Motasem News

Fashion Exhibit at the British Library: Luxury Label Motasem provides inspiration with Nightingale and Lotus dress display 1 June - 3 July 2009 Experienced fashion and graphic designer, Director of luxury label Motasem, Sabina Ali, found independent success in 2007 with a commission to design a cocktail style wedding dress versatile enough to wear more than once. Having already used the British Library’s resources to research designs and explore target markets, Sabina turned to the Business & IP Centre for inspiration and advice as she took the plunge into running her own label. Four years on, Sabina’s designs, with their fluid shapes, exquisite cutting, and trademark silky fabrics, have made her one of the Centre’s most successful users. Even in the current climate, her ethical business principles and the financial appeal of more versatile wedding wear, Motasem continues to go from strength to strength. In celebration of Sabina’s success, the British Library is proud to display two wonderful examples her work, the Nightingale and the Lotus dresses, in the heart of the Business & IP Centre as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers. Sabina commented: “The British Library’s Business & IP Centre has been a constant source of advice and support throughout the development of my business, and it is a real privilege to have my work on display at the Library. I hope other aspiring fashion designers using the Centre can take some inspiration from my work and with similar support from the Library can develop their own successful brands.”

UK Premiere of Twilight: Stunning dresses by new designer hit the black carpet (8 December 2009) Last Wednesday saw vampire mania hit London's Leicester Square at the the UK premiere of Twilight. New fashion label, Motasem, was asked to dress vampire-like models who floated down the black carpet behind the film's star, Robert Pattinson. The models looked fabulous in long, ivory dresses, which were the perfect accompaniment to Robert, as the models surrounded him during his photo call. The models wore "Alaya" and "Aurora" dresses from Motasem's bridal range. "Alaya" is a full length, silk crepe, bias-cut dress with a cowl front and back neckline. "Aurora" is a full-length, silk satin, pleated dress with adjustable straps. The dresses are unique as they suit almost any body shape, allowing the wearer to feel simultaneously comfortable and sexy. Twilight is the highly-anticipated movie of the ultimate forbidden love affair between a vampire and mortal and is in all cinemas from December 19th

Motasem donates to charity fundraiser (1 Sept 2007) A yellow box pleat Motasem dress helped raise £400 in a silent auction at the Black Tie Charity Event in aid of Cystic Fibrosis at Hilton Hotel, Manchester.

Motasem takes to the stage at StokeFest fashion show (10 June 2007) Motasem dresses took the fashion limelight at this year's StokeFest, an annual independent arts festival at Hackney's Clissold Park, on the border of Haringey and Islington.Sabina Ali showed showed six dresses alongside womenswear designers Kate Tailyour and emilyandfin. Click on the image for photos of the event. To watch a video of the event, click on image to the right.

Motasem signs up to the Wedge Scheme mini revolution (1 May 2007) We've signed up to the Wedge Card scheme - a new way to get discounts and special offers from hundreds of local shops and independent businesses. The aim is to revitalise local communities by offering an affinity scheme to those using local shops and services. Get your card and pay less for your Motasem creation! Click image.

Motasem showcases at Asian Dreams (1 March 2007) A capsule collection of six designs made their debut at the Asian Dreams 2007 fashion show at the Zandra Rhodes Fashion and Textile Museum in South East London. Click on the image to see photos of the event. By Dee Tee Photography.