Breaking into fashion is not easy; just take a look at some of the world’s biggest Arab exports such as Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. Saab, 54, started his career around 1982, while his Lebanese counterpart, Murad, 48, made his first appearance on the catwalk twenty years ago in 1999.

Needless to say, they have paid their dues. It takes a lot of work to reach the position that they’re now in.

Designers such as Saad and Murad have no doubt paved the way for other ambitious Arab designers to try their luck at making it big. With the help of social media, many couturiers are running their own fashion houses, supported by a healthy fan base. While many admit it remains challenging for local designers to get as much exposure as international ones in the MENA, some are fast gaining significant international recognition.

From ruling the runway at European fashion weeks to having their creations appearing at the Emmys, here are the next ‘A-list’ league of fashion designers you need to know about.

1. NORA AL SHAIKH

“Over the course of my career I’ve won awards and received a number of press mentions, which I’m always very grateful for. But my proudest accomplishment is having built a label and business that’s been around for eight years,” says Saudi Nora Al Shaikh.

Originally founded in 2012 in Jeddah, Al Shaikh’s self-titled luxury line is built on a background of local heritage, fusing inspiration from around the world.

Al Shaikh believes that Arab designers have got a competitive edge right now, because the world is paying attention to the regional industry out of intrigue. While she admits regional meda has progressively developed over the past decade – giving her and her generation of fashion designers much-needed exposure – Al Shaikh still sees the lack of the  infrastructure to launch a credible, ready-to-wear brand as the industry’s current biggest challenge.

“This includes access to innovative and fine fabrics, trained pattern makers, and the factories to produce the clothes,” she further explains.

2. SADEEM ALSHEHAIL

Her luxury fashion label was first introduced in 2016, and Aljawharah (Sadeem) Alshehail was able to grab attention at Paris Fashion Week 2017 with her use of using ethically-sourced materials, and environmentally-friendly fabrics and materials.

Alshehail’s collections have also been displayed as part of Fashion Forward Dubai, a platform aimed at providing international exposure for talent from the region. Whether it’s her summer ‘Nautical’ collection, or the architecturally-inspired ‘Manhattan’ collection, her high-end pieces all share the same underlying sustainable practices.

3. AIISHA RAMADAN

The Lebanese-born, UAE-based fashion designer – who started her couture clothing line in 2007 in Dubai – has a long list of celebrity fans, including the singers Christina Aguilera and Ariana Grande.

“My epic moment was when I was featured on CNN. It felt like the years of hard work are finally paying off,” Ramadan says.

She does, however, agree with the fact that the regional market still lags behind when it comes to ready-to-wear fashion. Giving her take on how the regional fashion industry can become more competitive, Ramadan points out: “It’s a collective effort. Buyers need to believe in local designers. They need to invest in them, and first of all they need to ditch consignment all together.”

4. MARAM ABOUL ENEIN

Egyptian designer Aboul Enien moved to Paris when she was 17 to study at Parsons Paris, the European branch campus of Parsons School of Design and part of The New School, a comprehensive university in New York City.

She went on to found her own label, MARAM, in 2014 in Montreal, and a year later, launched her first collection. Since then, she’s been showcasing every season at Paris Fashion Week.

Aboul Enein’s work has been featured in showrooms across New York, Milan, Paris and London. She has also been recognised by many international fashion publications for her design aesthetics as well as for her overall career accomplishments. In 2017, Aboul Enein was nominated for the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards under The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion.