Arab Heritage Woven into Fashion The Bakht Art Journey
By Wissal Labbane
By Afef Yousfi
The journey of Bakht Art began as a personal passion when I was preparing for my trousseau. I wanted every linen and embroidery piece to be uniquely designed to reflect my taste. My creations quickly caught the attention of friends and family, who began requesting personalized bedding and linens.
Realizing the potential, I founded Bakht Art in 2017, establishing both a workshop and a brand. The response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to significant success in Tunisia.
Initially focused on home linens and honeymoon nightwear, my creative vision evolved over time. I began reinterpreting traditional robes, incorporating embroidery and experimenting with fabrics. My designs gradually transformed into Carthaginian dresses, deeply inspired by Tunisia’s rich cultural heritage.
Each year, especially during Ramadan, Bakht Art introduces new collections that push creative boundaries. My signature style—bold necklines—symbolizes the independence and strength of Tunisian women. I continuously explore new sleeve and neckline designs, making them standout features in my pieces.
My color palettes are influenced by Tunisia’s landscapes, featuring shades of blue reflecting the sea and sky, green representing nature, pink inspired by native flowers, and golden hues reminiscent of desert sands.
Tunisia’s 3,000-year-old history is a profound source of inspiration. With influences from multiple civilizations, the country has a vast artistic heritage reflected in embroidery, engravings, and traditional garments. This deep-rooted culture shapes the creative identity of Bakht Art, allowing us to honor our past while creating contemporary designs.
While initially catering to Tunisian and Maghrebi women, our clientele has expanded following our participation in major exhibitions such as Abu Dhabi Exhibition 2024 and Dakkakin Exhibition in Riyadh, held under the patronage of Princess Adela bint Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Our designs resonate with Arab women who value art and tradition, viewing our creations as a reflection of their heritage and identity. Many eagerly anticipate our latest collections, not only to wear but also to appreciate as wearable art.
Inspired by Tunisia’s historical and social legacy, I have extensively studied the evolution of the jebba, a traditional garment once reserved for special occasions. My goal has been to modernize the jebba, making it an essential piece for today’s woman while preserving its authenticity. I carefully select fabrics and colors to enhance each woman’s individuality, ensuring that fashion becomes an expression of both soul and heritage.
Many Tunisian celebrities have embraced Bakht Art, contributing to its widespread recognition. Influencer and TV personality Mariam Dabbegh has been a strong supporter, showcasing our designs globally.
Our brand gained further prestige when media figures like Sonia Al-Younsi adorned our designs during Ramadan. A major milestone was our Paris Fashion Week show at the Shangri-La Palace, featuring the internationally renowned Rym Saidi.
For Rym, we designed a bespoke Carthaginian jebba, incorporating sifsari silk and intricate Hammamet-style embroidery, completed in 52 hours using gold and silver threads. The design, inspired by Carthaginian warrior attire, fused ancient aesthetics with modern elegance, creating a regal, timeless piece.
Our expansion plans include a strong presence in Dubai, a city known for fostering creativity and investment. London, a global fashion capital, is also on our radar, with a planned showcase at September Fashion Week.
Since its inception, Bakht Art has thrived through social media exposure, particularly on Instagram. Looking ahead, we are excited to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into our creative process, further evolving our designs.
“Bakht Art’s designs are an extension of our history and a connection to our heritage, with a modern touch that reflects contemporary taste.”
