Founded in 2013, Dubai-based brand MOUNAY has quietly built a reputation for modern elegance. Shaped between Beirut and Dubai, the label speaks to a woman who dresses with clarity and self-assurance, favouring thoughtful design over fleeting trends. Under the direction of founder and creative director Mona Ead Mikati, MOUNAY has evolved into a contemporary wardrobe rooted in refined craftsmanship, architectural silhouettes, and timeless femininity. As the brand prepares to unveil its latest Ramadan collection, we speak to Mikati about creative evolution, designing with purpose, and what it means to create clothing that empowers women beyond the moment.
How would you define the universe of MOUNAY today, and how has it evolved since the beginning?
MOUNAY today is a universe of feminine confidence. It has evolved from a more instinctive, expressive beginning into something quieter but more assured. The core has always been about empowering women through thoughtful design, but over time the brand has matured into a language of refinement, restraint, and longevity — pieces that feel relevant beyond trends.
The brand has been based between Beirut and Dubai since 2013. How has working between these two cities shaped MOUNAY’s aesthetic and its understanding of modern Middle Eastern style?
Beirut brings emotion, depth, and a strong sense of individuality, while Dubai offers structure, clarity, and a global outlook. Moving between the two has shaped MOUNAY into a brand that balances softness with strength. It reflects a modern Middle Eastern woman who is rooted in culture but forward-looking, expressive yet composed.
What elements do you prioritise when designing pieces that feel both impactful and easy to wear?
Proportion, movement, and intention. I focus on silhouettes that make a statement through cut rather than excess, and details that reveal themselves gradually. Comfort is essential. If a woman doesn’t feel at ease in a piece, it loses its power. Impact should feel natural, not forced.
MOUNAY is known for its carefully chosen fabrics and refined cuts. How does material selection influence the final mood and movement of a collection?
Fabric is where emotion begins. The way a material moves, catches light, or sits on the body defines the mood of a collection. I choose fabrics that hold structure yet flow with the body, because movement brings life to a garment. The right material elevates simplicity and allows the cut to speak. I also choose rich materials to elevate the overall look.
As a founder and designer, how do you maintain clarity of vision while allowing the brand to evolve with changing lifestyles and expectations?
I stay anchored to the woman I design for rather than to trends. Lifestyles change, but the desire for elegance, confidence, and authenticity remains. By listening closely to how women live, move, and dress today, I allow evolution to happen naturally without losing the brand’s essence.
What’s the biggest challenge that you face with the brand today?
Maintaining depth and integrity in a fast-moving industry. There is constant pressure to produce more and faster, but MOUNAY is built on thoughtful pacing. Staying true to that philosophy while growing is an ongoing challenge, and a necessary one. My greatest pleasure is seeing clients wear the same pieces over the years; it gives me immense pride and strengthens my belief in what I do.
Ramadan dressing calls for a more considered approach to fashion. What was your starting point when designing the upcoming Ramadan collection?
The starting point was reflection, the idea of quiet strength and presence. Ramadan is a time of inward focus, and I wanted the collection to feel respectful, fluid, and serene, while still carrying a sense of modern elegance that transitions effortlessly from day to evening.
Tell us a little about the collection — the theme, colour palette, and silhouette.
The collection is built around soft structure and understated luxury. The palette is muted and earthy, with warm neutrals and subtle depth. Silhouettes are elongated and fluid, designed to move with the body and layer naturally, allowing each woman to style the pieces in her own way.
What makes a Ramadan piece timeless in your eyes, something that can live beyond the season and return to a woman’s wardrobe year after year?
Timelessness comes from restraint. When a piece isn’t overly tied to a moment, it remains relevant. Clean lines, quality fabrics, and versatile silhouettes allow a Ramadan piece to evolve with a woman’s wardrobe rather than belong to a single occasion.
Looking ahead, how do you see MOUNAY continuing to support and empower women through design?
By designing with intention and respect for women’s individuality. MOUNAY will continue to offer pieces that adapt to different roles, moods, and stages of life — clothing that supports women rather than defines them and allows them to feel confident on their own terms.
What is something you would still like to achieve with the brand?
I would like MOUNAY to be recognised globally as a brand that represents modern Middle Eastern elegance with depth and authenticity, not just aesthetically, but philosophically.
How would you describe the brand in one word?
Timeless.
By Lindsay Judge
