Arab couturiers brought elegance and colour to the runways this couture week – we discover more of what the Arab region is bringing to the world of Haute Couture for Spring/Summer 2020
Elie Saab
For his Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture collection Elie Saab presented a regal display inspired by the opulence of Mexico.
In true Elie Saab style, it was far from minimal and celebrated the female form in every way.
Golden shimmering gowns, florals, petals, baroque swirls, embellishments rosettes and bows – you name it the Lebanese designer had it! There were complex looks with layer upon layer of details but they paved the way for simple elegance in the form of one colour gowns.
A truly feminine collection that reminded us once again why the designer is one of the best in his field.
Rami Al Ali
Dubai based designer and friend of A&E Rami Al Ali presented his spring/summer 2020 Haute Couture collection in Paris yesterday. Al Ali was inspired by the beauty of the orchid and the way it symbolises strength. The orchid for Al Ali symbolises couture – the way it looks almost handmade but is so intricate and beautiful.
For this colourful collection, Al Ali encapsulated the spirit of couture with each look featuring exaggerated design techniques and strong architectural silhouettes. Each design brings light to a core focal point that stands out – be it a sculptural bow or exaggerated waist. The colour palette is bold and bright – lime green, turquoise, coral and rose are highlighted by gold accents. Finishing touches come from intricate beadwork and clusters that mimic the details of the flower.
Tony Ward
Tony Ward’s Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture collection Revive is built around geometry. Infinite lines and circles on Mandala diagrams create visual symmetry. Ward created each of his looks from vintage pieces reusing vintage materials and reviving the to create something that’s contemporary. Feathers, embellishment, beady and ruffles brought all of the techniques that Ward is known for to the runway with a colour palette ranging from monochrome styles to soft pastel tones.
Georges Hobeika
Georges Hobeika loves to have fun with his designs. His Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture collection was no different. Bringing together some of the designer’s favourite inspirations: the force of nature, the ecstasy of freedom and the philosophy of entertainment. Bold flowers, bright colours and voluptuous volume pay homage to summers in the Mediterranean. Laser-cut openwork patterns feature daring geometric shapes and fabrics are overlaid and placed in unique ways. Big bows, feathers, ruffles, sequins – nothing was missed out in this collection that brought some fun to the runway and some sunshine to a gloomy Paris.
Georges Chakra
For his Spring/Summer 2020 collection Georges Chakra was inspired by his home country of Lebanon. He brings together the energy of Lebanon and its youth’s desire for freedom and their rights. Taking into consideration the current political issues in the country Chakra wanted to acknowledge the way it has affected his own company and the team member of his House but channel it in a unique way.
Chakra worked with the rose motif, a theme that runs through the entire collection. The collection begins with striking white looks but is later broken up with bold electrifying colours. Origami embroideries, voluminous layers, clean geometry, fabrics scattered with features and sequins and pearls make up the many layers of this collection.
In honour of his friendship with the renowned jewellery designer Fawaz Gruosi, a necklace was presented on the runway. Celebrating love and hope, the necklace adorning the brides neck (below) is white gold set with 46 pear-shaped emeralds (approx. 57.15 Ct), 45 brilliant-cut white diamonds (approx. 8.00 Ct) and paved with 3’274 brilliant-cut white diamonds (approx. 116,95 Ct). Proceeds from the sale of the necklace will be donated to the Beirut‘s Children Cancer Hospital and the scholastic scholarships of St. Vincent de Paul School.
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Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020