Farida Talaat, a Dubai-based designer, comes from a family with a rich background in crafting and design. She grew up surrounded by fabrics and haute couture patterns, which sparked her interest in quilting. Farida found quilting fascinating due to its limitless creativity and vintage vibes. She honed her skills through practice, learning from experienced quilters, and experimenting with new techniques and designs. She believes quilting is a creative craft that carries forward cultural and personal significance, connecting individuals to their heritage and providing a sense of accomplishment.
Farida’s start-up, Quild Dubai, merges the timeless technique of quilting with contemporary design, offering a range of unique, sustainable items. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by Farida to ensure its uniqueness. She draws inspiration from her love for old-world quilting and contemporary clothing, aiming to create pieces that are not only stylish but also carry a sense of quaintness and good craftsmanship. With Quild Dubai, Farida aims to create gorgeous, sustainable quilts and fashion that honor traditional craftsmanship while embracing functional, forward-looking design.
Sustainability is a core aspect of Quild Dubai. The brand upcycles fabrics from various sources, including unused textiles from fashion houses and discarded garments. They also use eco-friendly materials and packaging to minimize their environmental footprint. One of the challenges faced is sourcing high-quality upcycled materials consistently while ensuring each piece meets their standards of quality and uniqueness. Designing quilts for Dubai’s hot climate involves selecting lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and creating layers that can be easily adjusted according to the temperature.
Quild Dubai is known for blending traditional quilting techniques with modern design aesthetics, achieving a balance between classic methods and contemporary trends. They incorporate cultural motifs that reflect the rich heritage of the region, adding a distinct identity to their pieces. Farida’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to create sustainable fashion brands is to stay true to their initial proposition, be creative in sourcing materials, and always strive for uniqueness in design. The most rewarding aspect of running the brand has been bringing novel design ideas to life and seeing customers appreciate their work.
Farida stays inspired by drawing inspiration from her travels, art, and observations about global cultural exchange. Staying connected with the quilting community and keeping an eye on art happenings around the world helps spark new ideas. One project that holds special significance for her is the custom baby quilts, personalized with the newborn’s initials. These quilts are designed to be cherished keepsakes, wrapping the baby in warmth and love from the moment they are born. Farida finds this project meaningful as it celebrates new beginnings and allows her to be a part of precious moments in families’ lives.
