ESMOD Dubai, a premier institution for fashion education in the Middle East, continues to shape the future of aspiring designers under the visionary leadership of its founder and CEO, Tamara Hostal. With a career steeped in creativity and innovation, Ms. Hostal tells Woman This Month about nurturing talent and fostering a deeper understanding of the fashion industry’s complexities.
Ms. Hostal’s journey in fashion began with a personal passion for style and garment creation. “It is in my blood,” she says. “I have created many outfits for personal use, choosing unusual fabrics and launching new styles and signatures.” This lifelong love for fashion culminated in the establishment of ESMOD Dubai in 2006, alongside co-founder Denis Ravizza. As a branch of the renowned French fashion institute ESMOD, the Dubai campus offers a comprehensive three-year degree programme and an array of short courses tailored to various aspects of fashion, from design to production.
ESMOD Dubai stands out as a hub for aspiring designers, not only due to its rigorous curriculum but also because it serves as a popular recruitment ground for the industry. The institution’s emphasis on blending creative and business skills ensures its graduates are well-equipped for success. “We integrate creative and business skills through our unique methodology,” Ms. Hostal explains. “Our programmes are designed to provide a strong foundation in fashion history, trends and the business side of the industry.”
This commitment to excellence has extended beyond the classroom. In collaboration with Tamkeen and Bahrain’s 973 initiative, ESMOD Dubai recently launched a bespoke training programme for 30 Bahraini designers with the goal of enabling these talented individuals to showcase their collections on a global stage. “We wanted the Bahraini designers to be able to reach a global market and show their collections globally,” says Ms. Hostal. The participants, all Bahraini nationals with established brands that have been operating for a minimum of five years, are undergoing a year-long curriculum that delves into essential subjects such as fashion history, trend analysis and the business aspects of the industry.
By exposing designers to the full spectrum of the fashion world – from digital design to technical aspects – the programme ensures a holistic learning experience. Ms. Hostal highlights the importance of staying current in this fast-paced industry: “It is absolutely important to learn more and be up-to-date.” This initiative also leverages the expertise of ESMOD Dubai’s seasoned professionals, who provide invaluable insights into the industry’s demands and opportunities.
As these Bahraini designers complete the course, Ms. Hostal envisions a bright future for them. “The next step is to practice, gain confidence and express their creativity,” she notes. By fostering a global perspective and a deep understanding of contemporary fashion culture, ESMOD Dubai hopes to prepare its trainees for lasting success in the competitive world of fashion.
Reflecting on what it takes for Bahraini designers to thrive, Ms. Hostal underscores the need for alignment with current trends and innovation. “To create and develop their creativity in line with where fashion is going today is key,” she says.
For more information, check out @esmoddubai on Instagram or visit www.esmod-dubai.com
