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Emirati Women’s Day: Four Female Designers Shaping the Future

Emirati Women's Day

Inside the June issue of Vogue Arabia. The latest abaya collections are reimagined in a fashion shoot on location in Dubai. Photographed by Vivienne Balla and styled by Celia-Jane Ukwenya.

August 28 has been chosen by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, to mark the general women’s union. And so we celebrate, for the third year running, the talent and tenacity of the Emirati women who are striving to improve the nation. From Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum, who earlier this year became the first female commercial pilot from the Dubai royal family, to 25-year-old Yasmin Baker, a leading aerialist instructor in Dubai who stars in Nike’s Middle East women’s campaign, there’s much to applaud. Today, the United Arab Emirates looks at the contribution of women across the country in the roles of business, government, and industry. While there are many to note, Vogue.me spotlights four rising star names that add vibrancy to the fashion sector.

Madiyah Al Sharqi 

Madiyah Al Sharqi Fall 2017

Madiyah Al Sharqi Fall 2017. Courtesy of Madiyah Al Sharqi

The world has certainly witnessed the rise and rise of Emirati designer Madiyah Al Sharqi and her label. Now stocked across the globe, from The Modist to Bahrain’s Saks Fifth Avenue, Rubaiyat in Jeddah, Five Story in New York, Mercer by Edith in Paris, and G&B Negozio in Flero, Italy, the Emirati designer is certainly flying the flag for UAE designers. Al Sharqi can now name-check Dana HouraniLana El SahelyAlessandra Ambrosio, and Sofia Richie as fans.

Fatma Al Mulla 

Photographed by Saeed Khalifa. Courtesy of Fatma AlMulla

The 26-year-old Emirati designer and artist Fatma Al Mulla has a handsome portfolio of designs spanning from dresses, kaftans, accessories, and her first, recently launched, handbags after launching her brand in 2012 with a sequence of T-shirts. AlMulla’s commercial success has seen her collaborate with the likes of Sunglass Hut, Kiehl’s, and Tryano. In an interview with Vogue.me, the designer reflected, “It’s important because not only am I an Arab, but I come from a region that is full of beauty, and I want to show the world what this region offers.”

Hessa Falasi

Hessa Falasi Resort 2018. Courtesy of Hessa Falasi

Hessa Falasi Resort 2018. Courtesy of Hessa Falasi

With a growing namesake brand on the rise, the Dubai-resident Hessa Falasi weaves into each collection Middle Eastern cultural riffs with contemporary edge. Taking traditional garments and abayas, the designer reflects the fashion moment in subtle but clever ways, making her relevant for a cross-generational clientele. The FFWD designer is certainly one to watch.

Yasmin Al Mulla

YNM by Yasmin Al Mulla. Courtesy of YNM

Emirati designer Yasmin Al Mulla launched her brand in 2014 (alongside her sister), focusing on conservative dressing, creating modest, high-necked kaftans, overlays, and dresses. The designer wishes to transcend the trend treadmill and create timeless pieces. “We create timeless designs that match and fit all ages; our clothes can be worn 20 years from now, and still look great,” she proclaims.

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