Seamlessly blending tradition and modernity in kid's fashion
Published: 02:05 PM,May 14,2024 | EDITED : 06:05 PM,May 14,2024
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Children's fashion design has become an emerging trend among Omani women, with Aalia Al Habsi standing out as one of the devoted designers deeply passionate about fabrics and threads.
Aalia's journey into fashion design began in 1998 when she took the first step in learning tailoring and eventually learned that, while it looks easy from the outside, it is a complex process with a lot of learning and creativity required.
It was Aalia's daughters who served as the true inspiration, propelling her towards crafting the most exquisite and unique designs for children.
'When I had my beautiful daughters, I felt very happy when I made clothes for them that combined simplicity and beauty. When my daughters wore the school uniform that I lovingly knitted for them, their friends were mesmerized by the style and sophistication,' Aalia shared.
Over time, Aalia honed her craft, delving deep into the nuances of various fabrics, mastering their names, and understanding their distinct characteristics.
Having honed her skills over time, Aalia embarked on her venture, setting herself apart by seamlessly blending modernity with Omani authenticity. Her creations embody a fusion of the past and present, where meticulous fabric selection converges with elements from diverse sources, resulting in designs reminiscent of artistic masterpieces.
“My designs take inspiration from Oman's traditional clothes. For example, it is noticeable in many of my designs that use lace fabric (dentelle) made of golden Zari thread. I added them to the design in different ways to give the clothes their distinction,' she shared.
'Other than the threads, I also combine traditional fabrics with modern dresses. I want the kids wearing them to be both showcasing the beauty of tradition mixed well with modernity,' she added.
Aalia understood that she could benefit from joining fashion shows and exhibits for exposure to a wide audience. These events offer opportunities to showcase talent, attract clients, stay updated on trends, and enhance credibility in the industry.
Aalia's involvement both within and beyond the Sultanate has afforded her invaluable expertise in her domain.
'I took part in the inaugural children's fashion show in the Sharqiyah Governorate in 2022, where my designs garnered admiration from the audience,' she recalled. Additionally, her immersion in the intricacies of fashion exhibitions was deepened during her participation in a 2022 event held in the capital, Dar es Salaam, in the United Republic of Tanzania—a place with shared historical and cultural ties with Oman. This event, organized by the SHEs Development Authority, broadened her understanding of the foundations and methodologies of fashion shows.
While an increasing number of Omani women aspire to excel in this field, the journey may not unfold seamlessly from the outset. 'Self-employment or freelance work demands unwavering perseverance and patience,' Aalia emphasizes.
'It's not about expecting substantial income initially; rather, the focus should be on building a sterling reputation and fostering efficient management skills to navigate the inevitable challenges and hurdles. Success, then, becomes an organic progression.'
Aalia aims to uphold her distinctiveness and retain customers by consistently offering great designs.
'Demand spikes during festive occasions like holidays, Ramadhan gatherings, and national events, so I ensure a fresh inventory to match these joyful seasons. I prioritize excellent customer service, adeptly handling orders, and embracing feedback to enhance performance and foster customer loyalty,' she said.
She stressed: 'Satisfying existing customers can attract new ones. Maintain customer loyalty and imbue your work with your unique signature of excellence.'
Aalia's profound affection for fabrics manifests uniquely. 'I ponder over each fabric, envisioning its final design for days. When a new design emerges, I involve my family, explaining my intense focus on fabric and design intricacies. I oversee every step with my tailor until the envisioned masterpiece materializes,' she shared.
Looking ahead, Aalia said, 'I aim to elevate my brand locally and represent my country as a premier fashion designer on the global stage.'
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to exercise patience, emphasizing the importance of establishing a sturdy foundation before expecting significant outcomes.
Aalia's journey into fashion design began in 1998 when she took the first step in learning tailoring and eventually learned that, while it looks easy from the outside, it is a complex process with a lot of learning and creativity required.
It was Aalia's daughters who served as the true inspiration, propelling her towards crafting the most exquisite and unique designs for children.
'When I had my beautiful daughters, I felt very happy when I made clothes for them that combined simplicity and beauty. When my daughters wore the school uniform that I lovingly knitted for them, their friends were mesmerized by the style and sophistication,' Aalia shared.
Over time, Aalia honed her craft, delving deep into the nuances of various fabrics, mastering their names, and understanding their distinct characteristics.
Having honed her skills over time, Aalia embarked on her venture, setting herself apart by seamlessly blending modernity with Omani authenticity. Her creations embody a fusion of the past and present, where meticulous fabric selection converges with elements from diverse sources, resulting in designs reminiscent of artistic masterpieces.
“My designs take inspiration from Oman's traditional clothes. For example, it is noticeable in many of my designs that use lace fabric (dentelle) made of golden Zari thread. I added them to the design in different ways to give the clothes their distinction,' she shared.
'Other than the threads, I also combine traditional fabrics with modern dresses. I want the kids wearing them to be both showcasing the beauty of tradition mixed well with modernity,' she added.
Aalia understood that she could benefit from joining fashion shows and exhibits for exposure to a wide audience. These events offer opportunities to showcase talent, attract clients, stay updated on trends, and enhance credibility in the industry.
Aalia's involvement both within and beyond the Sultanate has afforded her invaluable expertise in her domain.
'I took part in the inaugural children's fashion show in the Sharqiyah Governorate in 2022, where my designs garnered admiration from the audience,' she recalled. Additionally, her immersion in the intricacies of fashion exhibitions was deepened during her participation in a 2022 event held in the capital, Dar es Salaam, in the United Republic of Tanzania—a place with shared historical and cultural ties with Oman. This event, organized by the SHEs Development Authority, broadened her understanding of the foundations and methodologies of fashion shows.
While an increasing number of Omani women aspire to excel in this field, the journey may not unfold seamlessly from the outset. 'Self-employment or freelance work demands unwavering perseverance and patience,' Aalia emphasizes.
'It's not about expecting substantial income initially; rather, the focus should be on building a sterling reputation and fostering efficient management skills to navigate the inevitable challenges and hurdles. Success, then, becomes an organic progression.'
Aalia aims to uphold her distinctiveness and retain customers by consistently offering great designs.
'Demand spikes during festive occasions like holidays, Ramadhan gatherings, and national events, so I ensure a fresh inventory to match these joyful seasons. I prioritize excellent customer service, adeptly handling orders, and embracing feedback to enhance performance and foster customer loyalty,' she said.
She stressed: 'Satisfying existing customers can attract new ones. Maintain customer loyalty and imbue your work with your unique signature of excellence.'
Aalia's profound affection for fabrics manifests uniquely. 'I ponder over each fabric, envisioning its final design for days. When a new design emerges, I involve my family, explaining my intense focus on fabric and design intricacies. I oversee every step with my tailor until the envisioned masterpiece materializes,' she shared.
Looking ahead, Aalia said, 'I aim to elevate my brand locally and represent my country as a premier fashion designer on the global stage.'
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to exercise patience, emphasizing the importance of establishing a sturdy foundation before expecting significant outcomes.