Interview with Gunel Babayeva, Founder of Sophie Couture

This fashion empire holds a commanding presence in the domain of women's evening and bridal gowns, with prestigious ateliers gracing both Baku, Azerbaijan, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. While embracing her roles as a devoted wife and mother to two young daughters, Ms. Gunel Babayeva has skillfully merged her extensive educational and professional background in economics and finance, crafting an extraordinary evolution into a globally celebrated couturier and a trailblazing force in the world of fashion. Our anticipation to converse with Gunel was fueled by her inspirational persona and unique essence, as we sought to unveil more about her immersive endeavors, optimistic outlook, and influential contributions.

How do you successfully balance your roles as a wife, mother, and thriving fashion entrepreneur?

We consistently cherish moments filled with immense joy and pure enjoyment, recognising that it's not merely the duration spent with my family and children that matters most, but the depth of those moments. When I share these precious hours with my family, I consciously set aside work-related concerns, stow away my phone and computer, and fully immerse myself in the wonderful company of my loved ones.

How do you successfully balance your roles as a wife, mother, and thriving fashion entrepreneur?

We consistently have an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling time together because, in my opinion, it's not just about the quantity of time spent with my family and children, but the quality of that time. When I'm with my family, I don't let work issues intrude; I put away my phone and computer to dedicate that time exclusively to them. Regarding my work, it's something I've wanted and dreamed of since childhood. So every work meeting, every conference, every step in design development, material selection, and many other aspects related to my work bring me immense joy and pleasure.

In the current fashion landscape, sustainability and ethics are key considerations. How does Sophie Couture address these aspects?

We can confidently apply these principles to our brand. Within our team, we have a set of rules that we adhere to in order to maintain discipline and order. In addition to the overarching ethical guidelines, we have established rules based on specific requests from team members. Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on the quality of materials we use. We exclusively utilise eco-friendly fabrics, which undergo rigorous examination by our ecological committee prior to the launch of each collection. This procedure is of utmost importance to us, as the environmental sustainability of our products is a top priority.

Could you recount a pivotal career moment or challenge that significantly shaped your brand's trajectory?

The turning point in shaping our brand trajectory came when my husband Farid Babaev joined the company as CEO. Our common goal and each other's support took us to new heights that we never even dreamed of, and practically in the blink of an eye pushed us into the international market - a dream became a reality. What really built the foundation of our brand was the incredible team we put together when we first started. We didn't just bring in professionals; we turned them into experts and surrounded ourselves with people who shared global aspirations and a deep passion for their work. It was at this stage that we realised that we could achieve more significant results by taking us to the world stage. This year's Cannes Festival served as the proof and the pivotal moment for our brand. We had the opportunity to collaborate with stars such as Kate Beckinsale and Aishwarya Rai, which was a tremendous success. It reaffirmed that our brand was growing and expanding, and by taking this step, we had officially entered the global arena. This is what I had dreamt of for so long, and thanks to this moment, I am one step closer to achieving that dream. Regarding the challenges, I believe that with our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about their work, we can overcome various difficulties. 

How do you infuse your positive visions and influential voices into the philosophy of Sophie Couture?

I take the question of clothing longevity very seriously. It's crucial to me that our garments are not only durable but also, in consideration of ever-evolving fashion trends, remain elegant and suitable. I place significant importance on our clothing items carrying a sense of time, atmosphere, and tradition, aiming to encapsulate these elements within the products of my brand.

Looking forward, what aspirations and directions do you envision for Sophie Couture in the evolving fashion industry?

I am inherently a maximalist and a perfectionist, and I meticulously attend to every detail of our products. I will undoubtedly continue to focus on their development and refinement. While we have already achieved significant milestones, which is fantastic, we have no intention of resting on our laurels. There are numerous goals and tasks ahead of us that we are determined to accomplish, and many more heights that we aspire to conquer.