In Arabic, there are fourteen stages of love – in Arabic, ﺣب (Hub) – each describing varying degrees of emotional expression. The stage at which love holds no negative signs; where it is overflowing for those we love, is where SS25
blossoms to life.
A love letter to the cultures that birthed it, the SS25 collection speaks to the intersecting worlds that inspired its creation. Balancing heritage and contrasting cultures with intricate craftsmanship and an intense eye for detail, Hub weaves a tapestry of experiences and observations, which is presented as a seven-piece collection of Made to Measure and Ready to Wear garments.
Leaning into its cultural contexts, arabsoda lovingly and faithfully celebrates heritage, framing the beauty and luxuriousness of Middle Eastern tailoring and traditional silhouettes through a contemporary Western lens to build an arrangement with a deep appreciation for both worlds.
Arabsoda
(Photos: Niklas Kamp)
This cultural duality unfolds, revealing a leather jacket and pants set inspired by the Thawb; a long-sleeved ankle-length traditional robe. A transformative application of Middle Eastern tailoring, this detail-driven set utilises the finest quality calf leather to craft a staple yet elegant look. The jacket features a slit arm secured with cufflinks – a nod to the traditional detailing of the Thawb – effortlessly compliments the minimalistic sophistication of the matching pants.
Outerwear continues to be a natural throughline for arabsoda’s cultural blend, with two coats harmonious with the Arab Bisht. Understated and elegant, the bisht is an outer robe diverse in application; worn for prestige on special occasions and festivals or as a symbol of devotion and respect during prayer. Its rich symbolism yet highly dignified modesty are reflected in arabsoda’s two-piece interpretation; the first boasts a casual elegance while the alternative construction leans into the prestigious nature of Arabic festive dress, the casual one is crafted in the finest wool and the alternative one in luxurious camel hair.
Completing the collection are a dress shirt and denim-inspired dress pants. The shirt features a collar reminiscent of the traditional Thawb, complimented by a cropped cut to the body and minimalist snap closure for a look rooted in heritage yet baring a unique contemporary edge; a sophistication reflected in the tailored finish of the dress pants.
Through its deeply considered reflections on the convergence of its cultural touchpoints, arabsoda’s SS25 collection, Hub, achieves an arraignment of garments perfectly uniform, while bearing a distinct luxuriousness rooted in the beauty of Arab tailoring and contemporary Western design cues.
About arabsoda:
Exploring the intersection of the Middle Eastern and Western World, Berlin-based arabsoda illustrates the delicate balance of contemporary culture, tradition, and heritage through luxury Made to Measure and Ready to Wear garments.
About Usman Latif:
Usman Latif is a Berlin-based DJ and multi-hyphenate creative spanning photography, fashion, and consultancy, crafting art as enigmatic as his cultural context.
As a third culture kid of Pashtun heritage, Usman was raised across Frankfurt and London, building a unique cultural tapestry that would inspire and challenge him to self-express through a multitude of creative mediums, working tirelessly to cultivate projects that authentically communicate his inner-most feelings and experiences.
Through music, he’s fashioned an eclectic sonic palette, bringing a blend of baile funk, hard groove, and Afro and Arabic house to events spanning Lamborghini, Mooseknuckles, Louis Vuitton, and Soho House, to name a few. The arabsoda Creative Director has kept the spirit of collaboration at the heart of his creative pursuits, engaging in artistic partnerships alongside Nike, Converse and more.
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With love,
FWO
