Doaa Ahmad Dirbas
Threads of Heritage
DOAA AHMAD DIRBAS
Weaving Palestinian Culture into Modern Fashion
Doaa Ahmad Dirbas, a Palestinian designer with a Jordanian passport based in the UAE, is making waves in the world of fashion. With a vision deeply rooted in cultural heritage and a flair for contemporary elegance, she has created a unique niche for herself. From her early fascination with fabrics to launching her first collection in 2017, Dirbas’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and passion, masterfully blending tradition with modernity.
Dirbas’s love for fashion began at an early age. “My interest in fashion started as a child, sewing little fabric scraps onto dolls,” she shares. These childhood experiments instilled in her a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and the joy of creating something unique. As she grew older, her fascination turned into a mission: to weave culture and tradition into her designs.
“For me, design isn’t just about how clothes look; it’s about telling a story,” she says. Her passion for Palestinian embroidery became a cornerstone of her work, inspiring her to combine heritage with modernity, particularly by integrating it into Emirati abayas.
Being a Palestinian designer with a Jordanian passport and living in the UAE has greatly influenced Dirbas’s creative process. “Growing up surrounded by various cultures helped me see different ways of thinking and art styles,” she notes. Her multicultural background allows her to mix design elements in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.
While Palestinian embroidery remains central to her work, her exposure to Emirati culture and modern Middle Eastern fashion has enabled her to craft pieces that honor tradition while staying contemporary. “The mixture of old and new, local and global, defines my design process and sets my work in motion,” she adds.
Launching her first collection in 2017 was a pivotal moment, but it came with its challenges. “Finding reliable suppliers and ensuring quality materials were difficult at first,” Dirbas recalls. She also faced the daunting task of differentiating her brand in a competitive market. However, her dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship helped her overcome these obstacles.
“Building strong relationships with suppliers and educating customers about the heritage behind every piece made a significant difference,” she explains. The positive feedback from her clients has been a source of motivation, reaffirming her commitment to her vision. Dirbas’s designs are a testament to her ability to blend cultures. By combining Palestinian embroidery with Emirati abayas, she creates pieces that celebrate both traditions.
“The Palestinian embroidery is full of cultural and emotional meaning,” she says. “Merging it with Emirati abayas lets me celebrate both traditions by creating classic and fresh pieces.” The vibrant fashion scene in the UAE, with its cultural diversity, serves as a constant source of inspiration. Her clients have embraced this fusion wholeheartedly, appreciating the personal stories woven into each design.
Developing custom embroidery designs is central to Dirbas’s work. Drawing inspiration from traditional Palestinian patterns, she reinterprets them in modern ways to keep them relevant. “I make sure each design is a work of art, showcasing uniqueness,” she says. Collaborating with skilled artisans ensures the quality of her pieces, while modern twists like unexpected color combinations and metallic threads add a contemporary touch.
By sharing the meaning behind each design, she creates a deeper connection with her clients, making her work stand out in the competitive fashion market. For Dirbas, preserving traditional craftsmanship while meeting the demands of contemporary fashion is a delicate balance.
“I respect the generations of artisans who passed down Palestinian embroidery techniques, and I feel responsible for keeping that art alive,” she explains. By incorporating modern elements such as updated color palettes and innovative fabrics, she ensures that her designs remain relevant while honoring their roots. This approach allows her to keep traditions alive while appealing to today’s fashion-forward audience.
Dirbas has learned valuable lessons from building her brand. “Strong relationships with suppliers and factories are essential,” she emphasizes. Attention to detail, flexibility, and persistence have been crucial in navigating challenges and maintaining production quality. “Patience and persistence are key,” she advises aspiring designers. “Building a brand takes time, and there will be setbacks, but staying true to your vision is what matters most.”
As Dirbas looks to the future, her aspirations are clear. “I want my brand to grow globally, but not at the cost of losing its cultural soul,” she says. She plans to expand her collections while continuing to spotlight craftsmanship and heritage. Her ultimate goal is to inspire others to appreciate the power of storytelling through fashion, using traditional techniques in fresh, modern ways.
Dirbas sees her role as more than just a designer; she is a storyteller and an advocate for Palestinian craftsmanship. By integrating traditional embroidery into her designs, she highlights the richness of her culture on an international stage.
“Fashion crosses borders,” she says. “Each design reflects Palestinian culture’s resilience, pride, and spirit.” Through collaborations with artisans and showcasing their work globally, she hopes to spark conversations about the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
Doaa Ahmad Dirbas is a trailblazer in the fashion world, skillfully blending tradition and modernity to create designs that resonate deeply with her audience. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and cultural pride. As she continues to expand her brand, she remains committed to celebrating heritage while embracing the future. Dirbas’s work is not just about fashion; it’s about preserving identity and telling stories that inspire generations to come.
by Peter Davis