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The fashion industry in the UAE has been thriving in recent years, with a growing number of designers making their mark on the global fashion scene. From traditional abayas and kaftans to modern, avant-garde designs, Emirati fashion designers offer a unique blend of heritage and innovation. Here are 10 Emirati fashion designers that you should keep an eye on in 2023.
Sheikh Khalid Al-Qasimi/Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi
Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi was the son of the ruler of Sharjah and the founder of the groundbreaking Emirati fashion house Qasimi. He moved to London when he was nine years old and was educated at the Tonbridge School in Kent. That enabled him to forge a unique perspective of the world around him and channel that through his work as a designer. He won two golden prizes in the First Arab-Euro Festival for Photography in 2004. In 2008, he founded the brand Qasimi Homme, acting as both its CEO and Creative Director.
Qasimi would go on to become one of the most prominent brands to come out of the Middle East, incorporating Arab elements in its male and female costume designs. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Florence Welch, and Cheryl Cole were seen wearing the Emarati label. Sadly, Sheik Khalid passed away in July 2019, sending a rippling shock through London when he passed away and three days of national mourning were declared across the UAE. In September 2019, Sheikha Hoor al-Qasimi, Khalid’s twin sister, assumed the role of Creative Director continuing the legacy of her brother’s work. Hoor had a similar upbringing to her brother and shares many of the same sentiments and passions. is a practicing artist and curator, as well as the President and founding Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) and the internationally respected Sharjah Biennial.
Madiyah Al Sharqi
Madiyah Al Sharqi is the daughter of the Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi and a fashion designer known for her feminine, whimsical designs. Her collections often feature soft pastels, delicate lace, and intricate embroidery. Her designs have been worn by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Olivia Palermo, and she has showcased her collections at major fashion weeks around the world.
Fatema Fardan
Fatema Fardan is a well-known fashion designer from the UAE and the founder of fashion platform “NOT JUST A LABEL.” She is a graduate of the prestigious American Intercontinental University in London, and her designs are a reflection of her unique cultural background and her passion for fashion. Fardan’s designs are characterized by their intricate detailing, luxurious fabrics, and a focus on femininity. She is known for her ability to blend traditional and modern elements in her designs, creating pieces that are both elegant and contemporary. Her shopping platform NJAL serves as a window for contemporary luxury fashion with collections from over 50,000 emerging designers around the world, available to buy before they’re seen anywhere else.
Shamsa Al Omaira
Shamsa Al Omaira is a rising Emirati jewelery designer. She is known for her contemporary designs that celebrates the richness of the past and the simplicity of the present, creating a unique aesthetic that combines modernity with classic, timeless design. Her collections often consists of 18 karat gold, diamond, and precious and semi-precious stones, are designed to be both contemporary and timeless.
As an entrepreneur Shamsa has founded her own jewlery brand, O Jewlery. She is dedicated to empowering women and creating opportunities for them to showcase their talent in the fashion industry.
Noor, Budoor and Sarah Al Khaja
Budoor, Noor and Sarah Al Khaja are three Emirati sisters that founded Serrb in 2018. They focus on creating a contemporary, elegant and modest abayas, kaftans, capes and dresses with the use of the finest fabrics. Together, the sisters bring out a contemporary brand that emphasises modest styles, exuding confidence and defining women supporting each other.
Rawdha Thani
Rawdha Thani is a prominent Emirati fashion designer and founder of fashion label Illi. She is known for her high-quality designs that feature clean lines and unique, trendy designs that cater to the needs of today’s fashion-forward woman. Thani’s collections often feature versatile pieces that can be worn for different occasions, making them a popular choice among modern women.
Rawdha Thani’s talented and innovative designes are perfect blend of the elegant modesty of the abaya with the contemporary trendy. who has made a significant impact on the fashion industry in the UAE and beyond. Her commitment to empower Emaratiwomen and her chic designs make her a respected figure in the industry.
Muna & Maryam Saeed
Muna & Maryam Saeed are the founders of Al Mraikn, through which they design abayas and dresses. The Emirati sisters are known for their modern designs that are feminine, elegant and practical that empower women and make them feel confident. With their immaculately tailored silhouettes that are crafted to perfection, Al Mraikn has made its name as a renowned abaya label in the region.
Yasmin Al Mulla
Yasmine Al Mulla is a talented fashion designer from the UAE. She is known for her unique designs that are simple, and elegantly refined contemporary hand-made garments. Her collections often feature intricate details, luxurious fabrics, and a bold use of color. Al Mulla is also an entrepreneur who has founded her own fashion brand, YNM Dubai, along with her partner Nesreen Al Mulla. Her brand focuses on creating pieces that are versatile and can be worn by women of all ages and sizes. Her designs are crafted with attention to detail and are made to last.
Rafia Helal Bin Drai
Rafia Belal Bin Drai is the founder and designer of the luxury fashion brand Mauzan, which is known for its elegant abayas and traditional Emirati designs. Founded in 1990, Mauzan is one of the oldest home grown brands in the UAE. The high class Emarati brand designes and produces Abayas, Sheilas and Arabian Perfumes. Bin Drai’s commitment to preserving Emirati heritage through her designs has made Mauzan a respected and iconic brand in the UAE fashion scene.
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