Rula Ghalayini - image by Mark Ganzon
When it comes to fashion, the Middle East is teeming with talent that seems to be seeping into the mainstream. With trends changing daily, keeping your finger on the fashion pulse can be difficult and all consuming, but with global campaigns encouraging sustainability, what better way to do your bit than support home-grown talent?
A touch of glam, contemporary cuts, luxe fabrications and IT girl sensibilities merged with traditional and modest sentiments, we’ve rounded up just a handful of the Arab fashion designers you should be watching out for.
Amina Muaddi
Amina Muaddi is a Romanian-Jordanian shoe designer and is making global waves with her glamorous collections of heels, donned by the likes of Kylie and Kendall Jenner.
It doesn’t come as any surprise that there are waiting lists for her most sought after styles. Exuding pure glamour, Muaddi’s eponymous label’s craftsmanship and fashion forward styles are rooted in timeless quality and comfort.
Amira Haroon
Amira Haroon grew up in Saudi Arabia and went on to study fashion design in France in pursuit of her passions.
Graduating from the Parsons School of Fashion and establishing her brand in 2011, Haroon’s designs are inspired by the rich culture of the Gulf region, and is a celebration of the “women who dare to dream”. Style and practicality are at the forefront of the brand, which also embodies timeless elegance.
Rula Galayini
Rula Galayini’s eponymous brand is truly the reflection of the woman who wears it. Lebanese-born Rula grew up in Canada and returned to her home country to study at the American University of Beirut.
Taking her passions to accessories design, her work is distinct and remarkable as she uses edgy metal work, soft leathers, bold colours, exotic skins and carefully constructed geometric designs.
Anatomi
Doa’a Alghouti launched her contemporary womenswear label Anatomi in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
The brand perfectly marries modernity with modest silhouettes, staying true to her Arab roots. Anatomi is best known for its luxe textiles, intricate embellishments, immaculate tailoring and cutting a striking yet effortless aesthetic. It’s couture that can be worn daily and each piece will be a staple in your closet no matter what season it is.
Marina Qureshi
Born in Dubai, Marina Qureshi’s label is known to have adorned the likes of Florence Welch, Lara Stone, Ellie Goulding, and Amanda Seyfried and since she’s known to have dressed the Hollywood A-listers, the fashion crowds keep a close eye on what she’s up to. She cut her teeth at Alexander McQueen, going on to launch the Marina Qureshi brand from which she delivers romantic, beautiful construction creations that are wearable and evergreen, ensuring sustainability. Using only the finest fabrics of fine lace, silks, jacquards, organza’s and crepe all the fabrics are sourced from Italy and France.
