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Two Bahrainis are looking forward to spending fashionably-fabulous days in Paris this year after taking home top awards during the kingdom’s Fashion Week.
Sumaya Faisal, 32, and Talal Al-Kaabi, 31, stole the limelight at the second edition of the glittering fashion showcase, called Paris to Manama, held at the National Theatre of Bahrain in October ... and are now hoping to make a mark globally. The event was organised by the French Embassy in collaboration with the Youth Affairs Ministry, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Tamkeen.
Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi recently praised the dynamic duo for their achievements, as reported by the GDN, highlighting the great talents found in the kingdom.
During the show that was themed ‘Fashion meets art and design’, a dozen designers displayed four to eight pieces along with a masterpiece reveal to around 500 guests, including 200 VIPs. The jury composed of Bahraini and French experts were captivated by the creations of Sumaya and Talal, who have been granted the opportunity to further develop their skills in France this year.
Talal, who had won the category of ‘designer with a potential to be international’ said he was looking forward to his visit to France.
“I have participated in several Bahraini youth development programmes over the years and a friend had introduced me to the first edition of the Fashion Week,” said Talal, who started drawing at the age of four and continued to evolve fashion-wise into adulthood.
“I took part in workshops and the embassy contacted me to join the second edition which I was more than honoured to be a part of,” he added.
“I was ecstatic about showcasing my work and I had always dreamed about my first fashion show being featured in Bahrain as well as the theatre and Alhamdulillah, that dream came true.”
He said the award was a recognition of his talent as a designer. “It has motivated me to continue creating. As they say, today’s dreams, with faith and hard work, can become tomorrow’s success,” he added.
Talal’s winning design was inspired by artist Gustav Klimt. Talal drew his interpretation of Gustav’s geometric shapes and lines using golden embroidery and stitching on tulle fabric similar to the construction and pattern work of Thobe Al Nashal (which is a robe made of translucent fabric and embroidered with gold, worn over traditional dresses) and contemporary design abayas.
He also has a look that is made up of a corset paired with shorts called ‘hot pants’ and an embroidered cape, inspired by Moulin Rogue’s showgirls.
“I encourage Bahraini designers to be inspired and design looks in their own creative ways,” he said. “Go ahead and reinvent the trends too.”
Meanwhile, Sumaya won the ‘best international innovation talent’ for her unique garments.
“I couldn’t be happier because I saw everyone around me happy and proud too,” said Sumaya who studied finance at Ahlia University and started her own fashion house in 2013 called Sumaya’s Design, featuring bridal dresses, jalabiyas, abayas and ready to wear collections.
“It’s great to see that my hard work has finally paid off which made me believe in myself even more. I combined traditional styles with contemporary trends so that everyone can experience Bahrain’s history through my designs in a modern style. Also, my collection represents the colours of gems.
“I take pride in creating beautiful and unique garments as I have my own way of creating dresses and designs. I’m looking forward to improving and growing my business, therefore, I’m really excited to be taking a course in Paris to further develop my skills as a designer and I believe that this course will help me do that.”
Sumaya had also won the latest trend book of 2023 and the medal of the 50th years of diplomatic relations between France and Bahrain.
For details, follow @sumayasdesign and @talal.alkaabi on Instagram.
