Personalized denim is certainly at the zeitgeist for 2017—just one look at the street style circuit confirms this. Pins and patches are officially in. This is why when designers like Mishael Fakeeh’s embroidered creations immediately sell out, we’re hardly surprised. “There’s no such a thing as wearing too many patches,” muses the Saudi Arabian artist. Fakeeh, who first picked up a needle at ten years old during stitching lessons at school, has made a name for herself with her intricately, hand-sewn patches. From a realistic interpretation of Syrian princess Asmahan to extremely detailed embroidered name tags, which take her an entire day to complete, it’s hard to not fall for the trend. “It’s all about creating individuality, giving people the freedom to customize and style pieces the way they like, and breathing new life into loved items that already exist in closets,” explains Emirati designer Huda Al Nuaimi, who creates embellished pins that can be stuck onto shoes, handbags, and clothes.
Though not entirely new—patches and pins first found favor amongst punk rockers and early biker gangs who customized their jackets and vests with various lapels—the insignias have found fans in independent, local designers and artists who create pieces inspired by their culture and roots. See Fatma Al Mulla, who stocks miniature niqabs, chips Oman, and laban packets on her website. Then there’s Instagram, which is a hotspot for independent patch and pin-makers to showcase their creations, such as Jeddah-based Alaa Balkhy (@Fyunka), who creates teensy, appliques of Saudi milk and kohl that you can easily iron onto your favorite denim.
Here, 10 pins and patches from local designers to stack on this spring.
