Jalila Aarab
Jalila Aarab has been there, done that in the fashion sphere in Morocco, France and, for the last 20-plus years, in Bahrain. “I came to a point where I realised that someone has to start an incubator for budding designers here,” she says. “It is the only one of its kind in the MENA region.”
Jalila’s springboard for new fashion designers helps them to realise their dreams of setting up their own businesses by providing the space, machines, technical labour, fabrics, tools, marketing and mentoring. She says: “We found that Bahrain’s new designers are not skilled enough to start their own business. Our pre-incubator programme, Dilmun Star, is a comprehensive, competitive platform, guiding them through the basic know-how in the creative and commercial aspect of fashion. We introduce them to the latest technology, like using the 3D printer we have on our premises. The students then create a capsule collection incorporating the themes of sustainability, technology and heritage, and pitch and present their work in the final phase of the competition to a panel of industry professionals. And the best are selected from the lot.
“BFI is also the first to partner with L’Institut Français de la Mode, one of the biggest fashion institutes in the world, to facilitate an academic and entrepreneurial exchange programme between French and Bahraini designers. We are the bridge between academics in fashion to actually establishing a business in garment design.”
Abdulaziz Abdulwahed
I was the only male participant amongst 20 ladies, and tied for second place in the competition. Although I have formally studied fashion, this course gave me immense personal and professional growth, and I feel lucky to have been part of this healthy competition with fellow team members.
Learning Shingo Sato’s origami techniques on cloth was great. I also learnt about leadership, fashion marketing and business. Now I am familiar with fashion terminology – like mood boards, look books, gold samples and such, so I feel more confident to deal with large fashion merchandisers and big clients, to whom I will sell my unique designs. I never thought I could do that before the course.
Maryam Alalawi
I had a fantastic experience at BFI’s programme. I have not formally studied fashion, but have always been interested in it since a young age. I came in knowing nothing and gained all my knowledge here. While my strong point is in styling an outfit, I learnt about pattern-making, business plans and marketing at the programme. I applied this knowledge to my collection and stood third in
the competition, thanks mainly to combining various fabric textures in one outfit. My entire collection was hand stitched, and with hand embroidered details. My unique use of the 3D printer was appreciated, as well as details like the metal-cast zipper tabs made by me for my garments. This programme has equipped me to market my own collections.
Khadija Alnajjar
My ideas and designs were much appreciated at the Dilmun Star programme. I am an artist and I love to transfer my art – stories, feelings and drawings onto clothes. I used technology in my dress which represented a traditional Arabic style air conditioner. I made a 3D tiara and the garment was laser cut. I came here with basic pattern making and sewing skills, but this programme has given me 
so much. I interacted with different personalities and exchanged ideas with them. We learnt about fabric, branding and running a business. In the near future I want to teach others what I know about fashion. Later, when I am ready, I will have my own brand, Inshaallah!
Fatima Alsamahiji
I came second in the programme’s competition. It has been a great learning opportunity for me, professionally and personally. I have a diploma in dressmaking and designing women’s wear from Italy, but the cutting course by master cutter, Shingo Sato, was amazing and taught me advanced 
skills. My concept for my collection focused on weaving, which is a dying craft and I tried to integrate the basket weaving technique into my designs, which also incorporated a lot of handwork. For sure fashion needs to be technologically advanced and sustainable, which my collection also showcased. Now that the way forward is clear, I plan to start my own fashion brand.
