“A lot of people in Bahrain use the word ‘haraka’ to describe something fun, different and cool with a twist and I felt that perfectly described the brand I wanted to create,” explained Muna Yateem of her appropriately named line of watches, t-shirts and caps launched just this year.
Whilst on an internship in New York, the Bahraini native noted the need for a pop of color in her fellow commuters’ wardrobes. And with that Yateem, who had already collected a large collection of watches over the years, embarked on a project to create her own line. Knowing exactly what she wanted from her line of products, Yateem emphasized three elements: affordability, design and a sense of humor.
Oasis Magazine caught up with the young designer to know more about her and her line.
Tell us a bit about the brains behind HARAKA.
I studied Interior and Spatial Design and then went on to do my masters in Urban Design in London, which I thought were completely different fields than fashion. However, when I saw the architect Zaha Hadid’s collection of handbags for Louis Vuitton, I realized that the lines blurred between architecture, art and fashion, which are all things that interest and inspire me, and coming from a design background, it was easy for me to play and experiment in all these different
areas.
Which was the first item you designed for HARAKA?
The first thing I designed for HARAKA was the ‘Muna’ Lisa with the ghtra-covered face, which I designed originally for charity at the Alriwaq Market last year. I like to experiment by mixing traditional Middle Eastern ideas with current street and urban ideas. I designed many things at the same time when I was traveling; I wrote down and sketched out all my ideas in my notebook and then when I got back to Bahrain started finalizing the designs.
We love your witty designs. In a sense, they represent the culture of this region’s young generation. What do you feel defines this generation?
I think the younger generation is realizing that barriers are disappearing and we don’t have to be defined by one occupation for the rest of our lives. By removing that pressure, we are able to live up to our full potential and discover the many talents that an individual can possess and also discovering
that we can make a career from our hobbies if enough passion is involved. Another advantage this generation has is that social media and the Internet are making the world a much smaller place. In an instant on a smartphone, tablet or laptop, anyone can get information on the latest news around the world, which makes the realms of inspiration endless! Therefore, I think the younger generation is defined by curiosity, freedom of thought, and awareness.
www.haraka.com | info@haraka.com
Twitter.com/myharaka | www.facebook.com/myharaka
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