Fashion designer Homa Qamar is not just a designer, she is an artist, a dreamer and an achiever.

Designing clothes has always been her passion and a big part of her throughout her life. “My journey from an amateur sketcher as a kid to pursuing professional education at a fashion school has helped morph my passion into my career,” she said.

Her fashion brand’s name is her identity, which not only defines her but also her unique work of art. Hence, it inherited her own name. “The meaning of the word “Homa” is a mystery bird of fortune and paradise. I simply love it,” she said.

Wanting to know more about the Dubai-based designer, Arab News had a chit chat with her:

You are a fashion designer but you only choose to designs abayas. What is the reason behind that?

I would say it’s a combination of fate, timing and early opportunities. Our brand is not exclusive to abayas only as we do dresses also. But yes I started off with abayas because my first official job after graduation was as an abaya designer. Since then it has become my passion to dress my lovely ladies in abayas that complement them.

How would you describe your style of fashion and your designs?

My style exudes elegance and class. A Homa Q woman is sophisticated, modest and a princess in every true sense!

How far in advance do you work on your collections and what is the process?

It can usually take 6-8 months. It all starts with what I’m feeling, what are the current trends, what has inspired me recently and from there I go into putting together inspiration boards, mood boards, style boards and theme selection.

Do you think the GCC market is a competitive market when it comes to abaya designing?

Irregardless of where a designer is based, fashion has always been a competitive industry. At the moment, GCC is a new market and it’s growing fast which definitely makes things competitive, especially for a niche abayas market.

Do you try to send out a message in your clothes? If yes, what is it?

Not exactly a specific message but one can draw a message from the general theme of my collections. I believe in dressing up impeccably and a Homa Q woman is sensual, smart, elegant, and it makes us think we live in an another classic era.

What makes your designs special? What makes you different from other abaya designers?

My brand’s DNA is deeply rooted in elegance, luxury, modesty and quality work. My abayas are couture pieces with very detailed tailoring and exclusive high end materials that I hand pick myself and have them imported. I love this quote from Coco Chanel “Some people think luxury is opposite of poverty, it is not, it is opposite of vulgarity.”

What inspires you when designing a new line?

Every collection always has a different reason to inspire me. I don’t force myself to start with a story. I go with the flow, small important moments of life, my mood and my surroundings. At one moment some trend might be inspiring enough whereas at another moment it could be some person who has inspired me. What I really like about designing is that it doesn't necessarily have a logical flow or a set of organized rules. It gives me freedom to explore and to experiment yet stay on track. Art comes within you and your surroundings.

Tell us about your new collection (Fabric and materials, inspirations and more)

I have recently launched a RTW Resort 2014 collection. My main goal behind launching this collection was to give my couture abaya clients more variety to choose from in order to suit their daily lifestyle. The quality and selection of fabrics is same as my couture abayas. It’s inspiration is in simplicity yet with hints of luxury, with more summer tones, warm pastels, affordable semi-couture feeling in all of the garments yet each piece has its own statement.

How did you manage to blend between modern and culture in your designs?

It’s simple — keep a perfect balance of both in your designs. I don’t like to follow trends for the sake of following and force myself into selling something that the inner artist inside me doesn't believe in.

Where do you sell your designs? And where do you wish to sell?

Currently I sell only in few select boutiques in Dubai, through appointments and at my online store Homaq.com. My immediate plans are to stock my abayas in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. I love Saudi and Doha abaya styles.

What sets you aside from other abaya brands?

To be honest I really don’t know what other abaya designers are doing as I’m always deeply invested in my brand and my clients. Let’s just say I would be the last person in Dubai to know if there is a certain style every designer is following — I for one don’t follow any particular trend. I believe a true fashion designer doesn’t need to worry about catching up with the trend but innovates one and give fashionistas freedom of choice. I like to keep my garments trendy yet fashionable in my own kind of modernization.

What is your signature and trademark?

Cape style. It sets my abayas apart from other designers. This style has been in the DNA of my designs from the very beginning.

What are you working on now?

I am working on my new lines, and I can’t wait to unveil the surprise!

What is next for Homa Qamar abayas?

Next up would be to enhance my work, enhance the service, and make Homa Q abayas accessible all over the Middle East, with immediate plans to expand in KSA.

—

Email: [email protected]