Designer Ahlem Manai-Platt recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of her brand – Ahlem eyewear. “Reaching this milestone wasn’t easy, but each step of the journey was definitely worthwhile,” she said. Ahlem is excited to share new releases at SILMO next month – so be on the lookout!

As part of an ongoing series to highlight the Members of the edCFDA (Eyewear Designers of the CFDA), we asked Ahlem 25 questions, and share her answers below.

Where were you born/where did you grow up?
Paris, France.

What was your favorite activity as a child?
Drawing.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
A camera.

Which talent would you most like to have?
Storytelling.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Coffee.

What is your greatest fear?
To be afraid.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Hotels.

What is your favorite vacation destination?
Guéthary, France.

What is your most treasured possession?
Watches.

What is your most marked characteristic?
Stubborn.

What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty.

What is your favorite color?
Navy blue.

What are you most grateful for?
My family – both immediate and extended.

What is one of your favorite quotes?
“A rising tide lifts all boats” -Anonymous.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Dishes.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“I Was There.”

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?
Dance With Me – Nouvelle Vague.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
33.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Giving birth.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Vivant in Paris.

What was the best gift you ever received?
Disposable camera when I was three years old.

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?
A Ted Talk.

When was the last time you were nervous?
2017 – at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Having the team that I have.

What is your “personal motto”?
Go get it.