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The Arwa Edit: Mykonos
Fashion designer Arwa Banawi gives us her edit of a Mykonian inspired home, as well as a short Q&A on her style and home inspo!
Arwa Al Banawi has become the region’s most prominent taste-maker for #thesuitablewoman. Known for bridging the gap between luxury and street wear, an Arwa Al Banawi piece is just as much at home in a hip d3 setting as it is in a swanky DIFC restaurant.
Most notable and recognisable in Arwa’s aesthetic is a love for contrasts. Hailing from Saudi Arabia, she blends strong traditional prints with contemporary vibes for that ‘East meets West’ look. Across her collections, Arwa has brought her love of independence, travel and strong women figures into her pieces, which went worn, elevate a woman’s posture in every sense of the word.
And just like her sense of style, Arwa’s home décor is equally lust-worthy and could easily have a place on Pinterest. The former banker turned designer has an eye for unique home interiors, with treasured finds taking pride of place in her personal space.
Arwa’s Tanagra edit is just as eclectic as her brand is. Jonathan Adler’s Milano Coasters are her go-to for when she has company; the Bernardaud Siecle Salad Plate serves as a talking point at her dinner parties; as does the Michael Aram Calla Lily Cheese Board – elegance and functionality is Arwa’s beat.
Elsewhere in her home Arwa takes to Jonathan Adler’s Op Art Box, as well as Baobab’s Triskell Candle for a cosy and mood-setting night in. And as an avid reader, Arwa’s diverse works are nestled between the sumptuous Anna Crystal Fim Bookends.
We dip deeper into Arwa’s world below…
Three words to describe your style?
Elegant, urban and bohemian.
Favourite summer city to travel to and what do you like most about it?
My all-time favourite is the island of Mykonos in Greece. The white and blue are my favourite colours and my favourite plant is a cactus which are all around the island. I love the beach, the clear waters, the easy and delicious food. It’s so natural and laid back, you can walk around in a beach dress from day to night – that’s what I love about Mykonos. The energy is real.
How would you incorporate this summer city vibes in your home with products from Tanagra?
I love colours as much as I love white and neutral colours so I naturally love to mix things up. I’m also a lover of blending the classic with the urban and hip so I picked pieces that remind me of water and the beach (shell and stone inspired pieces). I love a good coffee cup, too. My mother always tells me “you have to have your coffee in a nice cup that has a story to tell.” I’m also drawn to blue tones and gold accent pieces as I feel they brighten the whole vibe together in your space.
How would you describe your interior design aesthetic?
I love to mix classic pieces with a bohemian aesthetic. I love the contrast – you’ll notice it even in my collections. My brand always has that bridge between elegance and urban or classic and boho (I love animal prints too – it’s a must in my home) I love a comfortable space but one that also has a touch of jungle or an island vibe to it. My space sees a lot of neutrality along with stand-out art pieces, animal print (either a carpet or a chair) a nice wooden desk, marble and coffee books. Candles are also my favourite things to collect.
