Farida Talaat, based in Dubai, hails from a family deeply rooted in the arts of crafting and design, spanning from architecture and interior design to fashion and embroidery. Raised amidst fabrics and high fashion patterns, her passion for art steered her towards the meticulous craft of quilting, which involves assembling multiple layers of fabric. "Quilting captivated me with its fusion of boundless creativity and vintage charm," she shared with City Times. "It initially attracted me due to its capacity to metamorphose ordinary fabrics into complex, exquisite artworks. Over the years, I refined my skills through extensive practice, learning from seasoned quilters, and persistently experimenting with innovative techniques and designs."
For Farida, quilting is a harmonious amalgamation of creativity, history, and craftsmanship. "It’s a medium to narrate stories through fabric, integrating diverse patterns, textures, and colors to produce truly unforgettable pieces," she explained. "Quilting transcends the creation of functional items; it’s a profoundly creative craft and art form that perpetuates cultural and personal significance. It links us to our heritage, facilitates artistic expression, and provides a sense of achievement in handcrafting something. I believe quilting is a dynamic skill that persists and evolves, preserving memories and leaving a legacy."
Currently, at Quild Dubai, her own venture, Farida combines the ageless art of quilting with modern design, presenting a collection of distinctive, eco-friendly items. Each piece is a singular creation, meticulously handcrafted by Farida herself, ensuring no two items are identical. Her inspiration? "It originated from a desire to blend my passion for traditional quilting with contemporary fashion, producing unique and sustainable pieces that narrate a story," she stated. Born and raised in Dubai, Farida’s interest in fashion, coupled with her love for art, influenced her to create pieces that are not only stylish but also exude a sense of charm and superior craftsmanship.
With Quild Dubai, her goal is to produce stunning, sustainable quilts and fashion that honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing functional, innovative design. "We want our customers to feel proud of owning and wearing our pieces, knowing they contribute to a more sustainable future," she emphasized. We delve deeper into her sustainability principles at her brand, discussing the design of quilts suitable for Dubai’s heat and the use of traditional quilting methods to create contemporary fashion.
Sustainability is integral to Quild Dubai’s operations. We repurpose fabrics from various sources, including unused textiles from fashion houses and discarded garments. This not only minimizes waste but also enables us to craft unique pieces. We also employ eco-friendly materials and packaging to reduce our environmental impact. Ensuring the quality and uniqueness of each piece while maintaining sustainable practices poses challenges, particularly in consistently sourcing high-quality recycled materials. These challenges, however, drive us to innovate and discover new ways to integrate sustainability into our designs.
Designing quilts for Dubai’s hot climate involves selecting lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, which are perfect for summer. Our designs focus on creating adaptable layers that can be adjusted according to the temperature. For our summer-centric quilts, we use natural, breathable fabrics like pure cotton and linen, along with eco-friendly textiles. Techniques such as thin layering, light batting, and airy patterns ensure our quilts are suitable for the hot weather while remaining stylish and beautiful. Blending traditional quilting techniques with modern design aesthetics involves a deep appreciation of classic methods and a keen eye for contemporary trends. We start with traditional techniques like hand piecing and then incorporate modern elements such as bold colors, geometric patterns, and unique fabric combinations in various colorways to create timeless yet current pieces.
We often incorporate cultural motifs that reflect the region’s rich heritage, including traditional Arabic icons like palm trees and elements inspired by the Middle East’s natural beauty. These motifs add a distinct cultural identity to our pieces, resonating deeply with our audience and setting us apart. For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to create sustainable fashion brands, my advice is to remain true to your initial vision while continuously updating it. Brands should be ‘born circular’ with sustainability as the core of the business model, not an afterthought. Be creative in sourcing materials and designing products, and always strive for uniqueness and unprecedented design.
The most rewarding aspect of running my fashion brand has been bringing our novel design ideas to life and seeing our customers appreciate and connect with our work. Knowing that our pieces bring joy and add value to their lives is incredibly fulfilling. I stay inspired by drawing from various sources, including my travels, art, and global cultural exchanges. Staying connected with the quilting community and keeping an eye on worldwide art events also sparks new ideas. Continuous learning and experimenting with new techniques ensure our designs remain fresh and innovative. One project of special significance is our custom baby quilts, each personalized for a newborn with their initials. These quilts are designed to be cherished keepsakes, enveloping them in warmth and love from birth, celebrating new beginnings and allowing us to be part of such a precious moment in a family’s life.
