OH!0ctober 20260ctober 20260ctober 2026WHY OCTOBER NEEDS MOTION Chérie INSPO OF THE MONTH: ALDANA ALSAIFY A LOOK BOOK CURATED BY SHOPMYYVAULT FAVORITE FALL PICKS SAMA AL KASSEM THREAD BY THREAD:AN INSIGHT ON THE CREATION OF THE ICONIC FRINGE DRESS

10 THREAD BY THREAD 6 WHY OCTOBER NEEDS MOTION EDITORS LETTER4 PAGES 12 MODEST FASHION: PRINTS 14 FALL LOOKBOOK: SAMA ALKASSEM 2 16 CHANEL 25 18 FALL FAVORITES BY: SMV 20 BEAUTY 22 ALGORITHMS WARDROBE 24 ITENERARY 28 AL DANA ALSAIFY INSPO OF THE MONTH

CREATIVE DIRECTORCredits@Bornin2000.qaAldana AlsaifySama Al KassemMaryam Gabberinspo of the monthFall lookbookfashion articleCover, campaign model OH!Email: ohcherieco@gmail.com Instagram: @ohCherieco Retaj Rami Chérie 3SMVFall favorites

FROM THE EDITORWelcome to a season defined by kinetic energy, bold vision, and uncompromising craftsmanship. As both the editor guiding our narrative and the creative director shaping this world, I knew this issue had to capture a very specific kind of momentum. This autumn is all about a complete cultural shift—where warmth meets theatricality, and where the clothes we wear are living, breathing pieces of art. In this issue, we dive headfirst into the tassel takeover, stripping back the glamour to examine the hypnotic, bead-by-bead and thread-by-thread artistry that brings these Aleen Sabbagh- inspired masterpieces to life. But true style doesn't exist in a vacuum; it is born from community and culture. That is why we are spotlighting M7 as our ultimate creative hub—the pulsing heart where regional design talent and innovation collide. Speaking of visionaries who move us, our Inspiration of the Month goes to the incredible Aldana Alsaify, whose boundary- pushing aesthetic continues to redefine what modern elegance looks like. Combined with our deep-dive into the richest autumn trends of the year, this issue is a celebration of texture, talent, and uncompromising style. Turn the page, immerse yourself in the movement, and welcome to your new season. — Retaj .R Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director 4

BEHIND THE SCENES5

MotionMotionMotionThe summer heat in Doha forces a beautiful but rigid uniformity: weightless linens, flat silks, and minimalist shapes designed purely for survival. But October in Qatar brings a sharp social reset. As temperatures ease into the low thirties, the heavy restrictions on your wardrobe finally lift, turning the city into a playground for tactile experimentation This autumn is less about changing your silhouette and more about changing how your clothes feel—and move. It is time to retire the flat, summer-weary linen and embrace the tactile elite: rich suedes, liquid fringes, heavy silks, and kinetic fabrics that turn a simple walk into a cinematic event. FLUID FABRICS ALL SEASON Why October demands 6

7how can i add that motion? Duchesse Satin For evening wear, the transition demands high drama. Duchesse satin is a heavier, low- luster weave that acts almost like a soft sculpture. It catches the ambient light of Doha’s outdoor terraces with a liquid-like gleam, rather than a cheap, high-gloss shine. Because of its weight, it holds dramatic shapes— think exaggerated cuffs, structural collars, and sweeping hemlines— without collapsing. It looks incredibly rich and cozy, yet because it is pure silk, it remains breathable enough for a 30°C October night. If smooth silk is safe, fringe is a conversation. This season, fashion has abandoned static clothing in favor of kinetic luxury—garments designed specifically to move when you do. Long, floor-sweeping fringe attached to the hems of capes, cuffs, or kaftans reacts to every Doha breeze. It adds dramatic visual weight to an outfit while remaining completely breathable. It is high-octane luxury that does not require low temperatures to wear, ensuring you make an entrance. Liquid Fringe and the Law of Motion Liquid Architecture

IN!!!IS SOWITH MINIMALISM OUT, HOW DO WE STYLE FALL OUTFITS?7TEXTURE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT CONTRAST IS MANDATORY. PAIR BUTTERY LEATHER WITH CABLE-KNITS. MORE IS MORE. RIBBED TURTLENECKS AND TWEED SETS KEEP THEM GUESSING. MIX A DELICATE SILK SLIP DRESS WITH HEAVY SUEDE BOOTS. SHINE IN THE SHADOWS. CONTRAST MATTE VELVET AGAINST HIGH-GLOSS PATENT LEATHER. MONOCHROME IS OFFICIALLY BORING UNLESS IT FEATURES AT LEAST THREE DISTINCT TEXTURES. THINK A CREAM SILK BLOUSE, A CREAM WOOL SKIRT, AND CREAM CROC-EMBOSSED BAG. IT IS SUBTLE, EXPENSIVE, AND COMPLETELY LETHAL. IT GIRLS SHEDDING THEIR SUMMER LINENS FOR SOMETHING MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED. THIS SEASON, FASHION ISN'T ABOUT THE COLOR YOU WEAR. IT IS ABOUT HOW IT FEELS BETWEEN YOUR FINGERTIPS. 8

GEORGES HOBEIKA, F/W 26 HAUTE COUTURE9

THE METICULOUS MAGIC OF ARTISANAL TASSEL DESIGN Thread by Thread YOUR PARAGRAPH TEXT The Tassel Takeover: Why Fringe is the Undisputed Star of the Season From the glittering runways of high fashion to the red carpets of global galas, one dynamic trend has officially captured the spotlight: the tassel takeover. Far from its nostalgic flapper roots or bohemian origins, the modern tassel dress has evolved into an architectural masterpiece of movement and light. Designers like Aleen Sabbagh have redefined the genre, transforming delicate strands into sculptural works of art that seem to breathe and dance with every step. As fashion increasingly embraces texture, tactile luxury, and theatrical elegance, the statement fringe has stepped out of the shadows to become the undisputed crown jewel of the season—proving that true style isn't just about what you wear, but how it moves. ANATOMY OF A MASTERPIECE: THE METICULOUS ART OF BEAD-BY-BEAD, THREAD-BY-THREAD CRAFTSMANSHIP Behind every breathtaking swirl of movement lies an extraordinary feat of patience, precision, and hand- crafted mastery. Creating a luxury tassel dress is a painstaking architectural endeavor that cannot be rushed by machines; it is born from hundreds of hours of painstaking handiwork. Thread by Thread: The process begins long before a single needle touches fabric, with the careful selection of high-grade silk threads or fine metallic cords. Artisans construct individual tassels by hand, winding, securing, and trimming each strand to achieve a precise, weightless drape that catches the light and air with flawless symmetry. Bead by Bead: Elevating the design further, many of these garments incorporate intricate beadwork integrated directly into the fringe. Skilled ateliers string thousands of micro-crystals, glass beads, or sequins bead by bead onto the filaments, adding a rich, light-catching shimmer and a subtle, grounding weight that enhances the dress's fluid silhouette. The Haute Assemblage: Once the individual components are perfected, they are painstakingly sewn onto fine illusion tulle, silk, or crepe foundations—often following intricate, hand-drawn geometric or floral motifs. Every single tassel must be individually anchored to ensure dynamic movement without compromising the garment's structural integrity. The result is far more than just a dress: it is a living, breathing sculpture where haute couture meets kinetic art, crafted through sheer human dedication. 10

MAISON69, CAIRO 11PHOTOGRAPHER: SAMA SHERIFF

FASHION IS WEARABLE ART! 12

Modest Fashion If you thought modest fashion was strictly minimal, darling, think again. The rules of the game have officially shifted, and this season, understated is out—printed abayas and decadent beading are the new crown jewels of the Gulf it girls. Here is your ultimate insider guide to who’s wearing what, why prints are having a moment, and how to style the season’s favorites.HOW TO STYLE IT (WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE YOU TRIED TOO HARD) THE KEY TO MASTERING GOSSIP GIRL-LEVEL GLAMOUR IN DOHA? EFFORTLESS OVER- DRESSING. LET ONE PIECE RULE: IF YOUR ABAYA BOASTS A BOLD PRINT, KEEP YOUR SHEILA UNDERSTATED AND MONOCHROMATIC AND ALSO THE OUTFIT UNDER YOUR ABAYA POINTED-TOE PRECISION: A SHARP, POINTED-TOE HEEL ADDS JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EDGE TO LONG, FLOWING SILHOUETTES. STATEMENT HARDWARE: A STRUCTURED TOP-HANDLE BAG COMPLETES THE LOOK. BONUS POINTS IF THE COLOR IS VIBRANT. THE PRINT REVOLUTION: ART IN MOTION FORGET QUIET LUXURY; THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT MAKING A LOUD STATEMENT WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. WE’RE SEEING A TOTAL DEPARTURE FROM SOLID COLORS INTO RICH, PAINTERLY CANVASES. MONOGRAM & ABSTRACT GRAPHICS: HIGH- CONTRAST PATTERNS THAT DEMAND A SECOND LOOK POLKADOTS: SPOTTED ALL OVER DOHA AND THE MIDDLE EAST, A CLASSY BUT FUN EVERYDAY PRINT SPOTTED ON ALL IT GIRLS SPOTTED: ALL IT GIRLS PAIRING A SILK ABSTRACT PRINT ABAYA WITH A CRISP WHITE TAILORED SUIT UNDERNEATH. SUBTLE? NO. ICONIC? ABSOLUTELY Page 10 Print revolution 13

AN AUTUMN LOOKBOOK BY SAMA AL KASSEMSama Al Kassem is a rising fashion influencer who perfectly blends her rich Egyptian heritage with the vibrant lifestyle of Qatar, where she was born and raised. Representing a modern generation of cross-cultural creators, she has captured the hearts of thousands across platforms like TikTok. Known for her signature sweet and friendly personality, Sama has built a loyal community that feels more like a group of close friends than a fanbase. Her content effortlessly mixes high-energy Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos, showcasing her impeccable and trend-setting style, alongside aesthetic matcha reviews that her followers swear by. his look was from a fall wedding I attended in Jordan I wore a beautiful dress by Egyptian designer and I loved how elegant and timeless it felt for the occasion”Sama is wearing a sophisticated, floor-length black evening gown that perfectly showcases her elegant and trend-setting style. The dress features a high neckline and long sleeves, creating a sleek and modest silhouette. The fabric is subtly embellished with delicate, shimmering rhinestones that catch the golden hour light, mimicking a starry night sky. Adding a touch of modern texture, the cuffs of the sleeves are trimmed with soft black feathers, bringing a playful yet luxurious element to the look. “This look was from my graduation day, right after I finished my graduation discussion I’m wearing Massimo Dutti which is one of my favorite brands” In this photo, Sama embraces the "quiet luxury" aesthetic with a chic, polished streetwear look. She coordinates a crisp white tailored blazer featuring distinctive black buttons on the cuffs with relaxed-fit black wide-leg trousers. The star accessory of the ensemble is the iconic Hermès Constance Bag in a rich, warm tan "Gold" leather shade, complete with its signature gleaming gold-tone "H" clasp. “T 14

“This is one of my favorite fall looks photographed at the Pyramids in Egypt” Sama effortlessly combined edgy streetwear with travel style during her visit to the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza and the pyramids in Egypt. She frames a monochromatic, timeless aesthetic by pairing an oversized leather bomber jacket featuring prominent shoulder details over light- colored, relaxed-fit straight-leg trousers. She accessorizes the travel outfit with a structured leather crossbody flap bag, oval dark sunglasses, and a casual checkered shirt tied around her waist to anchor the effortlessly cool, laid-back vibe. “I’ve loved horses for years and recently returned to riding after a long break This fall riding look was entirely from Oysho” Sama showcases a sleek, athletic look with a classic equestrian outfit while spending a day at the stables. She pairs a crisp, high-collared white athletic quarter-zip top with fitted black riding breeches, establishing a clean and timeless contrast. Her functional accessories lean fully into the traditional rider aesthetic, featuring a glossy black equestrian helmet, white riding gloves, dark sunglasses, and knee-high black leather riding boots designed for both utility and style. HERITAGE & MOVEMENT 15

IT GIRL Purse!. WHILE THE REST OF THE FASHION WORLD BURNS THROUGH TEMPORARY TRENDS LIKE MATCHES, THE CHANEL 25 IS SETTLING IN FOR A VERY LONG, VERY COMFORTABLE REIGN.IF YOU THOUGHT ITS INITIAL EXPLOSION WAS JUST A PASSING SEASONAL FEVER, THINK AGAIN. THE CHANEL 25 HANDBAG HAS OFFICIALLY OUTLIVED THE STANDARD IT-BAG EXPIRATION DATE. IT IS MOVING COMFORTABLY PAST "TREND" STATUS STRAIGHT INTO THE PERMANENT LEXICON OF LUXURY ICONS. HERE. THIS HIGH-ARCHED MASTERPIECE WILL REMAIN COMPLETELY UNTOUCHABLE THROUGH FALL 2026 AND FAR BEYOND. THE ARCHITECTURE OF SLOUCH WHEN THE CHANEL 25 DEBUTED, IT COMPLETELY REWROTE THE BRAND'S TRADITIONAL DESIGN CODES. UNLIKE THE RIGID, MATHEMATICAL LINES OF A CLASSIC FLAP OR THE COMPLETELY UNSTRUCTURED CANVAS OF A CHANEL 22, THE 25 IS A BRILLIANT STUDY IN STRUCTURAL CONTRADICTION.THE MAGIC LIES ENTIRELY IN ITS BLUEPRINT. IT FEATURES A BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED, RIGID BASE THAT ENSURES THE BAG NEVER PUDDLES OR LOSES ITS COMPOSURE WHEN SET DOWN. YET, THE BODY FLOWS INTO A RELAXED, DIAMOND-QUILTED DRAPE CONTROLLED BY A FLUID DRAWSTRING TOP. BOUND TOGETHER BY A HEAVY, INTERLOCKING CC-LOGO CINCH CHARM, IT MANAGES TO LOOK BOTH COMPLETELY EFFORTLESS AND STRICTLY ENGINEERED. 16

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SHOP MYY VAULTFALL FAVORITESBYD&G SUEDE BUTTERFLY DRESS A true early-2000s D&G fantasy. The rich brown suede and butterfly detailing give it that perfect mix of earthy, bohemian and unapologetically sexy — basically everything we want from an autumn piece. Rare, archive and very much not your average brown dress ROBERTO CAVALLI CLASS ANIMAL PRINT FLORAL BAROQUE PATCHWORK DRESS Combines contrasting wild animal skins (leopard, python, cheetah) alongside elaborate gold baroque scrolls and colorful floral elements in a seamless patchwork layout. The perfect tones for autumn 18

Vintage in Every Frame 19 A statement piece that brings a playful nautical edge to autumn dressing. The bold stripes and sculptural silhouette make these boots an instant focal point, while still feeling effortlessly styled with the season's layered looks.CHANEL 2010 STRIPED SAILOR BOOTSA little distressed, a little rebellious, and very D&G. The faded Freedom graphic and worn-in finish give this top an effortlessly undone energy that makes any autumn look feel instantly cooler. Plus, it comes in multiple colorways, because one was simply not enough. D&G FREEDOM TOP

LIVED IN LUXURY DOHA’S GIRLS, SLOWLY EMERGING FROM THEIR AIR-CONDITIONED SUMMER COCOONS, TRADING THE "CLEAN GIRL" AESTHETIC FOR SOMETHING ALTOGETHER MORE SULTRY—AND INFINITELY MORE DELICIOUS. THE WHISPER ON THE STREETS? PRECISION IS OUT. EFFORTLESS, LIVED-IN DRAMA IS THE ONLY CURRENCY THAT MATTERS. IF YOU WANT TO SURVIVE THE AUTUMN TRANSITION WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE YOU TRIED TOO HARD, YOU’LL NEED TO MASTER THE ART OF THE INTENTIONAL SMUDGE. HERE IS YOUR OFFICIAL BEAUTY BLUEPRINT FOR FALL. If you’re still masking your face in heavy, full-coverage clay foundations, consider this your official eviction notice from the it girl list. Autumn demands a canvas that actually breathes. The city's most iconic faces are pivoting to hybrid skin-tints packed with clinical actives like niacinamide and humectants. It’s a velvet-cloud finish— imperfections aren't aggressively erased; they are softly blurred using finely milled spherical silica powders. The result is skin that looks entirely organic, slightly dewy, and expensive. the key is to switch to velvety looks! The Focus: Eyes, Lips, and Fingertips This autumn, we are using a single, deep tone across multiple zones of the face to create a seamless, windswept gradient. The ritual is delightfully lazy: scribble a volatile, cream- to-matte shadow crayon in rich bordeaux or deep plum directly onto the lids. Smudge it out with a fingertip, then press the remaining pigment straight onto the center of your lips. By blurring the edges you create an effortless look as seen on the tom ford runway. It is unstudied elegance at its finest. The chemistry is brilliant—these silicone-based formulas give you a thirty-second window of absolute chaos to blend before freezing into a waterproof, humidity-resistant shield. It is essential for handling the lingering heat as you move from the indoor AC to the outdoor terraces. TO SUM IT UP, BOLD EYES AND MONOCHROME LOOKS! 20

"NO MORE SLICKBACKS?"9THE WAX STICKS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN SENT TO THE BACK OF THE VANITY. THE TIGHT, ARCHITECTURAL SLICK-BACK BUN A STYLE THAT ONLY SURVIVED THE SUMMER BECAUSE IT WAS OUR ONLY DEFENSE AGAINST 45°C HUMIDITY—HAS BEEN DROPPED FROM THE A-LIST. NOW THAT THE SCORCHING DESERT HEAT IS FINALLY GONE AND THE AUTUMN BREEZE HAS ARRIVED, THE CITY'S IT GIRLS ARE CELEBRATING WITH THE ULTIMATE RETURN OF EXAGGERATED, VOLUPTUOUS BLOWOUTS. VOLUME IS BACK, DARLINGS!LET’S BE HONEST: THE SLICK-BACK WASN’T A CHOICE; IT WAS SURVIVAL. BUT WITH THE COOLER AIR FINALLY HERE, HAIR IS ALLOWED TO BREATHE, BOUNCE, AND MOVE AGAIN. THE NEW LOOK IS ALL ABOUT UNASHAMED POWER-FEMININITY. WE ARE TALKING DEEP SIDE PARTINGS, FACE-FRAMING BUTTERFLY LAYERS, AND ROUND-BRUSHED ENDS THAT HAVE ACTUAL VELOCITY. IT’S A RETURN TO 1990S RUNWAY GLAMOUR—THICK, HEALTHY, AND INCREDIBLY EXPENSIVE- LOOKING HAIR THAT CATCHES THE OUTDOOR EVENING BREEZE PERFECTLY. THE BEST PART OF THE WEATHER DROP? YOUR BLOWOUT WILL ACTUALLY LAST ALL DAY, WITHOUT COLLAPSING INTO A FRIZZY MESS THE SECOND YOU STEP OUTSIDE. 21

22WHY WE FALL FOR THE ALGORITHM'S WARDROBE

THE HIGH PRICE OF IMITATION, WHY WE FALL FOR THE ALGORITHM'S WARDROBE23Soraiya OmerA plain brown skirt might hold immense value for someone because he/she recognizes the fabric, stitching, manufacturer and price. On the other hand, some might deem the same skirt as being cheap and ordinary. This is to say that the definition of luxury, fashion, and beauty changes over time. Luxury, especially, is quite paradoxical because the most exclusive forms of fashion do not necessarily look luxurious or expensive. Amidst this constant evolution of fashion, perhaps, true value lies in knowing what’s special and having the ability to define that for yourself instead of waiting for someone else, with an entirely different lifestyle, to do it for you. Trends change, designs evolve and logos lose and gain value because when luxury and fashion becomes accessible, they can no longer function as effective markers of social distinction. The ability to recognise value for yourself becomes a form of social power in itself Today, I really adore my Oran sandals, even with their imperfections and impracticality. But how can we know if we really like something or if it is simply an outcome of the fashion algorithm? There’s really no way of telling if the leopard print in my closet is my style or something I was gradually taught to like because I saw others wearing it repeatedly. Here's an interesting lens to it: we constantly change as people, and so do fashion ideologies. So changing styles isn’t inherently bad, trends aren’t wrong, and buying expensive things isn’t bad either, it’s all linked to the intention behind the choice. Everything has its own grey areas, and the way to gain clarity is by asking yourself why you’re fond of that logo, that leather jacket, or those suede shoes. Our preferences cannot be independent of external influences, but we can try to understand where they come from and why we choose to value them.This summer I was in search of a pair of breathable shoes for regular wear. Walking through a mall in Doha, I stumbled upon these beige Hermes inspired Oran sandals from a seemingly sophisticated store. A few weeks later I bought a pair of moccasins from another international brand, one that seemed slightly more ordinary compared to the first. Two weeks later, my Oran sandals had pieces of thread hanging out from every corner, while my moccasins were still good as new.We are constantly surrounded by images and posts of what people are wearing online. When people at the higher end of the social hierarchy are seen wearing something, it can trigger a natural desire in others to adopt the same style or aesthetic. This becomes a means of diminishing social distinctions; perhaps, at times, we buy expensive things because of the social value associated with them and not because they are necessarily better in quality. In 1904, this idea was analyzed by a German sociologist, Georg Simmel, who theorized the concept of fashion moving through social classes. The elite introduce new styles as a means of distinguishing themselves, but as these designs become accessible to the wider society, they gradually lose their exclusivity. By the time the general public is able to afford and gain access to these styles, the elite have already moved on to something new. Eventually, expensive logos can lose their value even among those at the high end of the social ladder, changing their definition of luxury.We see a version of this happening today, where several high end brands emphasise their brand identity so strongly that consumers may overlook the actualmaterials or craftsmanship of a product. People, on the other hand, aren’t concerned solely with quality and material, they’re also concerned with the name and the social value that comes with it.

FALL DESTINATION FOR FASHION ENTHUSIASTS24While the rest of the world is busy layering boring trench coats in predictable European capitals, the real style set has already relocated their coordinates. This season, all roads lead to M7 in Msheireb Downtown DohaLooking Back: The Archives of Our Obsession If you think M7’s current lineup is serving major style inspiration, let's take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we? Because long before everyone was flocking to this Msheireb masterpiece for this season's curation, M7 was busy building a legacy of legendary fashion moments that left the global style elite utterly spellbound. Image by: Malek Rami

FOREVER VALENTINO: A LOVE LETTER IN CRIMSON REMEMBER WHEN VALENTINO PAINTED THE TOWN RED? BACK WHEN FOREVER VALENTINO TOOK OVER M7, IT WASN'T JUST AN EXHIBITION, IT WAS A FULL-BLOWN CULTURAL PHENOMENON. AS THE LARGEST- EVER EXHIBITION FOR THE ROMAN MAISON AND ITS FIRST IN THE MIDDLE EAST, IT FELT LIKE STEPPING STRAIGHT INTO MR. VALENTINO’S ATELIER DREAMS. WITH BREATHTAKING SET DESIGNS RECREATING THE ROMANCE OF ROME AND A SEA OF ARCHIVAL HAUTE COUTURE LOOKS THAT STOPPED EVERYONE DEAD IN THEIR TRACKS, IT WAS THE ULTIMATE VIP TICKET. IF YOU DIDN'T POST A SELFIE STANDING NEXT TO THOSE ICONIC, GRAVITY-DEFYING RED GOWNS, WERE YOU EVEN LIVING YOUR BEST DOHA LIFE? CHAUMET & NATURE: HIGH JEWELLERY DRAMA WHEN HISTORIC PARISIAN HIGH JEWELLERY POWERHOUSE CHAUMET DECIDED TO MAKE ITS MIDDLE EASTERN DEBUT, NATURALLY, THEY CHOSE M7 FOR CHAUMET & NATURE. DISPLAYING OVER 100 JAW-DROPPING PIECES OF BOTANICAL- AND FAUNA- INSPIRED JEWELS—INCLUDING ULTRA-RARE TIARAS STRAIGHT FROM EUROPEAN ROYALTY AND QATAR MUSEUMS' OWN VAULTS—IT WAS A MASTERCLASS IN SPARKLE. IT BLENDED CENTURIES OF FRENCH SAVOIR-FAIRE WITH DEEP REGIONAL HERITAGE, PROVING THAT DIAMONDS AREN'T JUST A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND; THEY'RE A MANDATORY CONVERSATION PIECE OVER AFTERNOON TEA. 25

BEYOND M7SO, YOU’VE ABSORBED ALL THE COUTURE, CRITIQUED THE ARCHIVAL PIECES, AND POSED TO PERFECTION INSIDE M7. BUT HEADING STRAIGHT BACK TO YOUR AIR-CONDITIONED FORTRESS WOULD BE A MISTAKE. MSHEIREB DOWNTOWN DOHA ISN'T JUST A LOCATION IT’S A METICULOUSLY DESIGNED, SUSTAINABLE SMART CITY PLAYGROUND FOR PEOPLE WHO TAKE THEIR AESTHETICS VERY SERIOUSLY. BARAHAT MSHEIREB: THE OPEN-AIR RUNWAY STEP OUTSIDE M7 AND STRAIGHT INTO BARAHAT MSHEIREB—THE REGION'S LARGEST OPEN-AIR COVERED PEDESTRIAN SQUARE. WITH ITS STATE-OF-THE-ART ROOF KEEPING THINGS BREEZILY CHIC, THIS GRAND PLAZA IS ESSENTIALLY DOHA’S ANSWER TO MILAN’S GALLERIA, MINUS THE AGGRESSIVE TOURISTS. IT’S ALSO HOME TO THE LEGENDARY MANDARIN ORIENTAL, DOHA, WHERE THE LOBBY LOUNGE IS THE ABSOLUTE GO-TO SPOT FOR A POST-EXHIBITION MOCKTAIL. RETAIL THERAPY AT MSHEIREB GALLERIA DONE MARVELING AT MUSEUM-GRADE INSTALLATIONS? TIME TO SWIPE THAT CARD. JUST A HOP AWAY IS MSHEIREB GALLERIA, THE SHOPPING DESTINATION CATERING TO THOSE WITH AN EYE FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY. FORGET MASS-MARKET MONOTONY; HERE YOU’LL FIND HIGH-END CONCEPT BOUTIQUES, INCREDIBLE REGIONAL MULTI-BRAND STORES,RARE LUXURY FRAGRANCE HOUSES, AND DESIGN-FORWARD HOMEWARE PIECES THAT SCREAM EFFORTLESS.IT’S CURATED, COMPLETELY DEVOID OF BASIC ENERGY. 26

13BARAHAT MSHEIREB 27

INSPO OF THE MONTH! AlDana Al Saify THE SPARK: MEET ALDANA ALSAIFY, THE VISIONARY DESIGNER BEHIND VANDELLA. DRIVEN BY A CHILDHOOD SPARK AND A LIFELONG SOUL'S CALLING, SHE ELEGANTLY BALANCES BUSINESS INTELLECT WITH PURE CREATIVE INTUITION. Vandella began as an extension of Aldana’s personal wardrobe. Before launching the label, she designed exclusively for herself. "My friends would see them, love them, and ask me to create something for them too," she recalls. This personal connection remains the ultimate test for every collection. "Even today, I would never create a piece that I personally wouldn’t wear, or that feels completely out of character for me," she emphasizes. While her name isn't on the tag, her creative signature is unmistakable. "It was very important to me that when you see Vandella, you recognize Vandella," she explains. "We’ve built that identity through our cuts, silhouettes, and subtle detailing. Ultimately, the true success of this vision is validated by the women who wear it.” When asked how they feel in a Vandella abaya, clients consistently return to three specific words: feminine, classy, and timeless. “And I think those three words perfectly describe both my personal style and Vandella’s core identity," designed my first piece when I was eight years old. Ever since, I’ve had this desire to create and build something of my own. It feels like a soul’s calling, and it never really stopped." After high school, Aldana launched her business while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and business management. "People wonder why I didn’t study fashion," she says. "The college available to me didn’t offer design majors, so I chose what would best support my journey: learning about PR, communication, and business." For Aldana, her degree was never a limitation. "I’ve always believed that art and creativity come from within. The technical side can be learned, but that inner desire has always been there." “I 28

BEHIND THE Brand Most people would describe her as ambitious and hardworking, but since we’re looking beyond fashion and business, her closest friend says: “As a close friend of Aldana, I would say she’s very empathetic and genuine in everything she does. She offers love and support without being asked, and she’s an incredibly loyal person. Aldana is really fun to be around, and being with her on a daily basis is always adventurous and memorable.” Most people are surprised by her hidden passions and the quiet aspect of her personality. Aldana expressed her passion for writing and poetry by saying: “I find so much beauty in putting the right words together, words that can rhyme just enough to touch the heart and express a meaning without having to explain too much.” This thoughtful approach directly ties into how she views herself as a whole. “I’m very meaning-driven in general. I also love learning about the human mind and body and understanding how and why we function the way we do. I think I’m naturally fascinated by anything that allows me to understand things on a deeper level.” Aldana’s personality, hobbies, and interests are very diverse, and she doesn’t just describe herself as a remarkable designer. “Outside of fashion and business, I’m an athlete at heart.” “I have a lot of hobbies because I genuinely love staying active, trying new things, and putting myself in new experiences. But the ones I spend most of my time doing are horse riding-particularly show jumping, Muay Thai, shooting, painting, and writing. They’re all very different, but I think each one gives me a different way to express myself, challenge myself, or simply disconnect and be present.” 29

HER Muse WHO INSPIRES HER,AND HOW SHE INSPIRES US Her fashion icons and people she looks up to are people who dress like themselves. She highlighted her admiration for her older sister, Haneen Alsaify, by saying: “Growing up, my sister Haneen had a huge influence on me. As my older sister, I naturally looked up to her, but what inspired me most was the way she styled herself and dressed in a way that felt completely true to who she was.” She even mentioned how growing up watching her sister helped her discover her personal style from a young age. “She indirectly taught me to discover how I wanted to dress. I think that is the greatest kind of influence, is someone who inspires you to admire being yourself and gives you the confidence to show up as yourself.” When Aldana feels a creative block or loss of inspiration, she returns to nature, animals, and serenity. “There is something incredibly inspiring about simply noticing Allah’s blessings around us, listening to birds chirping, feeling the wind, watching sunlight beam through the trees.” She finds that grounding herself and connecting with nature provides mental clarity, which leads to more ideas flowing right back to her! One piece of advice she wants to share with all young, aspiring designers is: “Look within and follow your instincts. Being you is what makes you unique. Anything you create becomes different the moment you put a genuine part of yourself into it. Dig deep. Know who you are, what you truly love, and what you genuinely believe in. Be confident in that, and then be consistent with it. Most importantly, never lose faith in your soul’s calling, and don’t let the fear of judgment stop you from following it.” 30

“EVERY IMPROVEMENT, EVERY COLLECTION AND EVERY POP-UP FEELS LIKE A MILESTONE TO ME, BUT ONE MEMORY I WILL NEVER FORGET IS OUR FIRST FASHION SHOW IN MAY 2024. THAT DAY WAS MAGICAL. IT GAVE ME A HUGE CONFIDENCE BOOST AND TAUGHT ME NOT TO FEAR STEPPING INTO NEW EXPERIENCES. I WAS SURROUNDED BY SO MUCH SUPPORT FROM OUR CLIENTS, MY FRIENDS AND MY FAMILY.” 31

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