It’s time to support local as homegrown brands have made their mark globally. The UAE has now been put on the global runway with their labels now retailing worldwide.
Having garnered an international status and worn by celebrities across the globe such as Kylie Jenner to Jennifer Lopez. With a growing footfall and global traction, several of these UAE-born fashion brands have been spotted on the runway.
Additionally various e-commerce platforms such as NET-A-PORTER, MyTheresa, Harrods and more are now retailing them.
Overall, these brands have successfully leveraged social media and influencer partnerships. Also, a deep understanding of their target market to achieve viral status both in the UAE and internationally. When it comes to innovation and creativity, the UAE is always ahead of the curve as it champions homegrown labels.
So, if you’re intrigued about how these UAE-based founders launched their homegrown brands about their journey.
Scroll through our Emirates Woman editor-approved UAE fashion guide.
Bil Arabi
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Established in 2006, by Nadine Kanso, this luxurious jewellery brand is an ode to the region. It celebrates the Arabic alphabet in a refined manner. From earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants this fine jewellery brand has carved a niche for itself in the market. With modern heirlooms and bespoke projects, the brands have reached a global level through collaborative partners which include THAT Concept Store and Guerlain.
For more information visit bilarabi.ae
Al Mraikn
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Founded by sisters Maryam and Muna Saeed in 2011 in UAE, Al Mraikn continues to be at the forefront with its sleek and sophisticated designs crafted with an air of modernity and soft power. Their latest collection unlocks the spirit of freedom. Muna shares, “This capsule was inspired to unlock a woman’s character and step out of her comfort zone while still remaining modest.
Bouguessa
This contemporary womenswear label has reinvented the wardrobe classics for the modern-day wearer. Founded by Faiza Bouguessa in 2014 in her studio in Dubai Design District, the brand has now made its mark global, as its e-tailer includes one of the largest players in the market, NET-A-PORTER. Designed to empower strong sophisticated women, several A-listers such as Priyanka Chopra and many more have been spotted in the Dubai-based brand.
For more information visit bouguessa.com
Bambah
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Inspired by the retro era, founder and designer Maha Abdul Rasheed wanted to inject fun into women’s wardrobes with generous ruffles, bare shoulders, oversized bows and colourful floral prints. Thanks to its feminine silhouettes and bold attitude, Bambah has won itself a local and global following, and has even caught the attention of the A-list crowd, including Priyanka Chopra and Amal Clooney.
For more information visit bambah.com
All Things Mochi
Ayah Tabari launched her label in 2013 with patterned hues infused into every element of the brand. It combines traditional prints and embroideries with quintessential tailoring. The brand has been shown at New York Fashion Week and appeared on people with a global reach. The Hungarian-inspired label has previously retailed on NET-A-PORTER with centuries-old embroidery techniques infused into the collection.
HALA
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Founded by Hala Al Shammari, this fashion label breaks stereotypes and classic cuts.“A trademark of HALA’s design philosophy is the juxtaposition of clean, elegant front designs with unexpected, captivating twists at the back, such as my personal favourite, the backless cut,” Al Shammari shares in an interview with Emirates Woman. Launched with the intention to uplift Arab women in the region, this label is growing year after year with its sophisticated pieces that can be worn all year round.
For more information visit by-hala.com
Illi
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A contemporary brand founded in 2020 by Emirati designer Rawdha Salem Thani, Illi delivers fashion-forward yet modest pieces that serve as a perfect companion on the journey to self-expression and empowerment. Rawdha shares, “Contemporary women can embrace their uniqueness through an array of vibrant prints and modern colour combinations. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the urban landscape, each design is a celebration of femininity and confidence.
Kristina Fidelskaya
The luxury ready-to-wear label offers pieces that can be worn for women on the go from day to night. The brand, which has appeared at Paris Fashion Week, has been recognized worldwide for its immaculate tailoring and must-have pieces, after it was established in Dubai in 2017, with all items created in-house.
For more information visit kristinafidelskaya.com
L’Afshar
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Made in Dubai, this iconic label was started by Lilian Afshar in 2019. Designed for the sophisticated woman, the brand is combined with contemporary handcrafted designs, made in Dubai with luxurious yet industrial elements. The brand is stocked around the globe including NET-A-PORTER, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Harvey Nichols and many more. From Queen Rania to Kendall Jenner, the brand has made remarkable strides globally.
For more information visit lafshar.com/
LC
The luxe activewear label founded by Lyndsay Doran in 2019, has filled in the apparent athleisure gap in the country. With plans to eventually open a UK office and warehouse, the brand has customers from around the world including in Europe and the US. With new launches every season, the brand is constantly innovating and encouraging women to live healthier lives.
For more information visit lcofficial.com
Madiyah Al Sharqi
Based in Fujairah, this eponymous brand was founded by the daughter of the ruler of Fujairah, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi. Since launching in 2012, the eponymous brand has garnered a massive fan base globally, including a celebrity clientele like Kim Kardashian and Karolina Kurkova, with effortless eveningwear and regal silhouettes being at the epitome for the brand.
Romani
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Founded by Haya Jarrar, the Dubai-Based label has made strides globally with unconventional pieces that allow women to freely express themselves, with cuts and materials that have edgy designs. Romani’s designs have made it into some of the most fashionable closets around the world including Karen Wazen, Amina Muaddi and most recently Zendaya.
The Giving Movement
By disrupting stereotypes, Dubai-based lounge and activewear brand The Giving Movement has always gone against the grain. The founder of The Giving Movement, Dominic Nowell-Barnes, has highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries on several occasions. The brand has reached global icons and content creators with its premium collections being loved by all those who are seen in them. From Haya Salman to Natalie Sallaum, various fashion enthusiasts have been spotted in the brand.
For more information visit thegivingmovement.com
Reemami
Reemami, founded by Reema Al Banna, is a label known for its playful, art-inspired pieces. The brand often features bold prints, asymmetric cuts, and a unique sense of whimsy in its designs.
By ALL’E
Founded in 2023 by Australian born, Ella Stapleton, By ALL’E is fashion brand designed by woman for woman. Handcrafted in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, By ALL’E is dedicated to empowering women through the inside out in each piece. Each piece has been carefully designed around the female form, accentuating, and crafting the perfect fit. The creative journey of each and every piece has undergone months of research, sketches, fabric sourcing and sampling to refine and perfect, just for you.
For more information visit byalle.com
Marbl.
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The brand releases seasonless pieces that exist outside of trends as opposed to collections. The tailors along with the Quality team make sure that every piece is worthy of investment. marbl. clothing has been designed to combine effortless style with pieces such as silk dresses, linen co-ords and more.
For more information visit marblapparel.co
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