Saudi GazetteThere was a time when Saudi women were passive, unambitious and hidden behind the veil. The only profession they could take up was that of a teacher or a doctor. One could have clearly described Saudi society as a male patriarchy where only men were found to be in responsible positions, both economically and socially. However today, there is a drastic change in the scenario. Saudi women are clearly on the move and have not just emerged to be active and vibrant, but have also boldly stepped forward to bring a positive change in the society, while modestly holding on to their Islamic beliefs. Saudi women are now doctors, social workers, bank directors, journalists, scientists, to mention just a few occupations that Saudi women have taken up today. One such Saudi woman who was not afraid to take risks and tread unfamiliar waters has made a tremendous mark and has achieved a remarkable name for herself in the world of fashion. Amal Engawi had a passion for dressing up, a superior taste in fashion and an adventurous spirit to learn the latest trends of the fashion industry. She utilized this deadly combination and has become an internationally acclaimed female fashion designer. She has her own haute couture which is highly in demand in Jeddah. Amal Engawi completed her Bachelor's degree in psychology and had no academic background in fashion. She accompanied her husband to Italy for business trips and while he was at work, she took advantage of being in the birth place of fashion by attending fashion shows and shopping in boutiques, which sharpened her sense of fashion. She was meticulous in choosing clothes for herself and mixing colors. Each time she returned to Jeddah and went to social gatherings, her friends were awed by her collection of dazzling gowns. “When my friends and family saw my clothes, they were really impressed. Everyone started pleading with me to bring them something special from Italy. So I thought why not learn from some of the best Italian fashion designers and create my own line of gowns. Being a Saudi woman myself, I know exactly what kind of dresses Saudi women want, and what is suitable in our culture,” said Engawi. Engawi travelled to Italy again to pursue her interest in fashion. She took fashion designing courses, met with prominent fashion designers and closely worked with them behind the scenes to learn every step of the dress making process, right from drawing the design on paper to choice of materials, sewing, ironing, and embroidery. “I attended textile material shows and had to study each type of material, its texture, and how it can be used. I wore my hijab everywhere I went and I was treated with deep respect. The Italian fashion designers were extremely helpful, keen on teaching me, and interested in our culture,” Engawi added. The distinctive ingredient in Engawi's gowns is her combination of the best fashion styles from two contrasting cultures: European and Arab. “European style is elegant, but too simple. Arab women want something with a little more glitter and glitz. Short dresses may be appreciated in Europe, but I think long dresses are more chic. I usually start with a basic Italian design, then I adjust the style and play with it to satisfy my client by adding lace, beads and crystals, satin ribbons, or ruffles. I give my clients something new and unprecedented yet culturally acceptable. “For wedding gowns, I rarely resort to using only plain white. Merging in another soft color imparts a glow and personality to the gown. I introduce a tinge of very light peach or the faintest pink or golden. We do not have to stick to the old styles, we can make small changes that will have attractive results,” said Engawi. Why does a major disaster occur if two women end up wearing the exact same dress at a party? While men fail to understand this concept, every women dreads it. Amal Engwai offers a soothing solution to this problem by promising a unique gown for every woman. “I never repeat the exact same design. When I work with my client I give her my ideas and advice, but still welcome her opinion. I know what will flatter her complexion and body type. After the design is finalized, it is our responsibility to purchase the materials and accessories and to tailor the gown until the dress of her dreams is ready. We design and tailor evening gowns and engagement and wedding gowns. I cringe at the thought of draping a black abaya over a beaming bride so I make exquisite white abayas for the bride to wear on her car ride from the wedding hall to her home.” Engawi's nine-year-old daughter, Shahad, has an eye for fashion as well. She likes to draw and she takes strips of left over materials to make dresses for her Barbie dolls. Amal Engawi has also held several women's only fashion shows to display her spectacular collection of gowns. __
