What We Are Buying Today: ‘Almugasap’ - Saudi traditional customes

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Updated 26 November 2023
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What We Are Buying Today: ‘Almugasap’ - Saudi traditional customes

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  • Hariry told Arab News: “I have always been motivated to showcase our traditional clothing to the new generation. By adding a modern twist to certain pieces, we aim to encourage them to wear and proudly exhibit our cultural heritage to the world”

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, Almugasap stands as a symbol of tradition and innovation, showcasing the beauty and richness of traditional Saudi culture.

Founded in 2021 by Arief Al-Sherif and Sari Salem Hariry, the brand has quickly become a driving force in reviving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity, particularly in thobes, cloaks, and long female gowns that showcase a blend of tradition and modernity.

Specializing in outfits with a traditional flair, each piece is meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail, reflecting a commitment to preserving heritage while embracing the possibilities of the future.

The founders, driven by a deep-rooted love for designing traditional Saudi outfits since their youth, embarked on a journey to create a brand that celebrated the beauty of tradition with a contemporary twist.

Hariry told Arab News: “I have always been motivated to showcase our traditional clothing to the new generation. By adding a modern twist to certain pieces, we aim to encourage them to wear and proudly exhibit our cultural heritage to the world.”

Initially focused on men’s clothing, Almugasap expanded its repertoire with the addition of a women’s line when Reem Esailan joined the team. It captured the essence of Saudi femininity, blending traditional elements with modern silhouettes to create elegant and sophisticated outfits.

The brand also creates accessories, including bags made from bisht material.

Another standout piece is the agal, a traditional headpiece symbolizing Saudi heritage.

Almugasap has also contributed to the actors’ wardrobe in popular series such as “Sefer Berlik.” And the brand has played a vital role in outfitting various plays in Taif, Al-Balad in Jeddah during Ramadan, and AlUla, solidifying its presence in the theater industry.

Recently, it partnered with the Ministry of Culture for the exhibition “Common Ground,” showcasing men’s and women’s outfits celebrating the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.

Almugasap creations also impressed audiences and the media at the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival.

For updates and more information, visit Instagram at @almugasap.

 


Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft
Updated 14 October 2024
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Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

Fashion Trust Arabia finalist Jihane Boumediane on preserving Morocco’s ancient wool-felting craft

DUBAI: Jihane Boumediane, the designer behind Moroccan brand Jyann, is garnering significant attention as a finalist for Qatar’s Fashion Trust Arabia Award in the accessories category, ahead of the ceremony in Marrakesh on Oct. 24.

Founded in 2021, her brand is known for its handcrafted bags and hats. It draws deeply on Morocco’s rich heritage of wool felting — a craft that dates back thousands of years and is integral to the country’s cultural identity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

Wool felting, an ancient textile-production method, is a labor-intensive process that involves manually pressing together wool fibers using water and soap.

This technique has been passed down through generations of Moroccan artisans, particularly in the Atlas Mountains where Boumediane sources her wool.

“The wool from this region has so many wonderful properties — it’s resistant, the fibers are not too long or short. It checks all the boxes — sustainable, versatile and beautiful,” explained the designer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

For Boumediane, fashion is not just about aesthetics, it is about preserving and elevating traditional crafts while creating a positive impact throughout the supply chain.

“Our approach is to create an impact on all levels — from the sheep raisers in the High Atlas to the artisans who meticulously craft each piece,” she said.

Her commitment to sustainability and ethical production can be seen in her sourcing of local materials and desire to optimize water usage in wool processing.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by jYANN (@jyannofficial)

Each of her handbags can take anywhere from five to seven days to create and transcend seasons — making them last for years.

The Fashion Trust Arabia Award is a significant milestone for Boumediane and her brand. “Being recognized by such a platform validates the years of research and experimentation we’ve put into our craft,” she said.

Winning this award would enable her to scale her operations, recruit and train new artisans, and further her mission of social innovation. “It’s not just about making beautiful products; it’s about safeguarding ancient techniques and ensuring they thrive in the modern world.”

The FTA 2024 Advisory Board selected 18 finalists from applications submitted by emerging talent from across the Middle East and North Africa region.

They are competing in six categories: ready-to-wear, eveningwear, jewelry, accessories, fashion tech, and for the Franca Sozzani Debut Talent Award.

The board includes British celebrity-loved designer Erdem Moralioglu, jewelry designer Gaia Repossi and US designer Kelly Wearstler.

The winners will receive a financial grant of between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on the size of their business.


Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label
Updated 14 October 2024
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Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

Jory Almaiman named brand ambassador by Spanish jewelry label

DUBAI: Spanish jewelry brand PDPAOLA has appointed Saudi influencer Jory Almaiman as a brand ambassador.

The announcement is being marked with the launch of a new campaign featuring the content creator, in which Almaiman shows off key pieces from the label’s Icons Collection.

The collection boasts customizable initials, symbols, and minimalist designs and it is crafted using natural gemstones arranged with handset pavé detailing.

With 110,000 followers on Instagram, Almaiman is often spotted at international fashion industry events and recently attended the Tory Burch show at New York Fashion Week in September.

Earlier this year, PDPAOLA, founded by siblings Paola and Humbert Sasplugas, expanded into Saudi Arabia with the opening of new stores in the Kingdom.

“We feel there is a natural fit with our value and selling proposition in this market,” Humbert previously told Arab News of their decision to target Saudi Arabia. “The key of PDPAOLA is that it constitutes a new jewelry language that blends effortless elegance with contemporary lines to create timeless sophisticated pieces,” he said.

“Our desire and plan is to naturally engage with Saudi women in a fresh yet respectful way,” he added. 

The brand offers rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. It is known for shaping natural gemstones into signature shapes using contemporary techniques and blending them with traditional artistry.

The element of traditional artistry is important to Paola, who told Arab News that she has been passionate about jewelry since she was a young girl.

“I used to hand-make jewelry pieces for myself, intuitively discovering my identity with every creation,” she said.

“Our pieces are designed for modern living, versatile designs with a comfortable fit that transcend occasions and become the ultimate symbol of self-empowerment,” she explained. 

The founders are also planning to expand into key markets in the region, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.


Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity
Updated 13 October 2024
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Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

Logina Salah says Miss Universe Egypt 2024 win is a step towards greater inclusivity

DUBAI: Egyptian model Logina Salah was recently crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2024, a victory that she believes signifies progress toward greater inclusivity in the world.

The 34-year-old makeup artist, model, body positivity advocate and single mother — who faced childhood bullying due to her vitiligo, a skin condition — triumphed over 12 finalists to win the title at an event in Cairo.

“I feel like the world is getting closer to including everybody. It wasn’t allowed for moms to participate, or any woman above 30, and I didn’t like participating in ‘moms pageantry’; I do not like labeling,” Salah, who is based in Dubai, said of the rules that changed in 2023.

She added: “When those restrictions were lifted, I saw it as the perfect opportunity. Pageantry was always on my mind, but I always said, ‘let me keep it for my daughter, maybe she would be interested’. I used to dream about it, but now the dream came back to life. I applied, and, thank God, I made it to Miss Universe!”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Logina Salah (@loginasalah)

When Salah was announced as the winner, the first thought that crossed her mind was, “I want to have a crown that never falls.”

She said: “Being a queen is wonderful and fulfilling, but my ultimate purpose is to be the queen of hearts.”

Reflecting on her journey with vitiligo, Salah highlighted the power of living as an example. “I do not come every day and talk about vitiligo on my platform, but living my life fearlessly and unapologetically is a message to people,” she said.

“When someone comes across my profile and they see me living fearlessly, this is an inspiration. So, I do both. I like to go out and inspire, not only for people with vitiligo, but for all young girls and women.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Pao Caniamo (@paoocaniamo)

The model will now represent Egypt at the global Miss Universe competition, to be held in Mexico this year from Nov. 14-16. The competition will see contestants from more than 130 countries compete.

As Salah prepares for the event, she explained her approach to the journey ahead: “I have never tied my dreams to a goal or a target. I always tie it to a mission and a purpose. With goals, when they end, that is it, it ends. I have a mission and a purpose to leave this world better than I found it. I have a mission and a purpose to inspire others and overcome adversity.”

The model also urged fans to show their support early on, not just after a victory. “We have this habit of supporting people only once they’ve won. I want people to vote now, to support now, to give everything they have now, because I am representing my country and the region. It truly lifts our spirits,” she said.


Headlining designers announced for Riyadh Fashion Week

Headlining designers announced for Riyadh Fashion Week
Updated 12 October 2024
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Headlining designers announced for Riyadh Fashion Week

Headlining designers announced for Riyadh Fashion Week

DUBAI: Saudi fashion labels Adnan Akbar, Dar Alhanouf, Tima Abid, and Honayda will headline the upcoming second edition of Riyadh Fashion Week, which runs from Oct. 17-21.

Set to take place in three venues — Tuwaiq Palace, Digital City, and JAX District — the event will feature a series of runway shows, brand presentations, and a designer showroom.

The Saudi Fashion Commission-organized event will feature more than 30 Saudi designers, with Adnan Akbar, Dar Alhanouf, Tima Abid, and celebrity-loved Honayda among the headlining shows.

Other highlights include Waad AlOqaili, Khawla Alaiban, Atelier Hekayat and Yaha Albashiri, among others.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, stated: “Riyadh Fashion Week stands at the forefront of positioning Saudi Arabia as a dynamic center for fashion and creativity. This event is a gateway for fostering homegrown talent, igniting new opportunities in fashion and retail, and driving both local and international engagement. By creating a platform for cultural exchange, we are celebrating the diversity and innovation of Saudi designers while elevating their impact on the global fashion stage.


Ashley Park shows off Elie Saab look in New York

Ashley Park shows off Elie Saab look in New York
Updated 12 October 2024
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Ashley Park shows off Elie Saab look in New York

Ashley Park shows off Elie Saab look in New York

DUBAI: US actress and musician Ashley Park showed off a glittering gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab in New York.

Best known for her portrayal of Mindy Chen on the Netflix comedy series “Emily in Paris,” the actress attended the Time100 Next gala in a halter-neck dress from Saab’s Fall 2024 collection. The figure-hugging number was embellished with spherical sequins and minute stars overlain on a geometric gridwork of beading.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ELIE SAAB (@eliesaabworld)

The stars of the show are known for championing Arab designers, with Egyptian jewelry label Jude Benhalim nabbing a starring role in the latest season of the hit Netflix series that was released in September.

Throughout multiple scenes, the Cairo-based label’s pieces are featured prominently on several characters in different episodes.

In episode six of season five, the Ripple Ring in gold is seen on Emily Cooper, portrayed by Lily Collins. Also in episode six, Camille’s mother, Louise, played by Camille Japy, shines in the Droplet Earrings in white.

Additionally, Park’s character is spotted wearing the Elea Hoops in the same episode.

Benhalim, who is part-Libyan and part-Syrian and grew up in Egypt, founded her eponymous brand in 2011 when she was just 17 and has since gone on to release a number of lines that each pay tribute to her heritage, finding fans in a handful of celebrities.

Meanwhile, Elie Saab has no shortage of celebrity fans and recently unveiled his Spring/Summer 2025 collection at Paris Fashion Week in front of a star-studded crowd.

The designer showcased a mesmerizing journey through the African savannah that felt fresh, vibrant, and completely devoid of tired clichés, according to the Associated Press’s Thomas Adamson.

Right from the start, Saab showed he wasn’t afraid to play with the safari staples — but with a twist. Safari suits, reimagined as roomy linen separates and sleek crepe jumpsuits, traded their usual khaki for the blazing red of fireball lilies, moody elephant gray, and the ochre dust of West Africa. It was a palette that brought the raw, natural beauty of the continent to life without falling into the predictable tropes. These looks weren’t the romanticized garb of the intrepid explorer; they were effortlessly chic, perfectly fitted for today’s cosmopolitan adventurer.