Arabian fashion celebrated in the heart of London

Designer Sahar Madani with Baroness Mobarik and Zainab Al Farhan at the Ziryab Fashion Show.

Arabian fashion came to the heart of London for the Ziryab Fashion show held in the stunning setting of the Mayor’s City Hall office on the South Bank of the Thames.
Designers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iraq and Tunisia showcased their latest collections before a packed audience that included diplomats’ wives and many well-heeled ladies from across the Middle East and the UK.
There was also a highly original showing of The Maroon Suit menswear by Indian designer Chandan Gandhi.
Ziryab Fashion Show was organized by Zainab Al-Farhan Al-Imam, Founder and Director, Women’s Growth and Success Foundation (WGSF). Several charities were also included in the event: Well Child, a national charity for sick children whose patron Prince Harry gave a video message, the Iraqi Welfare Association, Iraqi Christians in Need and The Womens’ Council.
Sahar Madani, who comes originally from Madinah, grew up in Jeddah and is now based in Dubai, was delighted to have the opportunity to show in London. Her fresh and contemporary collection featured flowing linen abayas in rose, pale blue and turquoise and kimono style black silk dress coats embellished with striking flowers in vivid greens and reds.
She explained: “This is my first step out of the GCC area and my first international participation showcasing my designs — the last time I visited the UK was in fact 32 years ago! I thought this was a very good opportunity for me to come and visit. We have a full house for the show and this is a great setting with the amazing view over the Thames.”
Asked to comment on how she has evolved as a designer, she said: “Each year I learn a lot and come up with new, creative ideas for summer and winter collections. On my signature abaya I have sheer chiffon panels with the underlying fabric changing color according to the seasons.”
“The abaya these days are more of a fashion statement. It’s not just something a woman uses to cover up. I want women to wear the abaya to show their personality.”
“Over the past ten years we have moved away from the black color. The young girls prefer to wear a range of colors and have fun with wearing the abaya.”
She added: “For my spring/summer collection I am using lighter, refreshing colors. For this collection I am into linen fabrics from Kuwait. They are very light to wear in the summer. I added hand embroidery and specially made beads to the garments. For evening I always use lace sewn by hand with added chiffons and silks and perhaps Swarovski crystals.”
She has specially developed some of her designs to suit her expat customers.
“When I started I was only designing abayas, but I also had a lot of expat buyers who were buying the garments even though it is not their tradition to cover. I wanted to create garments that are loose fitting in other styles.”
UAE designer, Hanan Syouti, spoke about her Sayora Anna collection which featured loose flowing coats in soft dove grays, ice and sky blues, pale pink, lilac and apricot, mint green and buttercup yellow worn with beautiful floating silk scarves. The sleeves of the coats had striking silk panels featuring delicate flowers and the linings complemented the scarves.
Syouti’s love of fashion started in her childhood.
“I was very young when I started to learn how to stitch and make my own clothes. I always wanted to go to Italy to study fashion but the duties of marriage and motherhood came first and I had to put the dream on hold. I have been dreaming of this moment as a designer for a long time.This is my first presentation in London — thanks to Zainab.”
Shamsa Al-Mazroie of the UAE showcased her BonDana brand with imaginative, romantic dresses including the very feminine empire-line cut.
Zainab Al-Farhan Al-Iman commented: “These designers are very talented but up till now they have not had the opportunity to come to London. They were selected on the basis of how long they have already operated in the market and their potential for selling globally.
“When we first introduced the idea of the designers coming into the global market there was a feeling that as things were going so well in the home markets there wasn’t really a need but now they are looking at the global markets and making their mark on red carpet events. At the end of the day we want to see our designers in the US, in Paris, in Italy and London.”
Tunisian designer Mouna bin Salah of Riman fashion showed beautifully cut dresses with intricate beading and striking embellishments including elaborate net ‘sculptures’ flowers and trains. Her designs combined innovation with tradition.
“I used taffeta for the flowers to give a natural look. I used organza with embroidery for the dresses. The trousers are aimed at younger girls and offer an elegant alternative to the dressed.”
Iraqi designer Najat Baki, studied at Hammersmith College of Art in the 1960s. Her intricately crafted designs are inspired by traditional jewelry and her collection was presented with models wearing jewelry by UK designer Nayati Shah of D’Joya.
“I have been drawing since I was very small — my parents also loved to draw — and I am still drawing.”
Saudi students Ruba Bader and Reem Bin Sabaan were impressed with the wide range of collections. Bader, from Riyadh, who is doing her foundation year for a B.Sc in Biomedical Science at the University of Westminster, commented: “The pieces were very modern. For our generation everything is different. Saudi women are so into fashion and these pieces suit their tastes.”
A jewelry presentation by Pinkoly showed fine craftsmanship and cultural influences.
Iraqi designer, Ibtesam Turky Alasady, of Sacha Couture, finished the show with stunning dresses that were beautifully cut to enhance the elegance and grace of the wearer. This was her first showing in London; her company is named after her daughter.
At the conclusion of the fashion presentations, Baroness Mobarik, who served as Vice-Chairman of CBI Scotland from 2013-2014, presented certificates to the designers and main contributors to the event. She commented: “London is the right kind of city to promote this event. It is a fashion center and so multi-cultural. We are open to new ideas in clothes, music and food so it is very appropriate. As well as promoting fashion, this is also about empowering women from the MENA region to trade and promote their brands internationally.”
Alya Almazroui, wife of the UAE Ambassador to the UK, said: “This was a really good show in a central setting which I enjoyed very much. I am very impressed with the turnout — so many ladies have attended and this will build a lot of good will. I was very impressed to see the Iraqi designer, Najat Baki, whose long, successful career is so inspiring.”
The main sponsor for the event was Tanmiyat. Saleh Tabakh, Executive Director, Delta International Real Estate, the sales and marketing arm of Tanmiyat, who flew over from Dubai especially for the event alongside the company’s CEO, said:
“I believe that fashion, art and property are all related to each other because they determine our lifestyle. What you pick to wear and where you pick to live will determine a lot about your personality and your future plans. We take this into consideration when designing and building our projects.”
Another key sponsor was the Federation of GCC Chambers.