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Qatari brand 1309 Studios is known for celebrating women in every creation, and their new SS '24 collection stays true to the core value by praising the bonds of sisterhood, female solidarity, and mutual support. We talked to the brand’s founder and creative director Ghada Al Subaey about the outstanding women in her life and how they influenced 1309 Studios’ designs.
— 1309 is all about women, and the new collection, dedicated to sisterhood, is no exception. Could you tell us about the outstanding females who inspired you throughout your creative journey? Who did you look up to as a child and who inspires you these days and why?
— Throughout my life, numerous women have served as sources of inspiration and motivation, influencing both my creative journey and my overall life path. However, my mother holds a special place in my heart as the muse for my creative endeavours. I aim for my creations to embody her unwavering strength and guidance, inspired by her role as the guiding force behind my creative vision.
— Talking about the SS '24 collection's theme, what is sisterhood to you? Do you have siblings or friends with whom you happen to share this special bond?
— Sisterhood to me represents a deep connection based on mutual support, understanding, and solidarity. It is about fostering meaningful relationships with individuals who uplift and empower each other, whether they are family members or close friends. In a sense, I view it as an unbreakable bond between women who show love, compassion, and grace to others regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status.
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— What role has sisterhood played in your life and what are the most memorable examples of it have you witnessed?
— Sisterhood has been a cornerstone in my life. During both challenging times and moments of joy, this multifaceted notion fostered in me a sense of belonging and community as the women in my life provided me with loyal companionship and unwavering support. From family to friends, I have been fortunate to have wonderful women in my life with whom I share a strong bond, uplifting and supporting each other through life's challenges. One memorable moment illustrating this strong connection is when my sister stood by me during a difficult period. She offered me unwavering encouragement and empathy, reinforcing to me the importance of sisterhood in fostering resilience and growth.
— How has all this personal experience influenced your designs? Are there any homages in the SS '24 collection?
— The SS '24 сollection pays homage to sisterhood as a celebrator of unity, guidance, and empowerment. From integrating meaningful prints to selecting symbolic colours, this collection aims to create an impactful experience for women. For instance, we have used signifying motifs and knots to represent connection and strength. In a sense, sisterhood to me is about freedom of expression and self-discovery which the collection evokes with warmth, expressive and inclusive elements.
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— Each piece in your collection tells a story of empowerment and resilience. Could you share any specific anecdotes or inspirations behind the creation of certain garments?
— The SS '24 collection’s garments, each containing their unique touch, aim to illustrate unity, friendship, and solidarity through different cultural and historical influences. For instance, Look 8, combining classic Western styles with glamorous elements is inspired by the traditional Western lifestyle consisting of resilience, adaptability, and strength. This look symbolises the historical Western woman known for her determination and contribution to her empowerment and sense of self-reliance. Another significant look is 13, our modern interpretation of the traditional Yin-Yang symbol. In this collection, this symbol is representative of inclusivity, balance, and the holistic approach to personal and social development. In a metaphorical sense, this look showcases sisterhood as the importance of balance, the harmony in interconnectedness, and the mutual support among women.
— Could you walk us through your creative process in general? What are the steps of your work? How do you come up with the concepts, designs, silhouettes, choice of colour palettes, and fabrics?
— For me and 1309 Studios, a collection is all about its story. From the conceptualisation of designs to the selection of fabrics, every aspect of the creative process is synchronised with the story the brand aims to share with others. Accordingly, warm earth and blue hues colour tones represent nature as much as heart buttons signify love and passion. In general, once the collection’s story is created, the process of our work is carefully tailored to it.
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— Why have you decided to merge the sisterhood theme with 90s and 2000s aesthetics?
— I did so as these two decades are significant to the history and evolution of women’s empowerment. It is evident that cultural movements of that time, such as the "Girl Power" are a celebration of women empowerment and solidarity. Through various art platforms such as music and films, themes of friendship and empowerment have been promoted alongside the importance of sisterhood as a source of motivation, strength, and community among women. With that being said, alongside cultural references, I have always been fond of the 90s and 2000s styles, such as colourful prints and textured denim.
Merging the sisterhood theme with the 90s and 2000s aesthetics can evoke a sense of nostalgia for a period when women's empowerment and solidarity were prominent themes in pop culture. The 90s and early 2000s saw a rise in female-led music, film, and fashion movements that celebrated independence, strength, and camaraderie among women. By incorporating elements of this era into the sisterhood theme, we tapped into the cultural zeitgeist of a time when female friendships and support networks were celebrated and revered. Additionally, the retro aesthetic of this period adds a playful and vibrant touch to the designs, further enhancing the message.
— Could you tell us more about the details from the SS '24 that can be customised?
— Aimed at reinforcing the notion of freedom and creativity, the SS '24 collection’s customisable options vary from choice of fabric to design details. For instance, if a colour variation is requested for a specific look, as an inclusive brand, we aim at offering a safe place for women, including their creative spark into making what I would like to name “a work of art”. In a way, I would like to make our brand and its looks accessible and catered to every woman around the world.
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— Were any special techniques used during the garment production?
— We always incorporate value addition in our design and production process through artisanal hand embroidery, textile design, and architectural trims. Every detail in a look is meticulously crafted to elevate it and infuse in it a sense of uniqueness and artistry. Our commitment to craftsmanship goes beyond its trend as it is reflective of our dedication to preserving traditional techniques, crafting high-quality garments, and establishing authenticity as a main brand value. Moreover, thriving to become pioneers of the industry, developing and designing our own branded jacquard fabric has allowed us to stand out from others and offer what I consider to be elevated elegance creations.
— Which pieces or standout elements in the collection you'd like to highlight?
— I consider all pieces of the collection to be timeless and versatile, each embodying beauty and elegance in its special way. Look 22, in particular, is close to my heart. The beautiful tulle dress is embroidered with a Rumi poem that resonates deeply with me. The poem, embellished with delicate beaded flowers, speaks about love and peace, stirring my emotions and offering me profound insights into the human experience. Additionally, the use of gold fabrics and embellishments not only creates a sense of glamour and elegance but also evokes feelings of positivity and optimism with their brightness and allure.
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— What is your favourite look from the SS '24, and why?
— I consider all SS '24 looks to be my favourite, but if I had to, I would choose Look 5. Taking into consideration its storytelling, design, and production process as well as quality, it holds significant value as a representation of the 1309 DNA and values. First, the silhouette has been tailored to have a relaxed and loose fit and prioritise comfort and freedom of movement. Fabrics, including lace trims and soft crepe, have been thoughtfully chosen and paired together to ensure a tactile and visually appealing experience. Furthermore, the lace trims enhance the femininity of the look, contributing to its flowing silhouette with a sense of harmony and proportion. Overall, it perfectly complements the 1309 woman, one whose goal is to combine contemporary styles with elegant sophistication.
— Have you already started working on your next collection? Could you give us a hint what it is going to be about?
— At 1309 Studios, our focus is always on empowering women through our collections. While we can't reveal specifics about our next collection just yet, rest assured that it will continue to celebrate the strength, individuality, and beauty of women in a meaningful way. Stay tuned for updates as we continue our mission of empowerment through fashion.
— As a part of 1309, you launched a community that focuses on women's empowerment and well-being. What is going on within the platform right now? Are there any new events, activities, or projects planned?
— Within our 1309 community, we are continuously working to foster a supportive and dynamic environment that promotes women's empowerment and well-being. We are focused on offering an inclusive platform for expression, motivation, and support where women can connect, share experiences, and uplift each other. A place where any woman can feel valued and empowered to pursue their dreams and aspirations. That being said, we are committed to building a strong community that empowers women to thrive and succeed together. From events to activities, our goal is to share valuable resources and platforms to empower women in both their personal and professional paths.
— As a designer and an entrepreneur, now that you can communicate to a wide female audience, what is the main message that you want to share with them?
— The message I would like to share with every woman around the world is just to be yourself, live authentically, and love life. As you embark on your journeys, embrace your unique qualities and express your full and wonderful self to be true to who you are. By doing so, you will empower yourself and others to pursue dreams and passions with confidence and purpose. From my creative childhood to my aspirational journey, I have learned that sharing my love and support with others and creating strong bonds with those who reciprocate the same is key to building a strong and healthy path to success.
As a designer and entrepreneur, my main message to a wide female audience would be one of empowerment, self-expression, and solidarity. I aim to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness, pursue their passions, and support one another in their journey towards success and fulfilment. Through my designs and brand ethos, I seek to foster a sense of confidence, resilience, and sisterhood among women, encouraging them to celebrate their individuality and lift each other up along the way.
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