Certainly tradition has its place but there is no need to lose your sense of style and individualism when giving a nod to your heritage. Individuality is always best expressed within the confines of set parameters and as such the traditional thobe provides an interesting medium in which to create a new form of expression.
There are currently a plethora of designers taking on the thobe with, euphemistically speaking, mixed results. One notable designer is 35-year-old RISD alumnus Tariq Ghazzawi who launched his new brand, Urban Couture, in 2007. The Saudi national currently has a boutique in Jeddah and has plans to expand the brand’s presence with a string of openings within the near future.
Urban Couture aims to fuse together diverse cultures and contemporary lifestyles, by mixing traditional cuts with a modern twist. It offers a wide range of styles hoping to appeal to the largest audience, though in actual fact it will probably appeal most to the trendsetters who wish to acquire personalised attire tailored to their individual taste.
Clean lines are the name of the game as Ghazzawi is a firm believer in simplicity equating to sophistication. Furthermore this brand is not about style over function with a strong focus on construction and comfort. In many ways it’s classicism with a twist. Indeed, Ghazzawi is happily acknowledges that there is no escape from the formal tux thobe. "When a man dresses for a formal occasion, he can never go wrong with the traditional tailored thobe that we grew-up wearing. "
In short, Ghazzawi is no revolutionary reformer hell-bent on consigning traditional dress to the dustbin, rather he’s modernising it, giving it a 21st century feel.
What did you study and where?
I obtained my BFA and BArch in 1997 from Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, USA.
What nurtured your passion to design and fashion?
Since my childhood, I have been surrounded by art and the breathtaking canvas of nature; whether it was the Alps of Switzerland, or where the sand dunes meet the sea on the Eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The influence of nature on my design approach has been significant. I am driven by daily life and how we absorb the chaotic balance in nature. Art, design, people, urban settings, and the diversity of different cultures throughout the world's history are my basis for inspiration.
How do you manage to control your freedom of expression in fashion?
Well, I don’t believe I control freedom of expression in any field of practice. Every designer has their own vision and expresses that through their work yielding different outcomes. I, personally, try to maintain a degree of simplicity when defining my vision. During the schematic process of developing a thought, ideas float freely. That creates intense and complex images flickering in one's mind and requires a sturdy brush to realize the final result. Therefore, the ability to simplify such ideas may be the means that gives me that control.
When you create something, what goes through your mind?
In the case of UC, all I think about is the comfort of the person wearing it. Part of the UC identity is to keep the designs as far away as possible from being busy or flashy. I agree that UC's designs are 'different', but within time the market will adjust to it.
Did you train with another designer?
Frankly no, I haven't trained with any particular designer, but I've grown up in a unique environment where I was surrounded by apparel and fashion. Not to mention that during the years I spent living in NewYork, I was exposed to many design disciplines and got involved with apparel from various angles.
Describe your couture concept.
Keeping within the scope of the thobe identity, a stylistic improvement has been sought to go in parallel with our present urban lifestyle. Our goal is to reflect a contemporary yet elegant image for the young at heart. Essentially, it is all about being sophisticated yet casual.
Who can wear UC?
Everyone! Those who understand style and want to be comfortable are more likely to be the first to embrace it. My customers understand the complexity of living within the modern urban context and find the balance to lead a comfortable lifestyle despite the fast and often hectic environment. They are charismatic, fashion conscious trendsetters. Most of the different styles we carry at Urban Couture are for both men and women. However, there are a few designs catered particularly to women as the dress code varies between genders depending on the social function. For example, there is the 'Nero Classico', which is basically a thobe that acts as an abaya. This piece is for stylish, active women who seek comfort without sacrificing their fashion sense.
In terms of thobes are you not satisfied with what is out there already?
Well, I didn't begin to question that until I started having to wear a thobe more often and noticed that I consistently didn't share the idea that others had. I just tried to make it comfortable to me.
What is your aim with Urban Couture?
To boost the psychological and physical comfort of the person dressed in Urban Couture, giving them a reassuring sensation of sophistication and tranquillity thereby maintaining the stylistic edge desired through innovative ideas.
www.urbancoutureworld.com
