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From ready-to-wear to footwear and jewellery, these Middle Eastern labels are favoured by the region’s most fashion- forward women
Known for their glamourous evening wear, designers from the Middle East are often in the spotlight on the red carpet. The last few years, however, have seen a rise in more and more designers from the region creating ready-to-wear, streetwear and accessories. Thanks to multiple regional initiatives like Fashion Trust Arabia and Arab Fashion Week, which bring out the best in fashion from Arabia, the fashion landscape continues to evolve. We take you through 10 labels from the Middle East that are the absolute coolest.
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Bil Arabi
One of Dubai’s best-known jewellery labels, Nadine Kanso’s Bil Arabi is instantly recognisable, thanks to her use of colourful enamel on gold and her signature Arabic calligraphy. A perfect combination of classic and contemporary, her pieces are best described as modern heirlooms.
What to buy: The Arabic calligraphy bangles and the alphabet signet rings.
Where to shop:
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The Giving Movement
True to its name, The Giving Movement is a Dubai-based streetwear label that is all about giving back. Founded by Dominic Nowell-Barnes, this sustainable brand makes the coolest activewear, abayas and other modest clothing from recycled nylon and certified organic bamboo. For every item sold, they donate US$4 to partner charities.
What to buy: The short-sleeved blazer for its effortless appeal and slightly oversized fit.
Where to shop:Thegivingmovement.com
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Les Benjamins
Istanbul-based Les Benjamins brings traditional elements to streetwear. The result? Eclectic prints inspired from designs on carpets, or sweatpants with tapered ankle cuffs and cool graphic-printed logos. Founder Bunyamin Aydin wanted to bring together diverse cultures and promote togetherness through the language of fashion, making Les Benjamins a household name globally when it comes to streetwear.
What to buy: The geometric henna-print denim jacket.
Where to shop:
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Andrea Wazen
From Jennifer Lopez to Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner, shoe designer Andrea Wazen has seen her designs grace the feet of many A-listers. In fact, Jenner wore hers to the MET Gala a few weeks ago. Launched in Beirut in 2014, the footwear label is all about sophisticated designs and meticulous Arab craftsmanship. Her ‘Franca’ shoe has 110 steps in its construction and features gorgeous pleated tulle on the front and Swarovski crystals on the ankle strap—part girly, part elegant.
What to buy: The ‘Kaya’ shoe in pink tulle.
Where to shop:
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Arwa Al Banawi
Saudi Arabia’s hottest designer Arwa Al Banawi is known for mixing her Middle Eastern sensibilities with contemporary silhouettes. Her relaxed suits and statement T-shirts featuring Arabic inscriptions blur the lines between high-end fashion and streetwear. Al Banawi’s designs have been spotted on the region’s most popular influencers and international celebrities, including on the hit television show Dynasty.
What to buy: A black kaftan from her ‘Belle Kaf’ collection.
Where to shop: For sales inquiries, write to office@arwaalbanawi.com
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Mrs. Keepa
One of Dubai’s most avant-garde labels, Mrs. Keepa is best known for its maximalist aesthetic–including dramatic puff-sleeved tops, cut-out skirts and red leather opera gloves. Founded by Egyptian-French Mariam Yeya, her designs are a reflection of her own “more is more” personal style, so the silhouettes are bold and the colours are vibrant, making the clothes stand out.
What to buy: The embellished drawstring camo pants made from upcycled fabric.
Where to buy:
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The Mukhi Sisters
Founded by three sisters who are half-Arab and half-Indian, The Mukhi Sisters make everyday jewellery with a twist. The label primarily uses 18K gold with diamonds and interesting gemstones like azurite and tsavorite. “Having an Indian-Lebanese heritage and growing up in a family of jewellers on both sides, our aesthetic is quite soulful and colourful with a subtle edge that makes our pieces stand out,” says Maya Mukhi. Think playful designs like a rose gold ring with a diamond-encrusted scarab on it, a snake bangle with black diamonds and art-deco style earrings set with coral, diamonds and onyx.
What to buy: The ‘Evil Eye’ ring in yellow gold and the ‘Lucky Clover’ ring with green enamel.
Where to buy:
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Zaid Affas
Born and raised in Kuwait, Zaid Haffas is an emerging designer shaking up the ready-to-wear scene in the region with his slick designs, sharp tailoring and conceptual silhouettes. From rib-knit dresses in silk wool to more avant-garde pieces like a zippered silk velvet gown and a sculptural coat, his creations have been met with praise by the region’s fashion critics.
What to buy: Molded textured stretch dress.
Where to buy: Coming soon to Matchesfashion.com
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Emergency Room
Lebanese clothing label Emergency Room has been making some noise. Founded in Beirut by Eric Mathieu Ritter, the brand prides itself on using upcycled materials to make its garments. Using deadstock and second-hand materials which are sourced locally as far as possible (importing only when needed), almost one-of-a-kind clothes come alive featuring a patchwork of materials and prints.
What to buy: The ‘Carpet Dress’ made from upcycled vintage carpets.
Where to buy:
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Reemami
Founded in Dubai by Reem Al Banna, Reemami’s slightly eccentric designs are almost like works of art. Adding whimsy to classic silhouettes, the clothes are edgy and instant conversation-starters–think deconstructed denim jackets with metal ring hardware or a long-sleeved T-shirt with instructions on how to wake surf! For her latest collection, ‘A Tin of Olive Oil,’ Al Banna looked to her Palestinian heritage and translates traditional motifs to eclectic prints.
What to buy: The ‘Sliced Flower Midi Dress’ with dramatic puff sleeves and a voluminous skirt.
Where to buy:
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