Min Huna is Arabic for ‘from here’ and it is also a Saudi-based project that was created to design and manufacture a collection of bags every year for a different charity of the founders’ choice.

Dimah bint Mansour and Lama bint Mansour are two young Saudi designers who are proud of their culture and identity and were creative enough to come up with this brand. “All our designs have something of our Saudi identity, hence the vintage Saudi postal stamps we used this year in our collection. Marked by a national identity, tailored to contemporary trends,” they said.

Arab News met with the designers to know more about the concept behind the brand.

What is it about fashion that first got you interested?

Most items that we have seen in the recent years made for charity usually had a traditional feel, and we wanted to portray that community service and making a difference can be chic, trendy, and most importantly very contemporary.

Why did you name your brand Min Huna and what does it stand for?

It has two meanings: The first means any consumer can start making a difference by purchasing one of our pieces, which means it is basically a starting point. Second, as I mentioned earlier, all designs implement something from our Saudi culture and heritage in a modern way.

Where did you come up with the idea of the brand?

Last year we created bags for Al-Nabta foundation to raise environmental awareness and after the huge success, we decided to make this a yearly project in which we choose a different charity, serving the community on a wider range.

What inspires you when designing a new line?

We want to keep it modern and contemporary, always using natural and superb quality raw materials such as canvas and cork. We want to cater to all ages and create something fun, different, practical, and of course, chic!

How many collections do you produce annually?

We started with one, but who knows what the future holds, we are keeping our doors open for future collaborations.

Tell us about your Ramadan 2014 collection and your Ramadan 2013 collection.

Last year, the theme was environment so we used street maps of different cities in the Kingdom. Our concept was to raise awareness to start making our cities and areas we live in more environmentally friendly. This year, it is all about traveling and exploring but of course never forgetting where we are from! They say home is where the heart is and that’s what we want to portray in our design. We created a collection of travel sets and a canvas tote bag using vintage Saudi postal stamps from the 60’s and 70’s.

Who are your target clients?

Anyone who wants to make a difference and look chic at the same time!

You design and sell for charity. Is there a sale percentage or the whole income is for charity?

All of the income is for charity.

What are the materials that you feel comfortable working with in your collections and why?

Raw and natural materials such as canvas and cork, we love the simplicity and feel of it.

What was your inspiration for the stamped bags?

Traveling, exploring and the past of course! We went back to a time when post cards and letters were a main form of communication, prior to technology, and we loved how beautiful and fun Saudi stamps were at the time, each one reflecting back to a different era.

What do you think of eco-fashion?

We are all about making a difference, whether it is by recycling, fair trade, encouraging the community to create, helping the environment, or reviving heritage through craftsmanship. We definitely encourage people to think green and sustain energy in all aspects of their lives.

Why did you choose to participate in Bizat Al-Reeh?

Because it’s the biggest and most important bazaar in Saudi Arabia; also it is founded by a local charity, the Home Health Care Foundation.

How did you choose the charity organization? Why did you choose The National Home Health Care Foundation?

Because this year we decided to help patients in need through the efforts of the Home Health Care Foundation, which have dedicated their time and effort for a great cause.

What is the role of social media in marketing your brand?

We have a fairly new Instagram account in which we show our collection and some of our clients supporting and wearing them around. Our collections are quite small and exclusive which is why we focus on Instagram only (@min_hun)

Do you only design bags and purses? What other materials are you planning to design?

For now yes, we design practical bags for any modern woman to enjoy. We look into designing and exploring different shapes and sizes of bags; however, our canvas tote will always be our signature design.

Describe the general process you go through to design and realize a piece.

It is more of a general concept that grows and evolves till the piece comes to life. However it is very important to us that our collection is coherent and in the same spirit, creating a strong concept and identity throughout.

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

For now we are exclusively at Jeddah’s annual Ramadan Bazaar Bizat Al-Reeh.

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