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by Alexandra Mansilla
Regional Brands I Came Across: Mustafa's Finds
The region is full of brilliant independent brands, but some of its best gems are not always the easiest to find. So, instead of putting together another predictable list, we asked someone whose eye we trust: Mustafa, founder of H5 Lab (the obnoxiously yellow store in Alserkal) and a dedicated supporter of regional design. From handcrafted jewelry and experimental fashion to performance wear made for the Gulf climate, these are the brands he believes deserve a closer look.
Absent Findings
Absent Findings brings together South Asian heritage and contemporary design. The brand’s aesthetic is built around elongated silhouettes, sari-inspired draping, muted earthy colours and architectural forms. Its collections also play with asymmetry, deconstruction and unexpected shapes, drawing on surrealism, art and personal memory.
The brand works with heirloom saris, deadstock textiles and forgotten fabrics, while its signature Gallery Bag is made from Tuscan leather. All pieces are handcrafted in the UAE.
Mustafa: "One of the most interesting regional brands I’ve come across in recent times. A super tasteful balance between South Asian heritage, contemporary designs and thoughtful craftsmanship. The perfect brand to browse through if you’re looking for a subtle statement piece."
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Barzakh
Barzakh is a UAE-based jewelry brand whose name comes from the Arabic word for a state between two worlds. The brand brings ancient references into contemporary forms, creating what it calls modern relics. Its pieces are often bold and sculptural, with tusk-like shapes and sandblasted metal surfaces designed to resemble objects weathered by time and desert winds.
All Barzakh jewelry is made from recycled sterling silver. The brand uses recycled, plastic-free packaging, funds the planting of one tree for every order and donates a percentage of its annual profits to initiatives supporting children’s education across the Middle East and the Arab world.
Mustafa: “A beautiful avant-garde jewellery brand based in Sharjah, with a strong focus on craftsmanship and sustainability. Of all the regional jewellery brands, Barzakh resonates most closely with my personal style. I love not only that a brand like this exists in Sharjah, but also that its pieces are handcrafted there.”
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Atlal From Galbi
Atlal From Galbi is a fashion label founded by Lilia Yasmin, a former merchandiser at Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga. Based between Paris and Algiers, the brand is rooted in Algerian heritage and explores memory, identity and cultural transmission through contemporary clothing.
Its collections draw on everyday scenes, personal archives and collective nostalgia, with precise silhouettes often influenced by 1970s tailoring. The brand focuses on translating cultural references into modern, wearable pieces, with close attention to construction, materials and detail.
Mustafa: "The brand is rooted in the Algerian heritage of the founder, Lilia. Despite it being based between Paris and Algiers, it’s very culture-driven. Lilia does a great job at the world-building aspect of the label as it draws a lot from 70s tailoring, memory and cultural identity and channels it all through a contemporary wardrobe."
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M6ar 9aif
M6AR 9AIF is an independent Kuwait-based clothing brand founded by Hassan Al Jaafar. Built around sketches, references and ideas, the brand produces T-shirts and accessories, with its current range including embroidered caps and knitted beanies. Arabic is used throughout its product names and designs.
Mustafa: "Another gem I was so happy to come across. I it discovered randomly on Instagram and followed for a while. Then, recently, its founder, Hassan, walked into my store. We chatted as though he were simply a passing customer, and I had no idea he was the person behind a brand I already really liked. I admire his approach because it is not the most conventional way to run a brand. He treats it as an ongoing creative outlet, and the freedom with which he creates is incredibly contagious."
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Flight
Flight is a performance apparel brand founded by Mohammed and Asma for runners training in the GCC climate. It was created in response to the lack of running gear designed specifically for the region’s conditions, with a focus on pieces that are durable, functional and good-looking. For its founders, the brand reflects a daily commitment to improvement and the pursuit of excellence.
Mustafa: "A design-led performance gear label founded by Emirati husband-and-wife duo Mohammed and Asma. It may not be the kind of brand typically mentioned in fashion conversations, but I believe the lines between fashion and performance wear are becoming increasingly blurred, and Flight is a perfect example of that in our region. It creates performance wear that looks good and is designed with intention for people training in the Gulf’s climate. The founders’ work ethic and constant drive to develop the brand in every aspect are genuinely inspiring."
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