Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette Nahar is a masked magician. Masks permit mystery and in his case add more to the mystic personality, regardless of his social domain. But this young man is no ordinary name. He hides behind a mask revealing more than just his talent. Nahar is a young Saudi fashion stylist who also happens to own the first online fashion agency in Saudi Arabia. An artist who chooses to remain anonymous is also the first Saudi man who was chosen to be the face of Harvey Nichols Riyadh. Much like a depiction of carnivals and a translation of the royal masquerade parties, his masks are his signatures. Nahar keeps his identity personal and achieves the much sought after attention for the right reasons. Through his work, Nahar aims to educate the masses in fashion and is focused on the new generation who struggle to find advice and stylists. His project focuses on Saudi men who are given little or no attention by the fashion gurus. He said his aim is to correct all the misunderstandings about the fashion industry in Saudi Arabia. “To help the new generation of young people understand their style and come up with new ideas to destroy all the bad happiest in the fashion in our community,” said Nahar. Nahar is a self-taught stylist and believes art is something that cannot be taught. “It's a gift.” He said working hard and pursuing the talent within helps achieve professionalism. “I was so lucky to be chosen from Harvey Nichols to be the face of men's collection A\W collection, and we did a great fashion commercial, a first of its kind in Saudi Arabia which has a very important message to correct the misunderstanding about fashion.” Masked behind a mysterious avatar, Nahar said: “Most people think that I'm using a fake name.” He told Saudi Gazette, Nahar said his approach to things in life has always been different. “Since childhood, I was different, I was unlike any kind. I spent my childhood discovering colors, everything around me, even the human skin color.” He grew up with the passion for fashion and plans to fill the void of fashion expertise and advice for men living in the Kingdom. “What I'm trying to do now is to make a man feel good about himself, feel free in his clothes and be confident. I always say the way you style yourself is the way you present your personality.” Nahar said he is still a learner but is “the turbulent kind of guy.” Speaking of the Saudi fashion industry in the past, Nahar said ‘the Saudi man' was more into style and paid more attention to details, adding that the young generation is trying to be trendier, but he thinks some are headed in the wrong direction. Talking about the biggest fashion crimes, he said: “Some guys who walk around with their under pants, like pajamas we call in in Arabic (galabyah). “If you are seeking comfort, this is not the way for sure. Simply because what you wear really reflects your background, your knowledge and your environment.” The fashion industry in the Kingdom has changed drastically in the past ten years. Nahar said: “In general I can tell fashion industry in Saudi Arabia is growing.” He feels the society has started supporting fashion designers and hosts various fashion events but still needs to focus more on men's fashion.” There has been an increasing trend toward more male Saudi fashion designers in the Kingdom. “Unfortunately there are very few of them, but they are doing great. Hatem Al Akeel being one of them.” Nahar said he looks forward to launching his own fashion line but people love him as fashion advisor, stylist and a fashionista. “I need to learn more and educate myself more and more to be ready for it.” When asked why he does not style women, he said: “I think women in our country have all the focus and attention in terms of fashion. Unfortunately we do not have sources for men. And in the end I'm a guy and I want to work for men.” As a fashion expert and face of Harvey Nichols, Nahar said: “Do not be afraid of the change, express yourself in your clothes, feel free, and make sure whatever you are wearing is an element for your personality.”
