A born creative, Sharifa AlSharif AlHashemi is an innovative Emirati entrepreneur and the visionary founder of ONORI, a fashion label that seamlessly blends vintage glamour with contemporary flair. Drawing inspiration from the iconic styles of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, ONORI celebrates bold self-expression.

Sharifa’s journey into fashion was influenced by her family’s longstanding involvement in the industry. Before establishing ONORI, she gained valuable experience as a consultant with the World Bank Group, contributing to development projects across the Middle East and North Africa. Under her leadership, ONORI has emerged as a brand that empowers women to embrace audacious and statement-making pieces. Sharifa’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in each creation.

What is your passion in life and how did you find it?

My passion is ONORI. From a very young age, I was a creative child. I used to love creating my own clothes and it helped that my family dealt with a lot of fashion businesses which I worked at for a while. It was something that was always in me, I’ve heard it over and over again from my family, friends and anyone that really knew me. After getting my degree and gaining experience. 

Starting ONORI was like a spark that switched on in me and I decided to go for it. It’s all I think about day and night – it’s the first thing on my mind every morning, it’s a spark that never goes away for me, starting from planning for collections, collecting my inspiration photos, to making samples, choosing models, to finally uploading the pieces on the website. Everything to do with ONORI is exciting for me. ONORI is life to me.

How has being an Emirati shaped your worldview?

For me, as Sharifa, it has given me strength and courage. I feel like anywhere I go in the world, being an Emirati, I know my country is behind me. The country is a backbone no matter where I am in the world I feel like I have a say. 

I have a right, especially given the empowerment initiative for women in the UAE. Women are now the CEOs of some of the biggest corporations in the world, giving us the peace of comfort, confidence and strength anywhere we step foot. 

Even though I didn’t live much of my childhood in the UAE, it’s beautiful to see how the diversity in the country has not impacted the sense of community we have. We have a huge diversity of people in the UAE now. It’s beautiful to see that they consider themselves and are treated as a part of the community – let’s not forget their contribution to the nation. The diversity in the country has advanced everyone’s knowledge and experience.

How did the UAE empower you to get where you are today?

Women empowerment in the UAE is a big deal and has been getting better and better every year. The education we have been offered, whether to study in the country or abroad, has really given women more freedom. I studied in the US and couldn’t wait to get back and pour what I had learnt and all of my knowledge into my country. 

The support the UAE offers to women entrepreneurs built confidence in me to start ONORI. The UAE has given us a strong foundation really, being in a safe and stable environment builds a ground for us to go do the best we can. As women, our passions and ambitions are respected and supported by the nation. 

Plus, the country is so inspiring with how much it has accomplished so far, as well as our leaders’ vision and consistency. This inspires me and keeps me going – seeing the accomplishments of my country globally despite the challenges, it gives me the drive to be more passionate to keep going and thriving despite the challenges I face. 

As a female leader in your field, how are you paying it forward to the next generation?

I worked at the UN for a while, and there were many initiatives to help women. The one I was heavily involved with was one that helped women get dressed for job interviews to help them get a job and stand on their feet. 

I have spoken about my personal journey a lot, hoping to really inspire other women – whether it’s in fashion or any other field – to just do it. I personally am always supportive of other local designers, and women designers in general, and would love to soon collaborate with one.

What do you wish you’d known earlier on in life when it comes to your chosen career?

I believe everything happens at the time it does for a reason. I gained a lot of managerial and entrepreneurship experience during my studies and other jobs. I’ve still not let go of those – I’m still pursuing my career in finance whilst also managing ONORI. If I didn’t have the experience, then ONORI may not have been what it is today. My experience is what helps me make the right decisions for the brand. I just wish I relaxed a little more. 

At the beginning, it took a toll on me – I wanted everything to happen fast. It taught me to be patient and that everything will happen and come to you at the right time. 

What’s the next challenge you’re looking forward to taking on?

I want ONORI to be global. I want to see other women in my designs when I travel and to see how it makes them feel. I want to see us in all department stores.

As a proud Emirati, how do you wish to represent your culture to the wider world?

Through authenticity. The UAE is a country that is authentic and built itself from the ground up. I want my line to stay truthful and keep telling a story like the Emirates does. The UAE has modernised really fast. However, we are still grounded and kept our culture and values in place. 

ONORI is a blend of vintage and modern ready to wear. I try to keep the vintage elements in my designs as much as I can – much like the UAE. By celebrating the diversity within Emirati culture, I hope to promote a broader understanding of the UAE. I aim to highlight different styles, designs and influences that reflect our multicultural society. 

As a female Emirati designer, I aim to empower women through my work, highlighting their strength and resilience while promoting their stories in my collections.

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