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Talented designer Muna Yateem has launched a unique range of modern watches which she hopes will be the start of a timeless collection, as well as a timely business venture.
The entrepreneurial 25-year-old Bahraini displayed her inaugural set of fashionable time-pieces at the park at Alwan 338 supported by friends, family and devotees of jewellery and accessories.
Muna, from Adliya, describes herself as an urban and spatial designer and watch collector. She solely developed and produced the range of watches entitled Haraka to share with the people of Bahrain.
“The name Haraka comes from a common phrase in Bahrain, when something has that cool factor they say that’s a ‘haraka’ or ‘harakat’ which roughly translates to you’ve got cool moves!” said Muna.
Whether you prefer a more classic look or something rainbow bright, the Haraka collection aims to provide the perfect ticker for every wrist.
According to fashion experts, sure, you can get the time from your mobile phone, but nothing says class like a watch.
The opening event last Wednesday witnessed the Adliya art space awash with moustache silhouettes, the logo for the Haraka design, hung from a series of set gallows at the entrance of the park and elsewhere.
Onlookers pushed through the crowds to have the chance to try on the 10 different brightly-coloured designs and scores were snatched up for BD38 each.
“Watching something you design come off the paper and into reality is very exciting!” said Muna. “The watches are unisex. With fashion and trends being very ephemeral, the price is deliberately set at an affordable rate for the range that is currently out.
“I truly believe that Bahrain has such creative and talented individuals; I met many who have done creative things whether it be in art, photography and pottery, and yet some just keep it as a hobby,” she said. “I wanted to show young creative people that anything is possible, and not to be discouraged so easily from making a business out of something that they love.”
Only time will tell how successful Muna’s business venture will be but the reaction, so far, has been enthusiastic.
Deena Alhilli, 24, from Isa Town, said: “I think the bright colours on the watches is significant towards where we’re heading in Bahrain. It’s exactly what people need
, especially because we’ve had lots of distress in recent months. I think it’s a great way to bring young people together.”
Muizz Al Aradi, 26, from Sitra, agreed. “They’re so colourful,” he said. “I like how each of the styles has a different name. I’ve spotted Rambo 1, 2, 3 and 4, 3asal, Sunny Side Up, Essie, Toot, Berry Berry Nice and Tangerine. It suits the style of the watches completely,” he said.
“This is the first time that something like this is being launched by a Bahraini. So many people have come out to encourage her, it’s very exciting. You haven’t seen a Bahraini brand of watch as young and as fresh like this, it’s something new and a great concept,” added Perry Elashmawi, 24, from Saar
.
“The watches are cool. They are funky and streety. I love them!” added Mercedes Gonzalez de Garay, 32, from Adliya.
Muna designed the watches with a series of sketches and had 600 produced by a watchmaker to the 10 original designs.
The former Bayan School pupil studied interior and spatial design at Chelsea College, University of the Arts London, and her masters in urban design at University College London before returning to her family home to set up the business venture.
Her parents Ali and Shirley Yateem are ‘extremely proud’ of her achievements. She also has three sisters – Hala, 33, who runs an interior design store, Nada, 32, who operates a flower shop, and university student Fatima, 22.
“I have many ideas that I want to bring to life, so I’ll hopefully be launching other lines and products soon!” said Muna.
• The Haraka series of watches are available from La Boutique 92 in La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art in Hoora and at Khaleda Rajab Couture located in the Diplomatic Area.
