Trends may come and go, but fur remains a timeless indulgence. Growing up in Kuwait, Maali Al Oudah shares a special relationship with this luxurious world. Her father regularly traveled to Moscow, and she considered her first fur coat to be her favorite present. Today, the prominent fur designer and businesswoman looks to timeless luxury as her main inspiration for her line of specialty furs that are exclusively sold at Harvey Nichols Kuwait.

Maali at work.

Maali is inspired by the 1930s, as she feels this decade epitomizes femininity, elegance, and sophistication. Her passion for designing furs led her to create her first luxury line, and with her strong network of industry leaders, she turned her passion into a reality. While there are many who happen to be both opponents and proponents of this segment of the luxury industry, Maali successfully stands out on her own with her eye for elegant design, clever business ideology and approachable persona. bazaar meets with the designer to discuss her latest collection.

When did you first become interested in furs?

Fur is a childhood passion. I’ve always wanted to do my own designs and every time  I shop for furs, I end up finding designs similar to my grandmother’s coats! I think that fur is supposed to be fun, stylish and worn on  every cold day, not only for weddings and special occasions. My father visited Moscow many times and got me a white mink coat with gray dots, and since then, I’ve been in love with fur. The way it makes me feel is unbelievable!

A more modern take on a classic.

Can you tell us about your experience in this field?

I consider myself a lucky person since I have the chance to travel a lot, and I take advantage of that by doing my homework and my research while on the road. Being in the fur industry is not easy – finding the best providers and factories who can take on a small quantity at a time is extremely challenging.

What is so special about the types of fur that you source?

I know that I have the best furs since they are excellent quality and come in rare colors. More importantly, all of my providers are certified, which means that the follow international laws with of fur manufacturing.

Can you tell us more about your most signature and most important piece?

I always try to mix and match, but this year I’m very proud that I have one of the most expensive, most rare pieces: white chinchilla. I’ve been told that every year there only 10 pieces that can be sourced, and I own one of them! I cannot wait to meet the lucky lady who will own this piece!

Do you have a favorite piece from the Mali Mo Luxurious collection? If so, which one is it and why?

Each piece is special and has a different story, but personally, I always prefer Lynx – it’s so soft!

Many people think that wearing Fur in Kuwait is pointless given the weather. What do you think of that statement, and how might you comment on this topic?

Kuwait’s winter produces dry cold weather, which makes it even more suitable for fur because you don’t have to worry about rain. Though it’s short, it definitely gets chilly. Besides, we’re known to travel a lot in this region.

You started off working with developing Fur brand Malimo, why did you choose to enter into the world of jewelry? What are some of your other business interests?

Jewelry completes fur. Both are luxurious and I appreciate a life of luxury and everything that makes women feel more elegant and feminine.

Where do you see your company going? What are some of your future plans?

I see my brand in every sophisticated boutique and closet. Europe and Russia present as new target audiences, and I’m excited to see Malimo break into those markets!

You can find Malimo Luxuries at Harvey Nichols Kuwait and Harvey Nichols Riyadh. For more information, follow her journey on Instagram @Malimo_.