Draped in Designer: The Dubai-based Fashion houses you should look out for

Quickly emerging into one of the new fashion capitals of the Middle East, Dubai’s fashion scene has been making waves internationally, boasting a number of up-and-coming designers. The epicentre of glamour and luxury, it’s no wonder that Dubai is home to a multi-billion-dollar fashion industry. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, much like its fashion industry which effortlessly blends its cultural origins with contemporary designs. Here are seven Dubai-based designers that are breaking barriers, and setting the fashion scene ablaze with their innovative labels that honour their Arab roots.


1.Rami Al Ali

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rami Al Ali Official (@ramialaliofficial)

This Syrian-born couture designer’s fascination for fashion started with his mother’s turquoise silk dress. Now his eponymous brand is one of the most revered in the Middle East. He first opened his flagship store in Dubai in 2001 and earned his fame by dressing Emirati royalty. He caught his big break in 2009 when he inaugurated his Spring/Summer collection at Rome’s AltaRoma couture week  Known for his daring yet sophisticated designs, Rami specialises in bridal couture and ultra-feminine evening gowns. His craftsmanship and ingenuity have landed him on the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, boasting A-list celebrity clientele including Beyonce, Aishwarya Rai, Chanel Iman, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and many more.

2. Nafsika Skourti

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NAFSIKA SKOURTI (@nafsikaskourti)

Nafsika Skourti is a half-Greek half-Jordanian womenswear designer known for her unconventional fusion of streetwear and couture fashion. The label, since its creation in 2014, has gained much recognition, being featured in the likes of i-D, W Magazine, Wonderland Magazine, Dazed and Vogue. Her innovative creations led her to the finals of the 2015 Dubai Design Fashion Council’s Style Arabia Prize, and the honour of dressing HRH Queen Rania of Jordan. Her brand is stocked at department stores across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

3. Bouguessa

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BOUGUESSA (@bouguessa)

Minimalist designs, straight abaya-esque silhouettes, and crisp fabrics delineate this menswear-inspired brand. Faiza Bougessa cleverly reinvents the elegance of the traditional abaya to create contemporary, sophisticated designs. Based in her studio in Dubai Design District, her collections are an ode to strong women, bringing her on the radar of clientele such as Beyonce, and Princess Deena Al Jouhani. Bouguessa bridges the gap between Western and Eastern fashion and revolutionises modest fashion for women of all backgrounds.

4. Mochi

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by All Things Mochi (@allthingsmochi)

The brainchild of Palestinian-born designer Ayah Tabari, All Things Mochi is known for its vibrant and eclectic ethnic designs. Established in 2013, this Dubai-based company sources inspiration from traditional craftsmanship from different cultures across the world, creating whimsical pieces mainly from organic linen printed in Mumbai. A part of the brand’s income goes to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund to provide medical support and humanitarian care for children across the Middle East who are affected by war and conflict. Although Tabari’s creations are sold through online shops and their website, all Mochi pieces are in limited stock, and they fly off the shelves, so better pre-order your items before they sell out!

5. L’Afshar

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by L'AFSHAR (@lilianafshar)

Drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement, Iranian-born designer Lilian Afshar seamlessly blends harsh, symmetrical shapes with chic material to create feminine and elegant handcrafted handbags. Worn by the likes of Beyonce, Kylie Jenner, Celine Dion, HRH Queen Rania of Jordan, and more. L’Afshar bags are characterised by their beautiful marble and resin finish, box silhouettes, and minimalist designs. Since its launch at the 2015 Paris Fashion Week, this Dubai-based label has come a long way despite being a young brand. As part of their sustainability initiative, all handbags are made to order and recycle leftover materials to create new pieces.

6. House of Nomad

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by House Of Nomad (@house_of_nomad)

A collaboration between Egyptian-born Salah Al-Banna and Ahmed El-Sayed who is Emirati, House of Nomad is an homage to their Arab heritage and love of travel. Their first line used single tones and sleek silhouettes that easily drape on the body with an ethnic twist, to create wearable, unisex clothing that can easily be transformed from a day look to a night look. The brand name “House of Nomad” has an interesting backstory- the creators say that nomad means a wanderer not confined to geographical boundaries, much like the original inhabitants of Dubai who were transient dwellers. The label draws inspiration from Dubai’s identity as a melting pot of cultures.

7. Atelier Zuhra

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ATELIER ZUHRA (@atelierzuhra)

Opulent gowns, meticulously hand-worked embroidery, embellishments and feathers make up a signature Zuhra piece. Founded by Omani designer Mousa Al Awfi, the first Zuhra boutique opened in Dubai, and their evening gowns caught the eye of regional fashion enthusiasts. Soon their ingenuity and elaborate designs caught the eye of international platforms and came to be worn by A-listers like Christina Aguilera, Nicole Scherzinger, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor. The prestigious fashion house is named after Al Awfi’s mother and was handed down to her daughter, the current CEO Rayan Al Sulaimani. Each piece is unique, an epitome of luxury and glamour.  

Also Read:

Arabian Perfumes That You Must Check Out
Arabian perfumes are some of the most famous ones in the world. Try signature scents from some of Dubai’s Arabic-style fragrance houses. Here’s our guide to the best Arabic-style houses in Dubai
A guide to Dubai Design District area in Dubai
Discover the Design District area in Dubai with Hi Dubai. Get in to know more, what makes it special, and the major attractions to see. Read more.
Shop till you drop! Explore the best shopping malls in Dubai
Dubai is known for its luxurious way of living, and it is truly any shopaholic’s dream with dozens of gigantic malls filled with any type of store you can imagine! There are even insane sales and deals every few months, most famously the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Best online stores in Dubai - 2023
Take a look at the best efficient online product stores in Dubai. They offered great deals and services that satisfied many of their customers.
Shop till you drop without hurting your wallet! Here are the best 1-10 Dhs Shops in Dubai
Shop for all kinds of products from everyday household products, cosmetics, gifting items to clothes and accessories all at one place. Here are the best Dhs 1-10 and 1-20 shops in Dubai that you must explore.