Alia Abaza Combines Natural Tones & Textures in SS26 ‘Earth Lines’

“The biggest inspiration behind SS26 was the fabrics,” says founder and creative director Alia Abaza. “Creating custom fabrics, patterns and embroidery opened up a whole new level of creativity for me and gave me the freedom to play with design in a much deeper way.”Founded on the idea of creating feel-good pieces that balance ease with luxury, Abaza’s eponymous ready-to-wear label has built a reputation for combining relaxed silhouettes with unexpected material pairings. Since launching in 2011, the designer has focused on collections that blend easy shapes with tactile fabrics, handcrafted details and a strong sense of individuality.Titled Earth Lines, the SS26 collection unfolds across two drops, the first of which launched on June 10 at Maison 69. According to Habiba Mohammad, the brand’s executive, the opening chapter centres on grounded tones such as olive green and charcoal grey, with otherwise minimal garments accented through handmade trims, hand-dyed details and the label’s signature hardware.The second drop marks a notable shift in Abaza’s design process. For the first time, the designer developed custom fabrics in-house, overseeing everything from thread selection to embroidery design. The resulting textiles feature motifs drawn from the natural world, including florals and foliage, introducing a new visual dimension to the collection.While the fabrics are new, the collection remains rooted in the brand’s longstanding commitment to craftsmanship. Produced in the label’s Heliopolis workshop, the garments undergo a range of hand-finished processes, including dyeing, bleaching and the application of trims and embellishments. Many pieces are produced in limited quantities, reflecting the hands-on approach that has long defined the brand.

Movement also plays a central role in the collection. Relaxed cuts and fluid silhouettes allow the garments to move naturally with the body, resulting in pieces designed for everyday wear rather than occasion dressing. If there is one feeling Mohammad hopes customers take away from the collection, she says, “it’s to feel playful and relaxed. All the silhouettes are made to move with the body, which is perfect for summer.”