5 Arab Designers To Follow This International Women’s Day

The Middle East is home to a plethora of inspirational fashion designers who have conquered the red carpets of Hollywood and beyond – for all the right reasons. Fashion for consumers in the GCC region is a lot about identity, culture, where traditional meets modern and luxury – and who better to cater to their needs than Arab women who know a thing or two about design?

AboutHer.com are celebrating International Women’s Day today by highlighting 5 of our favorite female Arab fashion designers that are inspirational, and paving the way for the future of young fashion designers across the region…

By Amrita Singh

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Arwa Al Banawi (@arwaalbanawi)

Saudi Arabian fashion designer, Arwa Al Banawi celebrates her culture and the kingdom through her body of work. Her collections are modern and edgy with a nod to her Middle Eastern roots, which is why they have also caught the attention of the global fashion scene as well as regional clientele. Al Banawi’s aesthetic combines an eclectic mix of contrasts, “east meets west” sensibilities and the reason we are celebrating her this international women’s day is because of her philosophy in wanting to empower women as well as communicate her culture through her collections.

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Lilian Afshar (@lilianafshar)

Lilian Afshar is now an international brand as her label, L’Afshar, has adorned the likes of Beyoncé, Celine Dion, HRH Queen Rania, Empress Farah Diba Pahlavi, Anne Hathaway, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Kidman, Heidi Klum, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – just to name a few! Inspired by architecture, vintage perfume bottles, and design, L’Afshar’s goal is to cater to “today’s woman.” Her handcrafted luxury, and noteworthy, handbags have made Lilian an icon in her own right and a true inspiration for budding female entrepreneurs all over the globe.

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Dima Ayad (@dimaayad)

Dima Ayad is a Dubai-based Lebanese designer who creates clothes for women that are multifunctional, and timelessly elegant. Having struggled to find clothes for herself due to sizing and wouldn’t have access to clothes she would have liked to have worn for an evening event or beach, so Ayad inspired herself and launched her own size-inclusive label for women.

Ayad is a woman who strongly believes in supporting other women and is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fashion and business.

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Sara Al Gurg (@saraalgurgjewellery)

Sara Al Gurg founded her eponymous line of fine jewelry in 2018 after having obtained her certifications to become a diamond and gemstone grader. Her passion for fine jewelry began when she was a teenager and through having developed her own brand, she is able to create pieces that are inspired by memories, people, or a personal event. One of her collections was even inspired by a friendship, whilst another by a family vacation. Her style is all about modern minimalism which is a signature trait bought to life by pops of color and shine.

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Faiza Bouguessa (@Bouguessa)

Faiza Bouguessa’s contemporary line of modest fashion is highly inspiring and timeless in its aesthetic offering clean cuts and impeccable details to strong sophisticated women.

With a brand ethos of minimalist sophistication and feminine elegance, Bouguessa was founded in Dubai in 2014. From her studio in Dubai Design District, Faiza Bouguessa designs 3 collections a year.

Her first encounter with garment making took place during her early years while spending time with her grandmother who was a seamstress herself, and taught her the basics of knitting and sewing. Her passion led her to take numerous internships in tailor shops while studying English literature in university. Through these internships she learned the basics of pattern making and developed an understanding for fabric characteristics.