artists
Although Ayah Al Bittar only launched her label in October 2015, the young Saudi product and furniture designer has found tremendous success in the time that has followed, so much so that she rebranded at the start of this year “to elevate my design house to the next level.” Of her designs, Ayah says, “I have a strong belief in merging tradition with modernity to create dialogue and social conversation and trigger social change through design. I [succeeded] by reinventing our heritage and by addressing our culture in a modern perspective, marketing Islam and the Arab world in a positive manner.”
Over the years, “private clients, GCC royals, VIPs and embassies” have purchased her innovative designs and it’s clear that Ayah is wholeheartedly passionate about her work. “Setting up my own business has been, and continues to be, a unpredictable journey, but I am very proud and love what I do.” Since beginning her career as a fashion illustrator in 2012, Sara Japanwalla has worked with brands like Bloomingdale’s, Ralph Lauren, Harvey Nichols and Maserati. The latter, she explains, was her biggest achievement. “I was selected as one of 100 creatives from around the world by Maserati to contribute to a limited edition coffee table book. I felt honoured to be an artist representing Dubai on a global campaign.”
Dubai is a city she holds close to her heart. “I love the energy and diversity of this bustling, vibrant city. Fashion in particular is something I enjoy observing in Dubai. I love how women here carry themselves with a sense of boldness. They know what suits them and how to interpret trends to make it work for them. No-one pulls off colour and prints like the women in Dubai. I like to capture that eclectic vibrancy in my illustrations.” Before launching the cARTel, May Barber enjoyed a career as an “award-winning architect who later ventured into the art world before landing in fashion.” It was in 2013 that she launched the business, which she describes as “a triangle of art, architecture and fashion. This entrepreneurial venture was a movement to launch and support emerging talents and uplift the local taste and consumption of fashion into something more meaningful, rich and avant-garde.”
Whilst the store’s accomplishments have been many, there are two that stick out in May’s mind. “One of the most prominent exhibitions was presenting the world’s first 3D printed haute couture by Iris Van Herpen for the first time in the Middle East. I am also extremely proud to be one of the first platforms to showcase and support local designers and ‘export’ these talents, such as Bint Thani and Rula Galayini, to global markets via our partnership with Farfetch.com.”
Beginning her career as a street artist nine years ago, Tarsila Schubert has since worked with the likes of Hermès, Pepsi and Sephora, and was “the first woman to paint a mural in Jordan for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.” Most recently, Tarsila has opened Blue Cave Art Factory, a 10,000 sq. ft. space in Downtown Dubai. “This is where the best creatives in Dubai have their residency and collaborations with revolutionary firms and individuals take place to bring real art to this city. Unfortunately Dubai is often perceived as a plastic city thanks to stereotypes, but we are trying to change this.”
As for what inspires her art, Tarsila says “Culture is what shapes my paintings. Culture is intrinsic in somebody’s personality and it comes out naturally. Having a real and unbiased view of somebody’s soul through culture is the best inspiration anybody could ask for.” Deciding to pursue a music career was not a decision Layla Kardan took lightly. “I learnt from a young age that I had a natural talent for singing and songwriting but I wasn’t encouraged or supported to follow my passion, as the story usually goes for Middle Eastern girls. After completing my Masters degree in business, I worked for almost 13 years until I realised that if I didn’t follow my dream, I would always feel unfulfilled.”
Even with an EP and an album on the way, Layla says “some of my family are against the idea of me singing which is trying” and adds that “the social stigma that comes with being a female performer in the region” is another hurdle. However, she remains undeterred, telling EW: “I want to be the first Middle Eastern female crossover artist in the electronic soul/ pop genre on the global stage.”