From Finance World to the Fashion WorldMeet Aljawhara Al Mahdi

You’re probably all familiar with Boutique N by now, but if you have been living under a rock, allow us to introduce you to one of the hottest multi-brand stores in K-town, Boutique N.

Co-founded by the style savvy Aljawhara Al Mahdi, Boutique N is an independent and immersive fashion store in the heart of Kuwait City, which boasts a curated edit of high-end contemporary brands. As a Head buyer, AlJawhara has her fingers on the pulse of what's new and now in fashion, which contributes to the success of her store.

HIGHNECK: DREY

JEANS:HERMES

HEELS:MANOLO BLAHNIK

3oud.com spoke to the entrepreneur to find out more about her fashion journey and get a look at what's in store for Boutique N.

1. Tell us how and why did you get into the business of fashion?

It started out as a passion project for me, my mother and my sister. We’ve always really loved fashion and design in general. We felt like there was a gap in the market, so Boutique N was born. I currently handle the creative direction & buying for the shop, and my mother and sister hold separate roles of the business.

2. How would you sum up the aesthetic and the buy of Boutique N?

Modern but still timeless, fashion forward without being too “trendy”. We want to make sure you love what you buy, you look amazing, you feel amazing, and you can wear it for a long time. Some of our customers still have pieces they bought from us 10 years ago!

TOP:AWAKE

SKIRT:ISABEL MARANT

SHOSE:CELINE

3. What do you look forward to the most during you Paris buying trips?

I love looking at the upcoming trends and next seasons collections. Also to be surrounded by people who work in the industry is inspiring because we kind of feed off of each others energy. I also love catching up with our fashion friends from Kuwait and all over the world. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun too.

4. Which Spring trends are you most eager to try?

I’m excited to give up leggings and loungewear for a bit and add lots of color onto both the shop floor and my wardrobe. Looking forward to bright monochromatic looks and especially lots color coordinated separates.

TOP: LE17SEPTEMBERE

JEANS:AGOLDE

HEELS:PRADA

5. What is your favorite restaurant in Paris and why?

I love Balagaan, the energy is perfect, the service is excellent, the food is an experience.

I also love Castiglione for a really quick bite on the run, in my opinion, best burger in Paris!

6. What’s the greatest lesson you have learned so far from running your fashion business?

To learn to adapt and grow constantly. Fashion is always changing and we also have to keep growing and adapting season by season. Covid was the biggest challenge of all and it helped us give life to our ecommerce business when we were in lockdown and quarantine, in turn our Ecomm is now a significant part of our business.

CARDIGAN: A.L.C

JEANS:AGOLDE

7. How would you describe the mood in fashion right now?

Alive! After the lockdowns and quarantines people are ready to look and dress up like themselves again.

8. How would you describe your personal style?

Minimal with a modern edge, I try to keep it clean but still relevant.

I love simple draped styles & easy to wear pieces. I think texture and materials are important, and I love to play a lot with accessories and jewelry.

RINGS: SPINELLI - VINK

9. What are your favorite fashion brands internationally, and regionally?

From our brands I always love Rachel Comey. Le 17 Septembre is a new brand on our shop floor I’m a really big fan of right now. In terms of bigger brands my mood is always changing, but I’m definitely most excited about seeing what Phoebe Philo comes up with with her namesake label.

10. What possession will you never throw away?

My grandmothers emerald ring means a lot to me.

CARDIGAN: A.L.C

JEANS:AGOLDE

11. What inspires your most?

Growth, the fact that we are always evolving and growing and bettering both ourselves and our business. I’m inspired to always try to do better & be better in all aspects of life.

12. Describe your typical working day, how it starts and ends.

My typical work day starts around 8 or 9 am by checking my emails, getting back to my designers, shipments etc. Then I check in on my team in the shop, after that i head over to the store in AlHamra. If I have any meetings I’ll take them there or work on some content creation for the shop. My day ends around the afternoon but I’ll still be accessible by email and phone all day. Being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job!