IT is a trip, a wonderful trip into the world of the Saudi fashion designer, Samar Al-Shimi. She always dreamed of becoming a famous name in the world of fashion which symbolizes women’s femininity and charm. Combining education and experience, she strives to create using the beauty she sees in everything around her — design, color, decoration, accessories and anything that relates to Arab women.
Q: Tell us a little about your background and education.
Since childhood, I have been passionately in love with designing. I used to savor what I saw as the beauty in my surroundings. What helped me most in becoming a designer was my perception of the features and characteristics of colors and different materials. I refined these artistic feelings through formal study and in 1995, I got my BA in Islamic Art from King Saud University.
Q: Some fashion designers are self-employed and create things for individual clients. Have you followed this path in your career?
Yes, I have. There is my private business of designing custom-made clothing — wedding gowns and evening dresses. I believe that this kind of practice is one of the best ways to develop my talent and increase my knowledge. In any case, learning does not occur only in the classroom; it also continues on the job.
Q: How long have you been working as a designer and what distinguishes your work?
I have been a designer for ten years and have participated in a number of exhibitions, both in Saudi Arabia and abroad. Despite receiving no publicity in the Saudi media, I found that by word-of-mouth, I had made a reputation. People noticed and talked about my hand-made clothes with crystal beads. I usually try to blend traditional and modern styles and I also design accessories.
Q: What about your customers?
My customers obviously appreciate my artistic creativity and they keep coming back to me because they like my work. Naturally, this makes me happy and provides me with inspiration.
Q: And what is your main source of inspiration?
I get inspiration from the customer herself — her shape, age and skin color. I take these and make a sketch around them. Sketching is an aid for me and for the customer; the customer becomes involved in the sketching and feels that she is participating in the designing process — which, in a way, she is. In addition, I try to keep up with current trends in the fashion world by reading trade magazines and going to fashion shows all over the world.
Q: What do you think was your best piece of work?
A wedding dress for a Saudi bride.
Q: How long did it take you to make it?
Two months — because the bride was in a hurry.
Q: If someone told you to send a message, what would it be?
Give Saudi women a chance. Trust them — not only in the world of fashion but in all other fields as well. I genuinely believe that if that were done, we would not be disappointed.
Q: What about your future plans?
I’m excited and looking forward to presenting my designs in Beirut this Winter. It will be my first fashion show and I have prepared 35 different gowns and dresses. I have attempted to give women a look of glamour while also maintaining high levels of individuality, style and tradition.