Founded in 2016, Waed Asmar is a Dubai-based fashion label that prides itself on creating classic and simple designs that exude modern femininity.
With a strong passion for design, Waed Asmar decided to give up her studies in graphic design and pursue her true passion for fashion. She has dedicated herself to designing for hijab-wearing Muslim women, offering them a blend of modesty and luxury in dresses, abayas, and travel wear. Her modest silhouettes flatter and celebrate the individuality of the modern woman. Her designs seamlessly blend intricate embroidery and luxurious textiles to create timeless and feminine pieces. Focusing on quality, her in-house team of skilled embroiderers and tailors ensures each piece is crafted to perfection.
This March, the designer proudly presents her Ramadan and Eid collection, which is an ode to mother nature. A series of elegant, modest kaftans and dresses make the perfect celebration outfits for the upcoming season. Many of the pieces are also presented in a smaller iteration for children, beautifully allowing mothers and daughters to wear matching pieces. Here we find out more about the collection as well as what’s in the pipeline for the Dubai-based designer.
Tell us about your Ramadan collection – the colours, the silhouette, the inspiration etc.
Our collection draws inspiration from the beautiful and nurturing mother nature, just like a daughter is nurtured by her mother. The flowy silhouette and floral embellishments are inspired by flowers such as gardenia, orchids, dahlia, buttercup, and many others. The vast and breathtaking desert sky, landscapes, and Arabian patterns inspire the prints and Jalabis. Spring florals inspire the colours of our collection, ranging from creamy white to pale yellow inspired by gardenia, an orange colour inspired by poppies, and bright blues and greens from orchids and hydrangeas.
Tell us about the children’s designs.
Our children’s designs are crafted with the same level of care and attention to detail as our adult collections. They feature playfulness, ensuring comfort and versatility for young ones during the Ramadan season.
Why was it important for you to create a Ramadan collection?
Creating a Ramadan collection was important to us as it allowed us to cater to the needs of our customers during this special time. It’s an opportunity to celebrate culture, tradition, and faith through fashion, providing women with attire that reflects their values and beliefs.
How do you feel women are looking more for comfort and modest styles in their clothing choices today?
In today’s fast-paced world, comfort and modesty have become increasingly important to women in their clothing choices. Our designs focus on offering both style and ease, allowing women to feel confident and empowered while maintaining modesty.
What else are you currently working on?
Currently, we are diligently working on our upcoming Eid collection, which will feature an array of stunning designs tailored for the festive season. Additionally, we are gearing up for our Summer collection launch, where we will introduce new materials and innovative modest travel wear suitable for daily use.
What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
Our biggest achievement is turning our passion for fashion into a global brand that resonates with people worldwide. From humble beginnings, we’ve left a lasting mark in the market, with people who genuinely love what we do.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a designer today?
The biggest challenge we face as designers today is maintaining uniqueness amidst fierce competition and staying ahead with trends and creativity. Additionally, ensuring the consistently high quality of every piece we produce remains paramount.
What would you still like to achieve?
We aspire to continue pushing boundaries and expanding our brand’s reach globally. Our goal is to become a leading authority in modest fashion, inspiring women to embrace their individuality with confidence.
This month, we celebrated International Women’s Day – who is a woman who has inspired you?
This month, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, I am inspired by my mother. Her strength and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today. She is my rock, motivating me to pursue my dreams and be the best version of myself.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers?
My advice to aspiring designers is to trust yourself and keep doing what you love. The key is to persevere no matter what challenges come your way. Consistency and passion are your greatest allies on the journey to success.
Who is a designer who inspired you?
A designer who has deeply inspired me is Zaha Hadid. Her groundbreaking designs and innovative approach to architecture have left an indelible mark on the industry. Beyond her creative genius, her bold personality and fearless attitude towards challenging conventions have motivated me to push boundaries in my own work.
Who is the woman you design for?
I design for women who appreciate elegance, sophistication, and modesty. My aim is to empower them to embrace their unique style and feel confident in their own skin.
How does your heritage and background inspire you as a designer?
My heritage and background serve as a constant source of inspiration in my designs. They inform my aesthetic sensibilities and influence the cultural elements I incorporate into my collections.
What is the professional motto you live by?
The professional motto I live by is “quality over quantity.” I believe in prioritising craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless design, ensuring that every piece reflects the highest standards of excellence.
What’s a piece of advice that you would give to your younger self?
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to trust the journey and embrace failure as an opportunity for growth. Stay focused on your passion, be resilient in the face of challenges, and never underestimate your potential.
What else is in the pipeline for you this year?
This year, we have exciting plans to collaborate with like-minded brands and expand our presence in new markets. We’re also exploring innovative ways to engage with our customers through digital platforms and immersive experiences.
waedasmar.com
