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A fashion pioneer and the owner of Amzaan boutique
Fashion entrepreneur, photographer, artist and accessories designer Shaikha Maisa Al-Qassimi is the owner of and buyer for Amzaan in Dubai, one of the Gulf’s funkiest independent fashion boutiques. You could forgive someone so talented for acting like a princess (she doesn’t), but Shaikha Maisa has the confidence and drive that’s becoming more apparent in young Emirati women – it’s just this one is a princess of Sharjah’s royal family.
In a city where the big labels dominate, Shaikha Maisa’s Amzaan focuses on hard-to-get fashion from around the globe. It is also one of the few local stores to support, nurture and stock local Dubai-designed labels. Shaikha was a pioneer in this regard, stocking Dubai designers’ fashion, jewellery and accessories when no other store would.
Aside from a few boutiques, such as S*uce and Ginger & Lace, it’s still hard to find the work of UAE designers in Dubai. “I love our designers and it’s important to promote them,” says Sheikha Maisa. “I think Emirati Raghda Bukhash is one of the most interesting designers about – with her Pink Sushi label, she’s taken our culture and tradition, and given it a modern twist.”
Shaikha Maisa equates her enterprising spirit with her creative output: “I like to be in control as much as I can. I like to manage all aspects of my business – and what I love most about owning and operating Amzaan is the fashion business itself. I’m a photographer and artist as well, so fashion is just another release for that creativity.”
“I really enjoy the buying trips, travelling the world to source new designers,” she adds, “but they are definitely the most stressful and tiring part of my work. They are very intensive, going from one show to another; one store to another. By the third week, I can’t tell the difference between colours, what’s blue or pink!”
Lara Dunston & Terry Carter; portrait by T Carter
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