Born in Syria, designer and artist Moulham Obid’s couture collections are defined by his highly detailed creations which are handcrafted over hundreds of hours.
His work features intricate patterns artistic draping and pleats to capture a vision of modern femininity which elevates his client’s individuality. His designs reveal the client’s desire to present a mixture of modern linear structure with romantic imaginative femininity. All the while framing the character of the client and her tastes. Obid was nominated for the Ready-To-Wear prize at Fashion Trust Arabia, we find out more about his journey.
How does it feel to have your work recognised by the FTA Prize?
For a long time, we young Arab designers were marginalised. Don’t get me wrong, when there is a will, there is a way. But the Arab world needed an initiative such as the FTA to push its young fashion designers and creative youth to the forefront. Being recognised by the FTA prize confirmed to me that I am there and that I have succeeded in creating a beautiful, sustainable and winning concept in my own world of fashion, as the other fellow finalists did.
Tell us about your brand and your journey to where you are today as well as the materials you work with.
I was born in Syria, where I studied Fine Arts. However, my fashion journey started in Vienna, the home of my early inspiration, Gustav Klimt. I moved to Vienna in 2014 to study fashion design and start a career in the industry, which ended up leading to the launch of my brand in 2018. My couture collections are defined by exciting sustainable detailed creations, which are handcrafted over hundreds of hours. From recycling used textiles and clothes to choosing eco-friendly natural and organic materials, my design captures a vision of modern femininity for a better future. I think my creations elevate my client’s individuality while keeping sustainability in the front row of every design I create. More than that, with elaborate patterns, artistic draping and pleats, my designs reveal the client’s desire to present a mixture of modern linear structure with imaginative romantic femininity.
I tend to create sophisticated and extravagant pieces, by mixing diverse materials to produce standout contemporary, sustainable, feminine silhouettes. I also like to arrange sheer tulle ruffles amongst cascades of silks while skilfully placing intricate hand-embroidered details onto my creations. My collections reveal my fine feeling for complex volumes and modern proportions. As my work is first derived through an artistic scope, I then transport these visions into unique individual pieces that speak to every modern woman.
What can you tell us about your latest collections?
This is the first bridal collection for Moulham Obid and it was made by my new team in Syria.
Can you share a little about how the FTA prize is helping emerging designers worldwide?
Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser and her excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad, young designers from the MENA region get the chance to be exposed to the world through FTA. Prior to that, such designers were marginalised as well as struggled to even start their businesses. The FTA prize gives the opportunity to such designers not only to be exposed to the world, bringing attention to their work and potentially supporting their businesses but also give them a chance to win a prize of up to 200,000 USD to start their own business. Furthermore, FTA provides mentorship to the finalists during their time in Doha, in addition, to further more focused mentorship if they win.
What is a message you would send to the organisers and also to the industry in the Middle East?
I would say a HUGE thank you to the organisers of FTA. I have had a very successful week and looking forward to further working with all the people I have met in Doha. As for the industry in the Middle East, take notes please, this is the way you do fashion, just like in Qatar. Furthermore, the fact that FTA prize recognised my work means that the fashion industry, which FTA is a significant part of, has started taking sustainability really seriously, as my work represents exactly that.
What has been the highlight for you?
Meeting with Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa and explaining my concept to her, which she appreciated and supported. I am very thankful for that.
Where would you like to see your brand in five years?
On the runway in the Arab World, where fashion is by then very much part of the mainstream, as well as in Paris, New York and London.
Can you tell us about your creative process?
it starts always by having a concept and inspiration board or moodboard, of the design, then finding the right fabric, making a Toile and then realising the design from the selected fabric.
What’s the biggest challenge you face with your own brand?
Cheap, fast, copycat fashion.
Where did your passion for design begin?
When I was a little kid, startled by the pictures of my mom’s wedding, her dress was just BEAUTIFUL!
Who or what inspires you the most?
Nature and Arab culture, are both very deeply embedded in fashion.
What is the motto that you live by?
Everything happens for a reason
