One of the first fashion houses from the MENA region to look at contemporary wear was Dubai-based fashion label Kage. Easy separates that could be mixed and matched is what this brand is all about. Tailoring rapidly became the brand’s forte, and the Kage blazer was soon a must-have for regional fashion girls. The brand retails out of leading department stores across the Middle East and from the founder’s own studio in Dubai Design District. While seasonless clothing has been a part of Kage’s philosophy since its inception, the brand has now found ways to make upcycling part of its creative process. “In lockdown, we designed an Island Edit capsule, which was produced from luxury linens that we had kept in stock throughout the years. I would say upcycling anything that you have is definitely great. Just make sure it reflects your brand’s DNA,” says Kage founder Basma Abu Ghazaleh.
The brand launched a home collection at the end of 2020, with many of the pieces made from deadstock fabrics left over from previous collections. “I love hosting and have always created tabletop items made from Kage fabrics for family lunches, media breakfasts and events that we have hosted. The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled anxiety and much uncertainty but the upside, particularly with lockdown, forced me to think outside the box. Kage Home made so much sense to me and was relevant,” says the designer.
This innovative way of using leftover fabrics is very much in touch with the times – as tablescaping became the trend of the lockdown. “Gatherings have become intimate and personal. Paying attention to detail is beautiful and always appreciated by guests. Our clients send us photos of their tables dressed in Kage and their tabletops are a clear reflection of their characters. We love seeing the pictures they send.” Limited edition drops will continue throughout the year. The Kage collection created for the holiday season used fabrics embossed with a star design that was first seen in Kage’s 2017 fashion range.
For now, Kage Home is available only through their own website, and Abu Ghazaleh hopes to expand the line soon, including a soon-to-be unveiled collaboration. “The upside of the COVID-19 pandemic is that with so much uncertainty comes even more creativity. One is forced to think outside the box. The idea for Kage Home is to create a lifestyle for the Kage girl, with a strong focus on sustainability.” So, keep your eye on the Kage website to find out how the brand is moving beyond fashion.
