Dubai fashion: Designer Lara Ali on modest, elegant style

A glance at the Instagram handle of Jordanian designer Lara Ali reveals how modest fashion, a trend of wearing clothes that suit one’s spiritual and stylistic requirements, can be both elegant and colourful and appeal to the modern woman.

Smart trouser suits, tops and elegant dresses in varied hues, with add-on embellishments, showcase Lara’s creativity and impeccable style sense. The designer, who studied in Rome, told City Times how she fell in love with the elegance of women there, and this Italian touch is evident in her designs, which are a perfect blend of Middle Eastern and European style sensibilities.

The designer who recently showcased some prominent designs at a fashion event in Dubai spoke to City Times about what inspired her journey and evolution in the fashion world, the challenges that the pandemic has wrought on the fashion industry and how she’s hopeful that things will be better in 2021.

How did you first get interested in fashion design?

There wasn’t a time when I didn’t know fashion was going to be my future, and I’ve been looking forward to the moment I started my fashion studies. I was sure of it when I was in Rome for my scholarship. Rome: the eternal city, its colours, its baroque, its spectacular squares, its magic ... I simply fell in love with the elegance of the women who walked those streets, their posture, their delicacy. They were as attractive as I imagine a woman must be. After some time, I decided to wear the hijab. But the life of a hijabi woman was complicated! Matching the elegance that I had dreamed of with modest dressing was not simple at all. So, with a lot of passion and inspiration, I started my professional path in fashion, studying and founding my Lara Ali brand.

Tell us about your latest collection which you showcased recently in the city.

The current collection - My Bridge - is definitely my watershed with the old Lara and the new Lara being born this year. I feel torn between two worlds: nostalgia for my past and extreme positivity for a prosperous future. Colours and shapes are my strong points, but there are some ideas of vitality and joy that are part of my growth path as a woman, as a fashion designer and as an entrepreneur.

In what way has fashion changed after the onset of Covid-19?

Fashion in the days of Covid is not the same, but I think it is important to focus on what good it has given us. We appreciated the convenience and freedom to move, and we had to reinvent ourselves with a new way of dealing with private life and work. Women are more aware of what makes them feel good and buy with greater selectivity and readiness. I believe that, despite the tragedy of 2020, it was a year of profound change for consumer attitudes.

What inspires you to create designs?

Inspiration is my search engine and in my work it can really come from anywhere. I am fascinated by the beauty that surrounds me and I am always ready with my notebook to take all the necessary notes; when I listen to a melody, when I look at a sculpture, when I look at the costumes in a movie and when I am in an antique shop! Cities and mixes of cultures are among my biggest sources of inspiration!

Given a chance, which celebrity would you love to dress?

I love Queen Rania’s style. Her ability to balance precious Middle Eastern culture with Western charm and bearing is truly admirable. Her modern elegance makes her a perfect bridge between two worlds, and one cannot help but admire how her graceful refinement perfectly reflects her sincere personality.

Do you think there is more awareness of modest fashion now?

Many brands have perceived the need to make creations dedicated to Muslim women and this is commendable and very respectful. However, it is necessary to create empathy with your community, to understand it fully and to experience the same joys and difficulties as your muses, who are the clients. This is possible for me because I am one of them, and our relationship will always be strong, rich and authentic.

How has Covid affected your business?

Covid has definitely changed my mental approach to fashion, and has allowed me to better prioritise my goals and desires as an entrepreneur and fashion designer. I had projects that were simply postponed so that I could focus on a splendid path of research, inspiration and rebirth for the Lara Ali brand and for me too. For your dreams, there is always time. My dream amazes me everyday!