Next month, the nation is set to mark a very special day in the UAE calendar: Emirati Women’s Day.
Falling on August 28, the day is about celebrating Emirati women’s accomplishments in business, art, science and many fields, as well as marking the pivotal role Emirati women have played in shaping the UAE to what we know it as today.
Launched in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the nation, she specifically chose August 28 as the date for Emirati Women’s Day as it coincides with the day the UAE’s General Women’s Union (GWU) was established in 1975.
Ahead of the special occasion, GRAZIA looks to some incredible Emirati designers who are shaping the face of fashion and jewellery in the UAE and beyond.
Wings
Wings is an innovative luxury fashion brand. Inspired by the freedom of birds, their wings, which allow them to fly, are crafted to perfection. Electronics Engineer Al Anood Al Mansoori took her understanding of geometric designs, infusing these patterns into her work. She has created a brand which has blended culture into a modern silhouette, creating statement abayas.
Takara
Takara, which means “treasure” in Japanese, is a brand designed with impeccable craftsmanship and tailoring. Founded by three sisters, Athari, Mariam, and Jawaher Al Hajri, each piece is a celebration of a woman’s beauty and grace. The collections are refined and sophisticated, allowing a woman’s beauty to blossom, perfectly bringing culture into a contemporary nature. The brand is designed with women at the forefront of their process, creating pieces which allow for the expression of oneself and one’s story.
Gabi DubaI
Minimalism and understated beauty are what make GABI unlike other UAE brands. This one size fits already to wear brand has taken the Emirati traditional dress and added a modern flair. Founded by sisters Waad and Sheyma Al Hammadi, GABI is unlike anything else in the market. The pieces are oversized and defy the contentions of typical modest dressing. Despite its contemporary direction, the brand has been able to preserve the beautiful Emirati traditions whilst creating a standout brand.
Shamsa Alabbar
Named after the founder, Shamsa Alabbar’s experimental jewellery line, which focused on Arabic typography, unlike anything else in the market. This brand is a modern reflection of Emirati tradition. It is an ode to the traditional Arabic calligraphy and culture, creating something unusually beautiful. This is reflected in the brand’s statement of geometric typography. This collection beautifully embodies the UAE culture, constantly innovating, pushing the boundaries of what is both possible and expected.
The O Jewellery
Quality and design are the priority for The O Jewellery. This contemporary fine jewellery brand is inspired by society and the way it has changed. From the richness of the past to the simplicity of the present and the imagination of what the future could be. Founded by Shamsa Al Omaira, her visionary mindset and eye for artistry, creating pieces which are sentiments to the art and architecture within everyday life. Evoking an emotion between the pieces and the wearer as it connects them to a memory or part of their culture.
Ailes Jewellery
Founded in 2021 by Hind and Fatma Ismail Janahi, the sister duo doesn’t just design jewellery, but rather wearable pieces of art. Ailes Jewellery offers a creative embodiment of luxury, playing with colours and shapes to create unique, standout pieces unlike anything else in the market. The brand subtly nods to the sisters’ Emirati heritage but brings it into a bright, playful light.
Noora Shawqi
With a focus on creating effortlessly feminine designs and encouraging women to be brilliant and courageous. Designed and founded by namesake Noora Shawqi, the collections draw inspiration from across her life. Shawqi designs pieces which a vibrant as the woman wearing them. So, whether it be her travels or her family heritage, the collections are always of impeccable quality and craftsmanship.
