Innovative, culturally proud, and environmentally conscious—these are the burgeoning brands shaping the Middle East.
Over the decades, the fashion landscape in the Middle East has experienced a radical shift. Until a few years ago, the region was known primarily for its glitzy couture, often seen on international red carpets. Now, there’s been a significant rise in contemporary homegrown labels, too.
When it comes to understanding what customers look for from emerging labels, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, founder of talent incubator Qasimi Rising, offers some insight. “The saturation of established brands has prompted consumers to seek uniqueness and authenticity, providing emerging designers a chance to differentiate themselves. Additionally, the appetite for innovative ideas has remained consistent,” says Al Qasimi. What works in their favor is that young Arab designers are very proud of their roots and often tap into their rich cultural heritage when crafting collections – an aesthetic Al Qasimi believes resonates well with what clients are looking for. “Customers are increasingly seeking individuality in their fashion choices, and when it comes to young regional designers, these qualities are paramount,” she adds. Adhering to these standards, Qasimi Rising has been helping put regional talent on the map. “We provide access to platforms like London Fashion Week, mentorship, exposure to global audiences, and essential business resources. These initiatives help emerging designers establish themselves in the competitive fashion industry,” she says.
As barriers to entry are lowered, alongside fashion incubators nurturing new talent and elite schools like Istituto Marangoni opening their doors in the region, the kind of support young creatives can access is magnified. “In the past, the trend was mainly about creative minds from the Middle East deciding to study abroad to get the skills they need to pursue a successful career in the…
