Cyrielle Verstuyft is no stranger to the region’s style scene. The Belgian beauty is the founder of Dubai-based multi-brand store Cocobum, which is known for stocking luxury swim and beachwear. She has also reached ‘It Girl’ status, showcasing her stylish ensembles to her significant social media following.

The 27-year-old decided to launch her own label, dubbed For the Sake of Love, after spotting a gap in the market. Designed to be worn beachside when dressed up, the pieces are dinner date worthy to boot. The creator of distinctive oversized linen shirts to floor-sweeping cover-ups, Verstuyft talks about her journey to becoming a designer.

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What inspired you to start For the Sake of Love?

After opening my multi-brand store Cocobum, I felt like some easy resort wear pieces were missing. Styles that you could wear to the beach and on a lunch or dinner date. I wanted to create a colorful luxury collection that flatters everyone and is super easy to wear.

Where did your love of design stem from?

I’ve always loved fashion since I was a small girl. My mom always let me choose my own clothes and let me express my creative side through dressing. I binge-watched every fashion show on TV, design reality shows, everything that had anything to do with fashion. I knew I wanted to go to fashion school immediately. So that’s what I did. I studied fashion and learnt how to design and create my own pieces.

What is For the Sake of Love’s aesthetic?

We wanted to create that ‘beachy sunset feel where you steal your boyfriend’s shirt’ vibe. We are all about color, luxury, quality and easy to wear designs.

What was your biggest challenge launching For the Sake of Love?

I’m very much a perfectionist. Everything must be perfect before I’m putting it out there.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

Starting my two businesses. Starting your own business is always very risky, especially for women standing on their own. I took the plunge and did so much research before opening them. I’m proud of myself for being bold enough to go through with it. If you’re passionate enough about what you do, you’ll do anything to make it work.

What are some of your favorite designs from the collection?

Our best seller is our ‘Venice Shirt’. It’s your basic linen shirt, but better. We sell them in 20 colors, and I wear them all the time, including to the gym, the beach, tucked into some jeans or over a cute skirt. I even sometimes wear it to sleep!

Where do you get inspired?

I get inspired everywhere by the woman and people around me and nature and beaches. Inspiration can come from literally anything. In Dubai, I often design from my garden. I also love to sit in the mall and watch people pass by. Sometimes I see the coolest dressed people there. Another favorite of mine is D3. That place is a creative hub!

Why is it important to support local?

I love supporting local brands, and I’m a big supporter of start-ups! I think it’s so important to help your ‘neighbors’ and friends. It motivates people to become entrepreneurs when they see another local brand doing well. Not to forget that it strengthens the economy. I love to see all the creative ideas people come up with here in Dubai. It’s a city full of smart and creative people.

What are your plans For the Sake of Love?

We are launching a very special and limited capsule collection and we are also launching swimwear. Hopefully, you’ll find us all over the world soon!