Saudi Arabia’s fashion scene is definitely on the rise and Saudi designer Nasiba Hafiz stands out from the crowd.
His father, the late publisher Hisham Hafiz, was a collector of many things, while his mother, Nasiba Tarabzouni, was a socialite with an impeccable flair for fashion. Her unconventional charm and grace were the source of inspiration that prompted the young Nasiba to dream of becoming a designer. She started with a degree in Fashion Photography and Styling from the renowned Central Saint Martins College at the University of the Arts London. Ten years later, she became a designer with a degree from the London College of Fashion, Dubai.
The Jeddah-based designer started her namesake brand in 2012 and is known for her ready-to-wear, bold patterned kaftans and colorfully patterned abayas. She was bold and broke the rules with her minimalist approach to designing her collections. Gone are the typical floral excesses, embroidery and sequins found in Saudi fashion. Her contemporary creations are inspired by family photographs, musical works, Egyptian film muses and gloriously colorful performances from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
Nasiba uses bold fabrics and asymmetrical shapes while making sure to address the pressing issue of sustainability. Being part of one of the most polluting industries, the designer strives to produce eco-friendly clothing and reduce waste. She follows the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) to manage waste. She reuses leftover, unused and old items to give waste material a second chance and bring new designs to life. In this way, by recycling and reusing fabrics, she prevents them from ending up in landfills.
Hafiz often wears the ties his late father used to collect, transforming them into new items of clothing. Thus was born the idea of creating fashionable garments from existing garments and with them she launched a line of dresses and skirts. “Young designers today are very environmentally conscious and education and awareness are the future,” she explains. What makes Hafiz’s designs even more appealing is that all of her work is in collaboration with charities, whose mission is to provide safe, productive and sustainable employment to those in need. She works with SEP Jordan, Sarah’s Bag Lebanon, and with Saudi Arabia-based non-governmental organizations such as Namat, Al Oula, Sleysla, and local artist Rex Chouk.
Hafiz’s collections are sold in pop-up stores in Tokyo, Los Angeles, London and Dubai. Be sure to check out the cutting-edge vintage selections for the best in one-of-a-kind handmade items. This brand will revive your summer wardrobe, with playful midis, graphic shifts, and feather-light tunics.
Source: www.abouther.com