Hatem Al-Akeel: Revolutionizing the humble thobe

Knowledge is key in the fashion industry.

Knowing what works and what doesn’t is what helps improve a designer in their quest for innovative designs. Inspired by different cultures, attentive to the latest in the fashion world and keen on details is what defines Hatem Al-Akeel. Coming from no background in design, he ventured in the world with his creativity at hand, not wanting to be known as only a Saudi or regional thobe designer, but is aspiring to be a global designer.

The thobe has long been an Arab tradition for centuries, whether you call it thobe, dishdasha, kandura or jalabiya, the common factor is in the comfort that dons the thobe. The modernization of the Arab world has not changed the fact that the “go to” dress code has always been and will always be the thobe. Many designers have tried their luck in creating new edgy styles for the thobe, experimenting with colors, designs and fabrics, but few ventured with originality.

A globe trotter and wanderer, Hatem’s designs reflect upon his diverse travel destinations and upbringing, spread between Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Boston and he now resides between Jeddah and Dubai. Toby by Hatem Al-Akeel was launched in 2006 with Hatem’s signature style, crisp clean lines and silhouettes best suited for the men of the region.

He opened his first Toby store in Jeddah in 2007. Since his launch, Toby has grabbed the attention of many due to the designer’s ability to mix and fuse different regional traditional garbs from Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Emirate and Saudi Arabia producing garbs that are new and interesting. He has now spread out to Europe and reached all the way to Hollywood as celebrities have donned his designs. The designs have since expanded, a ready wear men’s line with crisp cut defined dress shirts, a junior’s line for all those young men looking to copy their father’s style, a women’s line with light fabrics and simply sophisticated designs great for day looks and night looks and his signature thobe line. Just this last December, Hatem’s achievements have granted him a “Forbes leaders Inspiring Entrepreneurial Elite Award”, awarded by the Governor of Riyadh, HRH Prince Turki bin Abdullah.

Toby first launched in 2006-2007 and has expanded and literally spread out all over the GCC area and is now available worldwide as well. Hatem has faced many highs and lows throughout his career but the lows were the key factor for the designer to appreciate the highs, not only has he grown as a designer, but his horizons have also grown significantly. Creativity has helped teach Hatem that it is crucial to combine a good business acumen with creativity, they both go together and can’t do without one another, a recipe for success. Hatem has not restricted himself to thobes only, he has expanded his horizons, expanded his line, his creativity takes hold of him and thus creates new designs that are surely not disappointing any.

Original article by Rawan Radwan

Continue reading at Arab News:

Hatem Al-Akeel: Revolutionizing the humble thobe