While browsing local pop-up fairs such as Ripe Market, you may have noticed dainty, long-limbed rag dolls sitting neatly in a row. They are the handmade creations of Sahar Wahbe, founder of Dubai-based brand Dumyé, which donates one of these exquisite eco-friendly rag dolls to orphans for every purchase.
This season, Dumyé has joined local concept boutique s*uce to produce an exclusive collection of designer dolls for a private auction, with the proceeds going to charity organisation START, a not-for-profit organisation under Al Madad Foundation, which promotes literacy and education for underprivileged children in the Middle East and India.
The concept
The idea for the project was born at a refugee camp in Lebanon, where Wahbe was holding doll-making workshops with START.
“We were chatting during the workshops, and came up with the idea: Dumyé would donate the dolls, the designers would dress them,” says Wahbe.
“The ladies at s*uce then curated the designers and brought the whole project to life under the name ‘27 Dresses’.”
The title reflects the number of designers, both regional and international, who signed up. Global brands such as Vivetta, Preen, Markus Lupfer and Manoush are involved alongside local labels Bleach, Ayesha Depala, Reemami, Dima Ayad and All Things Mochi.
“We stitched the dolls in the Dumyé studio and then sent them off to the designers,” says Wahbe. “Once each creation was named and completed, they were sent back to the s*uce team, who, with the support of Dubai Tourism, took them all over town.”
The 27 dolls were duly photographed around Dubai in various poses – including one taken selfie-style – at locations including Miracle Gardens, D3, Atlantis Hotel and the Salt food truck on Kite Beach.
The creations
Most of the designers based their pieces on their current ready-to-wear collections.
Emirati designer Badreyah Faisal, founder of the label Bleach, made an exact replica of one of her latest looks for her doll, which she named Salamah.
Tweaking the design to tailor a doll-sized version of the outfit were not easy, though. “It was surprisingly challenging – I thought it would be a simple task,” she says.
Ayah Tabari, founder and designer of Dubai-based label All Things Mochi, faced a similar challenge. “It was a little bit trickier, due to the nature of the embroidery and high level of artisan work which goes into each piece of fabric,” she says. Her doll, named Melody, wears a crop top and skirt from Tabari’s first collection for Mochi, made from traditional textiles from Jaipur, India. Her photograph is the most adventurous one – Melody is pictured at XLine Dubai, all set for a zip line ride in front of the Burj Khalifa.
Zayan Ghandour, co-founder of s*uce and designer of her own brand, Zayan the Label, collaborated with Japanese illustrator Miyuki Ohashi to create icons inspired by Jane Birkin, for her spring/summer 2016 collection. The motifs of eyes and mascara wands, were embroidered on fabric that was custom-made, and this same textile was used for Ghandour’s doll, Lola.
Objects of desire
“I think part of what makes the project so special is that it has been brought to life by people who are nourished through the arts,” says Wahbe, adding that buyers at the auction will likely prefer to display their doll as a valuable keepsake, rather than a child’s toy.
“I envision [my doll] sitting on a table, leaning on a vase of flowers, so she comes to life as a permanent part of the flower installation,” Ghandour says of Lola.
Lebanese-American Rami Kadi stays true to the traditional intent and purpose of his doll, Noor, which he believes should have its home on a child’s bed.
“I designed Noor with the thought that it should be an object to which we develop affection and attachment,” he says.
Make a child smile
A commitment to promoting the welfare of orphans, and providing them with creative outlets, brought everybody together for this initiative.
“START and Dumyé both use the arts to help underprivileged children express themselves through creativity,” says Wahbe.
“That process is safe, healing and liberating. There is a lot of synergy in our missions.”
She is already working on her next mission: a trip to Egypt, where Wahbe will visit five orphanages, teaching children to make their own dolls.
Exhibition and auction
27 Dresses goes on display at The Dubai Mall on Sunday, and runs until April 3. On April 6, the dolls will be auctioned off at an invite-only party at The Annex, Burj Khalifa. To register, email 27dresses@shopatsauce.com.
Limited edition prints of the 27 Dresses photo shoot are available at www.shopatsauce.com for Dh500 each.
All proceeds go to START; visit www.almadadfoundation.org
Q&A with creator Sahar Wahbe
If you could pick one doll to give your daughter, which one would it be?
Keeping my daughter’s personality in mind, I would choose Sara by s*uce. She is youthful, fun and easy going, just like my daughter.
Which of the photographs is your favourite?
I have a soft spot for Farah by Reem Al Kanhal, shot at the Dubai Aquarium. Every time I look at that picture of her hanging out with the fish I can’t help but smile.
Which doll was the most intricate to put together?
Oh my goodness, Noor by Rami Kadi – that gown is tailored to perfection and the embellishments on the dress are really something. Farida by Manoush is another one with a lot of embroidery and detailed work.
If you could dress in any of the dolls' outfits to the auction on April 6, which would it be?
I want to be a butterfly goddess for a night so Maria Lucia Hohan, may I please have Raluka’s dress in my size?
• Check out the Weekend section, free with The National on Friday, for a photo spread of the 27 dolls
hlodi@thenational.ae