5 UAE-based fashion brands you need in your wardrobe

Life is too short to wear boring clothes. So I’m going to help you update your wardrobe with a satisfying dose of absolutely stunning, head-turning clothes from five of the best and most unique UAE-based fashion brands.

As a fashion editor living in UAE, I’ve seen many of these brand start from scratch and develop into full-fledged brands with multiple collections under their belts and a wide base of style savvy clientele in the GCC and worldwide.

Sister duo Lubna and Nadia Zakwani firmly put Oman’s name on the fashion scene when they created Endemage in 2010. What I love about the brand is its mix between heritage, modernity and sensibility. The sisters perfected the abaya/dress look and the modest yet chic ready to wear attire.

What you will find:

It is the go to brand for elegant flowing skirts, wide trousers and figure hugging dresses with sweeping hemlines and long sleeves. Your Ramadan look is sorted… you are welcomed!

Not every designer can boast about showing in Paris, but Emirati designer Madiyah Al Sharqi Absolutely can, thanks to her ultra feminine designs that feature everything a modern woman loves, from lace details to pastel hues to striking cuts and figure enhancing pieces.

What you will find:

It’s the ultimate brand for an unforgettable entrance. Expect to see a lot of statement pieces from asymmetric skirts to high waisted trousers to feminine jumpsuits and red carpet worthy gowns.

From making jumpers printed with Arabic words to presenting full collections at Fashion Forward, I’ve watched this brand grow into one of the coolest and most modern brands in the region. Designers Ahmed El Sayed and Saleh Al-Banna are two of the smartest and most creative designers in the region at the moment, cleverly combining pop culture with Arabic letters and super trendy designs.

What you will find:

A lot of sports-lux pieces such as two-toned jumpers, unisex sweaters, pencil skirts combined with cropped tops, tennis inspired A line skirts. Don’t forget to wear them with an “I’m too cool for school” attitude!

When your list of clients includes names such as Kriss Jenner, Lujain Omran and Laila Elwi, that means you are doing something right! Iraqi designer Zeena Zaki, owner of “Julea Domani” brand is the queen of figure enhancing dresses that celebrate the female body in all its shapes and forms. What I also love about her designs is how affordable they are, which means we can look as glamorous as an A-list celebrity for a fraction of the price!

What you will find:

Hourglass cut dresses, caped gowns, fit and flare cocktail dresses, super sexy jumpsuits and illusion cuts.

Jordanian designer Reema Al Banna turned her experience as a graphic designer into a full time job as a fashion designer, and for that we thank her! Reema started her fashion label Reemami back in 2009 but presented her first full collection in 2012. With every collection, I really struggle to find a boring piece, or an item that doesn’t tick all these boxes: innovation, boldness and a generous helping of FUN!

What you will find:

A lot of quirky prints, statement separates featuring cut-outs and geometric lines, playful and experimental designs, fresh pieces suitable for the an ultra modern street style look.