“The scene is changing very rapidly here”

—Dabya al-Khalaifi, fashion designerBy Rubina SinghQatari fashion designer Dabya al-Khalaifi’s designs have definitely made a mark on the fashion scene in the region: demure, sophisticated, graceful and elegant — very much like the designer herself. Travelling and living in many different countries gave her visually oriented mind an uninterrupted supply of fresh ideas providing a fertile ground for her to thrive. As the daughter and, thereafter, also as the wife of a diplomat, destiny could be said to have played a small part in ensuring that Qatari designer Dabya was constantly exposed to new ideas, places, people and trends. Perhaps, it was this lifestyle that spurred the yearning for creativity and the appreciation of novelty, thereafter manifesting itself in her passion for fashion. “I was always attracted to fashion since I was a young child”, she recalls nostalgically. “I think frequently moving from one country to another, learning and living in different parts of the world, provided a good education also in how trends develop and manifest themselves within various geographical locations and cultures...the way things develop from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai to Doha...it’s completely different.”Born in Qatar, her father’s career as a diplomat ensured a continuous change of scenery, providing consistent novelty in the world around her. “As far back as I can recall, fashion was always my passion, my dream... regardless of which part of the world I was living in....and moving to Dubai gave me the courage to take it up as a business. I think Dubai provided the requisite base. There is a lot of competition there and that too excited my inherently competitive nature.”While Qatar’s blossoming fashion industry, brimming with home grown talent seems to display an inherent preference for creations in Abaya designs, this young designer chose to diversify into something  just slightly off the mainstream radar. “I presented my passion through diverse garments.  Whenever people heard of my Qatari origin, they always presumed I would be designing Abayas. I’ve always wanted to present the international side of the people living in this region and that too was an aspect that inspired me to choose a wider canvas by preferring to focus on wedding and evening gowns.” The current range is “inspired by the twilight hour, the moments between dusk and dawn” and for her this collection, Dabya combines her soft signature of chiffon and lace with a tougher, a darker side. Metallic and glossy lace trims are combined with a palette of dark blue, black and grey accented with electric blue and primary yellow. “I was imagining a bright spark against the darkest ink-coloured night sky. Like electricity, this sparked my imagination and the vision for the collection came to me like a lightning bolt.”An exclusive mix of Doha’s trendsetters and fashionistas look forward to her contemporary, ultra-stylish pieces. “My designs reflect a classic taste and style. You will note my designs often play around with French Lace which I feel is timeless in beauty and appeal. French lace was adorned five hundred years ago and is just as popular and admired now-a-days,” she says, sharing her successful journey with Community...ExcerptsWhat makes you stand out as a designer in an industry that is already buzzing with activity in a country brimming with talent?I don’t follow trends. I am very much into the classic look. I hope that I am maturing with every collection I design and I hope, too, that my designs are reflecting that.Have you faced any challenges as a designer?Of course, when you see the final look, it’s very hard to imagine the hours spent and the hard work that has gone into creating it. It doesn’t look anywhere as glamorous when you start off with it. For me, quality is extremely important and that has often been the main challenge!It’s a tough market and there is a lot of competition in the industry. It’s important to work hard and put in the greatest effort possible and I believe that definitely makes the designs stand out. What has been the single most important factor contributing to your success?I have been very fortunate to have a lot of family support right from the very beginning and mainly from my husband. I am a very shy person. I like to present myself through my creations and hence my designs are a way of communicating through art.  Is the international design arena a part of your target audience? Yes, definitely, I am working on it. My designs have featured in trade shows during the Paris Fashion Week and in New York showroom as well.Being a designer in Middle East or in Qatar....Is it in any way more challenging than in other parts of the world?I think it is easier to establish yourself as an international designer in Qatar than anywhere else. The general environment towards entrepreneurship is very supportive.What is your greatest challenge and how do you overcome it?Quality is the greatest challenge! Searching and working with different people and production houses in different places has been the way forward to overcome this challenge.Does being a woman make it easier or harder to be successful in the world of fashion?In this region, I think it is easier. Being a woman has its advantages in this part of the world and, in this industry. It is easier as a woman to connect with the clients, the other women in the region, to understand their needs, desires....and to reach out to them.What counts as success to you? When people recognise someone is wearing my design without looking at the label; it is then, that I know that I was sending my message and it was received. There are plenty of existing Qatari designers in the field already and even more emerging. Do you think there is enough of a market for everyone to thrive?Yes, I think so. In fact, there is a bigger market share in Qatar. As Doha is opening more and more to the world, more people are coming in and out, the scene is changing very rapidly here and, in general, also people here are taking a very positive approach to fashion.In recent years, do you think much has changed in Qatar vis-a-vis the fashion industry and its scope?The way people are looking towards fashion is changing. There is an escalating focus towards fashion. That doesn’t mean Qatari women weren’t fashionable before, but now, there is a sense of all elements coming together......media, education, opportunities. There is a positive approach towards fashion in Qatar and more and more people are venturing out and establishing businesses and brands. It’s abuzz with activity and that is also very exciting for me as a designer. When you look back, who or what would you say contributed greatly to your success?My family! They always gave me a lot of encouragement and confidence to be who I am and take the first steps to start my brand and my creations. I felt very positive from the very beginning and that has been very crucial to my success I think.