Homegrown e-commerce platform Talli.ae was born in January this year out of the need to have an online destination that’s entirely dedicated to regional talent. Whilst Instagram has served as a promising launch pad for homegrown businesses and start-ups, it’s limiting in how buyers need to peruse their account to find the brands they like, and chances are that they may not even find what speaks to their personal style and values.
Unlike many other e-tailers that offer international brands, Talli.ae is exclusively dedicated to local and regional talent and makes them accessible to the global community. The name ‘Talli’ is derived from the eponymous traditional textile handicraft that depicts the UAE’s rich cultural landscape. This deeply nostalgic craft involves the use of bright colors, paired with silver or gold threads to weave intricate patterns on women’s clothing.
The act of making Talli saw our grandmothers gather together, creating a community of women who supported each other, shared memories and weaved new ones. These groups of women embroiderers are common in the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions, particularly in Oman, Kuwait, Palestine and Pakistan, with the craftwork that originates from each country telling unique tales of yore. We adopted Talli as a symbol of beautiful craftsmanship, luxury products and our own rich cultural heritage.
It’s fitting to see the treasure trove of talented creatives in the UAE and the region, who have been working with passion, immaculate attention to detail and precision, and telling their personal stories through the pieces that they create. At Talli.ae, we lay emphasis on the story behind each piece, the person behind the brand, and how we can provide a channel of communication, collaboration, and support to them.
Talli.ae houses brands that are as diverse as the talent in this region. We feature products ranging from abayas and kaftans, to prayer mats and artworks. Here, I share a few of the many brands available on the website that you should keep an eye out for.
Visit Talli.ae and follow @Talli.ae on Instagram
