Crafting garments worthy of royalty is no simple task. It demands an exhaustive global search for the finest materials: from the lustrous silks of China to the supple linens of Italy and the lightweight wools of the UK. Only with these impeccable fabrics can one construct a suit, military uniform, or traditional robe that not only fits like a second skin but also exudes sophistication and elegance.
Mastering this art requires years of dedicated apprenticeship. Only then can one truly craft garments fit for royalty. Barakat Bespoke has perfected this craft over generations, serving Bahrain’s royal family and esteemed families across the Arab region. Their legacy of meticulous craftsmanship and personalised service has earned them a distinguished clientele. This is their story as told by the proprietor Mohammed Ali Mukhtar.
The History
Established in 1935 by Mukhtar Ahmed, the house has been crafting garments of exceptional quality for generations. What began as a single individual’s passion has evolved into a family legacy, with each generation building upon the previous to maintain the house’s position at the forefront of bespoke tailoring. Mukhtar Ahmed started a personal tailoring service for HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, father of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and subsequently for Shaikh Isa himself. This tradition has continued with His Majesty King Hamad and his family.
Mohammed Ali Mukhtar recalls a time when he was a young boy, seven or eight years old, and HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa visited their modest shop in Manama. In those days, HH Shaikh Isa travelled with minimal security and knew most shop owners by name. As a shy child, Mohammed hid behind his father during the Shaikh’s visit. Noticing him, HH Shaikh Isa called the boy over and engaged him in conversation, inquiring about his school, studies, and favourite subject. While leaving he pressed a banknote into Mohammed’s hand, explaining it was for sweets. The memory of this encounter still brings a smile to Mohammed’s face.
As Mohammed grew older, he was drawn to the burgeoning market of Dubai and decided to establish a business in the UAE. After spending several successful years running a garment business in Dubai, he felt a pull to go back to Bahrain and returned in 1989. He set up a garment manufacturing unit, exporting garments to renowned brands like Guess, Giorgio Armani, and GAP. However, the recession in the American and global economies eventually forced the business to close.
Undeterred, Mohammed founded Barakat Bespoke in 2004 in East Riffa. The business flourished, as did Mohammed’s reputation as a discreet and gifted craftsman who preferred to stay in the background, focusing solely on his garments. His humility is such that, despite dressing the upper echelons of power in Bahrain, including HM The King, HRH the Crown Prince, His Highness Shaikh Nasser, and His Highness Shaikh Khaled for their ceremonial and military uniforms, he does not have a single photograph with them.
Royal Dressing
His work is highly appreciated among the royal circles in the Middle East. He recently made wedding robes for royalty in UAE and has been regularly commissioned by the Saudi, Jordanian and other royal families. Elaborating on the experience Mohammed says, “To craft the royal wedding dresses, the Dagla and Zaboon, it took us over six months to just weave the fabric. The fabric itself was very hard to obtain and we sourced it from Kashmir and the surrounding high-altitude areas. For the royal Bishts we create we procure a special pure gold thread from Germany.
National Pride
“Our hearts swell with pride when we see the leaders of our country sport our pieces. It seems so surreal at times. Sometimes I have tears in my eyes when I remember how far we have come from our humble beginnings.” His voice brims with pride when he speaks about these moments. This is a not man seeking limelight or even lavish praise for his exceptional craftsmanship. This is the first interview that has ever been done where he has spoken about his work. The humility perhaps is what keeps the prestigious clientele as constant patrons.
The atelier’s clientele extends beyond royalty. Mohammed recalls a unique opportunity to dress the incomparable Michael Jackson during the pop icon’s brief residency in Bahrain. Barakat Bespoke crafted several suits for the legendary star. Mohammed describes Jackson as possessing a childlike innocence, often lost in music. “He was quiet, but the house was always filled with melodies,” he shares, recalling the singer humming as he was measured. “His voice was ethereal.” One of the suits created for Jackson, worn during his Bahrain stay, remains in the atelier’s possession, a testament to this extraordinary chapter in their history.
Work aside, Mohammed is an avid traveller. While many of his journeys were business-oriented, he has cultivated friendships worldwide, transforming work trips into enriching experiences. The pursuit of exceptional materials for his craft often necessitates global exploration, a task he clearly relishes.
A conversation with Mohammed Ali Mukhtar unveils a profound passion for his art, a quality undeniably reflected in his demeanour and the distinguished clientele he has cultivated over the years.
