Saudi designer makes range of Karl Lagerfeld inspired thobes

The new Hatem Alakeel collection is for Ramadan, and for junior fashionistas

Ramadan collection by Toby Jr by Hatem, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld
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He's been creating modern thobes for men and boys since 2008 and 2012 respectively, and Saudi designer Hatem Alakeel's latest Ramadan boyswear collection looks to late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld for inspiration.

“My latest Ramadan Junior is a tribute to the great Karl Lagerfeld,” Alakeel told us. “Toby Junior is certainly not about blending in, but is more about allowing your kid’s personality to shine.”

The looks mix Lagerfeld’s famous love of understated (but cool) menswear, and Alakeel's own sparse aesthetic. Recently unveiled in the Toby boutique in Jeddah, the collection is predominately black and white, and comes with high starched collars, as an homage to Karl.

The Ramadan collection from Toby Jr by Hatem, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld
The Ramadan collection from Toby Jr by Hatem, inspired by Karl Lagerfeld

One piece, for example, has a bow tie atop a black and white faux tuxedo (neatly balanced by black trimmed sleeves), more monochrome appears as black detailing on a slick cutaway collar on another look, and as a trompe-l'œil cummerband.

“Ties and bow ties and polished European elegance have always been part of the Toby Junior aesthetic,” the designer added. “With the late Karl Lagerfeld, it was not just about what a brilliant designer he was but also how he represented longevity in fashion, and how brands need to stick to their DNA."

Despite no formal training, the Toby by Hatem designer (toby means ‘my thobe’ in Arabic) quickly gained a reputation for creating thobes that married tradition with modern twists.

This new boys line carries that on, with a navy blue pinstripe, asymmetric thobe that fastens with one button, and a robe with a sweater-like ribbed neckline, from under which a sharp collar peeks out.

However, the best has to be the starkly slick white robe, with contrasting grey wrap over collar, and a mock tie.

Our favourite look
Our favourite look

The entire collection is only available as made to order, meaning it will be cut to fit and ready in in only fifteen days: of that, Karl would definitely have approved.