Mishael Al-Rajhi designs for stylish, elegant women

Twenty-six-year-old Saudi designer Mishael Al-Rajhi has always been a huge fan of fashion. Ever since she was little, she loved dressing up, mixing and matching clothes according to her fashion sense.
The designer has two fashion brands, Mishael Al-Rajhi and Micci & Mishi.
“Mishael Al-Rajhi is for the couture and evening fashion line. It is my own way of artistic interpretation using fabrics,” she said. “Micci & Mishi is my high casual brand for men and women inspired by my concept of style intertwined with polarized personalities. It’s noveau chic and somewhat avant garde. It’s a bit edgy or sometimes comprises classic pieces with a twist,” she added.
Arab News met with the designer during Ramadan’s annual event Bizat Al-Reeh in Jeddah where she exhibited her Ramadan and Eid collection. In a discussion with Arab News, Al-Rajhi told us more about her passion for fashion, her collection and her future plans:

Your designs are a beautiful blend between culture and modernity, how did you manage to do that?

I believe that everything you design and regardless of where you get your inspiration from, you would find a way to tie it with your culture. Who we are influences what we do and it will flow into your designs whether or not they’re modern or even futuristic.

What are the materials that you usually like to work with in your collections?

There’s no specific material I favor over the others. I am usually mixing light and thick fabrics, I like materials that have texture.

Tell us about your Ramadan/Eid, Spring/Summer collection.

Thoubé is a mix of my understanding and expression of what this season means without missing out on the vibrance of summer. In a way, I was inspired by the trips that are close to my heart. It’s an interpretation of the season’s festive vibe, tradition meeting serendipity on the cobblestone streets of Paris. It’s Eid at Champs Elysees, Iftars at Tiffany’s and a Parisian Ramadan, as I see it.

What inspires you when working on a new collection?

I know it might sound cliché, but I am inspired by the world around me — from my experiences, feelings and reality itself. I think life is the number one source of inspiration.

What is the role of social media in promoting your fashion line?

For entrepreneurs like myself, I’d have to say it helped a lot. It allows me to interact with potential clients and gives me a platform to engage and showcase my work in real time.

Why did you choose Bizat Al-Reeh to exhibit your latest collection? What other bazaars you always make sure you participate in and why?

I think Bizat Al-Reeh has gained its position as the Ramadan event in the Kingdom. I don’t just see it as a bazaar but an exhibition wherein designers and artists are able to really display their work and get the right feedback. While I try to be present in local exhibitions, I aim to explore fashion events beyond very soon.

What are you working on right now?

I’m working on my AW2014 and SS2015 collections and with that some collaborations I’m interested to explore. That’s all the hint I can give you.

Do you think the local market is competitive when it comes to those designing? why?

It may not be as competitive just yet as compared to let’s say London or Paris where you have emerging designers by the mile. But it’s competitive in a way that you want to create your own unique identity. I see myself, how I can transcend in my work and be better than the last season me.

Where do you sell and where do you wish to sell?

I’m available through my Instagram right now @mishaelrajhi, I’m working on getting a high-end stockist locally and in Dubai. I see the brand being sold in every fashion capital: London, Paris and New York.

Where do you see yourself as a designer in the next 5 years?

I’d love for Micci & Mishi to be a global brand. While the focus right now is high casual ready to wear, I’d like to build a fashion house showcasing art pieces, couture while also diversifying into other style essentials for men and women.
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