www.womanthismonth.com 31 November 2013 DAR NASEEM ALANDALOS Hayaa AlFadhel’s personal style might be simple and classy. However, that doesn’t seep into her couture line. They have the same classy and feminine feel but are glamorous and royal. Dar Naseem AlAndalos is a brand specialised in Moroccan couture. The brand changed the basic kaftan into an elegant couture dress that shows the richness of the Moroccan handwork and embroidery and the sophistication of the modern silhouettes. Having been part of the Doha Fashion Festival alongside designers like Abed Mahfouz and Rami Kadi, Hayaa has a lot to be proud of. She just returned from her first show outside the Middle East —] at Harrods-London! “We’re working on our upcoming fashion show that will be held in The Dorchester-London, where we will show our Haute Couture Spring Summer 2014 collection,” she says. “We have a lot of collaborations and events in Qatar, KSA and UAE in the future and I’m planning on starting a ready-towear line next year.” Advice to upcoming designers: Be unique. Let your designs represent who you are. W BY WALLA When she started designing 12 years ago, Walla had focused on recreating the abaya in a modern way. With time she realised she had more to give to the world of fashion. The W by Walla evening wear was the result of this passion towards design. Currently working on her third collection of cocktail dresses and evening gowns, Walla has her pieces produced in Italy. “I have a touch of the Middle East in each collection, albeit in a modern way,” she says. “I love culture and where I come from. It’s nice to have a modern blend to it.” The Autumn Winter 2014 brings together Japan and the Middle East. Advice to upcoming designers: Don’t stop! It’s very difficult. You might struggle through a phase and think ‘this is it’ and give up. If you love it, then fight for it. You need to be patient and work hard.
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