We first brought your attention to the Qatari designer Wadha Al Hajri when she showcased her talent during the Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience catwalk show and then again when we interviewed her back in February 2014 for the occasion of her collection being shown at Jeff and Justine Koons’ gallery in New York City. At the time, the 26-year-old mother of one expressed to us that designing clothes was her second job—following her career in politics. It is clear that Al Hajri is a natural talent and that hers is one that this region needs on the front lines as our pool of emerging designers blossoms.
Featuring an entirely monochromatic collection, the designer’s Spring 2015 offering draws the eyes to sophisticated tailoring and graphic embroideries evoking Arabesque patterns. Here, Al Hajri continues to translate her love of architecture—notably minimalist, clean lines—into beautifully constructed separates.
Hints of menswear silhouettes are parlayed into culotte pants and double-breasted sleeveless vests and tunics. Softer, more feminine pieces are showcased via sheer blouses, full skirts, and mashrabiya capes. Also highlighted in this collection is the Arabian Oryx. Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the small antelope is often portrayed as a proud mascot in Qatar and throughout the Gulf region. Here, Al Hajri portrays two oryx butting their long, slender horns across the busts of off-the-shoulder hauts—simultaneously evoking both feminine vulnerability and strength—the underlying crux of this stirring Qatari label.
View the Wadha Al Hajri Spring 2015 collection in the gallery above.
—Caterina Minthe
