A dynamic, hands on, transformational leader and senior executive with 28 years’ experience in the global fashion, brand and retail industry. An expert in Business Transformation, Strategic Planning, E. Com & Digital transformation, Brand Development & Communication, Business Development & Expansion, International Markets, Financial Business Management, Buying & Merchandising, Product Development, New Market entry, Franchise & Joint Venture, Brand Equity Relations and Talent management. Attar has been positioned at the forefront of organizations as Chief Executive Officer and in Senior Leadership roles, achieving revenues, delivering profits, increasing shareholder value and leading change, managing transformation, inspiring diverse teams and delivering visionary strategies. Attar has in depth experience working in international markets such as the UK, Europe, US, Middle East and South East Asia. Known as "The Hybrid" because of her breadth of experience and unique understanding of both the creative and commercial sides of the fashion and retail industry. She has worked for and represented some of the world’s most coveted brands from Harrods, Giorgio Armani Group, Juicy Couture, GIII, Karen Millen amongst many others alongside creating and launching new retail concepts within the world of fashion and Retail. Attar is an ambassador for Women Empowerment, passionately inspiring women across the world to achieve and master their goals. With a reputation for shaping the retail landscape in the Middle East Attar has won a number of accolades and recognition for her outstanding achievements. In 2019, Forbes ME placed her amongst the Top 50 International CEO’s heading local companies in the GCC, Arabian Business recognized her as one of the 30 Most Influential Women in the Arab World and one of the 100 Influential People Help Shape the Emirates. For the past 15 years Attar has been known to support the new generation of emerging designers, coaching, mentoring and fostering their potential. A motivational and key note speaker, she has led retail conferences, inspiring her audiences on Global Retail & Brand Strategy, Women empowerment, and the New Generation of Creatives. Attar’s philosophy for success is centered around engaging her teams and driving performance through respect, ethics and values. An advocate of Social Responsibility she believes that ethical and social responsibility should be at the forefront of any business and that for a human being to have value and dignity they must endeavor to make a difference to people lives.
TURBAN THINKER is a dynamic podcast hosted by Asil Attar, an award winning, global fashion, retail and brand strategist, a Forbes influencer, and Forbes Top 50 international CEO’s GCC. Attars 28 year career in the business of fashion, retail, brand and the creative industries has allowed her the opportunity of meeting some of the most inspiring individuals from global influencers, CEO’s and executives, to some of the most talented creatives. The podcast centers around her passion for knowledge transfer, her guests personal career journey’s, mental health, empowerment, and social impact, all pivotal to the conversations she has, alongside offering hugely valuable global insights into the business of fashion. Attar interviews inspiring creatives, entrepreneurs, executives and industry shapers from around the world, providing a wealth of information and inspiration with the objective of inspiring, motivating, and empowering her audience to pursue their dreams and realize their potential. Discussing impactful subjects such as the effects of mental health in one of todays most competitive industries, the importance of sustainability in fashion and working towards more ethical and eco-friendly practices, alongside her own journey in the fashion industry and shared advice for those interested in pursuing a career in fashion. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, never compromising on your beliefs and being passionate, as well as the importance of building trust and relationships. The Turban Thinker podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the business of fashion or entrepreneurship and most importantly wanting to become the best version of themselves. Attars additional objective is to bridge the gap between the Gen Z audience, as they are tomorrows future thinkers, leaders and shapers.
LEAD Associates is a global fashion, brand and retail consultancy, established in 2013, based in London. LEAD advises start ups, SME's, Retailers, Fashion Groups, Independent Fashion and lifestyle brands and businesses on business transformation, strategic planning, restructure, portfolio diversification, E-Commerce, Omni Channel Retailing, Digital Media, Marketing, Brand Positioning, Business development, New market entry, Financial business management, Investor profiling and creative brand building. A partnership between senior executives with a global network of industry experts representing all verticals within the Retail, fashion and lifestyle industry sectors who hold an in-depth knowledge in brand equity and relations. We deliver a focused range of competencies across various specializations using experience gained within International Markets and Retail groups in the UK, Europe, US, Middle East, and South East Asia. The unique combination of commercial and creative expertise along with strong business acumen places Lead Associates at the forefront. Whether you are a new start up or have been established for 100 years, we work closely with you strengthening your vision and foundation as we lead you into the new phase of your future.
Damas was the first to introduce renowned global brands to the region. Today it possesses an extensive portfolio of celebrated luxury brands such as Graff, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Forevermark, Magerit, Parmigiani Fleurier, Louis Moinet and Perrelet, among many alongside its popular in-house brands Farfasha, Vera, OneSixEight, Legacy and Avani.
Alyasra Fashion is a regional fashion retail leader, with a world-class portfolio of over 60 high-end fashion, footwear and accessories brands Since its establishment in 1993, Alyasra fashion has offered unmatched quality and luxury coupled with a strong and professional business vision in fashion retail. Leading the market with strong partnerships with internationally renowned companies, such as the MaxMara Fashion Group, GIII, ECCO Group, and the Fossil Group Today, our network encompasses over 280 stores, with operations in eight markets across the Middle East and offices in Kuwait (HQ), UAE, KSA, Iraq and Lebanon.
SALT (Supporting All Local Talent) is a leading, affordable luxury goods socially integrated e-commerce and pop-up retail concept. SALT is built around scouting the most unique and newest talents within fashion, jewellery, accessories and lifestyle to sell alongside own brand collections. A multi-faceted Omni channel platform, where fashion, lifestyle and technology meet; featuring the most exciting product, driven by transformational shopping experiences
Established in 2013, based in London and Dubai with a global reach, we advise fashion and lifestyle brands on business development, new market entry, strategic planning, financial business management and creative brand building. A partnership between senior executives with a network of industry experts representing all verticals within the fashion and lifestyle sectors who hold an in-depth knowledge in brand equity and relations. Delivering a focused range of competencies across various specialisations using experience gained with international brands and retail groups in the Middle East, Europe and North America. The unique combination of creative expertise with strong business acumen places Lead Associates as the go-to company that bridges the challenges for brands looking to develop and take their business into a new phase for the future.
- Completely restructured the organization from the senior leadership to frontline teams - Defined strategic development plan for the business, based on strategic segmentation - Identified and developed new business opportunities, proven methodology for negotiating Franchise/Joint Venture agreements - Developed a culture, vision and values that reflect the organization, encouraging good performance, and rewarding productivity - Defined and developed global brand partnerships - Identified Investment and partnership opportunity evaluation - Controlled full market set up and operations - Developed and implemented a corporate social responsibility strategy focusing on the community, environment and staff welfare
Responsible for directing all aspects of the strategy, developement, and expansion for a portfolio of the Al Tayer Insignia Luxury Fashion businesses including mono brand stores and multi brand boutiques for the GCC.
Luxury footwear and accessories start up, launched in New York, scouting some of the worlds most talented designers from the luxury fashion houses and top fashion colleges and investing in their own brands and collections.
Directing and driving the brand through leading the creative design teams. Responsible for sourcing, production, developing overall collections, range content and line building for the accessories, jewellery, leather goods, footwear and non apparel licensed products. Leading a team of buyers, designers, merchandisers and visual merchandisers to ensure a consistent, strategic and successful development for the business
Overseeing the creative direction, design teams, product development, sourcing, and manufacturing for both the Karen Millen and Whistles brands. Controlling and directing an entire range of fashion accessories, jewellery, leather goods, footwear.
Overseeing the creative direction, design teams, product development, sourcing, and manufacturing for both the Karen Millen and Whistles brands. Controlling and directing an entire range of fashion accessories, jewellery, leather goods, footwear.
Responsible for the sourcing and buying of international high profile luxury Accessory & Jewellery brands ex: Dior, Givenchy, D&G, Armani, Ralph Lauren, YSL, Christian Lacroix, Swarovski, Daniel Swarovski etc.