Latest news with #AlTalli
Observer
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
The Art of Al Talli: Weaving tradition into Eid fashion
Photos by Faisal Al Saadi The art of Al Talli, also known as 'Al Seen' in local dialect, emerges as a stunning testament to exceptional craftsmanship. As the joyous Eid season draws near, this traditional embroidery illuminates the most beautiful Omani outfits, transcending mere decoration to become a cultural hallmark — a bridge linking generations and a celebration of elegance and heritage. During Eid, when women and girls adorn themselves in their finest traditional attire, Al Talli adds an unmistakable charm, enhancing the splendour of these garments while weaving the essence of the past into today's vibrant fashion scene. Al Talli embroidery is one of the oldest and most cherished traditional arts embraced by Omani women across Oman. This intricate craft primarily involves weaving metallic threads — typically gold or silver — onto sheer or coloured fabrics, bestowing garments with an elegant, radiant sheen. Historically, this art form thrived in family homes where mothers and grandmothers would gather to sew, each stitch infused with memories and a profound sense of heritage, passed lovingly from one generation to the next. Over the years, rather than fading into obscurity, Al Talli has flourished, solidifying its status as an essential element of Omani fashion, particularly during festive occasions such as Eid and weddings. The creation of Al Talli begins with the selection of a design, often inspired by geometric or floral patterns that capture Oman's natural splendour. The next step involves preparing the metallic threads for embroidery. With fine needles in hand, skilled artisans sew these threads onto the fabric, meticulously adhering to the chosen design and employing time-honoured techniques handed down through the ages. Precision is critical, with techniques like the satin stitch ensuring that the embroidery remains vibrant and resilient. Each stitch reveals delicate design intricacies, transforming every piece into a work of art, crafted with extraordinary skill and care. Eid is a particularly momentous occasion in Oman, celebrated with joy, unity and exuberance. During this festive period, great emphasis is placed on donning traditional garments, especially those embellished with Al Talli. These embroidered pieces not only embody luxury, but also reflect a rich heritage. It is indeed rare for an Omani woman's wardrobe to lack at least one item fashioned with Al Talli, be it a handmade treasure or a modern interpretation inspired by traditional motifs. In recent years, Al Talli has surged in significance within the Omani fashion landscape. Designers are astutely weaving it into contemporary styles, marrying its traditional essence with a fresh appeal that resonates with the tastes of the younger generation. No longer confined to traditional attire, Al Talli has evolved into a versatile staple found in modern abayas, dresses, and even accessories such as handbags and jewellery, making it a preferred choice among women of all ages. What sets Al Talli apart is not solely its visual allure but also its profound symbolic significance. Each embroidered piece narrates a story — of mothers and grandmothers who have lovingly cultivated this craft through the ages. It stands as a testament to Omani identity, showcasing the skill and artistry of Omani women who have honed this craft through time. As Omani women proudly wear Al Talli-embroidered garments during Eid and other significant events, they don more than just clothing; they adorn themselves with a piece of cultural heritage that encapsulates the pride of a people deeply connected to their traditions. Amid a world of constant change, the art of Al Talli remains timeless, as vibrant today as it was centuries ago. With the resurgence of Al Talli in modern Omani fashion, contemporary designers are blending this traditional embroidery with innovative designs, ensuring its relevance while cherishing its authentic cultural roots. Today's Al Talli creations encompass dresses, abayas, blouses and accessories, seamlessly merging traditional beauty with modern aesthetics. This contemporary inclusion of Al Talli not only revitalises the art form, but also makes it a popular choice for special occasions like Eid as well as everyday wear. It serves as a means for Omani women to showcase their rich heritage while embracing the latest fashion trends, proving that tradition and modernity can beautifully coexist. Al Talli continues to be more than just traditional embroidery; it is a vibrant piece of art that resonates through the ages. As Eid approaches, garments adorned with Al Talli infuse the celebrations with elegance and grandeur. In an era of fast fashion and ephemeral trends, Al Talli stands resolutely as a reminder that true elegance transcends fleeting styles, rooted deeply in the traditions that connect us to our cultural past.
Khaleej Times
08-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Caravan covers 10,000km across nation, bringing free art workshops to residents
Have you spotted Kenaz, UAE's first mobile art caravan? On the road since January last year, the travelling art studio makes art accessible to all by offering free classes and workshops in distant and remote locations across the country. Launched by Emirati artist and educator Ghaleya Almansoori, the caravan, equipped with a variety of art and craft supplies, is her personal initiative to give back to the community. From quaint Al Sila, on the border of UAE and Saudi to the historic town of Qidfa in Fujairah, Kenaz has covered over 10,000km in the last one year reaching out to people of all ages, in far flung areas. 'I always wanted to spread the joy of creating art. With Kenaz I have had a remarkable journey witnessing how it became a thriving hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. Wherever we travelled, be it to schools, colleges, communities, parks and at festivals, people flocked to the van to unravel their creativity,' Almansoori told Khaleej Times about her dream project. Named after a camel on her father's farm in Liwa, Kenaz is a 10-metre-long caravan or trailer stocked with paints, brushes, easels, tables and chairs for children and adults to participate in art lessons outdoors as well as indoors during the hot summer months. 'While working in the community outreach programmes at an art institution in UAE I travelled to distant and rural areas in the UAE. I found that there is a lack of resources and spaces for people who are interested in art. This led me to envision Kenaz,' said Almansoori, who has a Bachelor's degree in visual arts from Zayed University and a Masters in art education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Preserving Emirati culture Growing up in Liwa amidst the vibrant landscape of the sand dunes, her childhood was spent observing her grandmother, weaving the Al Talli, an intricate Emirati embroidery. These memories instilled in her a deep appreciation for crafts and colours. Passionate about preserving Emirati culture, Almansoori tailored a set of workshops around traditional handicrafts and spices from the UAE. Along with painting and clay modelling, she also conducts spice art, Al Talli, Khoos weaving and Mandoos box workshops. 'At Kenaz, I am weaving in elements of Emirati heritage in my workshops to strengthen our national identity in a creative way,' she underscored. Community engagement is at the core of this unique venture. 'I've had overwhelming positive feedback from participants, who expressed a new found confidence in their artistic abilities and felt a renewed sense of creativity,' she added. Influencing people In the past one year Almansoori's interactions with people strengthened her belief about the transformative power of art and the positive impact Kenaz Art Studio has on people. She recalled her first visit to the border town of Al Sila where it was rare to even find a mall. 'At first the people in the town were shy to come forward and approach the caravan. But as I stationed there for five days, they slowly opened up and attended several classes. Kids brought along their parents and elders. In the end they were so excited they wanted me to visit them again soon.' In yet another small town in Fujairah, she shared how a young boy named Humaid came to Kenaz at a time when all the workshops were fully booked. The enthusiastic child, however, was undeterred and offered to volunteer to do any task to gain access to the classes. 'The next day when I shared this experience on social media, Humaid's school principal lauded him for his determination and ingenuity. I can never say no to people when they come for my classes,' said Almansoori. Kenaz fans and supporters Parked outside schools and parks, Kenaz is self-funded and operates with the help of volunteers and support from several government, private, educational, and community organisations. Since its launch, Kenaz has also participated and partnered with several heritage festivals in the UAE. American expat Nicole Walters was at the Al Ain Date Festival recently when she found Kenaz parked outside with kids and adults engrossed in art activities. She and her teenage daughter attended a spice art workshop. 'This was the first time I've ever used turmeric, zafran, coffee and paprika to paint. Being part of this cultural mobile art studio was a memorable experience,' said Walters. Abu Dhabi resident and Emirati Sara Al Marzouqi was walking with a bunch of her friends at the Al Marmoon Film Festival in Dubai when her eyes fell on the unique mobile art studio. 'The whole concept looked very interesting and I ended up doing a tote bag workshop. This was a new experience for me. I never knew I could create art so effortlessly. Now I'm a big fan of Kenaz and I plan to track it and follow it wherever it goes,' she shared.
FACT
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Layali Ramadan to enchant Abu Dhabi this Holy Month
With dining, shopping and entertainment, this spot on Saadiyat Island will surely become a favourite during Ramadan. Abu Dhabi is never short of things to do and with Ramadan in full swing, the capital is keeping the spirit of the season alive. Saadiyat Nights, known for its incredible concerts featuring Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez, brings a Ramadan experience to the capital called Layali Ramadan, promising a culinary, retail and entertainment experience under the stars. Set against the backdrop of Saadiyat Island, Layali Ramadan promises an unforgettable suhoor experience. Located next to the Saadiyat Cultural District, this open-air venue will be the ideal spot to soak in the Ramadan atmosphere this year. Layali Ramadan will feature an array of dining options featuring some of the UAE's most beloved spots such as Aptitude Cafe, Derwandi, Estkanah Chai, Glaze Bake House, Lento, Lgymat & Rgag and Treats. But it's not just about food. You will also have a chance to shop at the venue, which features unique fashion finds, artisanal goods, and much more, making it a wholesome Ramadan festival. With live entertainment spotlighting local talent and traditional board games such as carrom and backgammon on the agenda, Layali Ramadan promises to be engaging yet nostalgic. And if you happen to be there during the weekend, you can be a part of the live demos of traditional crafts, enjoy henna art, calligraphy, workshops on Al Talli embroidery and much more — highlighting Emirati culture. Layali Ramadan will run throughout Ramadan. You can make your way here from 9pm to 3am and witness how the capital comes alive during the Holy Month. So, if you're looking for a suhoor that promises some retail therapy and a laid-back atmosphere, Layali Ramadan is where you ought to be. With options to feast and create memories with your loved ones, this destination is poised to become a Ramadan favourite this year. GO: Follow @saadiyatnights on Instagram for more information.
