Bushra Badri and Amira Al Khaja
Dubai’s Bushra Badri and Amira Al Khaja are the Emirati co-founders of the brand N°3. They established the label last year and describe it as “a line of ready-to-wear products in editions of three or multiples of three”. Badri shares their story.
The background
I hold a bachelor of science in visual communication from the American University of Sharjah. I practised design as a freelancer and last year I cofounded N°3 design with Amira, who holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Zayed University.
The brand
We’ve always been intrigued by the architecture of designing and producing a garment. We also enjoy the conceptual and contextual aspects that feed into the design process. N°3 is an honest take on style-meeting-substance and skill. The main objective of the label is to accentuate the importance of craft and technique and to emphasise functionality while building on the notion that less is more.
The style
Clean lines, sophisticated silhouettes and the perfect fit are qualities that define our approach. The primary focus of the label is to design well-crafted garments, incorporating fine fabrics and materials. Another objective is to emphasise cultural elements through design.
The future
We’re currently focused on producing seasonal clothing editions and stationery. Longer-term we’re looking to expand into bags and leather goods.
On VFDE
Above all, it feels humbling. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase our label’s philosophy. For our career, it’s a milestone.
On Dubai’s fashion industry
Dubai serves as an interesting platform for designers to experiment and produce good work. People have, in the recent years, become more aware of the importance of design and naturally more open to new ideas.
Favourite designers
The Row, Céline and Chloé.
Advice for budding designers
Keep design and quality-consistency at the forefront of what you do.
The other designers
Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi
Who: Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi, daughter of the Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, graduated from Esmod Dubai, was a finalist for the Woolmark Prize and won Best Fashion Designer at last year’s Arab Woman Awards. Inspiration from her cultural past and modern femininity are at the heart of Al Sharqi’s label.
What: “I decided to explore the romantic side of the 1970s using a colour palette that included beige and khaki and tones of lavender and peach.”
Visit www.madiyahalsharqi.com
Christopher Esber
Who: The Australian designer Christopher Esber is all about innovative fabrics, which explains his triumph as the winner of the Woolmark Prize for Innovation in Sydney last year.
What: “The launch pad for the collection was the ‘ordinary’ – the kind of clothing used every day. I looked at these garments to find elements to be improved, with an approach to the design that I would define as almost ‘ super normal‘.”
Visit christopheresber.com.au
J J S Lee
Who: A native of South Korea, Jackie Lee lives in London, where she earned her degree from Central Saint Martins. She characterises her brand as “minimal, modern and chic, designed for women who know how to make their voices heard”.
What: “My collection is inspired by pressed and framed flowers. I’ve created 2-D shapes from 3-D flower images.”
Visit www.jsleelondon.com
Miuniku
Who: The brand name is a combination of the abbreviated names of Indian sisters Tina and Nikita Sutradhar. The pair were winners of one of the two special LVMH jury prizes in May 2014.
What: The VDFE collection has been inspired by swimming, with waves as a primary motif.
Visit www.miuniku.com
Piccione•Piccione
Who: The Sicilian designer Salvatore Piccione was a winner at the 10th edition of the Who Is on Next? contest for young designers, organised by AltaRoma and Vogue Italia. His ready-to-wear designs have a fluid silhouette and an eccentric touch.
What: “The SS2015 collection revolves around the concept of movement and the rebirth of nature with the new season. Inspiration comes from macro pixels that become dots, as in the paintings of Roy Lichtenstein.”
Visit www.piccionepiccione.com
Stella Jean
Who Stella Jean draws inspiration from her Italian-Creole origins and her travels. In recognition of her brand, Jean was chosen to speak at the United Nations on The Power of Empowered Women this year.
What “A collection characterised by a perpetual succession of cultural trompe-l’oeil.”
Visit www.stellajean.it
-