This week, we speak with Gulzeb Asif, the founder of Oneness. Known for their timeless oversized blazers with statement jackets.
Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
ONENESS is a luxury fashion brand, specializing in timeless, oversized blazers designed to empower and elevate. Each piece blends elegance, versatility, and high-frequency energy, crafted to make every woman feel confident and connected.
What was your favourite subject at school?
History. I’ve always been fascinated by how the past shapes our present—how stories, cultures, and traditions influence who we are and what we create today.
What was your first job?
While studying at university, I worked at an agency and had the incredible opportunity to be a sales attendee at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. It was there I truly learned the art of customer experience and the importance of quality in luxury fashion.
What brought you to Dubai?
Initially, it was an opportunity with Barclays, but it was also about living life on my own terms—embracing independence and pursuing a journey where I could grow both personally and professionally. Dubai’s dynamic energy and limitless possibilities have been the perfect backdrop for that.
What inspired you to enter the space and create your brand?
My passion for fashion has always been a driving force, but it was also a desire to fill a gap in the market. I wanted to create what I couldn’t find myself—timeless, empowering pieces that blend elegance with purpose. ONENESS is my way of redefining how women connect with their clothing, inspiring confidence and alignment.
Talk us through the concept of Oneness.
ONENESS is more than just a fashion brand—it’s a philosophy. It’s about creating pieces that resonate on a deeper level, blending inner confidence with outward elegance. Each item is crafted with timeless design and purpose, allowing women to feel empowered, connected, and radiant. We focus on limited-edition pieces, premium fabrics, and meticulous tailoring to ensure every woman feels special and aligned with her highest self. Because you are what you wear.
What are the key elements of your role?
As the designer and visionary behind ONENESS, my role involves conceptualizing collections, sketching new pieces, and ensuring every detail aligns with our philosophy. From design to fabric selection, I oversee the entire creative process to ensure that every piece reflects ONENESS’s core values of quality, elegance, and empowerment.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My day begins with sending my child to school, followed by Pilates to maintain balance and focus. I then dive into work, alternating between creative and operational tasks. As a designer, I sketch new concepts, refine ideas, and draw inspiration from nature and the unusual to craft unique, timeless designs. I also oversee production and tailoring quality, ensuring every ONENESS piece meets the highest standards of craftsmanship. Each day is dedicated to blending creativity and precision to empower women through elegant, purposeful fashion.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Take your time and truly understand the market. Don’t rush to follow trends—focus on creating something authentic to your vision. Dream big, stay true to yourself, and be prepared to work hard, because building something meaningful takes patience and perseverance.
Tell us more about the products?
Our product range includes luxury blazers, power suits, and statement pieces, each designed with timeless elegance and versatility in mind. Every ONENESS item is crafted from high-frequency fabrics like premium wool blends, cashmere, and leather, ensuring quality, comfort, and sophistication. These are pieces that transcend trends, becoming permanent fixtures in a woman’s wardrobe.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
A dear friend once shared a powerful saying with me: “If your dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.” This advice has stuck with me and shaped my journey. It’s a reminder to stay true to myself, honor my own potential, and push beyond my comfort zone. Dreaming big is essential, but so is staying focused and not letting external distractions pull you away from your purpose. Authenticity and dedication are what make any dream meaningful and achievable.
And what is the worst?
“Be realistic” The naysayers who don’t believe in dreaming big can be limiting. If I had listened to them, I wouldn’t have taken the leap to create ONENESS. The saying goes if your dreams don’t scare you, you are not dreaming big enough.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Building a brand from scratch in a highly competitive market is no small feat. From sourcing the right fabrics to ensuring every piece resonates with our values, every step has been a learning curve. But the biggest challenge has been staying true to the vision while navigating the complexities of the industry.
What lies ahead for the brand?
ONENESS is evolving into more than just a fashion label—it’s becoming a lifestyle. We aim to redefine how women view fashion, offering not just clothing but a mindset of confidence, connection, and purpose. The future will see us expand into a complete lifestyle brand that aligns with elegance, empowerment, and timeless style.
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Images: Instagram/Supplied & Instagram @oneness
