A journey through traditional Emirati fashion
This came during the session “Kshkha and heritage… a journey into traditional Emirati fashion,” organised by Kalemat Group as part of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025. The session coincided with the release of the new book Taqa, which provides young people and adults the opportunity to engage with heritage in a creative way.
The session hosted writer and illustrator Bodour Rashidi, children’s literature author Noura Al Khouri, and artist-designer Yusr Al Abayji, and was moderated by Israa Al Mulla.
Bodour Rashidi: storytelling through illustrations
Bodour Rashidi spoke about her experience writing and illustrating Taqa, explaining that the project began from her dream of entering the fashion design world and her passion for traditional Arab fashion. She noted that her grandmother was a primary source of information, taking her to Dubai’s old markets and introducing her to the types of fabrics used in the 1950s according to seasons and occasions.
Rashidi added that she intentionally used a distinctive illustrative style to highlight veils and eyes, employing colours inspired by vintage fabrics to make the book enjoyable, accessible, and appealing to children and the younger generation. She emphasised that she did not want to present only informational content but interactive material blending knowledge and entertainment through folk songs and accompanying stories.
Noura Al Khouri: engaging children in their language
Author Noura Al Khouri highlighted the importance of addressing children in a language and storytelling style suited to their thinking, noting that the traditional classical approach is no longer suitable. She argued that children’s stories need adventure and journeys that stimulate imagination and create excitement.
She also stressed the importance of using local dialects selectively in dialogues while maintaining authentic Arabic roots, helping distinguish regional dialects and preserving identity. Al Khouri believes that direct engagement with children, including stories from parents and grandparents, helps bridge the gap between the younger generation and heritage.
Yusr Al Abayji: sustaining culture through design
Artist and designer Yusr Al Abayji emphasized that strengthening the younger generation’s understanding of cultural identity is a form of cultural sustainability, as heritage naturally passes down through generations. She highlighted the importance of using environmentally friendly materials in fashion design, pointing out that fast fashion causes significant environmental harm.
Al Abayji explained that understanding the names and sources of traditional attire helps contemporary designers reinterpret them in ways suitable for today’s generation, creating a balance between authenticity and innovation and encouraging youth to embrace their identity. She also noted that integrating design expertise with a heritage background allows designers to develop a clear and distinct identity in their work.
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