Qatari fashion designer Mashael Alnaimi, founder of Dar Mhefhef

Meet Qatari fashion designer Mashael Al Nuaimi, founder of Dar Mohaff, a contemporary clothing brand in Doha.

Mashael Alnaimi founded Mhefhef in Doha in 2020 to create natural pieces and sustainable.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of Mashael's designs. Working with artisans from various parts of the world, allowed the handwoven fabrics to be transformed into canvases for textile art such as handblocking, henna art shibori, hand-painting, felting, and eco print.

Mashael introduced Upcycled Abayas, handmade entirely from fabric waste that would have otherwise been in a landfill. Most recently Mashael experimented with the unconventional technique of henna print on silk for M7’s ZWARA Doha Dreams design program in 2022. On the heels of Zawara, Mashael developed permanent henna paste for her CR Fashion Runway look.

Mashael's look was one of 3 local designers selected to participate in EMERGE Fashion Show, in partnership with Qatar Creates in 2022.

Mashael Al-Nuaimi talks to 3oud.com about her Qatari brand, her work, and her designs.

1-How do you stand out from the rest of the designers?

The motivation behind my brand is to make 100% natural abayas and not necessarily in cotton or linen but in the highest quality Silks. I chose handwoven mulberry silk because the feel is just unmatched and it’s not available in the market here. Natural fabrics have sheen and movement that elevate the most basic silhouette.

2. What artist or designer would you want to collaborate with in the future?

There are incredible talents in Qatar and the region that I world love to collaborate with but from the ones I know Naila Al Thani and  Shouq Al Mana, I have a lot of admiration for their creativity.

3. Where do you see your brand in the next five years?

Growing the upcycled collection, coming up with new techniques and hopefully making Qatar a center for luxurious sustainable fashion! We have so many resources to tap into to make it happen in 5 years

4. Describe your brand in three words.

Natural. Breezy. Individual

5. What advice would you give to a new designer?

Trust and celebrate your individuality,  don’t be led by commercials or trends. Create what’s is genuinely meaningful

6. What are some of the challenges you faced when you first started your brand?

The lack of interest in natural fabrics and sustainable fashion is still a challenge. The lack of patience to appreciate the time and effort to Upcycle properly or to weave fabrics,  eco print or create textures.

7. Where does your inspiration come from?

my inspiration is invariably from my an emotional memory, music or an atmosphere. Sometime I get inspired by an object, like seeing a photo of Kasbah gate  which I tried the create on fabric, pic attached

8. How has the preparation process been like leading up to CR Runway?

Chaotic and full of hurdles that I’m relieved were overcome successfully! It’s exciting and terrifying to be part of such an enormous event so early in my 2 fashion years. I want to make Qatar proud and so I put all my love in the making of this one look

9. What is your favourite part about being involved in one of the biggest fashion shows in history?

Being able to showcase my culture in a new light. Having an international platform to communicate the old, the new and the enduring values that define us.