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Innovative Dubai Designer Transforms Traditional Henna Art

Debbie Kelly04 mins

Modern Henna Designs by Azra Khamissa

A natural dye made from plant leaves, henna has been used for religious festivals and special occasions across South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East for thousands of years. Dubai-based designer Azra Khamissa’s modern and minimalist designs take a contemporary approach to this ancient art.

Contemporary Style

Khamissa's designs include line drawings of faces, flowers and landscapes. Her simple, striking style has gained her more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.
Khamissa’s designs include line drawings of faces, flowers, and landscapes.

Her simple, striking style has gained her more than 100,000 followers on Instagram, showcasing the appeal of her unique creations.

Innovative Techniques

Khamissa also puts a contemporary spin on traditional designs, such as the Arabic "rubeya" (disc in the center of the palm) and "rawayeb" (tinted fingertips).
Khamissa puts a contemporary spin on traditional designs.

Khamissa consistently innovates within the realm of henna, incorporating elements that modernize traditional practices. For example, she reinterprets designs like the Arabic “rubeya” and “rawayeb,” making them resonate with contemporary aesthetics.

Durability and Longevity

Henna takes around four hours to dry, and lasts for around 10 to 14 days before fading from the skin.
Henna takes around four hours to dry and lasts for 10 to 14 days.

One notable aspect of henna is its drying time, which is approximately four hours. Once applied, it can last between 10 to 14 days, making it an excellent option for those wanting temporary body art.

Collaborations with Brands

Khamissa has worked with big-name brands on bespoke designs for events and photo shoots, including sports apparel giant Nike.
Khamissa has created bespoke designs for significant brands.

Moreover, Khamissa has collaborated with renowned brands on custom designs for events and photo shoots, elevating the visibility of henna in modern contexts.

A New Perspective on Henna

Khamissa hopes her designs will show people that henna can be a casual, everyday accessory like makeup and manicures.
Khamissa envisions henna as an everyday accessory.

Khamissa’s vision is to demonstrate that henna can be an accessible, everyday accessory akin to makeup and manicures, devoid of the traditional stigma often associated with it.

Alternative Natural Dyes

Jagua is a blackish-blue dye made from the juices of the Amazonian jagua fruit. Khamissa uses this natural dye for some of her designs, which "look more like a tattoo" than traditional orange-brown henna dye.
Khamissa also uses jagua dye for some designs.

In addition to traditional henna, Khamissa incorporates jagua, a blackish-blue dye from the Amazonian jagua fruit, into some of her designs. This dye provides a “tattoo-like” appearance, appealing to those interested in a unique twist on henna art.

Henna in Cultural Significance

Henna is often used in Islamic and Hindu wedding celebrations. Khamissa's pared-back designs appeal to brides looking for a more contemporary look, while still engaging with tradition.
Henna plays a significant role in weddings.

Furthermore, henna is traditionally utilized in Islamic and Hindu weddings. Khamissa’s simplified designs attract brides desiring a modern interpretation of this time-honored practice while remaining in touch with their cultural roots.

Nature as Inspiration

Khamissa says she takes inspiration from nature, including the desert landscapes surrounding Dubai.
Khamissa finds inspiration from natural landscapes.

Lastly, Khamissa draws inspiration from nature, particularly the desert landscapes surrounding Dubai, which infuse her designs with a sense of place and authenticity.


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