Who Are The Top 20 Fashion Brands And Designers In UAE Today?

Fashion is nowadays a trending business. We see fashion everywhere. Most of the social media posts are fashion oriented. We always search for inspiration in everything, especially on Fashion Designer and in the fashion industry. Fashion is a distinctive and often constant trend in the style and class in which people present themselves.

So here are top 20 fashion designers of Dubai-

1. Nathalie Trad

Specializing the fashion brand in the bag designs since the launch of her Dubai-based fashion brand, the designer Nathalie Trad has made the name herself as an internationally acclaimed fashion success. Due to work and her contribution to the fashion industry, she has gained widespread celebrity fan base, from the likes of Solange Knowles and Olivia Palermo to Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz. These big names do make the brand special and internationally known. Lebanese designer Nathalie Trad is known for the exclusive designs which are responsible for redefining the boundaries of traditional aesthetics. Nathalie made it possible through her architecturally influenced clutches, which today form the basis of her eponymous line.

Natalie was born in Beirut and raised in Dubai, later she moved to Paris at the age of 17 to study for a degree at the prestigious Esmod International fashion school. It was in the fashion city, Paris where she developed a strong penchant for asymmetric design. She generated her interest by taking classic shapes and radically transforming them, deconstructing, and redefining the boundaries of fashion aesthetics. Nathalie Trad’s time at work and spent her time in two fashion capitals. That is Paris and New York where she was coupled with the expertise throughout her degrees and her quest to re-examine the foundations related to traditional accessory design. This has helped her forge a unique signature and make a unique recognition.

2. House of Nomad

The House of Nomad is currently a well-established fashion brand and popularly known throughout the world. It is praised by many admirers and it won several design awards. The awards are under the name of the brand because of the sleek styles and minimalist fashion sense the brand has. The fan base has grown with time and it has won fans from all different areas of fashion and design. It's serendipitous that two native North Carolinians, who have common interest and desire to travel to every corner of the world, would meet and form both a business brand. Both Berkeley and Kelley had always had an entrepreneurial calling so they have formed this effective platform to put their fashion ideas into reality. Their ideas came from the passion they had for travelling. The ideas spiraled to textiles and art, and from their love of travel and their passion for unique finds. The duo, in the year 2017, quickly became the go-to source for clients who look for eclectic, modern style- not to mention, their travel-oriented design method. Being both best friends, business partners and fashion oriented people as well, they have made the name “house of nomad” internationally known and built a fan base all around the world.

3. Rami Al Ali

With the couture designs and luxurious classic fashion sense, Al Ali, has taken the fashion world by storm and made the brand well known all around the world. The fan base of the brand includes the big names in the entertainment industry. Besides being one of the highlights in Paris Couture Week every year, Rami Al Ali won fans such as Beyonce Knowles, Chanel Iman, and Kerry Washington.

Rami Al Ali Couture entered the fashion arena with bold designs, creations and uncompromising couture designs. The brand was established in Dubai in the year 2001. After a number of inspiring fashion shows around the Gulf, the brand gained its popularity and then the designs began to occupy the pages of leading fashion publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Business of Fashion. The excitement continued and garnered attention from global brands such as Swarovski, when Al Ali was selected to become a part of Unbridled. This is a book published by the global Austrian crystal brand, with revered couture veterans Giorgio Armani, Vivian Westwood and John Galliano, amongst others. Later on, in further years the house collaborated with many notable artists including the architect Viktor Udzenija designing an installation in Dubai Design District. The brands such as Jewelry designer Nadine Kanso, international high street giant Charles & Keith, the private airline Royal Jet, and fine jewellery brands Bulgari, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Messika were also part of the revolution.

4. Nafsika Skourti

Skourti is a well known designer who has gained favor with the politically savvy and is currently becoming one of the most sought-after streetwear fashion designers. This all fame and popularity is the result of her hard work and her bold, youthful designs. Her feminist and daring fashion sense defines her. Recently part of the Burberry’s Art of the Trench Project and recognized as a regional trendsetter, Skourtis clothing line has gained recognition as one of the most exciting to look out for from Dubai.

Nafsika Skourti is half Greek and half Jordanian so he has a sense of fashion from both the region and communities. She completed her graduation from Central Saint Martins in the year 2012. She later worked at Marchesa in New York. She also trained in haute couture embroidery as well as passementerie at Ecole Lesage in Paris. Stephanie Skourti is also a graduate from Warwick University in the UK with a Bachelors of Law. After her service at Goldman Sachs for almostfive years, she left the corporate world in order to flower passion for fashion. Together with her sister, they established the Nafsika Skourti brand out of their home in Jordan itself. This was the start and now, the brand is a well established name in the fashion industry.

5. Bouguessa

Bouguessa is widely known as one of Dubai’s most famous abaya designers. Faiza Bouguessa is bringing a revolutionary change in the fashion industry by introducing some very unique and appealing trends. She is trying to bring the traditional abaya of the region and making it fashionable and hip to wear. With her innovative designs, fine detailing, bold colors and fabrics, the brand continues to gain much popularity and widespread international attention for modern hijab-friendly fashion. Talking about the fashion field, so, BOUGUESSA is a contemporary ready-to-wear label that offers a minimalist wardrobe focused on clean cuts and impeccable details to strong sophisticated women which make them look classy and elegant.

BOUGUESSA was originally founded in Dubai by Faiza Bouguessa in the year 2014. It was started from her studio in Dubai Design District and later the business grew as she designs 3 collections a year. At the centre of Bouguessa is an ethos of minimalist sophistication as well as feminine elegance. This brand is responsible for emerging global trends and contemporary classics inspired by art, culture, architecture and modern design, the signature silhouettes lie in highly modern cuts, fine detailing, bold lines, vibrant colours and geometric precision.

6. Reemami

Reemami is a widely known fashion brand launched by Reema Al Banna in the year 2009. This brand is considered special as it has one of the strongest feminist stands in fashion industry in both the region and the world. Not only is her fashion line daring and quirky, but also behind each piece of clothing that the brand owns is a message on the strength and power of women and power of solidarity. Reemami designer Reema Al Banna is always on the move and is always trying to get better with the designs and idea of empowering women. She has various hobbies in life. From boxing to rock climbing, she tried a lot of things. Her latest hobby is wakesurfing. She also likes the water sport whereby one is towed behind a boat, riding its wake, surf style. Not only she pursues these things as hobbies but she makes the business through it. Her boxing (Spring 2015) and climbing (Spring 2017) collections were phenomenal. Her latest athletic foray is being translated to fashion with a wetsuit-inspired, 22-look collection. Al Banna states about her new obsession as “Progressing took a while, it’s been a challenge. But the adrenaline rush and the feeling of satisfaction when I’m on that wake is beyond this world. It’s also about motivating my followers to be healthy and active”. “I want to encourage the women around me to pursue their goals; always look for something that excites them, uplifts them, and makes them the best version of themselves.”

7. Taller Marmo

Although the designers Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea are Italian but the brand was launched, grew and made its name in Dubai’s vibrant fashion community. This brand specialises in a modern-take on suits for both men and women. The suits are made with the fine sophisticated cuts which give them a classy look. This clothing line has gained a quick international recognition as the work of the brand was impressive and designs were distinctive. It is recognized for its unique mix of tradition and innovation. Taller Marmo works as a women swear brand as well. The duo of designers Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea met while studying at Istituto Marangoni in Milan and later they decided to create Taller Marmo.

Taller Marmo, as a concept, was originally born in Italy to be based in Dubai as mentioned before. It acts as a bridge between the European elegance and the Middle Eastern charm. Inspiration behind the designs is drawn from the conversation between the nostalgia of the past as well as from contemporary culture.

The brand’s design philosophy is explained by its name itself: Taller, this is Spanish word for manual work, the laboratory, the artisan, the authenticity of the labour and handcraft; and Marmo, this is Italian word for marble, fine material and Italian greatness that metaphorically refers to luxury fashion, exoticism, decadence and tradition as well.

8. Nadine Kanso

Nadine Kanso’s Bil Arabi jewelry line is making some serious headlines around the world. Although she works as an artist and a photographer, along with this, she has a great sense of fashion and business. With fans like Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, each of her pieces is enriched with Arabic letters or symbols of her Arabic culture. This makes each outfit truly unique and makes the fashion lovers go crazy behind the designs.

The brand was established in the year 2006 by nadine kanso, bil arabi has fast become one of the most exciting and exclusive new brands to emerge from the middle east. Lovingly handmade in the uae, each bil arabi outfit is a work of art, enriched with culture. Each of the outfits under the brand name explains Nadine's understanding and appreciation of arabic calligraphy in a contemporary, universal milieu. Melding her background in graphic design as well as typography, nadine created her very first piece of jewellery which was a ring named ‘noon’ in 2006. All the designs formed from this brand are stylized depictions of personal messages and emblazoned with precious stones as well as these are handcrafted bil arabi pieces which are not only modern heirlooms but also offer a fresh view arabia.

9. Mochi

Mochi is a brand Inspired by various trips and travels abroad from the hometown of designer Ayah Tabari. The collection under the brand showcases clothing which are named after countries or cultures that have spoken to Ayah Tabari’s fashion. So, what’s so special about this brand..? What are those parts that make her brand so appealing…? The answer to this is the fact that much of her pieces are season less and timeless which are responsible for making every skirt or blouse in-style no matter what.

The shoes of mochi are best fitted for any occasion, like, it may be an interview or it may be a visit to your girlfriend's home to meet her parents. These footwears truly will define you and bring out your personality more elegantly. Mochi do have a right fit for you so you don't need to worry about not finding the shoes of your right size or fit. The detailed size guide by mochi will surely help you find the pair of your dreams in no time.

Flirty, young, stylish and seasonless are all the adjectives that come to mind when describing Ayah Tabari’s design ethos for Mochi. Spotting a Mochi shoe from miles away is not very hard to do.

10. L’Afshar

Famous for her designer marble box clutches, regional Instagram celebrity Lilian Afshar has taken both Dubai and the rest of the world by storm and become famous with the most unique designs ever. Her brand is now international and ruling the world with the major fanbase. This brand is growing day by day with her most recent collection of whimsical clutches, each named after a character from a Wes Anderson movie.

L’AFSHAR effortlessly unites the worlds of art, architecture and accessories with its contemporary exclusively thoughtful handcrafted designs, made in Dubai. Vintage perfume bottles, architecture, and design influence the creations come out of the L’Afshar brand’s timeless collections which are absolutely loved by its customers. These are defined as luxurious yet industrial. The brand aesthetic is precise and considered. They are defined by modern silhouettes and compact sizes as well. These are well conceptualised to hold the bare necessities of the customer. The ambition of the brand is to cater to today’s woman and empower her.

Founder and Creative Director Lilian Afshar originally studied in order to become a ready-to-wear designer. It wasn’t until the presentation of her graduating collection from Esmod in the year 2013 did she realise the conceptualisation of the signature L’AFSHAR box clutch.

11. Atelier Zuhra

The signature mirror mosaic bustier can be the very first clue that you are about to know about a couture concoction from the Dubai-based label, Atelier Zuhra. This label is founded by Mousa Al Awfi, the lavish silhouettes occupy their own world of glitzy excess. The brand is absolutely loved by most of the celebrities including Sonam Kapoor, Ahuja, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and much more. The former leaned into the luxury of the design aesthetic by pairing her flared designer golden gown with a runway-ready headpiece. And soon, in no time, the mirror work bodice started clicking and appearing in regular appearances on the red carpet including Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Janhvi Kapoor as well opting for standout jewel tones. Kareena Kapoor Khan also picked a head-to-toe mirror work midi dress which lit up like a disco ball under the paparazzi flashes too.

More than 30 women from Oman including the members of the royal family who traveled to Dubai to witness Atelier Zuhra’s couture showcase during Fashion Forwards in the tenth season. Though the designs introduced by the brand were bold and jazzy but they did not let its customer down when it came to class and style.

12. Jean-Louis Sabaji

Touted as the breakout designer at Cannes during the year 2018, Jean-Louis Sabaji's couture house has only gained success and risen up the ranks ever since by introducing many trends in the fashion business. As the son of celebrated Lebanese couturier, Jean Sabaji, the construction techniques of the '80s era can be totally seen in the young designer's sculptural creations. The brand is loved by many celebrities in bollywood including deepika and alia. Deepika Padukone's voluminous coral-hued gown was designed under the brand name and it was like a breath of fresh air at a recent awards night. The designer's versatility with red carpet-ready silhouettes is commendable and it can be also observed in the metallic number that Malaika Arora picked which end up featuring a gunmetal ruched body with an attached choker detailing.

Jean-Louis Sabaji is basically a Lebanese Fashion designer based in Jounieh, Lebanon. He was introduced to the fashion field at his father’s atelier, where he used to spend time from his infancy. His interest and passion for Fashion brought him to Milan which is known as one of the biggest fashion capitals. At Milan, he ended up gaining a Master’s in Fashion Design at Domus Academy in 2011, where he learned a unique way of thinking and design. Later, he founded his own brand and got many celebrity fans who wore his outfits on the red carpet.

13. Yousef Al Jasmi

Fashion industry is spread all around the world and in each of the corners of this wide world, there are many creative minds which are trying to get recognition. One of such self made brands include the Kuwait-based designer Yousef Al Jasmi. The designer's clout can be credited to the fact that the first international star to wear his outfits was Beyoncé. He managed to turn the pop sensation into a repeat customer as the designs were appealing and suitable to the minds of creators. It was his black bodysuit which ended up featuring in Beyoncé’s ‘Sorry' music video, which crossed the 250-million mark on YouTube platform. After a few years later, and the couture label is a mainstay in the wardrobes of Kylie Jenner as well as her daughter Stormi, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga and more. Going further, the brand becomes bigger and closer to home, his glamorous silhouettes have found a fan in Jacqueline Fernandez, who indulge her extra side with a very beautiful sparkly gown and that exaggerated faux fur wrap. Janhvi Kapoor also opted for an embellished gown from the brand as well.

14. Rami Kadi

Rami Kadi, a very well known brand and loved by bollywood celebrities. It is a recurring favourite in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Cannes repertoire. This brand is originally a Beirut-based couture house which is responsible for taking credit for bringing a distinctive contemporary flavour to old school Hollywood silhouettes. The young designer behind this eponymous label has been championing over many years in the fashion industry. Bachchan's last Cannes appearance was totally handled by the brand. When we saw Aishwarya Rai Bachchan stepping out in an icy blue gown by the couturier, paired with a samurai-esque top knot, it was just breathtaking and while Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was spotted on Koffee with Karan's sixth season in a custom lilac dress with a flared hem which ended in a joyful burst of plumage. It was all the responsibility of the outfits by the brand.

At an early age of 25, in May 2011, Rami started paving his professional designer career by contributing some unique designs to the world through the launch of his own showroom as well as opening of his first atelier in the heart of Beirut. This place helped him to present his Couture creations as well as to craft unique pieces attracting a wide range of international clientele including royalty.

15. Reem Acra

When it comes to fashion, we see a lot of people out there who are ready with their phenomenon collections. One of such collections is Redeem. From red carpet-ready chiffon concoctions to the very beautiful pared-down, minimalist vibe of her spring/summer collection in the year 2019. The collections look special due to Acra's body of work which comes with an interesting study in sartorial versatility. This brand also got celebrity fans including shilpa shetty. Shilpa Shetty Kundra picked a head-to-toe lamé look for Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh's reception which was surely eye-catching. Another red carpet saw Karisma Kapoor working a stately mix of velvet and pleated metallics by Reem. Elsewhere, the young guns are also not backing off to show off fashion trends and are heading straight for the couturier's party-ready silhouetteslike Ananya Pandya opted for a blush strapless dress for the same reception. And Janhvi Kapoor headed for an awards function in a gem-encrusted white tulle number as well.

Acra started her company in the year 1997 as a bridal line. With this bridal outfits idea, she was designing a dress for a friend's wedding in just three weeks. This was done on a bet that if she could meet the deadline, her friend would go through with the wedding which was set in Paris at the Hôtel de Crillon. Acra took a photograph of the bridal dress and distributed it to the media, including The New York Times. This photo was then published and She ended up holding her first fashion show in 1999.

16. BAMBAH

Maha Abdul Rasheed started Bambah almost 10 years ago. The business was started as a boutique business. The designer, who is a self-proclaimed vintage lover, sources all the fabrics and materials from all over the world in order to create one-of-a-kind flirty pieces, right out of her Jumeirah Beach villa in Dubai. The brand has worked on many outfits which includes the off-shoulder lace gowns as well as statement bows, polka dots and vintage-inspired mid-length organza skirts. Maha’s aesthetic is a perfect blend of beauty, fashion, alss and extravaganza.

Bambah has captured the hearts of its customers and has been ruling over the fashion industry from its very first collection. The brand exudes femininity, elegance, style and bold signature shapes reflecting a modern and refined mark as well. This mark resonates with today's woman.

Luxurious fabrics, shimmery materials, unapologetically lady-like silhouettes and striking colour-ways are the speciality of the brand. These all things come together each season to give something exciting and a new offering to the fashion world. The brand is absolutely adored by the customers all around the world and offers spectacular statement pieces that inject fun into women's wardrobes. With the generous ruffles, bare shoulders, oversized bows, bold designs and vibrant floral prints, the outfits by the brand becomes perfect for any occasion that you attend.

17. Madiyah Al Sharqi

The Fujairah-based eponymous brand, owned by the daughter of the ruler of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi. Madiyah Al Sharqi launched her label after completing her graduation from the prestigious French fashion university in Esmod. Later, she was an intern for renowned Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz. Fashion industry is stunned by the designer. The famous designs under the brand includes effortless evening wear with an updated edge and colorful timeless silhouettes as well. Madiyah’s regal style has something for each and every individual.

The daughter of the Ruler of Fujairah wouldn’t have started this brand which was launched in 2012 after her graduation from Esmod anywhere else. She says, ‘I have my own atelier and have been working with them for 13 seasons now in Fujairah. It is very important for me to have “Made in the UAE” on my garments – we source all our fabric and embroidery from Italy and France, but it has always been fundamental that the pieces are produced here,’ and this is completely justified. Today, the brand is doing well and has its fanbase all around the world.

18. Dulce By Safiya

Safiya Abdallahis originally a US-based influencer who has been making waves with her designs not just in Dubai, but also around the world. Besides being one of the well recognized designers in the fashion world and creative director of Dulce by Safiya, this brand is worn by Gwen Stefani, she is also a partner as well as designer at Lohan by Lindsay Lohan which is one of the modest clothing lines that is being developed by the Hollywood actress.

Her brand, Dulce by Safiya, is getting popular day by day with its most unique designs. This brand features a number of hood-inspired designs. This is a much better idea for hijab-wearing women as it's an alternative way to cover their hair. While expressing her feelings for the design of hood, she says, “I felt that a hood was a way to inconspicuously cover your hair for people who live in the West. I guess I’ve walked across this bridge, where I’m bordered by both worlds, all my life, and I wanted to create things for people in the middle.”

Beanies aside, other pieces under the brand which are loved by people include the latest collection of gold-­sequined trenches, iridescent ­hoodie-dresses, luxe oversized blazers and glittering metallic corsets layered over turtlenecks.

19. Aiisha

AIISHA is an eponymous brand which has introduced some exciting designs to the fashion world and are perfect for the contemporary, fashion-forward UAE resident. A brainchild of award-winning designer Aiisha Ramdan, AIISHA is one of the leading clothing lines which was started in the year 2017 in the UAE in order to defy the current trend of fast fashion in the world.

The brand makes casual, formal and bridal wear which are the perfect examples of intricate details and fine embroidery. The collections by the brand named Resort, Spring and Fall are available at their boutique and the brand runs its business online also. Many top Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities such as Carmen Soliman, Ileana D’ Cruz, Ashwariya Rai and Kareena Kapoor have worn their ensembles on red-carpets, awards functions and many other high-profile events.

IISHA is the great example of modern design merged with the beautifully crafted garments speaking to the feminine woman across the world. Behind the brand’s success, there are a lot of efforts of is Lebanese fashion designer, Aiisha Ramadan, who started her couture clothing line from the UAE in the year 2007, her base is now growing for more than 30 years.

20. BUKA

Started by two entrepreneurs named Harith Bukhash and Anas Bukhash, BUKA is a popular Emirati streetwear brand which has influenced the fashion industry since its very first collection. This Dubai-based designer brand offers traditional clothes along with a contemporary twist for both men and women. BUKA is also one of the very first brands which is being made locally in the UAE to champion streetwear. The emphasis is more on hoodies, t-shirts and trackies as they are loved and mostly worn by the people in the region. The brand is popular and trusted because of the quality it provides. All the outfits are made with the best fabrics including premium Italian leather and Japanese cotton/ all items are soft to touch, comes with a natural look and offer the wearer a luxurious feel.