Lately many new up and coming designers in Saudi Arabia are choosing the path of designing evening wear and haute couture fashion lines, but rarely do you find comfortable and chic designs that are suitable for everyday wear.
You don’t have to look far anymore; this new designer is set to please those of you looking for a clothing line to wear on a casual basis.
Amal Al Goblan is a Saudi designer, based in Riyadh and is one of the newest comers to the Saudi fashion limelight. Her clothing line “Dolls n Skulls” consists of designs that are a reflection of her own preferences when it comes to dressing.
After contacting the young designer, it was easy to see why she chose her path. She’s down to earth, strong willed, passionate and a very inspiring young woman. The 25 year old is a graduate of the Arts and Skills Institute (ASI) in Riyadh, the first of its type in the Kingdom. The institute provides education and training in fashion and visual arts for women.
Arab News contacted Al Goblan recently and the below is an excerpt of the interview.
How did an interest in clothes turn into what it is today? What motivated you to do so?
I was always interested in fashion, following up on designers and keeping an eye out on what is interesting in the market, but I didn’t see it as something that I would make a career of at first. This changed after I came back to Riyadh from studying abroad in the United Kingdom and the United States, I sought to figure out what I wanted to do especially since I took so many classes in things that I didn’t see myself doing in the future. It all came rolling into one big thing, my interest in clothes and support from those around me pushed me toward something that turned out into a great initiative. I took classes at the Art and Skills Institute (ASI) and they basically taught me everything there is to designing clothes. From drawing to sowing to differentiating different fabrics, I found it extremely exciting and I was inspired to continue. Before enrolling in the institute, I had no idea about what I wanted to do; I have finally found my passion.
Why did you choose the brand name “Dolls n Skulls”?
To me dolls represent the feminine side and skulls are the tomboyish side. I’m also working on some unizex pieces, so the name is just the most suitable and perfect for my brand.
Your designs are more of a down to earth kind of style; it’s very refreshing to see such designs, particularly since many Saudi designers are leaning toward high fashion. Why have you chosen this path specifically?
I like everything stylish but it doesn’t have to be high end for it to be nice. I like to wear comfortable clothing, which is why I chose to design outfits that I see myself wearing. I basically designed everything according to what I felt like was best for me at the moment.
In regard to the style, you chose girly, fun, a bit preppy and a hint of tomboy in it. That’s an interesting and yet difficult style to pull off, but you found it. How did you do that? How do you make your clothes look chic yet comfortable to be in?
I was looking for something that everyone can wear at different occasions. It was challenging, however casual wear is what I was most passionate about and what I wanted to see in my brand.
Some designers, unfortunately, lack the touch of comfort in their clothing. You add some touches of femininity with minimal beading and a hint of pearl meshed with organza here and there. Why and whom are your target shoppers?
I can’t define a target per se, but I did notice that most of the clothing items that I was selling in events and trunk shows were for girls in their teens and women in their early 30s.
Dolls n Skulls’ clothes are comfortable enough to wear on a day-to-day basis and chic enough to wear at night for a special outing. It’s easier to accommodate women of that age because many are looking for style and comforting clothing. My line is not haute couture; it’s easy and simple with a twist.
Who inspired you to achieve the goals that you’ve set for yourself? Was it difficult to achieve your goals, and how much support did you receive?
I’ve been blessed with my family’s support from the beginning of my career. At first it was difficult explaining to them my interest in fashion, however when they saw my creative work and drive, they became staunch supporters of my work.
I look to many designers for inspiration, yet I don’t have one role model in specific. I like my designs to be a reflection of my preferences and personal style.
It was a difficult path to take but I’ve persevered and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.
Would you like to collaborate with other designers one day?
It would be wonderful to collaborate of course with a fellow designer, but for now I currently have a small team of talented people in a small studio; in the future I would like to expand, but for now I am content with where I am.
I am currently working on my website, to allow my clients the ease of ordering online. I work with an artist that actually paints and draws on the material I design, such as tops. The artist takes his time with each piece and that is what makes it significant and special; each design is unique, as we don’t mass print the same design, which makes the pieces one of a kind.
What events have you participated in the past?
I’ve participated in a few events such as Bizat Al Reeh Ramadan Fair in Jeddah and as of recent I did a trunk show with four of my colleagues in Maison Bom-M in Riyadh three weeks ago, where I displayed my second collection. I am currently working on my third collection that I will be launching by the end of February of this year.
Where do you see your work going forward from here?
I hope to see my designs spread across the Kingdom and I would also like to expand to the Gulf region and internationally. My vision entails a high-quality brand that is affordable, chic and comfortable.
Email: [email protected]
