DAMAC MAGAZINE
THE FASHION DESIGNER A case in point that tradition can merge with modernity is Thamanyah, one of the region’s brightest fashion labels. With a strong sense of tradition, and an even stronger sense of style, Dubai-born designer Ahmed Abdelrahman set himself a challenge: to create a kandora (an ankle-length MiddleEastern garment) which he could wear while travelling outside his native Dubai. The result of said challenge was a sophisticated ‘East-meetsWest ’ wardrobe strictly for the sartoriallysavvy gentleman. The designer’s infusion of tradition, faith and patriotism caught the eye of Rick Owens’ muse, Michele Lamy, and ultimately led to the launch of Ahmed’s first collection in Paris in 2011. The fact that his first foray into fashion took place in Paris, the fashion capital of the world, was a clear indication of what the creative director had pla nned for not only his label, but for traditional Arabic garb. “Evolving the kandora is not a st yling project,” the desig ner sa id during a recent interview. “It requires a deep understanding of the culture it is coming from. There are heavy tribal, religious, political and historical dimensions hidden in the garment.” Earmarked by Vog ue Italia as a talent to watch, Abdelrahman’s brand, which has since expanded to include womenswear, is stocked in a number of highly influential stores around the globe, including The Number 4 in Kuwait, Atelier and Barneys in New York, and LN-CC in London.
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