Doha, Qatar: Two Qatari female designers, Ghada Al Subaey and Wadha Al Hajri, have been recognised by Forbes in its inaugural list titled “The Middle East’s Fashion Innovators.” 

The list celebrates 40 of the region’s most influential fashion designers and highlights their contribution to global fashion through unique designs incorporating Arab heritage and culture.

Ghada Al Subaey

Ghada Al Subaey, the founder of 1309 Studios, is renowned in the global fashion industry for her minimalist ready-to-wear brand, established in 2015. 

Her brand features abayas, diverse clothing, kaftans, and accessories. 

Al Subaey also founded The Cutting Studio, a fashion consulting and garment production studio in Qatar, which supports emerging designers. 

She co-founded her first fashion brand, K, with her sisters in 2012, but they later decided to shut it down. 

In 2015, they launched 1309 Studio, named after their mother’s birthday.

In 2018, her sisters decided to leave the brand, and she became the sole founder and CEO.

Al Subaey is committed to supporting new designers through ‘The Cutting Studio,’ located at the M7 Arts Center in Doha. 

This facility offers a comprehensive service from design to the finished ‘Made in Qatar’ product under the guidance of H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

In an interview with Forbes, Al Subaey expressed her philosophy on success, emphasising the importance of continual learning and growth. 

She also focuses on developing ready-to-wear women’s lifestyle products for contemporary, modest women, reflecting on her rewarding journey in the fashion industry.

Wadha Al Hajri

Wadha Al Hajri established her women’s ready-to-wear label, ‘Wadha,’ in 2010 and gained significant attention when she showcased her collection at Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in 2013, marking her as the first designer to do so. 

Her collection was also featured at Milan’s Palazzo Morando as part of Vogue Talents. 

Beyond clothing, Al Hajri has expanded her brand to include ‘House of Wadha,’ an artistic living space in Msheireb, Doha, which embodies the aesthetic principles of her brand in a spatial experience. 

Additionally, she has launched ‘Wadha Fragrances’ and ‘Wadha Bags,’ adding luxury perfumes and women’s bags to her repertoire.

Al Hajri’s designs are deeply inspired by Islamic art and architecture, which is evident in the geometric hand embroideries and latticework that firmly roots her creations within her Qatari heritage.

Forbes’ recognition of Ghada Al Subaey and Wadha Al Hajri not only underscores their significant impact on fashion but also inspires young women in Qatar and the broader Middle East to pursue their dreams with dedication and innovation. 

These designers exemplify the significant role that women play in the Qatari community.