Egyptian designer

The final day of Dubai Fashion Week FW23 saw Marmar Halim pay homage to the majestic deserts of the region.
Photo: Instagram.com/marmarhalim
For her latest collection, Halim succeeded in exuding a certain romantic allure and quiet elegance that has become characteristic of the Egyptian designer. After moving to Dubai with little to her name, Halim built a brand that is coveted in the Middle East and beyond, and was chosen by celebrities such as Huda Kattan, Halle Bailey, and Hend Sabri. Mostly using delicate fabrics like charmeuse, silk, rayon, and chiffon, she has developed a signature Marmar Halim look, one that is preferred by a discerning clientele with impeccable taste.

Read on to know all about Marmar Halim’s Dubai Fashion Week FW23 show.
Tell us a bit about your collection being showcased at Dubai Fashion Week.
The collection is called, Hawma’a, َھ ْو َماء , meaning desert in Arabic. I translated two dilemmas from my everyday reality and my imagination by merging both classic cuts into exaggerated pieces, unfinished finishing, and manipulated fabrics with draped silhouettes. The collection entails sharp cuts with fabric manipulation that gives “hawma’a” textures.
What kind of a woman are your designs made for?
Our designs are made to flatter all body types and sizes. I believe that when a woman wears Marmar Halim, it translates the feeling I have while designing that piece. She should feel confident and comfortable.
How does it feel to be a part of the inaugural Dubai Fashion Week?
I am very proud that an Arab country is finally part of the international calendar. It’s time to show that regional Arab designers are as creative and capable as renowned fashion houses. I am honored to be part of the history that is being made.
Name one celebrity you would love to see in your designs.
Kim Kardashian, as she’s a fashion icon!
What’s next for your brand?
As you know, in our field, learning never stops. We are constantly learning and growing as we go. I want to see Marmar Halim becoming more international and achieving recognition outside of the Middle East and I think we are slowly moving in this very direction.
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The Oribat earrings and cuff bracelet from the Phoenix Collection by Laila Wahba. The ancient Greeks had four different words for rope-walkers: the Oribat was a dancing rope-walker. Together with members of the Senate, rope-walkers wore white, indicating that they were under special protection of the gods.

Egyptian designer Laila Wahba has launched her fifth collection of timeless jewelry.
After a turbulent 2020, Wahba set out to create the collection with the aim of brightening up and elevating the day-to-day ensembles we all have become familiar with. The result is a collection composed of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in gold-tone finishes with hand-crafted textures, as well as snakes, coins, and semiprecious stones. Titled Phoenix, it represents what the world has gone through this past year – a rebirth.
The Vergina Sun earrings from the Phoenix Collection by Laila Wahba. The Sun of Vergina is a symbol that was widely used by Ancient Greeks, and is the continuation of the oldest ancient Greek symbols of the sun: the source of life.

The designs of the pieces, like all of Wahba’s other collections, takes inspiration from ancient Etruscan and Roman cultures, but this time with nods to the mid-90s. “My designs in general, have been and will always be loyal to the Etruscan and Roman cultures of the past, but with this particular collection, I heavily incorporated styles from the mid-90s – a time that came to be known for some of fashion’s most memorable pieces,” says Wahba. “My jewelry is meant to be worn with power and grace by women of all ages,” the designer adds.
The Stone and Arrow’ earrings from the Phoenix Collection by Laila Wahba

With the names and designs referring to ancient Greek culture, the jewelry is as wearable as it is bold, opulent, and luxe, taking you from day to night effortlessly. Highlights include the Stone and Arrow earrings featuring an arrow with three corners which is often linked to different trinities, and the three stones are meant to represent the mind, body and spirit. Another standout piece is the Luminous necklace with golden tassels. As early as Homer, golden tassels were used to intricately decorate garments on goddesses, and even appeared as luminous armour.
The Luminous necklace from the Phoenix Collection by Laila Wahba

Photographer: Batool Al DaawiMakeup: Diana HarbyProduction: Blow Creative Studio
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