Modern looks unveiled

Bahraini designer Sara Khalid Al Sharfaa has unveiled her first range of clothing after ditching the boardroom for the cut and thrust of the fashion world.

The 27-year-old recently displayed her stunning creations to the public at the Blossom Events Bazaar held at Amwaj Islands.

Sara, a marketing graduate from Hidd, had been apprehensive about settling for a career that concentrated on digits rather than designs. She said: "After my graduation at the University College of Bahrain, I joined my father's company as a marketing executive.

"However, I could not see myself forever discussing new projects and plans. At board meetings I would sometimes be day-dreaming about different shoe, bag and dress designs!"

After her marriage five years ago, Sara became a full-time mother, dedicating herself to her two daughters Maha, three, and Mayan, one, and set aside her fashion dreams. But at the end of last year, encouraged by her family, she decided the time was right to launch her own label, Pieces by Sara, turning her dream into reality.

She said: "As a child I was always struck by designs which stood out from the rest. They inspired me to create my own look. 'Pieces by Sara' seemed the obvious name as they are unique pieces of me."

Sara's designs aim to be a reflection of a modern Bahraini woman who likes bright, eye-catching colours in comfortable and stylish fabrics.

She said: "The lining I use for my designs is created using stretchable material and can hence be worn by more than one size, for instance, 10 to 14.

"I also use a variety of fabrics to suit every taste, although I personally enjoy working on silk georgette.

"My designs cater to a younger crowd of ladies, aged from 20 to 35, although I'm told they are also suited for the young at heart!"

Her designs are stitched in Bahrain using fabric and accessories bought from Dubai. Although she agrees to facing tough competition in the region with many young designers setting their passions alight, Sara is confident her uniqueness will pay dividends.

Her greatest critic is her eldest daughter, Maha. Following in her mother's footsteps at such a tender age, Maha is already a 'shopaholic' who relies on retail therapy when her moods are down. Sara said: "If she is upset about something, she will tell me - 'Mumma, please let's go shopping'!"

Sara is looking forward to introducing her designs to the public by collaborating with prominent design houses or boutiques at the fashion-friendly A'Ali Shopping Complex.

Sara's Fact file

Favourite shopping destination: UK

Favourite brand: Chanel and Bottega Veneta

Favourite colours: Black and red

Favourite fashion icon: Sarah Jessica Parker

Love to shop for: Shoes and Bags - "If I see something I like, I have no peace until I get it!" she said.