6 middle-eastern designers the fashion industry should know about

6 Middle-Eastern Designers The Fashion Industry Should Know About

Words ​​Megan McClelland

Middle Eastern fashion designers’ work is cropping up everywhere in mainstream media, from red-carpet styles to everyday celebrity fashion. This year alone, JLo wore a couture gown designed by the prominent Arab designer Zuhair Murad to consecrate “Bennifer.” Middle Eastern designers like Ellie Saab, Tony Ward, and Georges Hoebika set Paris aflame during the Couture and Fashion Weeks with displays of masterful craftsmanship. Then, Arab shoe designer Amina Mauddi earned a spot in the BoF 500 Class of 2022, a distinction given to the most influential people in fashion. Not only have these well-known creatives made their mark on the industry, but it’s just the beginning for Middle Eastern fashion designers at large. The fashion industry ecosystem within the MENA region is having a growth spurt with the support of organizations like Fashion Trust Arabia and the Arab Fashion Council. These organizations launch fashion events in the MENA region and provide critical opportunities for homegrown talent to expand their reach. Ahead, five buzzworthy clothing lines created by stand-out designers from the Middle East that should be on your radar.

Zaid Affas

Zaid Affas is a Kuwait-born fashion designer based in Los Angeles whose luxury womenswear designs have attained a place within the fashion industry. Last year, Affas entered his namesake fashion label into Fashion Trust Arabia’s design competition and was selected by panellists as the 2021 winner in the ready-to-wear category. This recognition created a buzz around his simple yet sophisticated designs, which are available to shop now on fashion e-tailer Matches Fashion’s official website. 

Zeid Hijazi

The Palestinian-Jordanian fashion designer Zeid Hijazi grew up in Jordan and moved to London during college, where he studied at the illustrious fashion school Central Saint Martins. Today, Hijazi focuses on uniting his cultural experiences from both areas through his fashion designs to create a distinctive brand identity. He uses design techniques like traditional embroidery and outsized silhouettes to develop his “East meets West” aesthetic.      

Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa of Noon by Noor

Bahraini cousins Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa launched Noon by Noor in 2008 and have garnered notoriety in the fashion industry ever since. Today, the brand holds seasonal fashion presentations during London Fashion Week and has previously showcased its collections on the catwalk during LFW. The cousins are known for exploring themes like female companionship and physical touch in their Noon by Noor collections, using ultra-feminine styles rendered in sheer textures and soft colours to skillfully communicate their ideas.

Mohammed El Marnissi

Mohammed El Marnissi is an emerging Arab designer who graduated with a Master’s from the fashion department at Antwerp (a design university known for producing graduates like Dries Van Noten). He later worked as a menswear designer at Hugo Boss before launching his eponymous clothing label. Marnissi is best known for his creative unisex designs rendered in high-energy colourways, like the hot pink jacket from his latest Autumn/Winter 2022 collection. Fashion Trust Arabia judges selected this collection for the fashion competition this year, and he is currently in the running for the debut talent category. 

Mikhail Chaoun

Mikhail Chaoun is a Lebanese couture designer creating breathtaking formalwear for women. The designer’s ready-to-wear collections consist of delicate draping, bold silhouettes, and eye-catching materials, such as jewel-toned silks, that are ideal for anyone looking to make a memorable impression. The same is true for the designer’s bridal collections, which feature elevated gowns created with traditional bridal wear elements, like lace materials and sweetheart necklines. Chamoun has appeared at fashion events, like Middle East Fashion Week and is one to watch as his brand continues to expand its reach.