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Designer Khloud Alajaji’s Jalabiya collections featuring intricate silver and gold ‘Nakda’ embroidery are making their mark across the region, writes Camille Jones.
Nakda, in Arabic, or Mukesh, in India, is a delicate hand-sewn technique that uses flat silver stripes of thread to make elegant motifs on luxury fabric.
Khloud started five years ago making jalabiya outfits for her four daughters at home in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan. Before long, family and friends requested her work too and as demand grew the next logical step was to turn her hobby into a fully-fledged business.
“My mother is a tailor and when I was a child I watched her every move and she gave me some ideas,” she explained. “I remember all the things she did and have been able to apply these techniques to my own designs.
“I lean toward the oriental styles in abayat and jalabiya. I also use Egyptian, Syrian and Indian elements to create my very own style too.”
She sources her materials of pure silk, cotton and linen from far and wide. In Cotonou, for example, she has been able to find a unique blend of linen and cotton and uses that for more structured pieces to add a special touch.
Her line is carried in boutiques in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Bahrain. Recently she showcased in the Little Island Market which is a pop-up exhibition held in Juffair’s Al Raya Mall, organised by Banan Yaquby, Mara Mostafa and Hind Alrawaf.
Little Island Market aims to encourage selective regional designers to showcase their work and encourage them to develop their brand by offering advise on fashion design, branding and market placement.
For more information on Khloud Alajaji and where to find her designs check out her Instagram account @sharqibykhloud
