The Ones To Watch: What To Shop This September 2023
Artistic treasures, Indian inspirations, accent chains and more this month
Eastern Promise
“My love story with India began when I was proposed to at the Taj Mahal at dawn,” says Elizabeth Morrison, the owner of Dubai-based rug company, From Jaipur With Love. Elizabeth has enlisted India’s artisans and their centuries-old weaving techniques to create handcrafted rugs for the royal family in the Middle East and beyond. “I wanted to be part of something that wasn’t machine made or mass produced,” she says of her bold and colourful dhurries that have become popular all over the world from the Hamptons to Al Barari.
Oui Oui, Paris
When the Fédération de la Haute Couture calls, you pick up the phone. That’s precisely what Saudi Arabian couturier Mohammed Ashi did and, after 17 years of dressing red-carpet elite such as Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Queen Rania, the GCC designer has been
handpicked to showcase his work during Paris Couture Week. “This appointment is the
highlight of my career,” he says. “I will honour it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire.” In his debut Paris Couture show, he didn’t disappoint with his ‘dark romance’ theme, rolling out structured velvet looks in daring silhouettes while paving the way for other designers from the region.
Ashi Studio Couture AW23
Wearable Art
As a Fine Art graduate, it’s no surprise Egyptian born jewellery designer Fatma Mostafa would bring that knowledge to her gorgeously intricate pieces. Taught how to hand-embroider at a young age by her mother, the Fashion Trust Arabia 2022 winner gets her inspiration from the landscapes of Egypt, as she combines several techniques and materials to create pieces such as the Water Lily earrings (above) that will reside in the Brooklyn Museum as part of its Africa Fashion exhibition until October 2023.
Water Lily Earrings, Dhs2,750, available to preorder on fatmamostafa.com and matchesfashion.com
Foundation Course
A well-cut oversized blazer, the perfect high-waist trousers and a crisp poplin shirt are just a few of the wardrobe staples that give timeless elegance without trying too hard. St Agni offers all of the above while walking a fine line between The Row and Toteme – brands known for their sense of ease and effortlessness – yet with a significantly more affordable price point.
Blazer, Dhs1,800 Trousers, Dhs1,500, st-agni.com
Chain Reaction
Chain bags are raging again, but not the chic Chanel kind – think of the metal hardware as jewellery for your bag to provide the right amount of pizazz.
Loewe, AW23
Photos: Catwalk Pix and Supplied
From Harpers Bazaar Arabia’s September 2023 Issue