1309 Studios Founder Ghada Al-Subaey Talks About Arab Illustration Dressing Georgina Rodriguez
DUBAI: Qatar-based ready-to-wear model 1309 Studios, based by entrepreneur Ghada Al-Subaey, has attracted the eye of worldwide stars, together with Argentinian mannequin Georgina Rodriguez.
The star, who now lives in Saudi Arabia along with her boyfriend, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, wore considered one of Al-Subaey’s abayas in the course of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Doha.
Al-Subaey informed Arab Information that one of many key targets of his model was to modernize the standard abaya and “make it accessible to each lady around the globe.
“Having Georgina stroll right into a boutique and take our abaya off the shelf and put on it for such an essential occasion means we have been capable of obtain this by making the abaya versatile and wearable. She selected considered one of our signature sage palm inexperienced abayas,” she stated.
Rodriguez wore the design with a figure-hugging black costume, silver heels and a white Chanel bag.
1309 Studios is predicated on a recent bohemian aesthetic. On the coronary heart of the model is a minimalist, female look that blends seasonal traits with conventional Qatari components.
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Clear silhouettes, daring colours, creative prints and thoroughly analyzed particulars are the hallmarks of the model. The designer attracts inspiration from artwork, nature and international tradition to create items with a recent edge.
“As an adolescent, I discovered myself exploring materials and creating types that weren’t obtainable in Qatar on the time. I began creating kaftans for household and associates throughout school and that is the place it began,” added Al-Subaey.
Earlier than launching her model in 2015, she ran her small enterprise from residence and relied on phrase of mouth to construct hype round her designs.
Portray 8, “Everlasting Unfolding”, structure 2. (Provided)
She stated: “This was after I conceptualized and labored on launching my very own model. We noticed that there was a spot, there was a have to create a neighborhood in Qatar the place ladies might come again to handle their emotional well-being and go away no stone unturned to make it a actuality.”
The model title 1309 is a nod to Al-Subaey’s mom.
“9/13 is my mom’s birthday. The title is devoted to my mom as I acquired my vogue sense from her. I used to observe her stitching and chopping after I was youthful, I realized every part about material and stitching from my mom,” she added.
Portray 8, “Everlasting Unfolding”, side 3. (Provided)
Al-Subaey designs, which ship worldwide and are available in shops in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Qatar, are made in Qatar. She makes use of sustainable, pure and vegan materials in addition to biodegradable packaging.
She stated: “We additionally recycle material scraps and switch them into furnishings. We depend on human abilities and keep away from the usage of equipment as a lot as attainable.”
And her designs aren’t simply sketches that she brings to life, she thinks by way of the design course of to grasp how the items she creates will have an effect on the wearer emotionally.
Portray 8, “Everlasting Unfolding”, Structure 4. (Provided)
“I would like individuals to really feel relaxed and like themselves whereas carrying a 1309 garment. Typically instances, when individuals aren’t comfy of their garments, they don’t seem to be being themselves.
“The thought behind the 1309 studio lady is to create a protected place for ladies. A spot the place ladies come collectively to empower and uplift one another professionally and in any other case; to develop a platform the place ladies be at liberty to speak and help and take a second to heal from the every day challenges of dwelling in at the moment’s quick paced technological world.
Portray 8, “Everlasting Unfolding”, Structure 5. (Provided)
“The garments they put on shouldn’t be a deterrent. The materials, colours and cuts they select make the ladies really feel enjoyable and alive. It ought to really feel like an outfit, reasonably than a cover-up for an outfit.
“The material we use at 1309 is supposed to enhance completely different physique sorts and shapes,” she added.
Al-Subaey is working to develop his model globally.
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She stated: “I need to change this stigma across the abaya. I would like abayas to turn out to be as globally revered as kimonos and to see everybody around the globe carrying them; not essentially to cowl the physique, however as a substitute as a vogue assertion.
“I would love my concepts and inspiration to create change. Whether or not it is making use of sustainable approaches to our enterprise or utilizing eco-friendly packaging, I would like the model to proceed to have a optimistic influence on the neighborhood.
“I want to increase globally and characterize the Arab world in a world vogue house,” she added.
