We meet pioneering Emirati artist and designer Sumayyah Al Suwaidi to find out more about her new collection for 2015
digital artist, art curator, entrepreneur and fashion designer – Emirati Sumayyah Al Suwaidi is an unstoppable creative force.
The latest designs for her label, Seen, are all the more special because they fuse two of her passions: art and fashion.
Sumayyah says, “This collection is dear to my heart because my paintings are printed on the fabric. My art is surreal, while my fashion is practical, so I waited until the right moment to put the two together.”
The pieces, which start from AED 1,000, are available in petite to plus size.
“The collection can be pre-ordered online, so you can send me your size and the items will be made to measure,” Sumayyah explains. “Each piece takes around three weeks to be made, and delivery is free.”
Sumayyah was only 15 when she started creating digital artwork. Her first art collection in 2001 sold out immediately and she’s just hosted her 67th exhibition in Dubai. She is also the organiser of the annual Ramadan Art Bazaar, which features local artists.
Her passion for art brought her into the world of fashion, and in 2004 she opened the first Grafika Boutique, in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Her clothing label was born seven years later.
“My customers always asked me about what I was wearing, and normally I make my own clothing, so in 2011 I put a few pieces in my store. They sold out, so I came up with Seen.”
Sumayyah has promoted her range around the world. During London Fashion Week 2012, her see-through abayas, worn over one-piece swimsuits, caused quite a stir.
“People in London loved the idea, but some here were offended. The design, however, was targeting westerners; they would not wear abayas the way we do, so I simply wanted to create something luxurious that they could wear too.”
The success of her label has prompted Sumayyah to expand her business.
“A new Grafika Boutique will open in Dalma Mall by the end of March,” she reveals. “I haven’t officially announced it yet, so Abu Dhabi Week is among the first to know.”
The fashion scene in Abu Dhabi is thriving, says Sumayyah, but it’s still hard for many Emirati designers to reach a large audience. This is why she founded Abu Dhabi Fashion Days, a four-day trade show where you can discover local talent. It is hosted twice a year at Adnec. The next show will be 3rd-6th June.
Laura Volpi
Check it out
Grafika Boutique: www.grafikaboutique.com
Seen: www.seenxseen.com
Abu Dhabi Fashion Days: www.abudhabifashiondays.com
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi: www.sumayyahalsuwaidi.net
