Hania Albraikan is both a creative, ambitious fashion designer and an astute businesswoman. After gaining a bachelor’s degree in Economics, Hania allowed her artistic ambitions to be realized and went on to study the creative disciplines of photography and fashion. In June 2011, Hania began consulting for her family’s abaya business in the design stages before launching her own line – HANIA – as part of her family’s company. HANIA now stands as a brand that encapsulates the confidence, ambition and creativity of its namesake.
HANIA produces collections of intricately detailed abayas sourcing the highest quality fabrics from around the world; delicate swathes of Japanese crepe, French silk and precious elements, such as Swarovski crystals. The attention to detail in each elaborate piece is truly remarkable, with intricate beading, lace embellishment, delicate feather edging and sequined paneling being just a few of the many techniques used. In keeping with the brand’s attention to detail, embellishment on HANIA abayas is finished by hand, including the delicate embroidered floral motifs on the abaya worn by Princess Amira al-Taweel.
Taking inspiration from the many different countries she has travelled to and the number of cultures she has immersed herself in, HANIA’s collections never fail to impress. HANIA has amassed a huge following from some of the Middle East and Asia’s most influential women that include the likes of Mahlagha Jabri, Fozaza, Latifa Alshamsi, Nadia Hasan, Ameera Al-Taweel, Dssaaksss and Muna AbuSulayman to name but a few.
2013 saw the opening launch of HANIA’s boutique in the Olay District in Riyadh KSA. Hosted by the extremely talented and fashionable Ascia AKF, HANIA’s stunning new contemporary store was infiltrated by some of the region’s most influential socialites and fashionistas.
Her elite clientele come to her looking for bespoke and dramatic items that allow them to dress confidently without sacrificing style. Each customer that visits the HANIA store is guaranteed to find something unique and exquisite. This special offering has not only attracted celebrities and influencers but names within the industry, including international illustrator Hayden William’s who collaborated with HANIA to create a gorgeous sketch of a collection piece and Swarovski who did a special collaboration that was received with great admiration.
All of these wonderful traits have given Hania a number of accolades, she was chosen as one of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s best dressed of 2013, a true honour and also participated in Haute Arabia Fashion Show at the Bulgari Hotel in London.
HANIA continues to be one of the most written about abaya designers within the region and her presence leads not only to continuous support from leading editors but her voice within the media as a regular contributing columnist for Hia Magazine.
Alongside Hania’s success is her encouragement to others in the industry in which she has flourished. Hania often opens her Boutique doors to regional designers as a platform in which to showcase their work to potential clients and industry influencers.