Arab fashion designers have become a force to be reckoned with on international red carpets, with the likes of Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad continuing to impress us with their unique creations.
But there is a new wave of young Arab designers whose talent is attracting global attention and a loyal list of famous clients. Many of these designers are based in the GCC where the fashion industry continues to grow and flourish.
Here are 5 GCC based designers who are taking the celebrity world by storm.
1. Yousef Al Jasmi
The Kuwaiti designer is famed for creating glamorous, figure hugging dresses with ultra feminine cuts and a generous dose of sparkle!
Al Jasmi (nicknamed Jasmico) started designing at the age of 17, but made his official debut on the fashion scene in 2010, quickly gaining a large following among Middle Eastern celebrities including Nawal Al Zoghbi and Balqees Fathi.
He got his first international break when Paris Hilton appeared in one of his bedazzled dresses, and now his growing list of celebrity clients includes the likes of Lady Gaga, the Kardashians, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato and Nicole Scherzinger.
In addition to evening gowns, Al Jasmi also designs luxurious wedding dresses and playful ready-to-wear pieces which are sold in his own boutique in Kuwait City.
2. Noon by Noor
“Understated glam” is the best way to describe the design aesthetics of Noon by Noor. Cousin duo Sheikhas Haya and Noor Al Khalifa from Bahrain founded this womenswear label in 2008 after graduating from fashion school in the United States.
The designers focus on effortlessly chic designs with soft embellishments, edgy prints and simple cuts, all of which make the pieces extremely wearable and easy to style.
After debuting in New York fashion week in 2012, the brand succeeded in attracting the attention of important celebrities like Eva Longoria, Olivia Palermo and Kate Bosworth.
Last February, the brand’s fall 2017 show was attended by high profile fashionistas Alexa Chung, Olivia Culpo and Leigh Lezark who were all decked out in the talented cousins’ designs.
3. Nathalie Trad
Even in the world of accessories and “arm candy” Arab designers are making big waves! UAE based handbags brand Nathalie Trad is a firm favorite for stylish Middle Eastern women and international celebrities like Solange Knowles, Sienna Miller, Olivia Palermo and Sonam Kapoor.
Trad launched her brand of luxurious clutches in 2013 and it instantly became recognized for its refined details and quality workmanship.
Most of the designs have a futuristic/cosmic feel to them.The Polygonia -the brand’s most recognizable piece - honestly looks like a stylish meteorite!
4. Rami Al Ali
The ethereal silhouettes, flattering cuts and rich fabrics are some of the elements that make Rami Al Ali’s designs appealing to women both in the GCC and beyond.
The Syrian born, Dubai based designer launched his eponymous label in the year 2000, and in 2012 he presented it for the first time in Paris couture week.
Ever since, Al Ali’s fabulous gowns have made multiple appearances on international red carpet events and have been donned by many VIPs like Jennifer Lopez, Kelly Rowland, Chanel Iman and Kelly Osbourne.
5. Razan Al Azzouni
After graduating from the school of Fine Arts in Boston, Saudi designer Razan Al Azzouni started her own fashion label, which became a hit among the region’s taste-makers, thanks to its beautifully constructed cuts and intricately embellished fabrics.
Her graceful and feminine designs have caught the eye of several celebrities such as Elizabeth Banks, Emma Roberts and Paris Hilton.
