Omaira: (Dress) sense and simplicity

Emirati fashion designer Maryam Omaira sees beauty in the simplest of things. Inspiration is more of an instinct for her that she loves to share with people who like to dress in her gowns.
After pursuing studies in Management Information Systems initially, Maryam soon realized this was not her cup of tea, and enrolled herself in the prestigious French fashion university, ESMOD, where she learnt the fundamentals of design and pattern-making.
The designer has wowed people with her beautifully-tailored dresses that are a blend of the modern and culture. Her Spring/Summer 2014 collection features exquisite eveningwear inspired by her strong UAE heritage.
With an earth tone palette of beige, sand, ivory/white and green, the designer draws inspiration from the popular palm trees found within the UAE. The weaving detail that is apparent in the collection reflects the intricate characteristics of the tree trunk.
This collection also marks Omaira’s debut in the world of accessories with an added line of beautifully detailed clutches. These modern and unique evening bags, made of acrylic and wood, are a fabulous extension of an already desirable Spring/Summer collection.
Omaira strives to create timeless designs that strike with beauty and elegance, beauty that lasts generations with designs that can be handed down from mother to daughter for years to come. Arab News interviewed Omairia to learn more about her passion for fashion and her Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Excerpts:

What first got you interested in the fashion field?
My mother was the first person who got me interested in the fashion field. She was a role model for me in every single way, and she made everything seem possible to attain. I was familiarized with the process of dress-making at an early age as I grew up in a house with a seamstress who custom made our dresses.

What inspires you while designing a new line?
When it comes to inspiration, it can be as simple as day-dreaming in the back seat of the car. It can be from something that captures my attention, and helplessly, I start to get “brainstorming attacks” until I figure out a way to incorporate it in the designs.
Tell us about your SS 2014 collection.
The SS14 collection is my favorite so far, and it’s inspired by one single element — palm trees. It might seem dull, but to me every part of it is an inspiration by itself. I tried to translate the inspiration in many forms, such as creating darts with the shapes of the frond of a palm tree. You can also see 3d embroidery in the form of a trunk of a palm tree on one of the dresses.

What materials and fabrics do you usually feel comfortable using in your designs?
I usually tend to lean toward silk in its different forms, such as satin and organza. The lighter the fabric, the better it feels against the body.

How do you want women to feel when wearing your designs?
It’s always better when a dress falls perfectly. As a designer, my goal is for women to feel both confident and comfortable wearing my designs.

How do you update yourself with the latest fashion trends?
Fashion reviews, magazines, and of course, the very famous fashion police show that I never forget to miss.

Your designs are a beautiful blend of the modern and original UAE culture. How did you manage to merge both in fashion?
Merging between modern and original UAE culture is more of a concept to me that I am willing to explore in my next collections. It is an inspiration from a quote from our former beloved ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, may he rest in peace, who was a man of wise words, and he said “a nation without a past is a nation without a present or future.”

Do you think the fashion market is competitive in the GCC region, and why?
Yes, the fashion market is competitive in the GCC region, and this is due to the growing awareness of fashion in the region.

Where do you sell?
Symphony boutique in Dubai mall.

What is the next step for your brands and yourself?
To gain recognition as a bridal couture designer, and to have a recognizable label, one that is distinguished in the fashion industry. Also, growing as a designer and spreading my label internationally.

How do you market your brand?
Through my Instagram account.

Where do you see your fashion brand going in the next 10 years?
I see my brand being recognized and well-known in the region, besides being introduced and valued in the rest of the fashion world. I also see my own boutique speaking the story of Maryam Omaira brand.