Home is where the heart is

Carving a path for themselves locally and on the global stage, four of the region’s tastemakers share their love for the United Arab Emirates, and why they are so proud to call the Middle East, “home”

Founded in 2006 from a deep passion for jewellery, design and the Middle East itself, jewellery brand, Bil Arabi, serves as a platform to express the region’s culture, art and heritage through a contemporary lens. “By blending calligraphic artistry with intricate design, each piece is derived from the beauty of the Arabic alphabet’s form, to create a visual language that embodies self-expression and Arab identity.” Nadine Kanso explains. “The Middle East is rapidly making its mark on the global map as a key market across varied industries, and while we’re breaking boundaries as a region, I feel it is crucial for us to pay homage to our roots, and that is the story I aim to convey through my designs.”

Inspired by the people and culture of the region, the Lebanon-born creative who has called the United Arab Emirates, “home,” for the past 24 years, fell head over heels for Dubai’s vibrant multicultural environment. “The UAE has profoundly shaped both me and my brand. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds has inspired me to craft designs that blend Arab identity with universal appeal. The UAE’s celebration of innovation and tradition mirrors the ethos of Bil Arabi, allowing it to thrive as a brand that bridges cultural heritage with contemporary relevance.” Having also collaborated with luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Guerlain, Nadine has had the unique opportunity to showcase the region’s rich culture, heritage and language on a global scale – an accomplishment she is immensely proud of.

“Dubai is a place where dreams can truly become reality,” she says, “it’s a hub that fosters entrepreneurship, and encourages people to push boundaries. For me, as a designer, the city’s appreciation for both tradition and modernity provide endless inspiration. Dubai celebrates talent, supports bold ideas, and creates an environment where creativity can thrive, making it the perfect home for Bil Arabi. For me, as an Arab woman, the UAE provides a dynamic space to express individuality and celebrate personal style – a reflection of its openness to both tradition and innovation in fashion.” Nadine explains. A point of view expressed in Bil Arabi’s latest collection.

As a sub-collection of the brand’s iconic Ya Ein line, Najlaa draws its inspiration from Arabic poetry. “Najlaa is a name often used in literature to describe a woman with deep, expressive eyes, and this image was central to the design process” Nadine shares, “on a more personal level, Najlaa is also the name of my beloved grandmother, and I’ve tried to capture her empowering spirit through this new collection.” Translating a poetic vision of Arab culture into meticulously crafted jewellery, each piece sparkles with the brilliance of precious gemstones. “Each detail within the collection was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the mesmerising charm of Najlaa eyes. The collection features a range of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and bangles bringing together the allure of precious stones including emeralds, sapphire, blue topaz, tsavorite, green tourmaline, pearls and other exquisite stones. My favourite piece from the collection is the cuff, because it is something that I enjoy wearing often – it is truly a statement piece.”

Looking to the future, Nadine’s vision for Bil Arabi is to continue showcasing Arab heritage to the world, embracing its uniqueness and inviting it to be seen, heard, and worn with pride. “We remain committed to growth and innovation while staying true to our identity. We’ve successfully built a strong regional brand identity, and my mission is to take Bil Arabi even further, making a lasting mark on the global stage.”

Dubai-based Tunisian couturier, Ali Karoui is renowned for his show-stopping gowns, adored by stars including Beyoncé (who wore a custom-made piece for her performance at the opening ceremony of Atlantis The Royal). His designs are the epitome of elegance – the reason they frequently grace red carpets across the globe.

“I take great pride in my accomplishments to date,” Ali shares, “throughout my career, I have had the honour of dressing many celebrities, and my creations have gained recognition at prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Joy Awards, where I had the pleasure of dressing Netflix star, Georgina Rodríguez. I’ve also collaborated with renowned jewellery brand, Chopard, an achievement I’m extremely proud of.” As for one of his all-time favourite creations? “The Black Dress, which is dedicated to women's beauty. This stunning dress was worn by Naomi Campbell at the Cannes Film Festival and serves as a tribute to the legendary designer, Azzedine Alaïa.” 

Officially launching his eponymous brand, Ali Karoui Couture in 2012, the designer draws inspiration from Tunisia’s rich culture. “From the empowering legacy of iconic figures to the traditional artistry found in the vibrant alleys, shimmering Berber jewels, and intricate souk embroideries – I meld the past with the present. Furthermore, contemporary icons like Maestro Azzedine Alaïa leave a mark on my work, echoing the celebration of the female form,” Ali shares, “the synthesis of all these inspirations means my creations not only champion the beauty and strength of women, but they also weave a narrative that honours traditions, while painting a hopeful picture of the future into them.”

Having moved to Dubai in 2020, Ali received immense love and support from the region’s community. “The local community has been incredibly supportive through collaborations with other creatives and businesses. The events and fashion shows here provide platforms for emerging designers, allowing us all to share our work, and gain visibility. The UAE's growing reputation as a celebrated style capital is really exciting, reflecting its commitment to innovation and diversity in fashion. This evolution not only showcases local talent but also attracts global designers, enriching the industry and inspiring new trends.” 

Sighting the key to success lies in resilience and adaptability, Ali believes in embracing challenges as learning opportunities, and staying true to one’s vision while being open to evolution. “This is essential in this ever-changing industry.”

Faraz Manan began his professional fashion journey in 2003, swiftly ascending to recognition as one of the most illustrious designers in Pakistan. Under his eponymous label, Faraz Manan, he has carved a distinct niche for himself, distinguished by an unparalleled aesthetic and an unwavering commitment to intricate detail. “Faraz Manan’s signature style is a fusion of the East and the West, the new and the old,” he shares, “the brand was launched out of love for fashion (especially couture), art, and lifestyle.”

A virtuoso in the nuanced art of layering, reminiscent of the clarity and brilliance found in a flawless diamond, Faraz Manan embodies a creative genius that defies convention. As a veteran of the fashion industry, his expertise shines through in the meticulous intricacies of thread work, delicate embellishments, and innovative techniques such as appliqué, harmoniously fused through an astute understanding of colour and tailoring. “My latest couture collection is called Cinema. It's larger than life. It’s dramatic. It’s theatrical. It is glamorous ‘old world’ with Art Deco and oriental elements in the detailing. My favourite piece from the collection is a bronze gold French lame tulle gown.” 

Faraz Manan’s client roster includes members of royalty and luminaries from Bollywood, notably actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, who stands as a treasured muse. His unprecedented achievement as the first designer from the subcontinent to inaugurate a flagship store in Dubai, further solidifies his reputation as one of the best bridal designers in the region.

“I moved to Dubai in 2014. The move helped me personally by exposing me to so many different nationalities and cultures in one place. My success in the region has also made my brand famous worldwide. The UAE is the ideal platform for any brand or business to grow. The local community has supported me from the day I opened my store. Many great clients have become friends that are like family now.”

With an indomitable brand identity and a distinctive style, Faraz Manan continues to push the boundaries of excellence, from Dubai, the city he lovingly calls “home.”

Furne Amato found his artistic muse in the elegant styles of his mother and grandmother. “I found my passion for couture as a young boy of ten years old.” The Philippines-born founder of Amato Haute Couture shares. Captivated by the world of fashion, a young Furne began sketching intricate dresses that reflected a unique and quintessential edginess. Although initially he did not study formal training in fashion (at the time, it wasn’t an option, so he studied fine arts instead), his innate talent propelled him to enter in the prestigious MEGA Magazine’s Young Designer of the Philippines Award in 1994 – which he won. This achievement garnered the attention of distinguished international fashion figures, including renowned designer Josie Natori, who was so moved by Furne’s exceptional work that she extended an invitation for him to intern at her esteemed fashion houses in both Paris and New York. It was in Paris that Furne refined his sense of style, while the vibrant tapestry of New York nurtured his design sensibilities, allowing his own signature aesthetic to flourish during his tenure at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

In 2002, Furne, alongside textile connoisseur Rashid Ali, launched avant-garde label Amato Haute Couture in the UAE – a region the creative has called home since 1998. The brand name, Amato, means beloved in Italian, and ushered in a renaissance for the stylish women of the Emirates. “Living in the UAE is absolutely fabulous,” he says, “having local clients who love to be different and love to experiment with their looks is a blessing for me, because every day is a learning experience. Living and working in Dubai, I have learnt a lot. It opened my mind to the endless possibilities of couture beucase my clients want masterpieces akin to art. Women here love to experiment – they want to be different.”

With an unwavering passion for couture, Furne boldly presents artistic collections, embracing the unconventional in a manner that is chic and sophisticated. Eschewing the fleeting whims of trends, he views fabric as a canvas, crafting ensembles that resonate with originality and profound elegance, garnering the attention of iconic women such as supermodels Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks, along with music sensations including Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey, all of whom have become ardent devotees of Amato Haute Couture.

Echoing the designer’s avant-garde philosophy, Amato Haute Couture persistently redefines fashion’s boundaries, blossoming from its Dubai origins into a global powerhouse.