We speak to the Russian-born, Dubai-based designer Katya Kovtunovich who transforms Arabic fabrics into modern, ready-to-wear pieces that are perfect for National Day they incorporate sadu, a traditional method of Bedouin weaving using goat’s hair or sheep’s wool, characterised by geometric and figurative patterns in the colours of red, black and white.
You chose to make the UAE your home four years ago and your recent collections truly embrace the “spirit of the union”. Talk me through the inspiration behind the pieces.
When I first came to the UAE I fell in love with a fabric which I saw everywhere, called sadu. It’s also commonly found in Syria and Jordan. I liked the pattern, the brightness, the beauty – its uniqueness. I thought it would work wonderfully as a coat – especially for the Russian market – as I envisioned its vibrancy against a snowy white backdrop. With the designs having been extremely well received by Russians and Europeans, now, four years later I’m ready to present the concept to the UAE market.
How has the local market received the designs?
Naturally, it is very unusual for the people in UAE, as the fabric is widely used for majlis sofa covers and tents. Which is why I’ve had a lot of reaction on my Instagram account from Emirati ladies. They send me a lot of smiley faces and comments saying “I wonder if this girl is aware she’s wearing a tent?” I reply to them that “yes, I’m aware and very proud to be wearing it!” (laughs) When I’m travelling, people always stop me and ask me where the pieces are from. That provides me with a great opportunity to promote the UAE, to be its ambassador abroad. It also helps me portray the country as a place that produces new trends and visions. Some people abroad have the impression that we only consume and import here, when actually we do produce things and there’s a great deal of creativity.
What does the UAE and National Day mean to you?
This country has given me lots of opportunities, not least the chance to have my own business. Nobody is looking at the colour of my passport or treating me with less respect because I am a foreigner. The UAE has amazing, friendly and supportive people and I truly love its beauty. It has such an elegance and everyone here is not only well dressed, but well behaved. It’s a place where I feel inspired to create.
Your brand has attracted high-profile fans. Tell me about some UAE-based ones?
I am extremely honoured that one of my first supporters was Veronica Berti, the wife of Andrea Bocelli. I’m also proud to say that the MBC TV presenter Joelle Mardinian has worn a few of my pieces and she sent me wonderful messages saying that they fit like a glove. Lady Gaga, during her Dubai visit in September, chose five of my designs with sadu as well. I also received a very touching letter from Princess Haya bint Al Hussein for the tunic I gifted to her for Ramadan this year. It was made of chiffon and bore embellishments of sadu fabric around the hem and cuffs. She wrote that she admired my creativity, which for me, meant a lot – I almost cried.
Princess Charlene of Monaco has also worn your designs, hasn’t she?
Yes, I sent her some beach tunics and she too wrote to me, saying that she would be honoured to wear such beautiful dresses.
What will you be wearing for National Day?
I’ve given a lot of my clothes away to friends and I may need to create something new for myself! (laughs). I’ll always prefer to dress my clients and friends first.
• Katya's brand is available at Studio 8 Boutique in Dubai Mall and Candella Boutique in Village Mall. For private commissions and stockists globally, visit www.katyakovtunovich.com
rduane@thenational.ae
Company%20Profile
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)
Valencia v Atletico Madrid (midnight)
Mallorca v Alaves (4pm)
Barcelona v Getafe (7pm)
Villarreal v Levante (9.30pm)
Sunday
Granada v Real Volladolid (midnight)
Sevilla v Espanyol (3pm)
Leganes v Real Betis (5pm)
Eibar v Real Sociedad (7pm)
Athletic Bilbao v Osasuna (9.30pm)
Monday
Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
Schedule:
Pakistan v Sri Lanka:
28 Sep-2 Oct, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi
6-10 Oct, 2nd Test (day-night), Dubai
13 Oct, 1st ODI, Dubai
16 Oct, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi
18 Oct, 3rd ODI, Abu Dhabi
20 Oct, 4th ODI, Sharjah
23 Oct, 5th ODI, Sharjah
26 Oct, 1st T20I, Abu Dhabi
27 Oct, 2nd T20I, Abu Dhabi
29 Oct, 3rd T20I, Lahore
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
- Open your curtains when it’s sunny
- Keep your oven open after cooking
- Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy
- Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat
- Put on extra layers
- Do a few star jumps
- Avoid alcohol
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Normcore explained
Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
'Morbius'
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Rating: 2/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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SECRET%20INVASION
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