ABOUT

ABOUT (TOP OF PAGE)

Yousef Akbar, an artist at heart since childhood, possessed an innate desire to express himself and weave captivating tales through his creations. However, growing up in a conservative Saudi family during the 90s, the notion of becoming an artist or a male womenswear designer seemed utterly unimaginable, beyond the realms of his wildest dreams.

Fate intervened when Yousef received a scholarship to study in Australia, leading him down a different path. He embarked on a journey of intellectual pursuit, immersing himself in the realm of logistics and supply chain management, completing both his bachelor's and master's degrees in the field.

Yet, his yearning to possess the clothes he envisioned persisted. Unable to afford the garments he longed for, he made a daring choice. He enrolled in fashion school not with the intention of becoming a designer, but to learn the art of creating his own clothing. Unbeknownst to him, this decision would irrevocably alter the course of his life.

As Yousef delved deeper into the world of fashion, an enchanting revelation unfolded. He discovered an insatiable passion for the creative process, realizing that it provided the perfect outlet for the intense need to express himself, which had burned within him since childhood. Consumed by this newfound love, he knew he had stumbled upon his true calling. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in fashion design, Yousef took a leap of faith, founding his own brand in 2017.

Driven by a profound fascination with the interplay between fabric and the human form, Yousef Akbar dares to challenge conventions in the cutting and construction of garments, all while preserving an air of elegance and femininity. Each creation serves as his voice, a medium through which he delivers his messages and translates emotions into wearable art.

Yousef Akbar is a testament to the power of chasing one's dreams, defying societal expectations, and infusing creativity into every facet of life. His journey continues to inspire and uplift, as he relentlessly pursues the boundaries of self-expression, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

In 2020, Yousef Akbar he won the esteemed Fashion Trust Arabia Eveningwear Prize. Since then, his brand has been steadily growing, attracting buyers and private clients worldwide. Notable celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Sharon Stone, Alicia Keys, Rita Ora, Chrissy Teigen, and Karolina Kurkova have graced red carpets in Yousef Akbar dresses.

SUSTAINABILITY

OUR COMMITMENT

As a fashion brand we acknowledge the industry’s impact on the environment. We owe it to our planet, and to the generations to come. Therefore sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We strive to create high quality garments in the most sustainable and ethical ways available to us. And if we can’t create sustainably and ethically, then we won’t do it. We are constantly finding new ways to minimise our carbon footprint and work towards a transparent and zero-waste approach to fashion.

Our Philosophy

We believe that the essence of sustainability is longevity. We aim to create timeless garments that are versatile and can be worn in different ways and to different occasions and most importantly made to last, and to be passed on for generations to come.

Our supply partners

We have built a carefully selected network of partners, many of which are family businesses and artisans whom we collaborate have a close relationship with. We believe in caring for and respecting all people in our supply chain, where everyone dictates their own pay and is paid a fair and a liveable wage. They are our extended family.

Logistics

We believe in sourcing locally. This way we support our local community and local businesses, which also helps minimise our carbon footprint and helps us overcome supply chain disruptions. In the future we aim to close the loop by working with our customers to create a reverse logistics and waste management program and create a true circular brand.

Textiles and Materials

We go beyond just using deadstock textiles. We collaborate with our partners who continue to use cutting technology to recycle and create new bio-degradable materials and textiles. We also upcycle and recycle materials that many times go to waste including our hardware and metals that we use in our garments.

Animal welfare

We do not use leather, feathers or any materials that may cause harm to animals or that have been tested on animals at any stage of our production process.

Garment construction

Our garments are constructed using experimental pattern cutting and draping techniques developed by us that pushes the boundaries of construction, which helps us significantly reduce fabric and production waste.

Design Process

We use the aid of digital pattern making software, and virtual 3D modelling technology to construct and fit the garments virtually before we fit on a human model and finish the design and sampling process manually creating a paperless design process, and helps us reduce production waste and reduces our sampling time significantly.

Giving back

We strive to give something back to our community and to support causes we are passionate about. We have collaborated with charities and work with small communities and family businesses to keep their crafts and skills alive. As we grow aim to support, upskill, and work with local talent in the Middle East.

Our Future

We are currently working towards full traceability and transparency in every step of the supply chain from the point of origin to the end product. where our clients can understand and get an insight on how and where our garments are made and the costs involved in the process.