Follow Vogue Arabia
Newsletter
STREET STYLE July 9, 2015

An Exclusive Ramadan-Themed Photo Shoot With Nadine Kanso, Khulood Thani, and Others

by

KAREN MCLEAN

Blogger at Secret Squirrel Food WHAT’S YOUR RAMADAN STYLE? I would describe my personal style as bright, cheerful, and colorful. This Ramadan, I am going for soft silky fabrics and patterns. I love supporting local designers and at the moment, I love Katya Kovtunovich and Searina. Karen McLean, wearing a bolero top by Essa Walla and bag by Patrizia Dona (both available at The cARTel), skirt by Amber Feroz, black braided trio necklace by Coquette, and shoes by Tabitha Simmons (provided by Level Shoe District).

KAREN MCLEAN

Blogger at Secret Squirrel Food WHAT ARE YOUR RAMADAN ACTIVITIES? I love spending Ramadan with my loved ones and many nights are spent cooking at home. I also enjoy attending suhoors and catching up with my friends over tea and cookies.   Karen McLean wearing an abaya by Katya Kovtunovich, white dress by Searina, and clutch by CeeCode.

1/1

KAREN MCLEAN

Blogger at Secret Squirrel Food HOW DO YOU USE THIS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? Ramadan is a time for giving, being kind to others, and helping those in need. It's the little things we do together that make a difference in the world. I use this time to get involved with volunteering initiatives, such as packing food boxes for underprivileged families and food distribution to labor workers.   Karen McLean wearing abaya by Katya Kovtunovich, white dress by Searina, and bracelet by Coquette. Holding handmade coffee cup from Silsal Design House. Arabic calligraphy nail art provided by SOH Salon.

NADINE KANSO

Jewelry designer and founder of Bil Arabi WHAT’S YOUR RAMADAN STYLE? I like casual with an edge. I like wearing long shirts and kaftans by Essa. Nadine Kanso wearing a long vest dress by Amber Feroz, robe vest and belt by Anne Sofie Madsen from The cARTel, and her own Bil Arabi jewelry (ring, earrings, and bracelet).

NADINE KANSO

Jewelry designer and founder of Bil Arabi WHAT ARE YOUR RAMADAN ACTIVITIES? Work as usual, nothing changes in that sense except for the occasional gatherings with friends over suhoor to catch up. Ramadan is a great period to reflect and recharge. Nadine Kanso wearing a long vest dress by Amber Feroz, bag by Lamat from The cARTel, her own Bil Arabi jewelry, and own shoes.

NADINE KANSO

Jewelry designer and founder of Bil Arabi HOW DO YOU USE THIS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? During Ramadan, extra efforts are made towards helping others and giving back to people in need. With that said, one should not wait for Ramadan just to give back and do good. Nadine Kanso wearing a leather vest by Sandrine Philippe,clutch by Rula Galayini, and shoes by ILJA (all from The cARTel), and her own Bil Arabi jewelry.

KHULOOD THANI

Fashion designer and founder of Bint Thani WHAT’S YOUR RAMADAN STYLE? My style doesn't change during Ramadan. I still enjoy wearing pieces that express my personality, although sometimes I might go for more flowing articles. I usually wear my brand Bint Thani, as well as KBT Koncept, COS, and ACNE Studios. WHAT ARE YOUR RAMADAN ACTIVITIES? Although a lot of people may think that Ramadan is a slow month, for me, it's very productive in terms of work, with many casual and professional networking events taking place after iftar. HOW DO YOU USE THIS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? I do my best to enforce the concept of sharing and caring during the holy month of Ramadan. Khulood Thani, wearing an abaya and vest by Pose Arazzi and bag by Gabriella (both from The cARTel), and ring by Bil Arabi.

NARIMANE KURDI

Managing director of NK Luxury Consultancy WHAT’S YOUR RAMADAN STYLE? During Ramadan, my passion and support for emerging regional brands is reflected in my style—it's a combination of “East meets West.” My key pieces are always accessories; the right shoe, bag, and jewelry. Among the regional brands, I like Mira Hayek, Sara Melki C’est Moi Couture, Hana Sadiq, Lina Lama, the calligraphy kaftans by Burgan, Noon by Noor, LalaQueen, Razan Al Azzouni, and All Things Mochi. As for international brands, Roksanda Ilincic, Tabitha Simmons, Aquazzura, and Christopher Kane are just a few of my go-to brands. WHAT ARE YOUR RAMADAN ACTIVITIES? I'm always very busy and Ramadan is no excuse for me to delay any work or projects. We live in such a fast-paced world that work-life balance is key to success. Giving back, spending time with family, eating healthy, working out, and being productive at work are essential. HOW DO YOU USE THIS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? Giving back is one of the core values that I practice throughout the year. During Ramadan, I attend charity events and iftars, and participate in funds that support women initiatives and widowed mothers. Left - Narimane Kurdi wearing a kaftan by Dima Ayad, necklace by Sara Bartko (both from The Cities), and shoes by Francesco Russo provided by Level Shoe District. Right - May Barber wearing an abaya by Amber Feroz, ring by Cities Dubai, and her own shoes.

SEARINA ABDEL KADER

Fashion designer and founder of Searina WHAT’S YOUR RAMADAN STYLE? In general, modest fashion appeals to me the most in Ramadan. Having been raised in the UAE, I’m influenced by the Emirati culture and attire. During Ramadan, I would describe my personal style as contemporary Arabian. I like combining colorful and patterned abayas or bishts with street style looks. WHAT ARE YOUR RAMADAN ACTIVITIES? Ramadan is one of the busiest months of the year. I usually launch a capsule collection for Ramadan and Eid and participate in fashion and charitable events. I also enjoy spending time with family, cooking at home, and preparing iftar, as well as going to suhoor tents with friends. HOW DO YOU USE THIS TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? Ramadan is the month of giving, loving, and caring. This year, I enjoyed participating in the Ramadan night exhibition and charity event “Layal Exhibition” at Wafi Mall, with proceeds going to the Emirates Down Syndrome Association. For other initiatives, I like supporting local projects and talents; for example, I support photographers by hiring them to shoot some of my fashion pieces and all the proceeds go to charity. Searina Abdel Kader wearing an organza bisht by her own brand Searina, python clutch by Rula Galayini from The cARTel, and own shoes.

1

We’ve entered the final stretch of Ramadan, which means that Eid preparations are at the top of our to-do lists. If you’re looking for a venue where you can shop while also indulging in Ramadan-themed cuisines and a few historical exhibits and art installations, then head to Rwaq—Ramadan at The Walk—at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). In collaboration with Dubai concept store The cARTel, Rwaq aims to offer visitors a curated shopping experience from May Barber, the co-founder and managing partner of The cARTel.

In an exclusive shoot for Style.com/Arabia, Rwaq and The cARTel teamed up with a select number of UAE-based influential personalities—May Barber; Bint Thani’s designer Khulood Thani; Secret Squirrel Food blogger Karen McLean; fashion consultant Narimane Kurdi; jewelry designer and founder of Bil Arabi Nadine Kanso; and fashion designer Searina Abdel Kader—to pay tribute to the regional brands and artists participating in this year’s festive experience, including Amber Feroz, Coquette, Cities Boutique, Dima Ayad, Endemage, and Effa Dabbagh. We talked to the fashionable set about their go-to Ramadan style, their favorite Ramadan activities, and how they give back to the community during the holy month. Photographed by Svetlana Kniazeva, the photoshoot follows the women as they stroll past the full-scale, 3D light installation by Kuwaiti designer and artist Tahir Sultan at Rwaq and chat over high tea at Reem Al Bawadi.

Rwaq (Ramadan at The Walk) will continue until July 25th. For more information, visit www.rwaq.ae.

—Nouriah Al Shatti

Vogue Recommends

Suggestions
Articles
View All
Vogue Collection
Topics
     
     

    © 2024 Nervora Fashion, Inc. and Condé Nast. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Nervora Fashion, Inc. and Condé Nast.