A FASHION designer, based in Bahrain, is planning to turn her brand into an international label following her success at a prestigious trade show.
Habibi Yakub, who showcased her trademark designs at the Pure London Fashion Fair last month, told the GDN she had received three serious offers from e-commerce businesses.
The show was one of the various exhibitions held around the London Fashion Week. Exhibiting a 25-piece collection of formal wear and abayas marked a milestone in the 54-year-old fashion enthusiast’s career.
“I’m so excited that my pieces were appreciated and accepted by international clients, which has inspired me take it to the next level, such as opening my own shop,” she told the GDN.
“Many people visited the show but three potential clients are ready to take my products to their Internet businesses and pop-up stores.”
The mother-of-three – and grandmother to two – started off by designing clothes for her children. With a background in art and interior design, Ms Yakub later took courses at Lights, Camera, Fashion – an academy in Budaiya.
“At the London show, I received positive feedback and beautiful e-mails from stylists, designers and visitors which has motivated me. The most popular piece was my net cape with feathers, which everyone tried on, and also my hoodie gown which one lady compared to Gucci.”
She said the inspiration behind creative and handmade abayas was Saudi Arabia where she lived for 25 years when her husband worked for Arabian Paper Products Company.
She then moved to Bahrain six and a half years ago for family reasons.
“I’d love to open a boutique in Bahrain, but my priority is to be featured in a department store, like Selfridges or Harrods.”
Mr Yakub’s appearance at the London show marked the completion of her Fashion Design and Entrepreneurship course, as she received her Fashion Enterprise certificate from the International Institute of Enterprise Entrepreneurs (IOEE), the academy’s strategic partner, after her exhibition.
Lights, Camera, Fashion co-founder Hamra Alam, who helped nurture Ms Yakub’s passion for fashion, accompanied her to Pure London to present her with a certificate.
“On an international level she’s done really well, with her collection being likened to those of Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and the famous singer Beyonce,” said Ms Alam.
“I could have put her in a smaller event but I said no, because I think she has something really special.”
She predicted a bright future for Ms Yakub, noting the fresh-faced designer’s fine finishing, quality of fabric and creativity.
“Believe me, this is just the beginning of a whole new and harder and deeper venture.”
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