What first began as a fun project with a sewing machine to create a versatile garment that takes you from the gym to your next gathering with friends and family, quickly evolved into a burgeoning lifestyle brand. Created by local designer Sumaiya Alsharhan, Sima is made in Kuwait, works with a local network of craftsmen, and sources local fabrics for each and every design that is made.
When it came to sharing her passion project with the rest of the world, Sumaiya looked to her skills as a designer first. She said, “I wanted my designs to be both beautiful and functional. I’m constantly inspired by my visits to the local fabric Souk, so using local materials came as a natural decision to me. It made sense to take advantage of the beautiful supplies that we have right here in Kuwait, and helping out the local fabric shops keep their trade alive. Some people get overly excited when they visit a fancy designer shop like Chanel or Louis Vuitton, and I get the same buzz when I’m fabric hunting at the local shops.” From working the local circuit of expos and bazaars, to taking orders via Instagram, Sima’s brick and mortar store is located in the basement floor of 8 Mall in Salmiya’s Salem Al Mubarak street.
Currently, Sumaiya produces a very limited run for each style that she designs, but boasts a wide collection of the famous Large Cardigan (The LC), open kaftans, and the garment that inspired Sumaiya’s design journey, the convertible, unisex poncho. So if you see something you like, we advise you to get it quickly.
We asked Sumaiya about how the idea for the convertible poncho came about, she smilingly told us of her love affair with the outdoors. “I previously worked as a guide in Oman, leading people on various outdoorsy adventures, from cave explorations to hikes up Jebel Shams. I needed a garment that would keep me warm at night, yet at the same time, I could efficiently store away, or use as a blanket, a pillow if needed. And it needed to look good!” From there, she set to work, experimenting with her sewing machine and fine-tuning the garment that became the convertible, hooded, poncho. Since the poncho’s design is unisex, Sumaiya wasn’t surprised at all when she was soon approached by fellow male campers who were seeking the same sense of style and versatility when it came to their outdoors lifestyle. You can wear it in three different ways, and, as with every garment by Sima, is stored in its accompanying pouch that is made out of the same fabric.
When it comes to all of Sima’s garments, you can choose from lighter fabrics, hooded or unhooded poncho styles, or even custom embroidery. The design options are endless, but the end result is always the same—a garment that is stunningly unique, effortless, versatile and functional. Translating from Arabic as “elevated”, Sima means just that, an elevated piece of clothing for a completey elevated look.
This Ramadan, we’ve got our eyes on Sima’s selection of LC’s (large cardigans) and open kaftans. With fabrics including jersey cottons, Omani silk (a small selection of fabrics that she procured while on her last outdoorsy exploration in Oman), crochet knits in solid and metallic colors, soft and airy linens, oh-so-trendy golden 90s chain prints and whimsical chiffons—these pieces will instantly uplift your basic jeans and t-shirt combo. We all know that by the end of the first week of Ramadan, you would have already gone through your basic rotation of dara’aas, and let’s face it, getting dressed becomes such a chore. With Sima, you can don an open kaftan or the Large Cardigan over a basic black dress, and just like that, you’ve just scored yourself a faultless Ramadan look.
With versatility at the core of Sima’s ethos, you could then easily transition these pieces into your summer wardrobe. Wear a breezy, silk kaftan to the office with your workwear attire, then use it as a gorgeous swimsuit coverup when it’s time for that afternoon dip by the pool. If you’re changing up your look entirely for dinner with friends right after, then simply stow away your kaftan in its matching, silk pouch. And this, for us, is what made falling in love with Sima so easy; it’s about making wardrobe choices that empower your personal style, not suppress it. We also love Sima’s cotton unisex ponchos for travel, as you can choose from a slightly thicker fabric to wear during those long flights and airport transits when the temperatures can get quite cold as well, it’s better than airline blankets! Once you’ve arrived at your destination, keep it as a versatile piece to add to your outfit!
Speaking of summer, we’re even more excited about Sima’s next product drop. Sumaiya has created a poncho similar to her basic range, but fashioned out of the softest, terrycloth towel material. “I initially started working on this design with divers and beach goers in mind. A female customer who also happens to be a diver first inspired me to experiment with the idea, as she was seeking a quick coverup after her dives that would look cool with a wetsuit, yet still was functional at the same time.” The summer towel poncho is designed to be as wide as a large towel, works as a beach throw, and can be used as a bag as well.
We asked Sumaiya’s advice on how to choose the right garment from her selection of styles. She immediately points out that the process will differ from each person’s style to the next, but she always noticed that her customers are first drawn to the feel of the fabrics that she uses in her designs. “What doesn’t work for me, might work for another person, but getting a feel for the fabric is essentially what first attracts a person to a specific large cardigan, kaftan, or poncho. I absolutely love seeing my customers form a bond with my pieces through this process. It’s very interesting to observe, and it’s rewarding at the same time.”
For more information, check out @Sima.kw on Instagram, Whatsapp 9990 3155 for details and visit the Sima shop in 8 Mall in Salmiya’s Salem Al Mubarak Street.
