| Issue 1
Generations of Qatari Talent
Mubarak Al Thani
| Mubarak Al Thani
Mubarak Al Thani is a Qatari artist and graphic designer , and founder of Blessed , a high-end pop culture brand making men ’ s clothing .
Al Thani ’ s designs embody the very essence of Qatar , and Qatari and Arab culture .
“ Everything across the country is an inspiration I incorporate into the brand — the famous architectural designs , the old fabrics used in tents , the nature , the flora and fauna of the desert . The logo on our polo shirts is a camel , the ultimate desert animal .”
“ We use a lot of geometric designs to reflect the historic and modern buildings that also use these patterns . Islamic history in the region , Islamic calligraphy — all these things help shape my work .”
Launched in Qatar in early 2015 , Blessed has big goals . “ My designs aren ’ t just for Qataris — they ’ re for everyone ... Taking Blessed to fashion weeks around the world , New York , Paris , that ’ s the dream in the near future .”
“ I want my designs to show that the Middle East is about so much more than problems and crises . We have great artistic potential , beautiful architectural and fashion work . This is the future .”
Al Thani sees a bright future for fashion design in Qatar .
“ I ’ m the only menswear designer in Qatar at the moment , as most of the market is focused on women ’ s fashion , but I see this changing soon . We ’ re already branching out and will be launching our first fragrance this year . A new generation of Qataris are developing smaller brands , and using Instagram and other social media to share them with the world . I ’ m looking forward to the competition !”
| Mubarak Al Thani Designs
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