Canadian, Fran, will be familiar to many as the face of events such as Bab Market and Little India in Bahrain. In November 2016, she launched her own clothing label, Black Anaar, and later moved to Berlin in hopes of developing the brand.
However, missing, among other things, the desert sun, she’s now planning to split her time between Germany and Bahrain and she recently launched a new pop-up concept at More Words on the Budaiya Highway.
She explains: “Basically I have a little of the souk within the boutique – so customers can choose their “shape” based on the samples present, choose their material and then choose their embellishment details to be added on. It started with the idea for my new winter collection sweatshirts, made in my Berlin Atelier, that have cute little elements such as lace on the sleeves, to be able to be designed by the customer. I think people will really enjoy this as you can’t do that at H&M for example; also for some people venturing into Manama Souq is daunting. It also gets customers to be a bit more invested in their creations as I am trying to promote slow fashion and holding on to special pieces for years… not just weeks.”
Black Anaar pieces are distinctive, they’re flowing and, for anyone who knows the souq, the materials are familiar. Asked about the Black Anaar women, Fran says: “She has class and likes to dress up, weather that means standing out or being more laid back, it always means she will have a refined taste. Even the funky, more colourful pieces have been made with love and care and the fabrics I have chosen reflect the same value in taste. That doesn’t mean she can’t be more daring with the pieces if she chooses to wear them in her own unique way. Many of the designs lend themselves to being mixed and matched with either jeans and a T-shirt or a nice evening dress… it just depends on how creative the wearer is.
“Because of Germany’s minimal style, many people who would love to wear these pieces on a daily basis can’t due to obvious restrictions such as having to ride a bicycle around Berlin, so they opt to buy ‘special’ pieces to be worn at summer music festivals. This has proven to be my best new market in Berlin… also the tourists from LA and Russia love the unique styles and their long flowing silhouettes. “
Fran is planning to be in the Kingdom throughout the winter and says: “I always like to do a yearly pop-up here and to be able to take part in some of the island’s iconic festivals and markets. I’m really excited to take part in the Soundscapes festival!
“I hope to be able to introduce the brand to other Gulf countries and cities this winter. I’ll be travelling to Dubai and hopefully Kuwait. Also, I’ll be back in Germany for the festival season [the summer]. I will also be in Canada at some point with another pop-up which has yet to be booked. I’m so thankful for all the collaborations with photographers that occurred this year and for all the concept stores and boutiques that gave Black Anaar a place! I’m excited for what this year will have in store.”
