• Courtesy of Symphony
    Courtesy of Symphony
  • Courtesy of Symphony
    Courtesy of Symphony
  • Courtesy of Symphony
    Courtesy of Symphony

Four kaftan trends for your Ramadan and summer wardrobes


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Symphony has curated a comprehensive Ramadan range, featuring pieces by local designers, as well as exclusive collaborations with global fashion labels such as Antonio Berardi, Alexis Mabille and Mother of Pearl. The pieces were unveiled at the recent Tasyourah charity exhibition and are now available at The Dubai Mall boutique. Here are four ways to wear the new range:

Read this and more stories in Luxury magazine, out with The National on Thursday, May 11.

Embellished elegance

Embroidery and beadwork are essential elements of many Ramadan wardrobes. Dramatic sleeves and wide V-necks, complemented by brooch-like beadwork and embroidery, feature in Saudi designer Razan Alazzouni’s kaftan collection. The Bahraini brand Noon by Noor also combines refined silhouettes with beaded designs. “A key focus is the embellishment inspired by broken ice in a shard-like texture, using a mix of thread work and beading that degrades beautifully into the fabric,” explains designer Noor Al Khalifa. “The Noon by Noor woman embodies the essence of nonchalant chic. She is internationally minded, sophisticated and not afraid of taking risks with her wardrobe, while staying true to her own individual style.”

Beautiful bohemia

“I design clothes for those who surround me: strong, intelligent women who like to have fun with fashion,” says Maia Norman, co-founder of London-based fashion label Mother of Pearl. “They love serious fashion, but don’t take themselves too seriously.” The brand’s resulting collection for Symphony features head-to-toe florals stamped onto A-line silhouettes with subtle bell sleeves. The Dubai-based brand All Things Mochi also incorporates colourful florals, elevated with crochet ruffles, in its kaftan range for Symphony.

Traditional thobe

British-Sicilian designer Antonio Berardi’s exclusive creations for Symphony take a culturally inspired stance, featuring thobe-like gowns fitted with kimono-inspired sleeves, ribbon detailing at the neckline and beaded feather motifs. While the silhouettes are traditional and conservative, bow detailing gives the pieces a playful touch. “The woman I envisage wearing these pieces is, as ever, a woman with style, a woman with inner strength, a woman who is feminine, but always with a touch of modesty and decorum,” says Berardi.

Knack for neutrals

Long, fluid silhouettes, when crafted from neutral or pastel hues, exude a timeless, feminine elegance, which needs little embellishment or adornment. A floor-length dress from French fashion designer Alexis Mabille, for example, is made in a silky beige tone, the standout feature being oversized bow ribbons at the cuffs. The New York-based Chilean label Zero + Maria Cornejo, meanwhile, uses texture and asymmetry to breathe life into simple, nude-hued kaftans.

hlodi@thenational.ae

Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.

Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.

For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae

 

What is the definition of an SME?

SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.

A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors.