Muslim Women of today are courageous, visionaries and change-makers.

Couple of years ago it would have been thought for only a handful of women. But today Muslim women have proved that they are not only capable of running homes and raising kids but hold the potential to transform their dreams into reality.

However, there has been a much needed platform to promote and showcase the amazing skills and talents Muslim women possess. For the first time this desperate platform has been provided by Saverah Women Expo.
The first annual Saverah Women Expo was launched by Saverah Events on 15th March 2015 at the De Vere Canary Wharf, London. The expo attracted more than 3000 attendees to celebrate and share the work of Muslim Women in our communities and provide a platform for new and emerging talent along with inspiring future generations.

The Saverah Women Expo has opened great avenues for the Muslim Women in UK and Europe. This has also lead a way for the unsung women role model to be recognized for their contributions in fashion, trade, business and education towards this society.

From women owned businesses to fashion and beauty, lifestyle and health, the expo successfully brought all these resources together in one place along with educating, inspiring and uplifting women. Approx. 100 female exhibitors showcased their products, services and businesses making Saverah Women Expo the only event in UK and Europe offering a much needed platform to new and existing female entrepreneurs.
Inspiration, consultation and brainstorming was provided by motivational speakers at the various seminars and through networking. Speakers included Cllr. Rabia Bhatti (Councillor Newtown Ward,

Conservatives), Ifath Nawaz (President of the Association of Muslim Lawyers), Khaleda Khan (Founder Women’s Consortium), Abida Ghafoor (CEO Arc Management), Wajeeha Amin (Relationship Coach), Nurun Ahmed (Entrepreneur), Nadia Ali (Presenter BBC Asian Network).
The expo also offered a platform to modest fashion designers. UK and International designers from Malaysia, Australia, Russia, Greece and UAE offered a closer look into the world of modest fashion on the 90ft long catwalk to more than 1000 audience across the day.

Saverah Women Expo was a successful day of shopping, exploration, seminars, fashion shows and pampering zone – All providing a perfect platform for the British Muslim Women who want to feel inspired, motivated and empowered.
Penny Appeal were the official partners for Saverah Women Expo.

The 2nd Annual Saverah Women Expo will be held in May 2016. For more details visit www.saverahwomenexpo.co.uk or email events@saverah.com

Anchor House Kaftans
Acacia Label
Bella Kareema
Chenille
Dilara
Eja Shahril
Grand Designs
Hijrah Couture
Hush Darlz
Imaan Jilbabs

Minaz
Noor Collection
Parduh
Roddiva Couture
Sarrinah
Saimas Designer Boutique
TREEDOLLS
Ummi Riaz
Ziana London

Dar Breesam is a famous design label owned by Amina al Jassim, a Saudi fashion designer who has made an impact not only in places like Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, Lebanon, but also has dressed royalty and the likes of Princess Rania of Jordan and Queen Sophia of Spain. She has also designed for American singer actress Queen Latifa and countless famous Arabic actresses and singers. Her belief that “you can wear the colours of the season, the style of the season… you can get the traditions and principles right and still be fashionable” is reflected in all her glamour collections.

How did you become a fashion designer?

I was always interested in fashion and as I saw more and more women turning to western styles I realised the need to preserve our traditional past and heritage and to incorporate them into the changing fashions. I started to design for myself and also my friends, and as my designs became more popular, I was spending a lot of my free time designing outfits for friends. It was then I realised that maybe I can make my dream to become a fashion designer a reality. I was working at Aramco, the Saudi Oil Company from 1984 as a Systems Analyst but I left in 1990 to start up my own business.

What kind of support did you receive and how did you combine home life and work?

In Saudi Arabia it used to be difficult for a woman to go into business and I would not have been able to do it if not for the support I received from my husband. As I became busier with designing clothes for friends, I told my husband that it was my dream to open up a fashion business. He was very supportive, and if not for that I don’t think I would have been able to balance home life and work, because when one works for one’s own business you are never free, there’s always something to do. However I always make sure I spend as much time as I can with my family especially weekends, and holidays when we try and put work aside and concentrate on being together.

Did you study fashion or go to a fashion college?

I already had a family life so couldn’t leave to go to study fashion, therefore the best way for me was to study on my own, I read as many books as I could and learnt as I went along. I was already designing outfits and was very aware of colour and cuts and how to put pieces together.

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