Bahrain Confidential shares a conversation with Shaikha Noor Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, the minds behind Noon By Noor.
Noon By Noor’s SS 2018 collection embodies a fusion of masculine and feminine, with masculine shapes taking form in its tailoring, while femininity is expressed through fluidity, ruffles and separates. This season, Designers Shaikha Noor Rashid Al Khalifa and Shaikha Haya Mohammed al Khalifa give a fresh twist to an elegantly modern woman’s wardrobe.
What sparked your interest in fashion?
Noor: I’ve known from a very young age that I wanted to become a fashion designer. It was only natural, as I grew up in an artistic household. My father is a renowned artist. So art, design, and fashion have always been an integral and inevitable part of me.
Haya: I have always had a strong interest in fashion and the arts, but my decision to pursue fashion design as a career came later in life, after extensive travels around the world, where I gained inspiration from enriching and meaningful encounters with various cultures.
How has your cultural root influenced your collections and designs?
Our Bahraini roots continue to inspire our collections in multifaceted ways, ranging from the palpable to the subtler tributes. These designs take the form of modern expression to achieve timeless pieces. Since our brand bridges East and West, our Bahraini roots make up half the equation.
Tell us more about the latest collection, where did you draw the inspiration for this?
Our SS 2018 collection drew inspiration from our home country Bahrain, which is portrayed through the color palette of red and white along with several silhouettes and silk fabrics that present a modern take on Bahrain’s traditional silhouettes.
What do you think makes Noon by Noor a distinctive successful brand in today’s overly crowded fashion world?
Noon By Noor offers a qualitative edge that uniquely transcends boundaries of space (East & West) and time (day & evening). Although our brand identity is often times defined as effortlessly chic, it is also versatile and has a unique appeal for today’s woman. Our distinction stems from our constant development within this creative industry and our relentless commitment to outdo ourselves season after season, while maintaining the high standards of the label and staying true to our brand identity.
The collection looks incredible! Do you have a favourite piece?
Noor: One of my favorite looks from this collection is our red Natalia knit, and red Clara pants. It’s the perfect embodiment of nonchalant chic. The boldness of the color juxtaposes the oversized masculine shaped knit and the fluid feminine pants, which mirrors a vital recurring theme in our designs.
Haya: The Harris jumpsuit is my favorite piece from this collection. It’s elegant, effortless, very chic and embodies the core values of our brand.
Our Bahraini roots continue to inspire our collections in multifaceted ways, ranging from the palpable to the subtler tributes. These designs take the form of modern expression to achieve timeless pieces. Since our brand bridges East and West, our Bahraini roots make up half the equation.
Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?
Noor: There’s no place like home, so I’d have to say Riffa. The moment I enter the city; I feel like the roads are paved with the most beautiful of memories.
Haya: Living on and an island where the beach is a short drive away is probably my favorite part of Bahrain. Nothing beats the view of a tranquil blue sea stretched for miles and miles, especially after a challenging work week.