Between Doha’s futuristic skyline and the storied ateliers of Paris, Yasmin Mansour crafts what might be called architectural poetry in fabric. The designer, whose hands transform recycled coffee capsules and leftover tent canvas into museum-worthy kaftans, moves with ease between worlds, creating pieces that speak to both cultural heritage and contemporary consciousness. With a degree from Istituto di Moda Burgo, coupled with her enthusiasm for cinema and photography, Yasmin remains focused on a singular vision – fashion that tells stories beyond seasons.
So, how did she develop her signature layering technique that has emerged as a brand trademark? “During the pandemic, within that limitation, I found a new kind of freedom,” Yasmin shares. “It redefined my relationship with luxury – not as abundance, but as intention. Today, it’s no longer
a constraint, it’s a signature – a way to build sculptural forms, emotion, and depth, using fewer resources, but with more meaning. That kind of resourcefulness, to me, is the new luxury.”
Yasmin’s designs frequently reference architecture, translating structural concepts into wearable art. Her interpretation goes beyond mere aesthetics, using in-depth research to understand the concept’s skin and bones.
“For me, it’s about comprehending the architect’s philosophy, the cultural or emotional weight of the structure, how and why it was built,” she says. “That narrative sits with me as I begin sketching. I think of the lines not just as shapes, but as stories in motion.
Each garment becomes a kind of wearable memory, a translation of atmosphere, tension, or purpose into structure and form.”
Storytelling forms the foundation of Yasmin’s creative process. The protagonist in her narratives is a dreamer, someone in constant motion, both physically and emotionally. They travel not just across borders, but through experiences, cultures, and inner worlds.
“Their day is never linear,” she adds. “It’s layered with encounters, discovery, and quiet reflection. My garments are designed for that kind of life, adaptable, expressive, and filled with fragments of stories collected along the way.”
Operating between Doha and Paris presents both challenges and opportunities, Yasmin shares. Maintaining cultural integrity while pursuing global relevance is an art she learnt while working in these two historically resonant cities.
“I don’t design for a specific region – I design from a layered cultural perspective,” she notes. “Working between Doha and Paris offers a rare kind of duality. In Doha, there’s this tension between architectural futurism and deeply rooted tradition, both of which shape how I think about structure and craft. Paris brings a different kind of history, one steeped in historic fashion legacy, but also openness to artistic experimentation.”
Sustainability remains central to her brand ethos. The modern-day Arab designer calls for an industry-wide seismic shift on how sustainability should be approached fundamentally, and not just reduced down to the choice of raw materials.
“What we truly need is a change of mindset, creating pieces that live beyond seasons,” she elaborates. “Timeless design, emotional connection, and versatility, garments that can be worn in multiple ways and cherished for years… That’s where real sustainability lies.”
Empowerment through design isn’t about the volume or the structure – it’s the quiet confidence it lends the wearer and the emotion it evokes. “I think about how the garment moves, how it holds the body, how it frames strength or softness. When something fits your rhythm, not just your figure, that’s when it becomes more than fashion. That’s when it is empowering,” says Yasmin. Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Elsa Schiaparelli and Oscar Niemeyer, she taps into the tension between hyper-connectivity and disconnection in today’s world.
“We’re living in a moment of contradiction and excess, yet longing for meaning – I’m pulled to that. It pushes me to create pieces that feel grounded, sculptural, almost like armour, but emotional, too,” she adds. This approach is further enriched by her partnerships with artists like Bouthayna Al Muftah, which extend beyond fashion and allow her to explore new dimensions.
As Yasmin looks back on her achievements, including receiving the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia award and becoming an LVMH Prize semi-finalist, it’s clear these milestones have not only amplified her voice but also fuelled her creative drive.
With a steadfast commitment to her artistic vision, Yasmin Mansour continues to craft timeless pieces.
Visit yasminmansour.co
