Introducing Authenticite: The Saudi Creative Agency Founded In The Middle of A Pandemic
Meet Hatem Alakeel, the creative soul making way and creating opportunities for Saudi-based creatives
Authenticite is a consulting and creative production agency, with an aim to bridge the Saudi culture and vision with the world. At a time where it seems like the world has come to a standstill, Hatem has found a way to use the pandemic as a means to uplift creatives and provide opportunities for them.
As seen on their website, the agency offers content development, photography, educational workshops and events.
In 2018, Hatem was asked to curate an exhibition and forum, where he exhibited Saudi designers.
“The pandemic has given all of us a chance to reflect, step back and look at things more clearly. It’s almost like a rebirth of creativity,” Hatem said. “The word positivity is literally the guiding light — with it, one can thrive, move forward and innovate. Without it, you cannot advance.”
Hatem clearly feels deeply about the creative process and helping folks get their big break.
“Saudi has a plethora of multi-faceted talent which I feel privileged to celebrate; from wonderful Saudi designers to the amazing artists I am celebrating through my agency,” he noted.
Check out the six Saudi artists we’re currently obsessed with:
Nora Aldamer – Chador
Chador is the brainchild of Nora Aldamer, a Parsons NY graduate. After noticing the demand by women much like herself for traditional clothing with international standards, Nora soon realized she was the perfect person to fill that gap in the market. “Chador is a clothing line designed with style and comfort in mind,” according to their website.
Osama Alshubbar
Photographer Osama Alshubbar is bringing representation for Gen Z to the table. With a modern, innovative and fresh point of view, Osama’s photos capture the vibrancy and personality present in these young adults’ lives.
Fatima Albanawi
Performance artist, actress and filmmaker Fatima Albanawi wears many hats. The exceptionally talented individual made her debut in the award-winning feature film, Barakah Meets Barakah and is set to appear in Netflix’s show Paranormal, releasing to the public on November 5!
Dania Shinkar
The individual to whose creativity knows no bounds, Dania Shinkar is a contemporary womenswear fashion designer who is launching her very own brand of sustainable designer handbags that are eco-friendly. While she has multiple sources of inspiration, a signature trademark in all her collections is a reference of sorts to her hometown, Jeddah as part of her cultural identity.
Ibrahim Abu Musmar
Saudi designer Ibrahim Abu Musmar is known for transforming your everyday plain-jane objects into works of art with the intention of questioning the essence of their identity. Ibrahim’s art challenges the bounds of ‘normal’ and ‘practical’ in order to get people to think outside the box.
Yasmina Qanzal
Yasmina Qanzal, the contemporary womenswear designer behind the label Yasmina Q, is a revolutionary mind that is responsible for contributing towards sustainable fashion whilst still producing elegant and desirable clothing. With hues of ocean blue, lime green and floral patterns – her clothing is flattering during every season of the year.
Join the creative process, check out Authenticite on Instagram.
Lead image supplied. Artist images courtesy of Instagram/@authenticite_by_hatem