Saudi Designer Omaima Azzouz is one of the artists who are interested in presenting contemporary fashion in an authentic heritage spirit.
She is one of the first Saudi women to become international; she presented her designs in many countries across the globe such as Egypt, Dubai, Spain, among others.
Azouzz was warmly welcomed and was a fine and honorable example for the conservative Saudi women.
She is also serving as the head of the Fashion Design Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI).
From the authentic and huge Arab country, Saudi Arabia, Azouzz studied fashion design and history of fashion design, and is more inclined to the authentic Arab heritage than to European heritage.
“Every country has its own culture, civilization, and heritage. We have the Egyptian heritage, as well as Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. I prefer, as a designer, working on a heritage piece to mix two cultures in one piece, no more, I can mix in one design the Saudi heritage and the Egyptian Pharaonic heritage,” the designer said.
She continued: “I do not like the merging three cultures for the idea and model to be in clarity.”
* Training cadres
Since Azouzz is the head of the Fashion Design Committee at the JCCI, she organized her workshop to train young women studying fashion in prestigious Saudi universities such as Effat University, and others for the student to obtain a certificate of experience required for graduation.
The training is an unpaid program that comes in collaboration with universities to provide a helping hand, benefit from her experience, as well as return the favor to her homeland.
*Abaya around the world
The stylish modern 'abaya' can be worn everywhere around the world, as it is accepted and admired by those who see it.
Therefore, the designer presented last year in a large fashion show a collection of traditional clothing and presented 'abaya' that included all the flags of the countries, which she dubbed, “Abaya around the world,”.
* Multiple materials
Azzouz cherishes 'abaya' for it a part of the Saudi customs and traditions. She is keen to create it in modern and sophisticated materials, including velvet, silk, lace, taffeta, and satin, which are all worn depending on the occasion and time.
As for the evening, it depends more on luxury materials.
* The specificity of embroidery
Every design needs lace embroidery and accessories, and regarding this Azzouz stated: “There are several lace embroideries available in major stores that are imported from Italy and France,”
She continued: “We depend on it after creating unique color collections, and sometimes we complete them with hand embroidery and sometimes we start embroidery from the beginning by drawing them and embroidering while inserting different embroidery materials, whether from reed twine, sequins, crystal, or Swarovski.”
Finally, the traditional clothing derives its strength from these talented students who are preserving the Arab identity and committed to providing it with all elements of modernity to remain lastingly.
Contributed by Yara Sameh
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