Over the past decade, sustainable fashion has gained momentum as a growing number of consumers, particularly from Generation Z, prioritize eco-friendly materials and longer-lasting garments over fast fashion. This shift is reflected in the practices of emerging brands that incorporate recycled and natural fabrics in their collections. One such example is Tarakeeb, a Bahrain-based sustainable fashion label established seven years ago by Indian expatriate Kanika Subberwal.

The brand name, Tarakeeb, carries dual meanings in Arabic and Hindi, translating to “putting things together” and “idea” or “technique,” respectively—an apt reflection of its ethos centered on pure, natural fabrics such as silk, linen, and cotton. Tarakeeb has built its reputation on combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, often utilizing materials sourced and woven locally.

This year, Tarakeeb is set to launch its new line, Amira, which aims to appeal to a younger demographic through accessible and versatile pieces. Some items in this collection are produced in Bahrain, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to supporting local artisans, especially those from the village of Bani Jamra. The brand recently presented the Amira collection at the seventh edition of London Fashion Day, held at Hyde Park, a platform recognized for showcasing emerging designers alongside models and industry professionals.

Saloni Subberwal, a London-based analyst and the face behind the Amira presentation, described the collection as maintaining the brand’s foundational focus on “pure fabrics, thoughtful craftsmanship and quiet luxury rooted in timeless elegance.” She highlighted the collection’s balance between structured and fluid silhouettes, enhanced by modern brocade details, designed to transition seamlessly from day to evening wear. The line incorporates materials such as soft cottons, modal, linen, and silk, crafted to meet the needs of women seeking sophisticated yet wearable fashion.

Kanika Subberwal elaborated on the fabrics used in Amira, noting that jackets in red and green feature pure wool exteriors with cotton interiors, handwoven by artisans in Bani Jamra. Additional pieces include linen-cotton vests, pure silk brocade trouser suits, and tailored skirts and jackets. The collection also employs khadi, a hand-spun Indian cotton fabric, in shorts and jackets. Modal, a semi-synthetic fiber derived from beech wood, is the only non-fully natural fabric included, selected for its wrinkle-resistant properties.

Tarakeeb’s longstanding collaboration with Bani Jamra weavers underscores its dedication to preserving Bahrain’s sartorial heritage. The brand has incorporated traditional techniques such as Al Naqda, a Bahraini embroidery style featuring fine silver or gold threads, in its past designs. Complementing this, Tarakeeb also utilizes Mukaish embroidery—a delicate metallic threadwork from Lucknow, India—produced in India due to the current lack of capacity for large-scale manufacturing in Bahrain.

Reflecting a blend of cultural influences and artisanal craftsmanship, Tarakeeb debuted its first collection, Be Bahrain, in 2019 and showcased it at La Biennale de Paris, a prestigious international art event. The brand continues to position itself at the intersection of sustainable fashion, cultural heritage, and modern design, responding to a growing market for conscious luxury in the Gulf region and beyond.