Based in London, Domakaya is the carefully woven dreams of three Lebanese sisters. Their funky designs have gained their brand a loyal following among London’s Middle Eastern ‘It’ girls, as well as celebrities such as Natalie Umbruglia, Joss Stone, Billie Piper, Vanessa Williams and Angela Basset!
And now, to everyone’s delight, Domakaya’s unique line of cozy accessories is being offered in Saudi Arabia for the local “It” girls! Star Avenue’s Jasmine Box and Sawani Department Store in Red Sea Mall both carry the intricately hand-knitted and crocheted designs that are marked by a fusion of urban cool and vintage flair.
A unique skill passed down from one generation to the next, Domakaya’s talents are inherent in their intricate needlework and elaborate crocheting. With no two pieces the same, Domakaya specializes in limited edition creations that are sourced from afar and concocted into envy-inducing bohemian-city chic.
Using cashmere and luxury wools, their philosophy is to create stylish designs using fair trade products to cater to the fashionista who sets the trends — and doesn’t just follow them. Each accessory is crafted and iced with elaborate trimmings and decorations for added panache. Domakaya’s women’s RTW line includes various models of handbags, hats, hand-warmers, scarves, shawls and ponchos for winter as well as handbags, headbands and shawls for summer. They plan to launch a men and children’s line and provide a bespoke service whereby they can cater to specific requests.
Arab News got a chance to sit down with Karima Riachy, the middle star of the trio, and ask about the brand that is redefining Middle East chic, one hand-warmer at a time.
What is the story behind Domakaya?
It is the first two letters of the girls in my family in order of age. My mom is called Doris, oldest sister Maria, followed by Karima and Yasmina. Luckily, it sounded good. And in December 2002, we launched Domakaya. It took a few years to get everything up and running, as well as to learn how the fashion industry works. But once we started getting stockists worldwide, we knew we were doing something right!
Yes, you have been met with much success. So how does Domakaya complete these large international orders, while retaining that intimate handmade quality?
When Domakaya first began, it was my sisters, my mum, and I completing all the orders. As the years have gone by, we have built strong relationships with manufacturers who practice fair trade. Now I design the samples and the manufacturers make the orders.
How long have you been crocheting and who taught you?
My mom taught me how to crochet and knit when I was about nine. Her grandmother taught her so it has been nice to keep the ability in the family.
Why is fair trade important to you and how does Domakaya utilize fair trade products?
Fair trade has always been important to me. I think that in recent years people have become more aware of it. I believe that having cooperatives making the Domakaya products is great as we receive beautiful and skillfully handmade products, and in return the crafters get treated and paid fairly. I think it is a win-win situation for everyone.
Does your Middle Eastern background have an influence on your creations?
My Middle Eastern background definitely does have an influence on my designs. I love how Middle Eastern decoration and clothing is so colorful and ornate. I always try and keep Domakaya designs colorful and unique using trimmings, ribbons and vintage brooches.
Could you list some of your inspirations?
I get inspiration from everything! I try to go to art exhibitions as much as possible. I love street fashion as well as couture fashion, and the mix of both always creates great inspiration. I also love shopping at vintage clothing stores. I always find great things there. Vintage knitwear is so interesting.
Finally, what is your favorite Domakaya creation?
It’s so hard to choose one so I will pick a few! The hand warmers, which I have in every color under the sun, the hand-woven triangle shawls because they are possibly one of the softest and coziest pieces of clothing I own, and the knitted clutches as the patterns are always very personal to me.
