Step into the vibrant world of designer Salwa Kurdi, where creativity knows no bounds. Her Riyadh workspace is a delightful fusion of comfort and creativity, adorned with cozy blankets, colorful slippers, fragrant candles, and intriguing face masks. Each element has been thoughtfully placed to inspire and uplift. As you explore the room, you’ll find not only cozy items but also flowers, framed designs, and a collection of books – a true embodiment of cheerfulness.Salwa Kurdi draws her inspiration from a plethora of sources: TV shows, movies, art, culture, travel, and traditions. Recently, her fascination with the ocean’s wonders led to the launch of an abaya collection inspired by fish fins. This unique collection was born from her husband’s passion for fishing and her own affinity for the sea. Kurdi’s workspace becomes a living mood board, reflecting the essence of each collection. Pictures, fabrics, and decor elements are carefully curated to embody the collection’s colors and themes. Even her phone and laptop wallpapers change to align with her creative journey.The roots of Kurdi’s creative journey trace back to her fashion-forward upbringing. Raised in a family where her mother was a designer and her grandmother a tailor, she developed a deep love for fabrics at a young age. Sketching and designing consumed her teenage years, and at 19, her mother’s encouragement propelled her to turn her sketches into reality. Thus, the Salwa Kurdi brand was born in 2017, a testament to the unwavering support of her family.To share her passion and empower aspiring designers, Kurdi crafted a fashion sketchbook. This invaluable tool contains female figure templates, depictions of unique garments, size equivalence charts, blank pages for jotting ideas, and vibrant sheets for mood boarding. Kurdi’s intention behind this sketchbook is to provide a tangible means for designers to transform their inspirations into reality.Kurdi’s creative process begins with a cup of black coffee and soulful music. Igniting a candle sets the stage for her work ahead. Her workspace is meticulously organized, housing essentials like her mood board, sketchbooks, sewing kit, fabrics, mannequin, pins, laptop, and a curated playlist. Kurdi thrives in solitude, valuing uninterrupted time to create. Her workspace remains untouched until she decides otherwise – even her team requires appointments to enter, except for the ever-welcome tailor.The Salwa Kurdi brand has garnered recognition on notable stages. Saudi actress Sumaya Rida adorned Kurdi’s creation at the Saudi Cup, and the brand’s presence shone in the Saudi 100 Brands exhibition. One of the standout pieces, the Rabiya suit, drew inspiration from the intricate mashrabiya window pattern – a hallmark of Al Hijaz culture in Saudi Arabia. The suit is crafted from fabric that once adorned pillows, bed sheets, and curtains in Medina, Jeddah, and Mecca.What began as a passion for print mixing and design has blossomed into a brand that celebrates self-love through fashion. Kurdi’s creations embody playfulness, joy, and self-expression. Her designs illuminate a woman’s individuality, encouraging her to follow her heart and embrace pieces that resonate with her essence. With patterns that catch the eye and a spirit of eccentricity, Salwa Kurdi’s brand is a tribute to women who embrace life with a touch of the extraordinary.
Whimsical Designs Unveiled: Inside Designer Salwa Kurdi’s Playful Riyadh Haven
