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    3 female-owned GCC-based brands to watch now 

    Lindsay Judge

    MADAME Arabia spotlights three female founders making waves in the region

    Manisha Verma, Founder & Creative Director of Marushika

    Founder and Creative Director of the UAE-born label Marushika, Manisha Verma is fast emerging as a designer to watch in the region. With roots in textile design and apparel production, and a career shaped by time in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, her collections carry a truly global spirit.

    What sets Manisha and her designs apart is her collaborative approach with artisans, giving traditional crafts not just visibility but a voice. Her debut collection, Idaya, celebrated the intricate art of Madhubani, while future collections promise to explore a spectrum of heritage techniques reimagined for today.

    Manisha told MADAME Arabia, “Marushika is not just a label, it is an extension of my heritage, my journey, and my love for timeless design. I envisioned a brand that carries the essence of Madhubani and artisanal craft into designs created for the modern woman. 

    Every piece is intentional, rooted in tradition yet refined with contemporary ease,  made to celebrate her strength, her grace, and her individuality. Through Marushika, I hope to honour where we come from while shaping a future where tradition and modernity move together in harmony.”

    Dounia Lahlou, Founder of Zei Jewellery 

    Dounia Lahlou has built her fine jewellery brand Zei Jewellery as a reflection of modern elegance and personal meaning. Based in Dubai and crafted in Italy, her label brings together timeless craftsmanship and a sense of fluid individuality that defines her design language.

    Drawn to the expressive power of design, Dounia founded Zei with the intention of creating jewellery that adapts to the many facets of life. Her pieces are defined by their refined simplicity and the way they invite self-expression, evolving with the wearer rather than dictating style.

    “Zei is where design and individuality come together, offering jewellery that adapts with every moment,” says Dounia. “Each piece is meticulously crafted in Italy, blending timeless craftsmanship with a spirit of imagination. Our creations are designed to be versatile and expressive, reflecting the many sides of the self. With Zei, jewellery becomes more than adornment; it becomes a lasting companion to personal expression.”

    For Dounia, jewellery is deeply personal, designed to live with you rather than simply decorate. Through Zei, she celebrates authenticity and craftsmanship, creating pieces that will last for generations. 

    Kaltham Al Majid, Founder of Kaltham’s Pavilion

    With a deep appreciation for heritage and an eye for modern sophistication, Kaltham Al Majid, founder of Kaltham’s Pavilion, creates pieces inspired by strength and grace, each design celebrating tradition and innovation, capturing the spirit of Qatar through craftsmanship and design.

    Kaltham’s collections are composed of the finest pearls, diamonds, and 18K gold. Every design tells a story that honours the past while embracing the future of contemporary jewellery.

    “Kaltham’s Pavilion is more than fine jewellery; it is Qatar’s voice in the language of elegance,” she tells MADAME Arabia. “Every design is rooted in our heritage, inspired by the beauty of our land and culture, yet crafted with a modern touch for today’s global woman.”

    Her creative philosophy is deeply personal, a reflection of her belief that jewellery should empower the wearer and celebrate individuality. “From Doha to the world, our jewels celebrate identity, grace and artistry without borders. Through Kaltham’s Pavilion, I strive to create jewellery that embraces femininity and celebrates women. Each piece is crafted with a vision to blend timeless elegance with contemporary design, so that every woman feels joy, confidence and beauty when she wears it.”

    With a passion for storytelling and an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kaltham Al Majid continues to redefine what luxury means to the modern woman. 

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