In a world captivated by fleeting trends, we return to heritage, honoring craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Our Mousharabiyat collection reimagines Al-Aghbani, a traditional embroidery technique rooted in Arab artistry, through the lens of contemporary luxury.
1. The inspiration Process:
Al-Aghbani is a treasured form of embroidery originating from the Levant region and found in several Arab countries. Known for its refined threading technique, the fabric is traditionally created using gold or yellow silk woven onto white cotton or linen. Its signature shimmer, produced by handloom embroidery, speaks of wealth, elegance, and artisanal mastery.
The threading technique, executed using a Handloom, seamlessly blends both mechanical and manual techniques. A handheld metal mechanism delicately traces a pattern on the fabric, resulting in breathtakingly beautiful and intricate designs. The Aghabani print, characterized by a subtle and timeless sense of craftsmanship, has been passed down through generations.
In bygone eras, people would embark on long journeys for the chance to acquire this type of fabric, as it came to symbolize wealth and opulence. It is this reverence for traditional techniques that compels us to produce our own handmade embroidered fabric, each piece a testament to the enduring magic of this ancient art form.
The Aghabani designs typically feature an array of floral shapes and Arabic decorations, including roses, blossoms, and branches, each exuding an aura of mystique.
At our atelier, we pay homage to this legacy by producing our own handmade embroidered textiles, preserving the soul of the original art form while adapting it for the modern woman.
2. The Idea:
The design process began with pattern exploration: trials of motifs, sketches on vellum, and a search for narrative - assembling thoughts and imaginations into intricate drawings. As the region’s cultural richness was the main source of inspiration, it was hard to favor one type of decorative element over the others.
The breakthrough came during a walk through Saifi Village, Beirut’s artistic heart. Inspired by the romantic charm of traditional Lebanese architecture, our creative director, Youssef Kamoun, found himself drawn to the intricate woodwork of “Mousharabiyat”: windows enclosed with carved wooden latticework that filter light and frame the outside world in geometrical light projections.
The Mousharabiyat are a distinctive element in traditional Arabic architecture, allowing veiled women to have a peek into the world beyond their windows, while still being covered by the wooden patterns.
The Mousharabiyat, with their symbolic interplay of openness and privacy, became our conceptual bridge between tradition and innovation. The motif’s rhythmic patterning echoed the structural complexity of Aghabani embroidery, offering a fresh design language rooted in heritage.
3. The Execution:
Translating the Mousharabiyat into fashion meant more than replicating shapes: it required honoring the essence of their function and beauty. The result is a capsule of meticulously crafted garments, each piece embroidered with custom patterns that nod to architectural details and floral symbology.
Soft whites and pearl tones serve as the palette. Hand-embroidered lace panels, sheer overlays, and structural silhouettes create visual intrigue while maintaining effortless wearability. Every garment is designed to feel heirloom-worthy.
These dresses are not just garments; they are portraits of cultural memory, crafted for women who appreciate quiet detail, intentional design, and a story that transcends seasons.
The functional and symbolic values of the Mousharabiyat seamlessly transfer to our collection.
- First, these screens provided ventilation, allowing air to circulate and cooling spaces in warm climates long before air conditioning.
In our dresses, embroidery allows the same effect. The fabric remains lightweight and breathable, ideal for summer evenings.
- Second, the Mousharabiyat offered privacy. Their lattice patterns allowed those inside to see out, without being seen.
Our designs follow this principle. Sheer and opaque panels play together, enhancing the figure while maintaining mystery.
- Lastly, Mousharabiyat filtered light, casting intricate shadows across walls and floors.
Our garments echo that interplay, projecting elegance in motion, like light dancing through a screen.
