In celebration of Omani Women’s Day on October 17th, designer Amal Al Raisi reflects on her creative journey and her love for her country.
My love for design began from a very personal place when I was searching for my own wedding dress. I couldn’t find something that truly reflected my taste or my identity, so I decided to design it myself. That moment sparked something in me. I realised that fashion could be a language, a way to express culture, emotion, and individuality. Growing up in Oman, surrounded by rich craftsmanship, colours, and traditions, I’ve always been inspired by the beauty of our heritage. Designing became my way of celebrating that beauty and sharing Oman’s story with the world.
Omani culture is the heartbeat of my brand; it’s where every collection begins. I draw inspiration from our architecture, crafts, and stories, then translate them into modern silhouettes, refined details, and contemporary fabrics.
My goal is never to replicate tradition, but to reinterpret it to create pieces that honour our heritage while speaking to the global woman of today. It’s about balance: preserving the soul of Oman through subtle embroidery, motifs, and craftsmanship, and merging it with modern cuts and effortless elegance that resonate internationally.
My creative process is deeply rooted in storytelling. I’m inspired by Oman its landscapes, architecture, traditions, and the quiet elegance of everyday life. Each collection begins with a story I want to tell, often drawn from our history or cultural symbols, then evolves through textures, colours, and craftsmanship.
I’m also inspired by the women around me ( strong, graceful, and grounded ) they remind me that fashion is not just about beauty, but about meaning and identity.
When I first launched the brand in 2007, my focus was on modest, traditional pieces that celebrated Omani heritage through embroidery and detail. Over the years, as I’ve grown both personally and creatively, the brand has evolved into a more refined, contemporary expression of elegance.
Today, the Amal Al Raisi aesthetic is defined by timeless silhouettes, subtle luxury, and storytelling pieces that honour my roots yet resonate with a global audience. Each collection reflects a chapter of growth, maturity, and a deeper understanding of how tradition and modernity can coexist effortlessly.
Oman’s fashion scene is entering a new and exciting chapter. We have a new generation of designers who are passionate about storytelling, craftsmanship, and sustainability qualities that resonate deeply on the global stage.
What makes Oman unique is our ability to blend authenticity with refinement; our heritage is rich, yet still largely unexplored in international fashion.
I believe with the right platforms, mentorship, and global exposure, Omani designers can play a significant role in representing the Arab world through a distinct and elegant voice.
Through my work from the Amal Al Raisi brand to initiatives like the Fashion Future Programme and Muscat Fashion Week, my goal is to help build that bridge between Oman and the world.
Omani craftsmanship is at the heart of everything I create. I’m deeply inspired by the artistry found in our traditional embroidery, architectural motifs, and the intricate details of Omani doors and jewellery. These elements carry stories of identity, heritage, and pride, values I always strive to preserve.
Through my collections, I reimagine these details in a modern way, whether through hand-embroidery, delicate patterns, or silhouettes that echo traditional dress, so they continue to live, evolve, and inspire future generations.
The Amal Al Raisi woman is graceful, confident, and deeply connected to her values. She celebrates her heritage while embracing a modern, global lifestyle.
She’s elegant yet grounded, a woman who believes that true beauty lies in authenticity. She values family, principles, and the power of lifting others as she rises. For her, fashion is more than style; it’s a reflection of identity, strength, and purpose.
Modest fashion has evolved from being a niche segment to a global movement redefining elegance. Across the GCC, we’re seeing women embrace modesty not as a limitation, but as a form of empowerment and refined expression.
In the luxury space, it’s no longer about covering; it’s about confidence, craftsmanship, and individuality. Designers are now merging modest silhouettes with couture techniques, luxurious fabrics, and contemporary styling. I believe the future of modest fashion lies in authenticity, pieces that reflect our values yet stand proudly on international runways, proving that modesty and modernity can coexist beautifully.
Being a speaker at the Conde Nast Luxury Conference, on stage with Suzy Menkes, starting my Fashion Future Program to be the first to take a step to empower young Omani designers and show them the way, and most recently working for the last three years to bring Muscat fashion back.
I hope my journey shows that with vision, hard work, and authenticity, it’s possible to build a brand rooted in Arab identity that speaks to the world. I want future generations of Arab designers to see that their stories, heritage, and craftsmanship are their greatest strengths, not limitations.
Through my work and initiatives like the Fashion Future Programme and Muscat Fashion Week, my goal is to create pathways, platforms, and opportunities that I didn’t have when I started. If my brand can inspire others to dream boldly, lead with purpose, and carry their culture with pride, then I’ve achieved something truly meaningful.
Omani Women’s Day is a celebration of strength, grace, and progress. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and of the endless possibilities that lie ahead. As an Omani woman, designer, mother, and mentor, this day holds deep meaning for me.
It’s not just about honouring our achievements, but about recognising the values that define us: compassion, resilience, and the power to uplift others. I see it as a moment to celebrate every woman who contributes to building our nation with dedication and heart, and to inspire the next generation to continue that journey with pride.
