Manal Ajaj Unveils ‘Of Sea and Silk’ Bridal Couture Collection for 2027
Manal Ajaj
The Dubai-based Syrian designer introduces 12 bridal creations inspired by the movement of the ocean, the elegance of silk and the enduring symbolism of love, following her appearance at Paris Haute Couture Week.
DUBAI, UAE — Syrian fashion designer Manal Ajaj has unveiled Of Sea and Silk, her Spring/Summer 2027 bridal couture collection, featuring 12 designs that draw on the natural beauty of the sea and explore a contemporary approach to wedding fashion.
The collection marks the designer’s latest creative development following her appearance at Paris Haute Couture Week in 2026, where she presented Women of Light, a collection centred on feminine strength, identity and self-expression.
Now based in Dubai, Ajaj has developed a distinctive approach to couture, combining traditional craftsmanship with sculptural silhouettes and contemporary design. Her latest collection brings those elements together through a series of bridal gowns inspired by the fluidity of water, the luminosity of pearls and the delicate movement of silk.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Bridal Couture
Rather than approaching bridalwear solely as ceremonial fashion, Of Sea and Silk explores the emotional significance of a wedding gown and its connection to memory, personal identity and transformation.
Across the 12 designs, Ajaj introduces architectural shapes, sweeping trains, intricate embroidery, delicate veils and carefully considered embellishments.
The collection moves between voluminous, statement-making gowns and more streamlined silhouettes, offering different interpretations of modern bridal elegance.
Pearl-inspired detailing, flowing fabrics and sculptural construction feature throughout, reflecting the designer’s interest in balancing softness with structure.
Each gown has been conceived around an individual name and symbolic meaning, contributing to a wider narrative about love, commitment and the beginning of a new chapter.
The result is a collection that combines the visual impact associated with haute couture with a more personal interpretation of bridal design.
From Damascus to the International Fashion Stage
Born in Damascus, Ajaj developed an interest in fashion and embroidery at an early age, creating her first complete wedding gown when she was 14.
She subsequently gained experience in Kuwait before establishing her own fashion ventures and expanding her professional activities into the United Arab Emirates.
Her work has since been presented in several international cities, including Berlin, Beirut and Los Angeles.
Among her earlier projects, Alphabet of Jasmine explored elements of Syrian cultural heritage, incorporating references to traditional craftsmanship, artistic identity and the country’s history.
These influences have remained an important part of her design approach, alongside an increasingly international perspective.
In 2026, Ajaj presented Women of Light during Paris Haute Couture Week, a significant milestone in her career that brought her work to a wider international audience.
The presentation explored themes of femininity and personal strength through couture, continuing ideas that have shaped her collections over the years.
Dubai as a Creative Base
Ajaj’s continued development in Dubai reflects the city’s growing role as a centre for regional and international fashion talent.
Working across bridal couture, haute couture and ready-to-wear, the designer has maintained an emphasis on craftsmanship, distinctive construction and the relationship between clothing and personal expression.
With Of Sea and Silk, she returns to bridalwear through a collection that places equal importance on visual sophistication and emotional storytelling.
The 12 designs offer a considered interpretation of contemporary bridal fashion, bringing together elements of Middle Eastern craftsmanship and international couture aesthetics.
For Ajaj, the collection represents another stage in a career that has taken her from Damascus to international fashion presentations, while retaining the cultural influences that first shaped her creative identity.
