womanthismonth.com | SEPTEMBER 2025 INTERVIEW 5 Ms. Al Arayedh’s interest piqued at a young age, nurtured by family influences and a natural affinity for creativity. She recalls: “Fashion has always been a part of me since childhood. I loved restyling my clothes, experimenting with handwork and creating something new from what I had. My grandmother had a deep love for dressmaking, and I grew up surrounded by my aunties who ran a haute couture house. Those experiences deepened my love for fashion.” Despite advice against pursuing it professionally, she says: “I knew fashion was not just something I liked it was who I was, and what I saw myself doing.” Design Vision and Inspirations Ms. Al Arayedh’s approach to design is anchored in balance. “It’s is rooted in creating pieces that are functional, comfortable and stylish,” she explains. “I enjoy experimenting with draping and innovative cuts while ensuring my designs remain modest. I aim to balance between modern fashion trends and cultural identity, so my work speaks both to global style and to the heritage that shapes me. “Bahraini heritage inspires me through its textures, craftsmanship and storytelling. I often incorporate elements such as traditional silhouettes reimagined with contemporary cuts and fabrics. I also take inspiration from Bahraini Fashion designer Razan Al Arayedh speaks about her love for creating timeless, modest designs that fuse Bahraini heritage with modern aesthetics. Passion For Fashion colours, desert tones and the richness of gold embroidery. It’s about taking something timeless and giving it a modern, wearable form that still connects back to our culture.” Crafting with Purpose Her creative process is meticulous and intentional, beginning with inspiration from trends, textures or even moods. “I start with sketches and explore how I can make a piece both wearable and unique,” she explains. “Then comes fabric selection, which is crucial; the fabric must complement the cut and drape I envision. After that, I create patterns, experiment with draping on mannequins and refine until the design truly comes to life. Finally, I oversee the construction to ensure the garment feels as good as it looks.” Sustainability also plays a key role in her philosophy. “I focus on creating timeless pieces rather than fast trends, so my clients can wear them for years,” she offers. “I also try to work with high-quality fabrics that last, and whenever possible, I use deadstock materials or repurpose leftover fabrics into smaller items or details.” Looking Ahead Reflecting on her latest work, Ms. Al Arayedh shares: “The collection I’m working on now is one of my most meaningful, because it feels like a true reflection of where I am today as a designer. My upcoming 2027 Kaftan collection is all about glamour with a cultural twist. I’ll be working with jacquard, silk and organza to create volume and fluid movement, blending tradition with modern elegance.” Finally, Ms. Al Arayedh is spending her third year mentoring with Youth City – Fashion Studio, and it’s been her most rewarding so far. She explains. “I wanted them to understand that fashion is more than just sketching, it’s also designing with purpose, balancing creativity with business and truly knowing your craft. My advice is always: learn the technical side, from fabrics to construction. A designer who understands how to make clothes, not just draw them, will always stand out.”
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