Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — AILA can easily be a fashion addiction you need not worry about. Because unlike others, this one’s worth it. Founder Amal Khourshid knows why.



The fashion designer is a Kuwaiti Palestinian powerhouse lately gaining a strong name for her handbag brand AILA.



Her handbags and clutches add a raging contemporary feel, adding a vintage yet playful appeal to the exclusive range. The vivid colors and quirky designs, sometimes studded, and otherwise cool are all hand-crafted in high-quality leather.



In an interview with Saudi Gazette, she said: “I grew up in my hometown Kuwait and double majored in banking and finance and economics in the Lebanese American University, Beirut.”



With her heart embedded in fashion and a dream to achieve more than just a degree, Khourshid created AILA.



“Before getting into the fashion business, I double majored in finance and economics. However since my childhood, fashion has always been on my mind. “While still working in investments, I decided one day to design and create my perfect python clutch.”



After the overwhelming response and great attention the clutch received, Khourshid soon realized the potential of her talent. “After realizing my bag obsession, I got inspired to share my dream, and thus AILA was born.”



Khourshid said couture is very important to bags. “For us, quality perfection is what comes first to be able to build a name in this competitive industry.”



Talking about the growing importance of fashion in the Middle East, she said fashion has become a very important element for the Arab woman, especially in Saudi Arabia.



“We are noticing a rise in local designers, emerging young talents and the rest of the world is finally taking notice. This makes you proud to be a part of this up and coming scene,” she said.



Khourshid designs every piece herself, from it’s inception to sale focused on one primary factor- making a statement. “Every collection represents the upcoming trends, however this latest collection is special as it perfectly compliments the AILA woman – feminine and glamorous, allowing her to make a sophisticated statement.”



Khourshid said she aims to reach perfection in handbag designing and manufacturing before expanding her brand into anything else other than bags. 



“We currently do not have our own store yet, but we wholesale to boutiques and are present in exhibitions.



“Other than handbags and clutches, we produce small leather goods (such as travel pouches and make up pouches), as well as beach clutches and bags made of PVC and lace.” She has recently launched “Little AILA,” little leather goods and bags for young girls and toddlers.



“I get inspired by my surroundings, my travel experiences, my family, my husband, and now the most important person in my life, my daughter (also called) AILA.”



Best described by the designer herself, “AILA bags are fun, quirky and trendy!”



To spice up the look, Khourshid said you can pair it up with a statement necklace and a stylish blouse.



Her favorite piece is the Spike Me PVC Cross Bag. “PVC is perfect for summer and the spikes add an extra edge to the bag.”



Khourshid said she would love to work with Stella McCartney. “Her tailored pieces are beautiful.”



You can find AILA at Kuwait, Brown Booteeq Mosaic; Saudi, Cream/Jeddah; Lebanon, Cream; Bahrain, Yazi; Egypt, Hebz Boutique; Qatar, Boudoir;  UAE, Sauce Dubai, Sauce Abu Dhabi; Cyprus, Pearls and Shells; Jordan, For the Love of Vintage.



You can find  Little AILA at Kuwait, Les petits parisiens; Lebanon, Cookie Dough; Saudi, Cream/Jeddah; and Bahrain, Baby Z.