Tashkeil Ramadan Bazaar unites designers

A celebration of colors, splendid designs and unique ideas, Ramadan Bazaar, an initiative of Tashkeil, is a place that has everything one needs to know about fashion. Providing a platform to showcase impressive, regional and international talents, Tashkeil featured its fourth Ramadan Bazaar from June 23- 25 to highlight local culture and the spirit of Arab customs at Tashkeil Kayan Space.
Tashkeil launched this event keeping in mind the growing stature of traditional garments and accessories blended with a funky trend that has taken over the Saudi women’s wardrobes.
As Tashkeil’s aim is to support and promote the region’s established and upcoming designers and NGOs working toward empowering home-based businesses, through Ramadan Bazaar it provides a common platform for all designers to showcase their talents by exhibiting their qualitative products and expanding their businesses.
Designers at the bazaar were Faten Selani, Amal Bin Hamd, Laila Mosalim, Gardenia, Hanan Abdel Aziz, Sara Al-Amoudi, Nihad Bakrebah, Noha Al-Thinayyan, Maather Al Harbi, Heba Al-Qurashi, Hind Batargi, Rahma Bittar, Shaima Tayeb, Nojoud Bakshwein, Ensaf Ibrahim, Wid Zahid, Endemage, Amna Al-Samarnai, Nada Bakshan, and Mashail Al-Huseini among others.
Sofana Dahlan, founder/CEO of Tashkeil, ensured the event highlighted the expertise of the local community and managed to introduce a new high fashion look in the Kingdom. She said “This is the fourth consecutive year of a successful Ramadan Bazaar after receiving a phenomenal response from both customers and designers in the last three years. The bazaar highlighted around 32 participants and hosted over 1500 guests. Several designers displayed abayas, traditional and ready-made wear, handicrafts and other decoration and household goods.”
“In a country where global fashion brands dominate the retail space, Tashkeil in a way helps local and homegrown designers to uncover their inner attractiveness and confidence and express their talents and showcase the beauty and elegance of their designs on a bigger scale,” she added.
Iman Al-Ansari and her partner participated for the second time in the Ramadan Bazaar this year. The duo, who were in charge of the largest stall at the bazaar turned designer thobes and abayas into elegant, comfortable and beautiful garments that modern women can wear with grace and style.
“After the success of last year’s bazaar, I decided to participate again. I sold more than I expected and I’m very happy to be back again,” said Al-Ansari, adding, “The Ramadan Bazaar at Tashkeil was very well-organized."
Another creative brand Artikiya of Shaima Tayeb displayed handmade clothing and an accessories line ‘Ward o Karkadeh’ comprising thobes, dresses, jackets, sherwals and more, all inspired by different cultures around the world but with a strong Hejazi root. The line comprises colorful patterns, simple and elegant style, as well as free flowing and comfortable silhouettes. She said: “The Ramadan Bazaar was a very well-organized platform provided by Tashkeil for talented and passionate female designers of all backgrounds and styles to promote and share their work with a large fashion loving audience. Tashkeil also did a wonderful job promoting each designer on their social media platforms.”
“The bazaar was a success for us as we were able to introduce the line to a large audience, create buzz, share our passion with others and see their positive feedback. We are planning to join next year’s Tashkeil Ramadan Bazaar as well,” Tayeb added. During the bazaar, she announced the opening of her new store Artikiya.
Likewise, designer, Mashael Al-Hussaini of Masha design, exhibited thobes inspired by T-shirts, a very cozy and comfy line in affordable prices, as well as rosary accessories. She said “The bazaar was very professional, organized and well-promoted. Thanks to the successful CEO Sofana Dahlan and her wonderful team. I have exhibited in many bazaars before, but Tashkeil was one of the best. I have already registered for next year.”
The line-up included international designers and famous artisans from Lebanon and Oman, some of which included brands like Mabrouk by Aline Fattal, intricately handmade bedding, table covers and mats; Kanzaman by Joumana Uhleman, arabesque furniture and decorative items embellished with mother of pearls; and Adilah Bandakji, ghumra (henna) dresses with traditional Pakistani work.
Every year Tashkeil encourages one of its interns and employees to unleash their hidden creativity and display their work, giving them a chance to display their own collections and products in the elite Saudi market. This year, Tashkeil provided one free booth to Warida Shah, where she launched her first ready to wear collection with unique, extravagant and chic pieces.
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