As the fashion industry embraces a renaissance of cultural heritage, this Scene Styled Picks explores regional labels that artfully employs traditional influences with contemporary design and technolo

Mai El Mokadem

Nov 23, 2024

Regional Labels Drawing from Ancient Arabic Heritage

From Pharaonic motifs to jewellery pieces inspired by the mystic ruins of Petra, designers across the MENA region have long looked to history for inspiration. Today, the muses of those bygone eras remain ubiquitously alive, with scores of up-and-coming designers joining well-established industry names in their quest to bring history to modern-day runways.

For this week’s Scene Styled Picks, we’ve hunted down our favourite MENA labels embedding within their DNA the genes of the past.

Hindamme | Saudi Arabia

Based in Saudi Arabia, designer Mohammed Khoja captures the beauty, traditions, and stories of his culture, translating them into a Western-inspired creative language. His previous collections have highlighted Arabic poetry, Saudi Arabia's evolution, and the majestic history of AlUla. His fourth collection drew inspiration from the ancient desert Kingdom of the Nabataeans, blending custom brocades and intricate embroideries that reflect inscriptions of this ancient civilisation.

Queens of RA | Egypt, Sudan

Inspired by ancient Egyptian culture and Ra, the Sun God, Queens of RA by Nadine Radia connects deeply to her Egyptian heritage. Each piece incorporates elements of Egyptian culture—through fabrics, ornaments, or charms—evoking symbols like the goddess Isis, Nefertiti, lotus flowers, and ancient Egyptian architecture.

Hirbawi | Palestine

Since 1961, the Hirbawi factory has crafted authentic Kufiyas, upholding this cherished tradition. Today, the Hirbawi Kufiya remains the only one still actively produced in Palestine. Each headdress is handmade using a refined cross-stitch technique passed down through generations, preserved by a small group of skilled artisans.

Gafla | UAE

Founded in Dubai by Hamad Bin Shaiban and Abdulla Beljafla, Gafla draws on ancient Arabian motifs, infusing them into modern jewellery for global connoisseurs. Inspired by elements like tassels, date palms, the UAE’s maritime heritage, and the ancient art of pearl diving, Gafla celebrates Emirati culture in contemporary designs.

Glory RM | Morocco

Based in Morocco, Glory RM is a family-owned fashion brand dedicated to the bond between mother and son. Each piece, crafted by local artisans, combines Morocco’s vibrant colours, rich patterns, and intricate embroidery, merging traditional influences with modern aesthetics.

Born in Exile | Libya

Founded by Ibrahim Shebani, Born in Exile reflects his journey as a Libyan exile. The brand combines his Libyan heritage with global influences, creating pieces that honor both his origins and present experiences. Each collection employs Libyan motifs through printed denim and patterned jackets, celebrating cultural connection and evolution.

Chez Nous | Tunis

Camélia Barbachi, founder of Chez Nous, explores identity through a design philosophy that spans cultures, genders, body types, and time periods. Her pieces balance contemporary Western aesthetics with Tunisian traditions, drawing on elements of Tunisian architecture, ancient structures, natural resources, and the landscape of Djerba Island.

Kuvrd | Palestine/Jordan

Kuvrd is a contemporary streetwear brand inspired by the legacy of its founders’ family textile factory in 1950s Palestine. Now based in Jordan, the brand combines practical design with Arab cultural aesthetics, creating slow fashion pieces that honour Palestinian heritage with each thoughtful stitch.

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