
Farida and Natalie discussed the deeper meaning behind DALYA’s tagline. For Farida, “dress the way you want to be addressed” isn’t about appearance for appearance’s sake—it’s about agency. When garments are made to fit a woman’s life, shape, and personality, they give her the freedom to lead, move, and connect with greater ease and authenticity.
They also explored the role of fabrics in the bespoke process—how quality materials affect not just the look of a garment, but how it drapes, moves, and feels on the body. Farida emphasized the importance of working with textiles that reflect her clients’ lifestyles: breathable cottons, structured wools, and various blends that can hold their own across boardrooms, events, or everyday errands. These choices aren’t just aesthetic—they’re strategic, helping each piece serve the person wearing it.
The episode highlights how the custom experience itself is personal and collaborative. Rather than being reduced to sizes and trends, DALYA clients are seen as individuals. Each fitting is a conversation, a creative exchange where measurements meet mood and personal style goals.
While DALYA’s pieces are crafted with luxury-level precision, Farida is committed to accessibility. The brand offers a refreshingly inclusive approach to custom fashion, serving women across a wide range of sizes, styles, and stages of life. Whether a client is entering a new chapter in her career or simply tired of tugging on clothes that don’t fit quite right, DALYA offers garments designed to support and celebrate her.
In an age of disposable fashion and endless online scrolling, DALYA’s model feels both refreshing and quietly revolutionary. It is rare to find a brand that not only understands fit but also empowers clients through the process. DALYA stands out not just for its aesthetic but for the values it embodies: intentionality, personalization, and true style authenticity.
For anyone who’s ever felt overlooked by the fashion industry—or who simply wants to understand how clothes can help us show up more confidently in the world—this episode offers both insight and inspiration.
Show Notes:
—Visit DALYA's website and follow on Instagram
—Connect with Farida on LinkedIn
—Join our newly launched BU Style Circle paid membership and resource hub
Links:
Follow the podcast on social media, and submit questions for conversation by sending us a message here!
Check out the website for more info at www.bu.style
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