Because there’s something very satisfying about saying you knew them before they were big.
Along with oil, fashion has got to be one of the major exports from our part of the world. Show us a Hollywood red carpet without a Middle-East designed gown on it, and we’ll show you a missed opportunity.
For every Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad, though, there are any number of labels on the come-up and waiting to be discovered.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we’ve rounded up 10 local designers worth your attention. Some you’ll know, some will be new, but all of them have something that makes them a little bit special.
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Talar Nina
Dubai-based designer Talar Nina’s third collection, Eastern Promise, is inspired by her adopted homeland. Heavily detailed yet super wearable, her bombers and joggers are instant outfit makers. Our pick? The Blossom Bomber, pictured above, for US$245 (Dhs900).
Bazza Alzouman
This Kuwaiti label has gone from strength to strength since its 2014 launch. We love their modern, sculptural evening wear – it’s elegant but never dull. Can someone invite us to a ball already? The dreamy number above is from their spring 2018 collection.
Donna Hourani
Lebanese jewellery designer Donna Hourani (yes, sister of former Emirates Woman cover star Dana Hourani) makes the kind of pieces you want to wear every day of your life. Delicated, modern and playful, her latest collection is inspired by the treasures she found in her grandmother’s drawers as a young girl. We love.
Elsa O
Lovers of bright colour and irreverent style will find a lot to tempt them from this Beirut jewellery brand. It’s graphic, it’s bold, it’s a whole lot of fun. Check the whole range out over here.
Lama Jouni
This Dubai-based label first popped onto our radar with supermodel Bella Hadid wore one of their hoodies. You could do a lot worse for a celebrity endorsement. The brand also does great separates, including an embossed leather pencil skirt we’re slightly obsessed with. Good stuff.
Bouguessa
Here’s another Dubai label, this one headed up by French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa. They’ve got a major celebrity sign-off, as well. Beyonce wore a piece from Bouguessa’s very first collection, and followed it up with a green velvet robe last year. Bouguessa is our go-to for interesting, sharply tailored outerwear. Sonam Kapoor is a fan, too.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
If you like your labels to have a bit of lineage, here’s one for you. Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi is the daughter of the ruler of Fujairah. Her designs are modern and retro at once – we’re getting a very 1960s London from her resort line for 2018. Expect gorgeous textiles and flowing cuts.
Razan Alazzouni
Something tells us that if Grace Kelly was around in 2018, she’d turn to this Saudi Arabian label. Sculptural, feminine and beautifully detailed, Alazzouni’s designs show off her fine arts background. They’ve got a lot of sophistication for a brand that only began in 2016. Like a number of the labels discussed here, you can find Alazzouni’s pieces at Symphony in The Dubai Mall.
AKS
Designed by Bahraini sisters Ameena and Asma Khaled Saif (no prizes for how they named the label, with those initials), AKS is all about elegant construction and unexpected cuts. We’re very into the off-the-shoulder blouse pictured above – worn with the matching skirt, it’s refined and striking. Check the collection here.
Shamsa Alabbar
Stay away from this Emirati-designed fine jewellery brand unless you’re keen to do some serious credit card damage. Alabbar’s geometric, artistic designs are extremely compelling, and we’re particularly loving the diamond, rose gold and black onyx drop earrings above. Dhs19,950.
Images: Supplied
