Reem Acra takes bridal business online amid coronavirus pandemic
Updated 30 March 2020
Arab News
DUBAI: As couples across the world postpone their summer weddings due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lebanese designer Reem Acra is trying to brighten the day of brides-to-be by offering online appointments in what could become the new norm for luxury boutiques.
The designer’s New York-based atelier is offering virtual appointments for brides currently on the lookout for the ultimate gown and took to Instagram with the news, saying: “In the wake of the challenging times, the world must come together. We continue to move forward and are confident we will come out stronger.”
Four Saudi labels take part in Dubai popup fashion event
Updated 21 sec ago
Saffiya Ansari
CaptionDUBAI: Four homegrown fashion labels are part of a pop-up hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission at Dubai’s glitzy Bvlgari Resort.
The Untitled Project, ArAm, Rebirth and RBA are all represented at the event with a rack featuring their designs.
The Untitled Project’s Israa Allaf is known for her whimsical abayas and resort wear, which she says is all about experiential dressing.
Men and womenswear label RBA, a ready-to-wear brand based between Saudi Arabia and New York, is also on show, with its casual co-ordinates and separates fitting in perfectly. (Supplied)
“The inspiration behind the pieces is that it’s a fusion design where you get to see a piece of home but, at the same time, it feels like you’re (on) vacation. It’s the idea of a fantasy vacation, in a way,” she said.
Fantasy design and fairytales play a significant role in the design process, while one of the brand’s key objectives is to “show sustainability doesn’t mean boring … it could be something really artistic, and we really want to show individuality through the clothing.”
The pop up was at at Dubai’s glitzy Bvlgari Resort. (Supplied)
While Allaf’s linen summer dresses adorned with fish charms turn heads, Saudi brand Rebirth takes fashion in a different direction.
Billed as luxury, bohemian, ready-to-wear fashion, the label was founded in 2021 by Tala Abukhaled.
ArAm by Arwa Alammari. (Supplied)
The Spring/Summer 2026 collection, “Tactile Gestures,” is displayed at the pop-up, with fronds and beaded detailing found across the neutral palette line.
Men and womenswear label RBA, a ready-to-wear brand based between Saudi Arabia and New York, is also on show, with its casual co-ordinates and separates fitting in perfectly.
Finally, ArAm by Arwa Alammari rounds out the group. Alammari — listed by Forbes in the magazine’s Top 30 (2022) and Top 50 (2023) Women Behind Middle Eastern Brands — is known for her embrace of Saudi heritage, often incorporating traditional Najdi embroidery into her contemporary designs.
