With Ramadan just over a month away, we’re certain many of you are considering shopping for noteworthy Iftar and Eid attire, and what better way to celebrate the holy month in style wearing some serious fashions by home grown designers?
From traditional wear with a contemporary edge, and embellished tulle gowns to elevated classics in luxe fabrics, there is an Arab designer serving a look for every taste and these are the top 10 we most definitely want to be seen in this holy month…
Amal Al Raisi
“I admire today’s power woman who prioritizes family but also pursues their career dreams. “By Amal Al Raisi” is designed to honor Arab traditions but my goal is for the pieces to be worn far beyond the borders of Oman,” says the designer with her eponymous label. The Oman based designer’s RTW collection has a contemporary aesthetic that follows the international fashion calendar whilst her capsule collection consists of perfect traditional attire, including kaftans, jalabiyas and abayas. Mirroring one another, both collections flow well to be mixed and matched with one another. With a keen eye on quality, Al Raisi’s pieces can be worn time and time again.
Shatha Essa
Shatha Essa founded her womenswear label in 2016, with an aesthetic that uses classic cuts adorned with intricate embroideries, creating a vision that epitomizes her label – sophisticated and elegant.
Essa’s designs are feminine, modern and effortless as the designer fuses luxe fabrics, immaculate tailoring and attention to detail to create stunning wardrobe staples inspired by art, travel and interiors.
Standing the test of time, SHATHA ESSA’s pieces will carry you for seasons to come without ever going out of style.
Sotra
Founded by Saudi designer, Mariam Bin Mahfouz in 2010, Sotra is a womenswear label dedicated to graceful simplicity with an understated yet sophisticated style. Using luxurious materials, contemporary cuts, and noteworthy details, the Jeddah based label’s design philosophy is dedicated to finding joy in everyday style whilst utilizing immaculately modern and handcrafted approach to luxury. Dress it up or dress it down, Sotra has you covered.
I A M M A I
IAM MAI is a combination of simplicity and curiosity. An experimental fashion brand inspired by the environment, architecture and natural materials creating statement pieces that are minimal yet bold. Launched in 2014 by Emirati designer, Mai Al Budoor, IAM MAI contrasts unique elements of art and tradition and translates them into contemporary versions of kaftans and abayas. The sole creator behind the brand, Mai, is an Interior Designer by degree from Zayed University. I AM MAI is for all the cool girls who stand out for the right reasons.
Bthaina
Buthaina Al Zadjali started her label in 2010 as she designed bespoke abayas and kaftans for private clients. Growing in demand, Oman-based Al Zadjali opened her first boutique a year later and carries her dreams to be recognized on a global scale whilst creating a space that is a one stop shop for fashion and art. Bthaina’s collections of traditional kaftans and abayas are beyond dreamy as she fuses fashion and art whilst intricately embellishing each piece using inspiration from all over the world.
Beige
After studying Fashion Design at Esmod Dubai, Muna Al Othaiman launched Beige in 2017. Beige is a cutting edge, contemporary womenswear label that celebrates minimalism, clean lines, and perfect tailoring to create a classic yet modern aesthetic. Inspired by art and her background in graphic design, Al Othaiman channels fresh colours, voluminous shapes and unique embellishments into her collections. Beige is a brand that mixes couture sensibilities with contemporary separates and the end result carries any Beige wearer into the future without ever ageing.
HAK THE LABEL
Hakima Al Said is a fashion nomad. Inspired by her international upbringing, in all of the countries and continents she has ever lived in, including, Asia, the Middle East, South Africa and Europe, HAK THE LABEL pays homage to cultural symbolism and contemporary design. Hakima creates truly unique pieces that are bold yet minimal, balanced with feminine and delicate details, making the perfect conversation sparking pieces for your next social event.
Noora Shawqi
Let’s face it, an outfit is never complete without its accessories. Mainly exquisite pieces of jewelry. Dubai born, Noora Shawqi is a certified Diamond Graduate from the Gemological Institution of America, who’s passion for jewelry knows no bounds as her eponymous fine jewelry line epitomizes effortless femininity through clean designs, exquisite craftsmanship and unique styles. Inspired by her love for travelling, Noora Shawqi’s fine jewelry collections combine cultural references with impeccable quality, creating statement pieces with a timeless aesthetic, completing any outfit be it traditional or contemporary.
Marina Qureshi
Her designs having been worn by the likes of Ellie Goulding, Lara Stone, Amanda Seyfried and singer Florence Welch, already make Marina Qureshi a noteworthy designer. Marina Qureshi’s label succeeds in delivering romantic, beautiful construction creations that transcend seasons.
Using precision, contemporary cuts, meticulous finishing along with fine fabrics such as lace, silks,
Jacquards, organza’s and crepe sourced from Italy and France, Qureshi’s collections exude an aesthetic nothing short of elegant. Fabulous and feminine, you had better get in line to grab a piece of this designer’s scene stealing collection…
Manal Al Hammadi
“I started by designing for myself when I began to wear abayas as I always wanted to wear something that showed my personality and ambition. Soon, by word of mouth, it formed into a brand and I’ve never been more in love with anything else,” said the Emirati designer. Known for her desirably dark aesthetic, Manal Al Hammadi has been designing abayas since the age of 14. Inspired by her home city of Dubai, Manal’s collections of on trend modest, black abayas are on the lust-have list of every Khaleeji fashionista as she makes the everyday garment extraordinary.
