Introducing Mishael Al-Rajhi



Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

Saudi men can no longer boast about their exclusive fashionable bisht affair. It is being transformed for women all across the world. The new trend of renovating bisht styles and thobe designs is at its peak. Kimonos and capes may wear the western influence, but no one can stop the Saudi avant-garde movement. One of the few who have successfully capitalized on the trend is Mishael Al-Rajhi, who belongs to the renowned Saudi banking empire. Raised in Riyadh, Al-Rajhi studied business management at King Saud University.



“Down the road, I realized I really wanted to pursue a career in fashion” and so that was it, “I got a Fashion Design Diploma from the BoxHill institute,” she told Saudi Gazette.



Her two brands include Micci & Mishi and Mishael Al-Rajhi.



“I committed myself a 100 percent to building my brand. I wanted to create designs that are casual for men and women.”

 

Al-Rajhi is working on establishing a local boutique but collaborates with fashion retailers in Riyadh. Micci & Mishi features casual, edgy and urban chic designs. The other collection is more about evening couture and is priced accordingly.



“Micci & Mishi came about as a representation of the Gemini style vision I had. Mishael Al-Rajhi is all about couture and an ode to all things I love, is handmade and pays attention to the finer things.”



Couture plays a huge part in Al-Rajhi’s influences and design.



“Making things handmade and bespoke is essential to me in capturing my client’s essence. Beading, embroidery and paying attention to the intricacies of design are precious to me.  I loved couture, as I was growing up and so it is very important to me now as a designer.”



The young designer looks up to the fashion icons and iconoclasts. ”I would love to work with the greats and learn from them in order to create something unique. It’s hard to say what my favorite pieces are but I’m always drawn to designs that have an air of edginess and personality.”



As the head designer, the 26-year-old is responsible for creating all the looks and strategies for each collection.



“Each one is sown with love and crafted with happiness. The upcoming collection will have an artistic twist to it when it’s unveiled. The significance of the collection, like thobes, is its commitment to showcase the inner beauty of the contemporary Arab woman.”



“Thoube” was created by her adventures and longing to express her interpretation of Ramadan.



“It’s an interpretation of Ramadan’s festive vibe, a meeting between tradition and serendipity on the cobblestone streets of Paris. Enjoying iftars (breaking the fast) at Tiffany’s and Eid at Champs Elysees. It’s about what a Parisian Ramadan would look like, as I see it.”



Talking about the new fashion scene in Saudi Arabia, she said there have been significant breakthroughs in recent years.



“Fashion design as a community is growing and we welcome that change. A few years back, people would not have dreamed of getting into the industry as a career but as we can see now, we are emerging as a voice to be heard. There is still much to be achieved in terms of production and operational aspects of running a fashion house. But I am hopeful.” Al-Al-Rajhi said she is inspired by the “most mundane things on the street to cosmic and beyond. The world captivates me and I do find myself inspired by sexy visuals and bold ideas.”



Al-Rajhi is currently working on Spring Summer collection for 2015. “But to give you a hint, you’ll be treated to a lot of texture with the fabrics and prints, embroidery for both men and women.”



You can order Mishael Al-Rajhi and MICCI & MISHI online or find them at Silver Boutique and NON-Designs, both at Nujoud Mall.