The mukhawara is a timeless classic in the average Khaleeji’s wardrobe. Easy, breezy, and extremely versatile, the traditional garment is the perfect silhouette no matter the occasion. Now, it’s getting a contemporary remix thanks to Gasah Studio. The emerging label launched in 2017 by Dubai-based Shaikha Al Ali, is redefining Khaleeji culture by seamlessly blending traditional forms with modern aesthetics, adapting the beloved garment to suit contemporary tastes. Simply put, it’s not your mom’s mukhawara!
Presented in collaboration with The Zay Initiative, an NGO aimed at preserving Arab heritage, the UAE-based womenswear label’s bold new offering brings to life an elevated and modernized version of the mukhawara, creating signature pieces from an archived collection dating back to circa 1940.
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Exploring how heritage can be reinterpreted and adapted for future applications and techniques, the designer collected archive pieces, which were carefully photo-scanned before being applied digitally to a contemporary dress pattern. The final pieces were then printed and crafted from light tulle, showcasing traditional motifs and materials in a digitally presented aesthetic. The result? An otherworldly reinterpretation of the mukhawara for the 21st century.
Al Ali’s journey began in the realm of food blogging, but her passion soon led her to the world of fashion. Gasah Studio’s debut collection featured knotted silk henna-printed bags that fused Emirati and Japanese design elements, setting the tone for the brand’s innovative evolution. Al Ali continued to propel the brand forward, expanding her creations to include homeware such as incense holders, mibkhar, and picture frames. Gasah Studio then ventured into footwear, presenting two designs—a heel and a flat—that showcase the history of Arab craftsmanship infused with a contemporary vision.
