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PRETTY Aroob Al Thawadi had designs on a modelling career ... but instead has become a successful 'material' girl.
She decided to 'take a step further' than the catwalk by creating her own brand of elegant evening gowns under The Closet label and has been receiving rave reviews from fashionistas from across the Gulf States.
Aroob, 22, from Riffa, showcased her creations at the recent Exquisite Fashion Show that was held at the A'ali Shopping Complex in Seef, which was featured in last week's GulfWeekly.
She said: "It was my first formal show because my friend and its organiser Yathreb Al A'ameri, asked me to bring along examples of my work."
She was one of four Bahraini designers to exhibit a range of clothes, shoes and accessories alongside international fashion brands at the event.
Aroob, a finance student, developed the urge to create her own line of evening wear as a result of being caught out too many times wearing the same gown as other guests at events.
She said: "There are so many times when you attend a function only to find three or four people wearing exactly the same outfit as you. It can be so embarrassing.
"We often get invited to parties and weddings and events where we can dress up. I think it's important to feel special and unique and by creating my own range my friends and customers can be individual and just concentrate on enjoying the occasions."
Aroob started her journey into the fashion scene a year ago and her creations soon caught the eye of trend-seekers, even as far as Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
She said: "I have always been inspired by ladies who dress up in elegant, neat and classy styles and I have tried to exhibit these same characteristics in my designs.
"I used to make gowns and dresses for myself and started receiving enquiries about them. Soon I began to make gowns for other people as well. In total I have designed 15 gowns, six of which were showcased at the show."
Aroob is preparing to join the Fashion School in New York or in London to further pursue her passion for fashion and is expected to leave the island later this year.
She said: "After I finish my course and have gained more knowledge I will be ready to open my own store, inshallah."
