JUST before the holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslim women begin to look for galabias (traditional dresses) to wear during the month. What to wear and how to be both modest and glamorous is something that they think about, fashion designer Amal Naim’s interest in art makes her designs the answer.
Her love for material shows in every galabia she designs: “My designs reflect the concept of freedom and my love of colors. My ideal design must be comfortable, elegant and make every woman proud of her figure,” she added.
Naim always liked galabias as she thinks they are very feminine and elegant. She mixes the authentic past with the modern present in her designed garments. “My concept is to focus on galabia as evening gowns and produce dresses that can be worn for receptions, parties, or weddings,” she explained.
Her Dubai based boutique, Touch of Class, has succeeded in meeting all tastes, including those of non-Muslims in the multi-cultural Emirate.
With customers from all over the region, especially Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, Naim hopes to expand and open branches in Abu Dhabi, and the other GCC countries.
Her designs appeal to all women who like an elegant, comfortable and glamorous look, she says. “I choose the best available materials in the local market. I also order some from France and India. Each galabia takes a week to be designed and another to be made. I always work on a different few designs at a time,” Naim added.
Naim studied foreign languages and art, then she went into the field of wedding management. She used to design everything for a wedding, including centerpieces for the tables and the “kosha” where bride and groom sit. “I have loved art since I was ten years old and I still paint,” she said.
She fell in love with the materials she used for covering the tables and decorating wedding halls. At the time she thought they were suitable for evening gowns. “I then realized my real passion was for clothes and designing them in particular,” she said.
Touch of Class boutique is located at Jumeirah Beach Center. For more information call: +971506507184.