Some designs are meant to stay timeless, like those at SUMMAT, luxury eveningwear brand founded by Summat Iqbal, who set out to create pieces that embody both modern sophistication and timeless elegance. With a focus on strong silhouettes, impeccable craftsmanship and sustainability rooted in longevity, SUMMAT is poised to make its mark on the global fashion stage, starting with its highly anticipated launch in the GCC. L’Officiel Arabia speaks to Summat about her journey from fashion enthusiast to entrepreneur, the challenges of building a brand, and how SUMMAT is reshaping the way women experience eveningwear.
Delna Mistry Anand: What was the defining moment that led you to launch SUMMAT? Did you feel there was something missing in eveningwear that you wanted to change?
Summat Iqbal: I’ve been working on SUMMAT for three years, driven by a deeply personal frustration—I struggled to find eveningwear that felt both modern and timeless, glamorous yet understated. Most options were either overly intricate or too minimal to feel truly special. I wanted to strip eveningwear to its purest, most striking form—sleek yet impactful, refined yet statement-making.
SUMMAT is my answer to that. The brand is built on classic silhouettes, reimagined with a contemporary sensibility to ensure every dress remains relevant today and for years to come.
How would you describe SUMMAT’s aesthetic in a way that sets it apart from other eveningwear brands?
SUMMAT sits at the intersection of ultra-glam and refined sophistication. It’s not about trend-driven minimalism; it’s about adhering to classical principles while experimenting with modern cuts. The brand is for women who appreciate craftsmanship, strong silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics. What makes SUMMAT stand out is that it offers eveningwear that is both striking and refined, designed to be as impactful in a room today as it will be in the years ahead.
Launching a fashion label is no small feat. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a first-time entrepreneur?
There have been so many. One of the biggest was realizing that designing beautiful pieces isn’t enough… building a brand is a completely different skill set. Fashion is incredibly fast-paced, and as a first-time entrepreneur, you quickly learn that having a strong creative vision has to be balanced with strategic decision-making. Another challenge was navigating production—ensuring that the quality lived up to my expectations while managing costs. Every mistake feels personal when you’re building something from the ground up, but I’ve learned to pivot quickly and trust my instincts.
Sustainability is such an important conversation in fashion today. How do you incorporate it into SUMMAT’s production and design process?
For me, sustainability isn’t just about materials; it’s about longevity. The most sustainable thing we can do is create pieces that people will wear and love for years, not just for a season. That’s why I focus on high-quality fabrics, expert craftsmanship, and timeless silhouettes rather than trend-driven designs that have a short lifespan. Our production is also carefully managed to avoid waste—we produce in limited quantities and prioritize quality over volume. For me, exclusivity is not just a buzzword, it is a guiding principle rooted in sustainability.
There’s a distinct strength in your designs, yet they remain feminine and elegant. How do you strike that balance?
I’ve always believed that the most striking designs balance contrasts—soft and structured, bold yet effortless. SUMMAT’s silhouettes are strong, with clean lines and impeccable tailoring, but there’s always an underlying sensuality. Whether it’s a perfectly draped neckline, a sculpted bodice, or a fluid movement in the fabric, every detail is considered to make the woman wearing it feel powerful yet feminine. I believe that there is beauty in strength and strength in beauty. They don't have to be mutually exclusive traits.
When it comes to fabrics, what do you look for to ensure both luxury and longevity?
Fabric is everything. If a dress doesn’t feel incredible on the body, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it looks. I prioritize materials that have both structure and movement—luxurious silks, crepes, and satins that drape beautifully while holding their form. Every fabric choice is made with construction and longevity in mind; I want my customers to feel the same way about their SUMMAT dress years from now as they did the first time they wore it.
SUMMAT is making its debut in the GCC, a region known for its discerning fashion sensibilities. How do you see the brand resonating with this audience?
The GCC woman has an innate sense of style—she appreciates statement pieces but also values quality and craftsmanship. SUMMAT aligns with this perfectly. The brand offers eveningwear that is refined yet impactful, designed for women who want to stand out in a room but not rely on elements that distract rather than elevate. The region’s love for luxury is also reflected in our commitment to premium fabrics and impeccable tailoring.
For those dreaming of launching their own fashion label, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?
Stay true to your vision but stay flexible in your approach. Fashion is unpredictable, and things will not always go as planned. You’ll face challenges that force you to adapt, but your core vision should always remain intact. Also, invest in learning about the business side of fashion early on—it’s just as important as the creative process.
What’s next for SUMMAT? Can we expect new categories or exciting expansions in the future?
Right now, my focus is on making this launch a success. I want to establish SUMMAT as a go-to for women who appreciate elegant, refined eveningwear. But I do see the brand evolving—perhaps into more categories within eveningwear, or even accessories that complement the aesthetic. For now, I’m taking it one step at a time and making sure every move aligns with SUMMAT’s vision.
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