What We Are Buying Today: Spanish designer Belen Mancha’s abayas, thobes combine modern style with vintage crochet

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Updated 23 September 2022
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What We Are Buying Today: Spanish designer Belen Mancha’s abayas, thobes combine modern style with vintage crochet

Thaa, a Saudi brand born in 2016 with an occidental influence, creates statement abayas and thobes. Using a mix of local and imported textiles, carefully crafted products are created by hand, using different techniques, one of the most distinguished being crochet.

Every season they release new styles as well as a classic linen crochet abaya that has become the brand’s signature. Every piece is made with love for the clients who appreciate and understand the work behind it.

Founder Belen Hernandez-Mancha, a Spanish designer who married a Saudi man, began to experiment with the abundant array of textiles, designs and patterns in the Kingdom. Being surrounded by art and talents within her family sparked the right moment for her to follow her dreams.

Since then her approach has been to cater to sophisticated customers who are trendy with refined taste. The re-emergence of crochet has been one of the best fashion trends this year.

Taking a modern look on a vintage classic crochet pattern, the Thaa abayas are designed to create unique, timeless pieces.

A hand-crocheted abaya features various organic shapes and a flowy design made of lightweight material.

“We will continue to create with passion and service our circle of clientele with a devoted attention to meet each client’s satisfaction, always paying attention to every detail from the design itself to the packaging and service offered,” said Hernandez-Mancha.

You can find Thaa apparel at Homegrown market in Jeddah, Mira Y Mano store in Riyadh and RAYA galleria in Alkhobar.

For more information, visit @thaa_ksa on Instagram.


Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

Updated 28 January 2026
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Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris

  • Chakra introduces ‘new Parisienne attitude’
  • Top Arab designers also have shows in city

DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has presented his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, offering a contemporary interpretation of the house’s established design codes through refined silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship.

Drawing on the heritage of the maison, the collection revisited classic elements of elegance while introducing what the designer described in an Instagram post as a “new Parisienne attitude.”

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette, moving between pale blue, blush, lavender and gold across the runway.

The show featured a range of sculpted looks, with structured bodices balanced by feathered appliques, floral embroidery and layers of sheer tulle.

Strapless gowns with petal-like embellishments appeared alongside column dresses finished with subtle shimmer, while ruffled sleeves, organza capes and sheer overlays created volume and movement.

White gowns formed a central part of the collection, ranging from minimal silhouettes with clean lines to more elaborate designs incorporating veils, hats and lattice-style embroidery.

Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette. (Getty Images)

Sequins, hand-applied florals and intricate beading appeared throughout the collection. The show concluded with a bridal look featuring sheer embroidery and floral detailing.

After beginning his career in Beirut, where he initially worked at his home studio following his graduation from an institution in Canada, Chakra founded his fashion house in 1985.

He later expanded his atelier to Paris, debuting on the Haute Couture Week calendar in 2002, and has since built an international reputation for couture and eveningwear, dressing a wide range of regional and global figures for major red-carpet appearances.

His designs have been worn by celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Molly Sims and Andra Day.

Chakra was among several Arab designers featured during Paris Haute Couture Week this season.

Georges Hobeika and Tony Ward had already presented their Spring/Summer 2026 couture collections earlier in the week, while Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al-Ali are scheduled to show later on the official calendar.