designer collective

FALL/WINTER 2012

Who We AreUnited Designers offers talented

designers the platform to showcase their works of art

on a commercial level within the fashion

industry. Through our specialized business

support, fashion savvy team, multi-platform

integrations, and retail counterpart, we expose

UAE audiences to fresh, trendy, and exclusive

creations that are filled with individual personality, style and

attitude as well as providing the springboard needed for local,

independent designers to begin realizing their dreams and discover

new horizons.

We also serve as a strategic interface within the creative community through

our UD Engage initiative, which provides opportunities to collaborate and partner on projects that both add value to the creative sector as well as expand our creative outreach to new lengths.

Our VisionWe see ourselves becoming a leading driving force behind the Middle East fashion industry deve lopmen t by incubating c r e a t i v e talent and conducting an expansion drive in all major fashion hubs in the region.

WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT The FALL/WINTER 2012 DESIGNER COLLECTIVE

ABEER AL YASMEEN / ACCESSORETTE / ANAYA / Black Apple Designs / Doris Dulce / F AIBanna/ Gaiora / Hessa Alfalasi / Homa Q Abayas / Houchaime / Leather & Lace / Maryam Al Shaibani / Nancy’s Corner / Noir Absinthe / Rouge Couture / SHREKAHNTH / The Abaya Queen

ESCAPE THE NORM. ESCAPE THE CHAOS

ESCAPE THE PERCEPTION.

At United Designers we always aim to provide pioneering, diverse, fresh and fashion forward collections each season, and this Fall/Winter is no exception. Providing something for everyone is not a task we take lightly, and we have a comprehensive and detailed process for selection into our Designer Collective. We strive to fuse traditional with modern, classic with quirky, so that you can use the Concept Store as a haven for your uniqueness. With this in mind we invite you to escape the norm, the chaos and the perceptions with United Designers this Fall/Winter.

Escapism 2012 is born from the idea that we can all exceed expectations and in doing this we can express who we really are. United Designers is a place design philosophies can be shared and trends are born, helping you to define your identity and escape the norm.

ABEER AL YASMEENDesigner: Shireen Abu NasraOrigin: Jordan

Inspired by the likes of BCBG, Ellie Saab, and Abed Mahfoze amongst many others, ABEER AL YASMEEN’s collection adds that certain elegance to your wardrobe. With only three years of designer experience, Abeer Al Yasmeen is a force to be reckoned with. Her fashion forward abayas and jalabiyas which she describes as stylish and classy, will add the perfect touch to any wardrobe.

“My style is elegant, classy and practical and is accessible to every woman.”

- Shireen Abu Nasra

Black and gold kimono-style abaya 1250 AED

Pink and black abaya with lace collardetail 1450 AED

Orange jalabiya with black lace overlay 1100 AED

ACCESSORETTEDesigner: Dalia ChehabOrigin: Jordan

Dalia’s fun and colourful accessory line, ACCESSORETTE, is inspired by the beauty of simplicity. With a few tough edgy pieces thrown into the mix Dalia strives to maintain the spirit of delicacy and equilibrium in each of her colourful creations. Designed with the fashion conscious woman in mind, this season’s pieces tap into the African vibe in the choice of bright coloured beads and skull accessories.

“My pieces are all about the contrast between delicate and tough – accentuated in colour of course. I feel I put a fresh new perspective on accessories.”

- Dalia Chehab

Yellow and blue knitted earrings with stone90 AED*

Pink yellow and white necklace with pearl 190 AED*

Green and pink knitted earrings with crystal 90 AED*

* more color options available

ANAYADesigner: Chathuri SamaraweeraOrigin: Sri Lanka

With an extensive background in fashion, from design to apparel and textile manufacturing, Chathuri’s design experience led her to launch her own label in 2009. ANAYA has since received a strong global following, has shown at international fashion weeks and is regularly featured in top magazines in the region. She also won the International Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2010 at the London Fashion Week. Her latest collection, MAYA, is inspired by a fusion of unusual colours and textiles.

“My collection is all about “a state of mind”. I call It MAYA. It brings out that hidden side of us. You will know what I mean when you try on the clothes!”

- Chathuri Samaraweera

Silk printed raffle top and tulle skirt688 AED

Pink silk maxi skirt and lace overlay top1300 AED

Off-shoulder lime dress with pink sash2100 AED

Black Apple DesignsDesigner: Ayla Kawash and Tala KawashOrigin: Jordan

The brainchild of Lebanese sisters Tala and Ayla Kawash, Black Apple Designs is an accessories brand like no other. Their mutual love of fashion brought them to merge their Graphic Design and Marketing skills to create a unique design business. Dabbling in a number of accessories, they have settled on handbags noting them the ideal medium with which to experiment their love of geometrical and symmetrical shapes, colour blocking and use of mixed media. Their handmade bags have a strong identity and an equally strong following. This BAD duo is a design force to be reckoned with.

“Our inspiration is always our passion for designing. It’s a love story that begins with the endless cycle of combining colours, designing accessories, and the ability to transfer creativity to tangible timeless pieces.”

- Ayla and Tala Kawash Gold and Silver clutch* Pink, yellow and black clutch*

Elongated clutch in pink, green and black*Metallic sivler, yellow and black clutch*

Black/Silver handbag with gold piping*

Python embossed leather handbag in silver*

* price available upon request

Doris DulceDesigner: Dulce Lopes FernandesOrigin: United Arab Emirates

Doris Dulce is for the modern day career woman; confident, active, and fierce. Her passion for fashion began in her early teens, and since then, she has never looked back. Doris’ designs are conceptual and are teeming with fine fabrics of silk, chiffon and organza, which result in the perfect juxtaposition of whimsy and wildness.

“My ideas come from street culture, nature, and my travels. However unlike everyone else, my pet turtle is my biggest inspiration.”

- Dulce Lopes Fernandes

* more color options available

Black and silver chiffon abaya with grunge belt detailing 2670 AED

Lemon-printed dress with overcoat and metallic accessories 1940 AED

Red embroidered jacket 2940 AED

F AlBannaDesigner: Fahema Al BannaOrigin: United Arab Emirates

Fahema’s designs are heavily influenced by Middle Eastern culture, showcasing traditional vibrant colours and styles but combined with her signature prints. Taking her influences from Donatella Versace and Pucci, Fahema adds modern twists to her pieces with unusual neon colours and clashing patterns.

“I always think about what I would like to wear when I design my pieces, and try to add something new and different to the market.”

- Fahema Al Banna

Printed silk chiffon dress3000 AED

Animal print shirt and trousers 1500 AED

Multicolour chiffon printed dress 2400 AED

GaioraDesigner: Rouzin Al ChamaaOrigin: United Arab Emirates

Emerging designer Rouzin Al Chamaa’s signature style is of classic shapes that flatter the body with vintage-inspired accents and embellishments for a glamorous edge. Influenced by current trends, Gaiora is for women who are looking for tradition in a modern form.

“For me fashion is my devotion. To borrow a phrase from Coco Chanel,“fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” This is how I live.”

- Rouzin Al Chamaa

Rose print ombré one-shoulder gown with black beaded belt 3250 AED

Purple and brown animal-print wrap dress 995 AED

Black trousers with fringe 875 AED Dusty gold cowl neck top 525 AED

Autumn inspired pistachio and copper gown 3500 AED

Turquoise and white dress with crystal and tulle 3950 AED

Hessa AlfalasiDesigner: Hessa AlfalasiOrigin: United Arab Emirates

Hessa AlFalasi designs Abayas for strong, confident women in mind. Her luxurious and quality fabrics make for beautiful but comfortable pieces that are easy to wear. She is constantly inspired by travel and culture and has been awarded best designer by Oriental Red Carpet DLC.

“I am inspired by everything beautiful around me and design my pieces for every powerful and successful woman.”

- Hessa Alfalasi

Black empire-waist abaya with sequin top2400 AED

Black abaya with rose lining2100 AED

Black abaya with gold leather detail 2400 AED

Homa Q AbayasDesigner: Homa QOrigin: Pakistan

Homa Q designs Abayas and Sheilas with the fashion-forward, modern Arab woman in mind. Her exploration of draping and design techniques, using embellishments and exquisitely chosen fabrics, are contemporary whilst remaining true to the heart of Arabic tradition. A regular at Dubai Fashion Week, she has become a household name and an industry star.

“For me, dressmaking is not just passion, it’s an art form. I mix different mediums of art, culture, fabrics and tailoring techniques. Being brought up in Dubai culture, I love to mix tradition with the latest trends. My clothes are for women who are elegant, free-spirited, yet sophisticated”.

- Homa Q

Black and red abaya 2700 AED

Black and gray silk abaya 2300 AED

Black and white silk abaya with pearl detail 2300 AED

HouchaimeDesigner: Hanine HouchaimeOrigin: Lebanon

Hanine Houchaime is the representation of today’s simple yet elegant designs. As the founder and establisher of Houchaime Fashion House, Hanine demonstrates creativity and innovation in her sequined outfits. Glamorous yet demure, her prêt-a-porter collections represent her unique sense of style that embodies sophistication, individuality, and femininity for all women.

Upon her graduation from Accademia Italiana, Hanine pursued a design position with the renowned, world famous Lebanese designer, Elie Saab. Her two years at Elie Saab fashion house allowed her to expand her design horizons to encompass the Eastern woman’s modern and stylish look.

“l love the femimine lines that you can create through design.”

- Hanine Houchaime

Long blue chiffon dress5000 AED

Short white peplum dress with silver lace overlay 3800 AED

Yellow skirt with bolero 5000 AED

Leather & LaceDesigner: Ulfat BaraziOrigin: United Kingdom

Ulfat’s stunning collection of leather handbags are classic glamour defined. Spending numerous years designing silverware, Ulfat decided to expand her line into handbags. Inspired by the Fendi classic, Ulfat designs her elegant structured handbags for women who love timeless pieces. Featured in ten luxurious colours, including a show stopping fuchsia pink, her bags and accessories add that certain glamour to any outfit.

“My label’s signature look is the combination of leather and material, creating classic pieces for the modern woman.”

- Ulfat Barazi

Multicoloured scarves 225 AED*

Red leather wallet 590 AED

Indigo leather handbag 2200 AED*Red leather handbag 1900 AED*

Green ostrich bag 2300 AED*

* more color options available

Maryam Al ShaibaniDesigner: Maryam Al ShaibaniOrigin: United Arab Emirates

Maryam Al Shaibani offers a unique and luxurious mix of east meets west in her colourful designs. Her exploration of modernity is innovative and makes for versatile, feminine pieces. With a keen interest in painting, nature and colour science, which is brought to life in her designs, Maryam offers exquisite fabrics dedicated to making you feel elegant and loved.

“My source of inspiration for all my pieces is nature, such as the experiences of travel and cultural exchanges. I like to discover the diversity of personalities. For me, every person is an inspiration and I design specific pieces with these people in mind.”

- Maryam Al Shaibani

Printed chiffon Jalabiya 3200 AED

Printed floral long dress2700 AED

Printed light turquoise jalabiya3200 AED

Nancy’s CornerDesigner: Nancy PennikianOrigin: Lebanon

Nancy Pennikian is a Lebanese fashion designer who has been living in Dubai for a year. She describes her pieces as ‘Fusion City’, and has a love for what is daring, edgy, and blends cultural elements from international fashion hubs. Her fashion line Nancy’s Corner represents a haven of bespoke styles and edgy statements with a high-fashion attitude.

“Nancy’s Corner is a haven for everything that is edgy, distinctive, and international. I always believe in making an entrance.”

- Nancy PennikianMinush strawberry fields

1022 AED*

Haribo shoes 949 AED

Suede peep-toe pumps949 AED

Noir Absinthe Designer: Marie ArnaudOrigin: France

Marie Arnaud designs funky, edgy and urban pieces of jewellery and clothing. Inspired by 50’s icon Brigitte Bardot, Marie’s ready to wear pieces demonstrate elegant chić combined with a funky twist of colourful fabrics.

Her jewellery designs showcase gothic, Victorian punk with a hint of romanticism, mixing the new with the old to create unique and fresh pieces perfect for the modern, confident woman who knows what she wants and likes to be unique in her style.

“I travel a lot, I read a lot, and everything is source of inspiration for me. I have a real passion for the gothic (music, art, literature, and cinema) and the 50’s.”

- Marie Arnaud

Pink/Black roses skirt 620 AEDBlack top with fushia flower 520 AED

Love my curves dress1287 AED

Loose shiny jacket 550 AEDFlame print skirt-shorts 590 AED

Rouge CoutureDesigner: Sara Al Madani & Apple WangOrigin: Bahrain/China

Rouge Couture is the result of the fusion between the creative minds of fashion designers Sara Al Madani and Apple Wang. A unique collaboration of tradition and style come together to produce Abayas and Jalabyas with glamorous, fashion-forward brilliance for the modern Arab woman looking to express herself through fashion.

“We find inspiration in everything around us to create sophisticated, elegant designs for strong, independent women who have style on their minds and fashion in their hearts”. - Sara Al Madani

Red jalabiya2900 AED

Silk abaya with ruff elizabethan collar4000 AED

Animal print jalabiya2600 AED

SHREKAHNTHDesigner: ShrekahnthOrigin: India

Shrekanth’s premiere prêt-a-porter collection at Dubai Fashion Week in 2010 won him critical acclaim for his innovative use of digital pattern and hyper-real art work - his star has been rising ever since. His ethnic aesthetic and strong use of print has become the signature interpretation of his designs, making him one of the region’s brightest fashion stars.

“Architecture, art, religion and technology all inspire me. I try to find rare details from these influences and transform them in to modern prints. My experiments with digital art make my work very futuristic. I design for the modern woman who likes to experiment to make her individuality standout.”

- Shrekahnth

Jodhpur jumpsuit 2500 AED

Savaris kimono 6532 AED

Multicolored kaftan3172.50 AED

The Abaya QueenDesigner: AnonymousOrigin: United Arab Emirates

The Abaya Queen designs stunning Abaya’s for the modern arab woman and prides herself on quality, long-lasting fabrics and unique designs.

“I love to mix different fabric textures with the tradional abaya. They are glamourous creations.”

- The Abaya Queen

Black and gold shimmery abaya1500 AED

Black abaya with green silk detailing 1800 AED

Yahya StapicFounder & CEO

Born and bred in the city of Dubai with Bosnian origins, Yahya has developed a unique knack for fusing business with creativity. He graduated with a BSBA in Marketing & Management, before going to work in the FMCG sector for a renowned multinational corporation. There he involved himself in both strategic and creative-driven projects, ranging from region-wide brand campaigns, to BTL product launches. With a background in both strategic brand management and tactical consumer marketing, Yahya’s approach to brand management is very much a holistic one.

Yahya grew up being inspired by all forms of visual stimuli – whether it was art set in galleries, or graffiti set in the midst of urban landscapes. His passion for innovative, imaginative and expressive work was something he aspired to explore further. He wanted to give aspiring talent an outlet that could reward them for their creativity.

And so, United Designers was born.

Arpit JunejaOperations Manager

Arpit graduated from the University of Delhi in 2005 and completed his ACCA in 2008. He was quickly identified as a key player in business, earning a promotion to Senior Associate within just a year and a half at financial giant, PricewaterhouseCoopers. He takes delight in solving problems and ensuring smooth-running efficiency, while boasting strong personal communication skills and a natural sense of leadership.

Having spent a considerable portion of his life in India, he voyaged to Dubai where he developed a knack for seeking unique life opportunities

and that was when he encountered United Designers.

Jarmila Nikodijević FryntováMarketing Manager

Jarmila is an accomplished marketing professional who has specialized in projects of varied scope, ranging from creating and implementing marketing strategies tailored across a portfolio of ventures, multi-level brand development and management, to overseeing large scale international transactions in the services industry. She draws on experience from around the world, having worked in Europe, the US and the Middle East across several industries ranging from architecture & planning, FMCG, and legal services.

Born and raised in Prague, she constantly explores her appetite for creative expression through photography and graphic design.

United Designers Concept Store Mirdif City Centre Central Galleria, Level 1, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 251 4200 F+971 4 437 0505 store@uniteddesigners.ae

United Designers Head Office PO Box 117281, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 437 0707 F +971 4 251 4204 info@uniteddesigners.ae

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All prices are correct at time of printing but may be subject to change.