With a broken heart, I say farewell to Tybalt, my intrepid and beautiful travel companion. Tybalt captured my heart when I lived in Oman, with this picture posted on Facebook. He was looking for a new home and he looked so defeated. I just jumped into my Jeep and brought him to our home and our hearts. He loved and was loved immediately. He was … Continue reading Remembering Tybalt, Prince of Cats
I am so amazed to be back in Penang. I had feared that COVID had grounded us forever. I’ve returned to my home in Malaysia. I’ve returned to the enormous pleasures of Penang, This time, in search of swimming pools, I treated myself. I determined to drive to the mountain I could see from that beach. And then there is the food… something Penang is … Continue reading Return to Penang 2023
A bischt is a coat or cloak worn by Omani men, usually for ceremonial purposes. Actually, mostly they are worn by royalty. Being the radical that I am, I couldn’t see why women couldn’t wear them too. So I started to make some for myself.I call them “walking coats.” Some are casual and I wear them for shopping.Some are for more elaborate, and I wear … Continue reading My Lady Bischts
Romanced. I have been seduced by the look and feel of the fabrics and notions I find in the souq in Muscat. And now I have become curious about these fabrics. How did Omanis come to love the colors? Where did the fabrics come from? Did Oman ever produce materials for clothing? I’ve seen these fabric maps of continents – the patterns or designs typical … Continue reading Fascinated by Fabrics
Women of Oman have a gorgeous tradition of bold and bright color combinations. In fact, Omani women can be more bold and creative than most! Like beautiful birds, women have always like to show off their multi-color dresses and accessories. From an early age, there is an appreciation of color and jewelry. They may wear a burqa, but it is not always a simple face … Continue reading Bright and Bold Women of Oman
The signature of #kcbDesigns is a ghutra. Nothing is complete without a ghutra somehow, somewhere. A ghutra is a square cotton scarf men in Oman wear on their heads, wrapped and folded in styles that differ from place to place. In some places, it is more common to see men and boys wearing a kumma – the round, embroidered cap. It is part of the … Continue reading Not Without a Ghutra
The Aqua Collection is made up of the kcbDesigns bags and the first is actually aquamarine – made of nets salvaged from the sea. There is a huge environmental problem created by fishnets discarded into the sea. In the water, they trap and kill sea turtles, and piles of rotting nets are a mess on the beach. There are regular cleanup sessions by expat groups. … Continue reading The Aqua Collection 1.0
Omanis produce and appreciate art in all its forms. I’ve been inspired by many visual artists. One particular artist who always captures my attention is Salim Al Sal For me, his art imitates the vibrant jumble of the Omani countryside and I think some of my work imitates his approach. Altogether different but equally vibrant is the work of — We have four of her … Continue reading Art and the Essence of Oman
Old photos inspire me, especially powerful photos of intriguing women. And sometimes men… This one from Syria. One of the single greatest inspirations has to be photos of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. I take inspiration from all of them. Continue reading Inspiration from the past
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