Fashionista and New York Fashion Institute of Technology graduate Reem BuQais-Rivera has unveiled her first fashion line to family, friends and fans at the trendy Green Diamond boutique in Seef Mall.

The 24-year-old fashion blogger from Saar recently won Bahrain’s Top Stylist competition, giving her the chance to exhibit her designs at Shaikha Farah bint Khalid Al Khalifa’s eclectic Green Diamond store, as recently revealed by GulfWeekly.

Influenced by her Bahraini and Latin roots, Reem has created her 2014 Resort Collection which fashion-lovers have described as ‘a breath of fresh air’ with whimsical summer colours of green, purple and tangerine with edgy prints and patterns in form-fitted and loose silhouettes.
 
Reem said: “I was inspired by the tropics and floral prints. I wanted to make a resort collection that features easy-to-wear items that can be thrown on and are very comfortable.

“My silhouettes range from form-fitting to loose-fitting garments. But even the form-fitting ones are pretty comfortable and whimsical. I have the vibrancy of the Latin colours but the demure Arab look, such as the long skirt.

“And, I had to get the fabric, design and everything done in one month.”

With no time to spare, Reem managed to pull together a funky collection of 15 pieces in various sizes. Although she is taking orders for those who cannot find their size at the store, items are limited.

Her mix-and-match style allows customers to combine different pieces to create a chic look befitting their personalities.

While shoppers looked through the collection at the launch they were treated to an array of Arabic-inspired refreshments and delved into a tasty macaroon tower.

Customers and bloggers were especially drawn to the crop tops as well as the bright and colourful printed pencil skirt that features a tulle outer layer for a high-low hemline which is currently the trend. Reem showcased the skirt with a plum-coloured crop top. She added: “Prints and colours are in this season, especially with crop tops and maxi skirts. I have seen a lot of those styles on the runway for the resort collection so I am glad to be on trend.”

The Silver Kick Diaries blogger and marketing manager of Zayani Motors, Shabana Feroze, 28, from Adliya, fell in love with Reem’s designs. She said: “I think her outfits are very out there and edgy. She has definitely brought back a piece of New York with her. I have not seen anything like this in Bahrain, it’s fashionable and functional.”

Blonde in Bahrain blogger, Georgina Jennsen, 39, from Juffair, said: “I think the collection is very beautiful and I love the colours. I think my favourite is the tangerine cigarette pants with the stripe down the side, which is really big this season as well as the colour. She also has the mad print going on. I think her designs are a lovely structured shape.”

Reem’s sister Dana, 26, an interior designer, from Saar, is proud of how far her talented sibling has come. Dana said: “I love my sister’s designs. It’s tropical and summery. I love the bright colours as I am all about colours. Her outfits look like fun.

“I am extremely proud of her as this is such a big step for her knowing where she started, having to change careers and then ending up here. It’s something to be proud of.”

Reem also designed Green Diamond’s window displays with her fashion wear, using touches of her tropical prints in the mix.

Reem added: “Shaikha Farah has been amazing throughout this whole thing. The support I got from her is wonderful and I am really grateful for all of this. It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for her.”

Items in the collection start from BD15.

For more information, email reembuqaisrivera@gmail.com or follow her on @reembuqais on Twitter and @reembuqaisrivera on Instagram.