
Carol McManus Costume Donation August 2010
In August 2010, Mansoojat was honoured to receive a significant donation from Carol McManus: a traditional Najd thobe with a distinguished provenance.
The garment had been gifted to Mrs. McManus by Marianne Alireza, who herself had received the thobe from Queen Effat Al Thunayan, wife of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
This extraordinary lineage adds both cultural and historical value to the piece. Originating from the Najd region, the thobe reflects the elegance and craftsmanship associated with central Saudi dress traditions, while its royal connection situates it within a broader narrative of modern Saudi history.
The donation represents not only the preservation of a garment, but the safeguarding of a story — one that connects personal memory, national heritage and the enduring artistry of traditional Saudi costume.

