Since its debut at Fashion Forward season five last April, House of Nomad has proved that it is a local brand worth watching. You may have seen its popular bomber jacket, with the word “nomad” spelled out in Arabic text, at The Luxury Arcade in Abu Dhabi’s World Trade Center Mall. Or, you might have noticed some of the UAE’s popular style bloggers recently flaunting the brand’s spring/summer 2016 pastel pieces. The brand was founded by design duo Ahmed El Sayed and Saleh Al Banna. With backgrounds in fashion, graphic design and business, they combined their skills to produce a one-of-a-kind clothing label targeted at men and women who seek out street-influenced style. While social media and technology play a huge part in the brand’s day-to-day business dealings, El Sayed says reading books plays a strong role in the designers’ lives. “We think it’s vital to create a habit of reading, especially printed books – there’s no experience quite as authentic as that, since in this time and age everything can be consumed through a screen,” he says.
The designers' five favourite books
Ahmed El Sayed
Just Read It by Omar Al Busaidy
“This is one of those amazing self-development books for young entrepreneurs venturing out into the business world. Written by a friend of mine, it’s definitely one that I would recommend to those looking into starting their own business.”
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“I read this book when I was in university, and it remains as one of my favourites. The author touches on so many key points in life, which I still reflect on to this day.”
Saleh Al Banna
Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
"Grace Coddington, former model and creative director of American Vogue, is an inspiration in the world of fashion. This is definitely one of my favourite memoirs to date."
My Spiritual Journey by the Dalai Lama
“I have always been a fan of self-help books, and this one really opens my eyes to constantly discover new things about myself that I didn’t know.”
The Autobiography by Richard Branson
“From describing his business ethics to the steps he took to build an empire, this book really inspires me. Branson’s nonconventional ways of building a business make this book a real page-turner.”
artslife@thenational.ae