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Kuwaiti Resort Designer Sama Al Wasmi is the April It Girl

Sama Al Wasmi wearinga Tibi dress and Simone Rochas earrings.

Originally printed in the April 2018 issue of Vogue Arabia.

RETHINKING RESORT
Sama Al Wasmi tested her resort wear label Dear Nin – launching this month – while on vacation last summer. “I hadn’t planned on starting my own line, until I traveled with it,” says the former Al Ostoura boutique fashion director. She took everything she created on her trips to Lisbon, London, Porto Heli, and Marbella. A devotee to versatility, Al Wasmi packed adjustable wraparound tops that can easily transition from beach to an alfresco lunch, and reversible belted kimonos with a thin terry cloth lining. Her debut collection is influenced by what she would pack to Bali. While shooting the look book on the Indonesian island, she “wore everything from the collection.” An emerald green dress left a lasting impression at an intimate dinner with 30 guests. “The next day, everyone was calling me the ‘girl in the green dress.’ I want women to get recognized and feel great when wearing Dear Nin.”

OFF-KILTER CLOSET
“I like garments that are constructed in a strange way, but make total sense on the body,” the budding designer remarks about her wardrobe’s hero pieces. “I have a backless Marni halter top with a thick elastic waistband that’s perfect for layering. It’s so strangely constructed, I didn’t think it would work until I put it on.” She also pairs her favorite pearl embellished vest by Dries Van Noten with a pleated frock from Sacai. “I like things that are slightly quirky, as well as feminine,” she notes. Her go-to eveningwear designer is Razan Alazzouni. “Her creations are so ethereal. I love that she’s Arab and that all her clothes are made in Saudi. I have a lot of pieces from her; one of the dresses I wore for my wedding was made by Razan.”

Wearing Takesh sunglasses, vintage earrings, and a Cos turtleneck.

THROWBACK PIECES
“I buy a lot of vintage bijoux and I like to work around bold pieces,” Al Wasmi says about her accessories collection. A unique Yves Saint Laurent gold necklace that she found at a vintage store while honeymooning in Tokyo is one of her favorite finds. Another treasured piece is an heirloom sun pendant by Bulgari. “I got this from my parents when I graduated and it came with a leather choker. Now, I wear it with two gold chains that I stole from my sister,” she laughs. “I think the chains make it look pretty pimp.” For vintage browsing, she heads to 1stdibs.com, where she recently purchased a tea-length 1940s dress in brocade.

BRILLIANT BAUBLES
“I once had a big-name jewelry moment, but now, my taste has shifted,” she remarks. “I prefer breakout brands like Alexander Fuchs, Jacquie Aiche, and Kuwaiti brand Vous,” she continues, while tracing a gold choker around her neck adorned with teardrop diamonds. Al Wasmi also owns fine pieces from Kuwaiti label May Jewelry. “Having a jeweler is so luxurious. The idea of speaking to someone about something so precious is just a better experience than going to a big name store.”

Al Wasimi designed her bed in gray and green. She’s wearing a robe from her line with a Marni brooch.

HANDS-FREE
“Bags are the one thing I could live without,” Al Wasmi notes. “It’s something you hold rather than wear, and it’s the only piece in my wardrobe that I can’t place on my body. I’m much more of a clothes person.” Her carrier of the moment is a tricolor Balenciaga Bazar shopper. “It’s practical, durable, and great for traveling,” she says. “I’m planning on getting another one in different colors.”

FANCYPANTS
Ask Al Wasmi her wardrobe staple and she is quick to choose. “I love pants.” She rotates feather-trimmed Prada trousers and high-waisted cuts by Korean label Fleamadonna. “My favorite silhouette is a really wide culotte. I have a few from Tome, Delpozo, and Kenzo.” She teams her stylish slacks with raffia mules or flat forms by Delpozo. “I’m more of flats girl, but I’ll make an exception with Alaïa or Dries Van Noten heels if my outfit needs a pick-meup.” If she’s lounging at home or entertaining guests, you can find her in a pair of playful baby blue, mink slides courtesy of Natasha Zinko.

A signed David Bowie book.

ALL-IN-ONE
The Kuwaiti’s solution to hosting attire is slipping on a loose one-piece. “I’ll wear my black romper by Kenzo or a flowy dress. I wear dark colors just in case I spill something.” Her motto is to look relaxed and effortless. “When you are comfortable, your guests will feel comfortable.” When she’s pressed for time, she’ll slick on a red lipstick like MAC’s Chili. “Bold lips are all you need to make a quick statement. Also have a collection of pretty plates, and make sure to have an assortment of fruits, nuts, and cheese in the fridge, ready to toss on a platter.”

A collection of clutches gifted by her husband along with a Dries Van Noten robe and Delpozo shoes.

The It Girls of Vogue Arabia so Far

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