Photo: @manalsmaoui Instagram

The GCC is fast emerging as fashion’s most exciting frontier – a region alive with fresh talent, cultural nuance, and boundary-pushing design.

From under-the-radar labels to rising stars, homegrown brands are weaving heritage with innovation to create collections that feel both authentic and new. And Kuwait is leading the charge.

With some of the region’s most compelling names – often seen on our favourite Kuwaiti tastemakers – it’s clear the style scene here is one to watch.

Here, GRAZIA rounds up the Kuwaiti brands redefining what modern Middle Eastern fashion looks like.

Manal Smaoui

Photo: @manalsmaoui Instagram

Manal Smaoui is a brand shaped by women, for women – crafting impeccably tailored pieces that exude confidence and quiet power. Each design draws from local sensibilities, seamlessly blending cultural nuance with modern sophistication. Renowned for its understated luxury, Manal Smaoui’s aesthetic captures the essence of grace, strength, and timeless femininity

Coral

Photo: @shopcoral.kw Instagram

This contemporary modest swimwear label delivers the best of both worlds – elegance and ease. Each piece strikes the perfect balance between style and coverage, redefining what modest swimwear can look like. Think sculpted ruching, chic twisted one-shoulder silhouettes, and details that wouldn’t look out of place on an evening gown.

Elio

Photo: @shop.elio Instagram

Designed for the modern woman, Elio is a handcrafted fashion brand redefining everyday elegance. Each piece reimagines traditional silhouettes with a contemporary twist – from effortlessly chic co-ord sets to fluid one-shoulder gowns. The result? Understated beauty with a naturally refined feel. Relaxed yet elevated, every Elio creation moves seamlessly from day to night, embodying quiet sophistication at its finest.

Xaia

Photo: @shopxaia Instagram

Rooted in the spirit of relaxation and retreat, Xaia is redefining contemporary swimwear with purpose and poise. Founded in 2019, the brand champions confidence and comfort through effortlessly versatile designs. Think interchangeable yet perfectly coordinated sets, with varying levels of coverage to suit every woman’s style and comfort. Minimal yet striking, Xaia’s creations are made for sun-drenched escapes and perfect for a winter in the GCC.

Jays

Photo: @jays.kw Instagram

This emerging label made waves earlier this year with its dreamy new summer collection, Sun Dazed. Awash in candied pastels, the line reimagines modesty through a modern lens – offering silhouettes that can be styled to suit your own expression. Each piece is an ode to femininity in all its forms, celebrating the beauty, strength, and effortless grace of today’s woman.

Kai

Photo: @kai_kwt Instagram

For elevated abayas and effortlessly chic occasionwear, look no further than Kai. The brand redefines tradition with a modern eye – think waistcoat-inspired silhouettes, fluid satin sets, and voluminous draped designs that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. Perfect for those who appreciate modest dressing with a contemporary edge, Kai is where innovation meets elegance.