Naseem Al Andalos

THE ALLURE OF ARABIA

Mother and daughter design duo, Nabila AlAissaoui and Haya AlFadhel are the creative minds behind Naseem Al Andalos, a label that was launched in 2010 specializingg in Moroccan Couture with innovative approach.

Nabila AlAissaoui and Haya AlFadhel are the mother and daughter design duo behind

Naseem AlAndalos. Nabila, who’s originally Moroccan, always had a passion for design.

However, she only learned fashion design after moving to Bahrain, in where she wanted to wear the traditional Moroccan

Kaftan.

This inspired her to form a fusion of Moroccan and Khaleeji

Kaftans at a time when Moroccan wear wasn’t popular within the Gulf region. Armed with a background in fashion and knowledge in garment construction, Nabila started small and introduced her innovative pieces to her friends and family who encouraged her to pursue a career in fashion. Whereas Haya, grew up in a very creative environment where pursuing what she felt passionate about was encouraged. Being the eldest daughter, she always assisted her mother in her artistic projects.

The brand’s official début collection was back in 2010, followed by the introduction of the

Haute Couture line, which debuted in Abu Dhabi in 2012. By 2013 Naseem AlAndalos grew to be the top-leading brand specialized in Moroccan Couture, with

Arab celebrities such as; Hind

Boumchamar, Sabrin Burshaid, to Mayssa Maghrabi, Lojain

Omran, and Balqees Fathi, favouring the brand’s unique and lavish designs, and have been seen dressed in their signature pieces on several occasions.

The brand gained its credibility and much deserved appreciation internationally, and in a relatively short amount of time

Naseem AlAndalos proved to be a brand that can compete within the international fashion industry. The duo come from different generations where Nabila prefers a more romantic, and classic approach to design, whilst Haya

infuses her Architectural design background. This combination creates a unique look and adds to the brand’s aesthetic.

Their understanding of luxurious fabrics and focus on creating feminine silhouettes is what makes them a design force to be reckoned with, and Naseem AlAndalos remains the first destination for any fashionable woman seeking sophistication, elegance and excellence.

Who or What inspired your interest within fashion?

I’d say it’s my mother; growing up I’d always be around her while she’s sewing and making me dresses. It was just a hobby that we both shared and was never a career option for me. However, when I was in university she has launched the brand Naseem AlAndalos and I’ve decided to pursue fashion and that’s when I switched to fashion design major.

Tell us about your design style.

I don’t have a particular style, I like to experiment a lot and mix more than one style. What I usually aim for is a classic yet modern aesthetic, something minimal, timeless and elegant.

Who are your favourite designers?

I don’t have just one favourite designer, I love a lot of designers’ work whether it’s a period or just one collection, and however I’ve always been a fan of Yves Saint Laurent’s early work. I also love the uniqueness of Azzedine Alaïa. As for contemporary designers I admire Yohji Yamamoto.

How do you want women to feel when wearing your clothes?

First and foremost, I want every woman to be comfortable in what she’s wearing, it has to feel like second skin and nothing is too heavy or restricting. This can be challenging when designing couture pieces, but comfort is our main priority. I want her to also feel elegant and effortless.

What is your favourite piece you’ve ever created- and what made it so special?

It’s impossible to pick only one. My mother would always say that all the pieces are like her babies; each is a result of love, creativity and hard work. I do have one or two favourites of each collection that I’d see myself wearing but every piece I design has a special place in my heart.

What is the inspiration or story, behind your most recent collection?

Usually I’d choose inspiration from history or a certain event or person. But for this collection we were inspired from nature, specifically flowers. We wanted to create a soft collection that bursts with colour. All the floral embroidery is handmade using pure silk threads and highend beads and crystals that create a 3D effect.

Haya Al-Fadhel, creative director of Naseem Al Andalos

EACH CREATION IS A RESULT OF LOVE, CREATIVITY AND HARD WORK.