Desertcore Is the New Minimalism: Meet the Designers Turning Sand into Style

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_{As temperatures climb and fashion looks south for inspiration, a quiet revolution is emerging from the Arab world’s ochre cities and sun-soaked dunes. Say hello to Desertcore, a once-niche Pinterest aesthetic that’s evolving into a full-fledged fashion philosophy. This is more than linen dresses and muted palettes. It's about design rooted in elemental living, heritage, and harmony.}

_{At the center of this style shift are two visionary designers who are redefining what it means to dress with soul: Faiza Bouguessa in Dubai and Mina Binebine in Marrakech.}

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The Desert Is More Than a Backdrop

_{For Faiza Bouguessa, founder of the Dubai-based label Bouguessa, the desert is not just a visual reference. It shapes how she sees the world. “There’s something about its flawless forms that quietly echoes in my appreciation for pure lines and timeless calm,” she says.}

_{Bouguessa’s designs favor refined silhouettes, neutral tones, and subtle sophistication. Her pieces speak softly, relying on craftsmanship and minimalism to make a statement. Though her roots are Algerian-French, she avoids overt cultural symbolism. “Our heritage lives within us,” she says. “It shows up naturally, even when we’re not trying.”}

_{In contrast, Mina Binebine, the Moroccan designer behind a genderless brand with bases in Marrakech and Los Angeles, lives and breathes the desert. “It’s not a trend to me,” she says. “It’s something I’ve always felt.” Raised in Marrakech, her designs reflect the soft magic of sunrise over ancient walls. Her colors echo dawn skies and sunbaked streets: earth browns, terracottas, creams, and ochres.}

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Comfort Comes First

_{Both Bouguessa and Binebine believe clothing should move with the body and breathe with the skin. “We need to feel good in what we wear,” says Binebine. “We need to breathe. We need to move.” That’s why her garments lean into flowing cuts and natural fabrics. She sees clothes not as costumes but as companions.}

_{Bouguessa takes a similar approach. “Comfort is the foundation,” she says. Her pieces are crafted for high heat, made from lightweight materials that feel gentle on the skin. The focus is always on ease and elegance. This is fashion that adapts to the body and the climate.}

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Modernizing Heritage, Gently

_{For both designers, heritage is not something to perform. Bouguessa is clear about avoiding excessive cultural referencing. “Sometimes Arab designers try too hard to showcase their roots,” she says. “For me, elegance lies in restraint.”}

_{Binebine agrees but prefers to rework tradition in her own way. Her collections pay homage to Moroccan craftsmanship, but without nostalgia. Take the randa stitch, traditionally used in embroidery. She applies it to modern silhouettes like corsets and oversized blazers. “The heritage lives, but it feels fresh,” she says.}

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A Trend or a Way of Life?

_{So what exactly is Desertcore? A fleeting trend? A deeper design philosophy? Or something more emotional?}

_{In Binebine’s view, the desert is part of her identity. “I come from a place where the desert is there, the light is there, the heat is there,” she says. “We get burned every summer.” Her clothing is rooted in that experience. It’s about sensuality, stillness, and survival. “When it’s chaos, simplicity helps me breathe,” she says. “I want clothes that carry the sun without clinging to it.”}

_{For Bouguessa, Desertcore is about stripping back. “I’ve always been drawn to removing excess and focusing on what’s essential,” she says. “There’s a quiet strength in simplicity. That’s where timeless elegance lives.” To her, the desert is more than a place. It’s a way to refine, not escape.}

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