Brief
Emirati designer Amna Alfalahi modernises the traditional mkhawer
Versatile founder Amna Alfalahi says her mkhawer line blends heritage with contemporary design for younger Emirati women.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Emirati designer Amna Alfalahi, founder of the fashion brand Versatile, is updating the traditional mkhawer – a loose, long‑sleeved dress that has long been part of Emirati wardrobes – with new colours, fabrics, cuts and decorative details, Gulf News reported on October 12, 2026.
What happened
The mkhawer, historically worn for everyday life, family gatherings and special occasions, remains a staple of Emirati identity. Alfalahi says she wears it daily and that it has been handed down through generations. Dissatisfied with the limited creativity of local tailors, she launched her own mkhawer business to offer more variety while preserving the garment’s modest silhouette.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that contemporary versions of the mkhawer may feature crystals, beads and other modern details, expanding the range of designs available to younger women who want a blend of tradition and fashion. The outlet also highlights that the garment’s evolution is driven by designers experimenting with colour palettes and fabric choices, though the core shape stays unchanged.
What was said
In a phone interview, Alfalahi told Gulf News, “It’s what I wear every day and what has been passed down through many generations. It’s our traditional dress that represents Emirati women.” She added, “What inspired me the most was the lack of creativity in local tailors. I felt that I couldn’t find anything that I liked. Everything, to me, was repetitive and was not executed well enough.”
How it came about
Alfalahi’s decision to start a mkhawer line stemmed from her personal search for designs she wanted to wear herself. By creating Versatile, she aims to give Emirati women a modern yet culturally rooted wardrobe option, aligning with broader trends of heritage fashion being reinterpreted for contemporary markets.
Key facts
- The mkhawer is a traditional Emirati dress with a loose, flowing shape and long sleeves. (gulfnews.com)
- Designer Amna Alfalahi founded the brand Versatile to modernise the mkhawer. (gulfnews.com)
- Alfalahi said local tailors lacked creativity, prompting her to create new designs. (gulfnews.com)
- Contemporary mkhawer versions may include crystals, beads and new colour palettes. (gulfnews.com)
- Alfalahi wears the mkhawer daily and views it as a symbol of Emirati women’s identity. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Mkhawer: How Emirati women are reimagining traditional fashion”
.jpg)
