Explore Emirati brand QASIMI’s Spring-Summer 2022 collection and you’ll be immediately enraptured by its ethereal charm. Pristine and poetic, the line offers a mélange of traditional Middle Eastern craftwork and modern poetry, with its name inspired by the eponymous 20th-century poem by Syrian poet Adunis.
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It’s this reverence for the past, futuristic mood and collaborative approach that make QASIMI so special – as evident in this new collection of outfits and jewelry, which are collaborations with Sharjah-based Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, and Pakistani jeweler Zohra Rahman, respectively.
In the runway film, models glide amidst colorful blooms, as the vibrant hues of the collection are set off against the clear blue sky at St Ann’s Court, a country estate in Surrey, England. Creative Director Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has imbued the collection with a flamboyant spirit, as she gives a nod the notions of rebirth and renewal.
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Think about bougainvillea pink for trousers with matching capes and built-in bucket hats, aubergine-toned fringed bags made with a traditional Emirati weaving technique, known as safeefah, according to WWD. Also incorporated into the collection are tarboushas, long-woven tassels that are part of Emirati men’s traditional wardrobe. Expect to see the pockets of tailored jackets, bags and shirtdresses bedecked with them.
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“Juxtaposing ancient craft and new technical fabrics from the collection, the collaboration is emblematic of QASIMI’s approach to fashion, which is marked by a respect for the past and a desire to push ahead into the future,” read an Instagram post by the brand, referencing the collaboration with Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council. The council focuses on empowering women artisans and representing traditional and modern crafts across the world.
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Among the recurring elements in the collection are knotting, laser-cutting and cotton weaving, with bags, jackets, skirts and shoes reflecting the crafts. Sheikha Hoor also worked with a calligrapher on T-shirts and hoodies, which read the words ‘Belonging’ and ‘Longing’ in Arabic and English, symbolizing the need for a fresh start and harmony.
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For its jewelry creation (as pictured in the cover image), QASIMI collaborated with Lahore-based jeweler Zohra, who has created a multifunctional piece that can be worn as a brooch, pendant or as earrings. With great attention to detail and a gripping narrative, QASIMI’s Spring-Summer 2022 collection is a real visual treat. Visit Qasimi.com to discover the full range.
