THE ART OF SEASONAL ELEGANCE A conversation with Arseniuk Oksana

For Dunes Magazine

Oksana Arseniuk is a distinguished fashion and lifestyle influencer based in Doha, Qatar celebrated for her refined aesthetic and effortlessly elevated content. Having lived in Qatar for the past 7 years, she has developed a uniquely cross-cultural style that reflects both her personal evolution and the region’s dynamic luxury scene. Her work resonates with a sophisticated, global audience, bringing together modern elegance, thoughtful storytelling, and an intuitive understanding of the Middle East’s evolving fashion landscape.

Q: Oksana, you’ve been quietly shaping a presence in the Middle Eastern fashion world. How would you describe the upcoming Autumn/Winter trends this year?

A: This season is defined by grounded luxury. We’re witnessing a poetic return to earthy tones: warm sand, burnt clay, olive bark, rich marron, and deep, desert-inspired neutrals. These hues feel organic yet impeccably refined, echoing the region’s affinity for understated opulence. They elevate every silhouette with a quiet sophistication that never feels overstated.

Q: Earthy shades are everywhere indeed. How do you recommend incorporating them into everyday styling?

A: Begin with one statement earthy piece - perhaps a marron oversized coat, a caramel leather skirt, or an olive knit. Then elevate it through texture. These shades harmonize beautifully, allowing you to layer multiple tones of brown, beige, and clay without losing clarity or contrast. Accents in brushed bronze, antique brass, or matte gold create a soft luminosity that instantly elevates even the simplest ensemble.

Q: Leather and tweed seem to be dominating runways this season. Why have they become so essential?

A: The Middle East has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and textures like leather and tweed embody that richness. Leather delivers modern strength - especially in sculpted jackets, precise trench coats, or bold statement belts - while tweed offers timeless Parisian elegance. Together, they create a captivating duality: masculine versus feminine, structured versus tactile, contemporary versus classic. It’s a perfect reflection of the region’s ever-evolving fashion identity.

Q: Many stylists are excited about the return of big boots. What role do they play this season?

A: Big boots are making a triumphant comeback. From thick-soled riders to oversized ankle silhouettes, these pieces ground the entire look. They anchor voluminous coats, add edge to feminine shapes, and bring practicality to cooler evenings in Doha or Riyadh. Pair chunky boots with a tailored tweed midi, sleek leather trousers, or even a flowing abaya for a compelling interplay between structure and movement.

Q: Rich marron is repeatedly highlighted in this season’s reports. What gives it such staying power?

A: Marron is the undisputed hero shade of Autumn/Winter. Unlike traditional browns, marron carries a depth, warmth, and quiet intensity that reads instantly luxurious. It photographs beautifully - crucial for creators and influencers - and flatters a wide spectrum of skin tones. I adore it in cropped jackets, structured handbags, and tall boots. Even a small marron accessory transforms an outfit from simple to exquisitely intentional.

Q: Are there any specific details or accents we should keep an eye on?

A: Absolutely - this season is all about refined detailing. Look for:

• Intricate textured stitching on leather pieces

• Oversized sculptural buckles on belts and boots

• Tweed interwoven with metallic threads for a whisper of shimmer

• Architectural shoulders that shape the silhouette

• Layered accessories in earthy, brushed metals

These details turn minimalist pieces into couture-level statements. In a region that celebrates sophisticated glamour, such nuances make all the difference.

The Middle East has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and textures like leather and tweed embody that richness.

Q: How would you describe the overall fashion mood in the Middle East this Autumn/Winter?

A: The mood is confident, curated, and deeply connected to nature. There’s a clear shift toward sustainable luxury - people are choosing investment pieces with texture, soul, and longevity over fleeting trends. It’s a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity: earthy tones rooted in desert landscapes paired with contemporary cuts, bold boots, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Fashion here is telling a story rich, personal, and profoundly elegant.

Q: Any final styling tips for Dunes Magazine readers?

A: Embrace the art of layering and the power of contrast. Mix textures: tweed with leather, knits with polished metals. Anchor your palette in one standout earthy tone and build from there. And always end with a signature accent: an avant-garde boot, a sculptural buckle, or a beautifully textured bag. This season celebrates individuality through the smallest, most luxurious details.

With her discerning eye for texture, palette, and cultural nuance, Arseniuk Oksana captures the essence of the region’s new Autumn/Winter mood - rich, grounded, and effortlessly luxurious, with a spirit that feels unmistakably Middle Eastern.

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