It was in 2014 that Qatari designer Yasmin Mansour opened her first atelier. The journey since then has not been easy - the designer has faced challenges from the get-go, having to build her brand independently and then scale it up without losing its essence. “One of the hardest parts has been maintaining a clear creative vision while navigating the realities of production, logistics, and growth, especially coming from a region where the industry is still developing,” Yasmin Mansour tells MOJEH. Despite this, Yasmin Mansour is a regional brand that has achieved recognition across platforms. Notably, it not only received the Eveningwear Prize at Fashion Trust Arabia but also distinguished Mansour as one of the region's few semi-finalists for the prestigious LVMH Prize.
Mansour is known for designs inspired by architectural buildings, allowing her pieces to take on interesting silhouettes that predominantly feature clean lines and bold curves. “Architecture teaches you to think about form, weight and space in a very intentional way. When I’m inspired by a structure, I’m not just looking at the shape — I’m thinking about how it was built, the tension it holds, and the story it tells,” she explains. With a design process that starts with studying the structure, the designer aims to translate this into her work through techniques such as pleating and layering — a signature that makes her designs unique and exciting for the regional audience.
One of Yasmin Mansour's most beloved designs is the Cycas bag, a pandemic creation, which is made using the brand’s signature mille-feuille technique. The standout piece comes in a range of colours, and its petite size makes it easy to style. “At a time when resources were limited and we had to think differently, the Cycas bag was born. We started by taking leftover fabric scraps from our collections and piecing them together, almost intuitively.”
Having stayed true to her brand’s vision throughout her journey, Yasmin Mansour built quite a convincing portfolio for the LVMH Prize. The designer explains that the application itself was very straightforward, and the most important aspect was having a strong sense of what the brand stands for. “Having a strong DNA and a clear vision is something you should carry from the beginning — not just for an application, but for building a brand. It’s about knowing who you are and standing by it,” she advises.
The brand embodies, in many ways, Mansour’s personal style. “I would describe my personal style as minimal, structured and intentional. I’m drawn to pieces that feel timeless but have a sense of character — strong shapes, clean lines, and subtle details. It’s less about following trends and more about wearing things that feel like an extension of how I see the world.” The luxury label mirrors this individuality in its collections.
When asked about the future, the designer emphasises the need to build a global brand, one that resonates with her customers across the years but without compromising on her original vision. "It will always be grounded in the same values of craftsmanship, storytelling and emotional design."
With the intention of building something meaningful and inspiring both clients and aspiring designers, Yasmin Mansour continues to grow as a regional brand that not only speaks to women from the region but those across the globe.
