Fashion Forward Season 9 has come to a close and, once again, it proved to be a great showcase for regional talent, giving designers a chance to present their work on a global stage to increase awareness of their brand in wider markets.
Photo credit: Michael Cinco show at Fashion Forward Dubai, Getty Images
Below we take a look at some of the highlights from day 1 of the proceedings…
Hessa Falasi
Hessa Falasi is a designer born and raised in the UAE. As an Emirati, she showcases a strong understanding of the traditional sensibilities that go into adorning the veil. She focuses on creating garments which empower women helping them exude confidence and experience luxury with comfort.
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Her AW17 collection was named HORIZON and it was inspired by the winter colours of the horizon, celebrations & stylish travels. Fabrication focussed on ultra-luxe blue, black and maroon velvet, and clean billowing sand cotton satin and beige linen. The collection was ultra-feminine with belted waists added variation to the silhouette, she certainly offered her clients lots of wearable options for the season ahead.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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Hussein Bazaza
Beirut born Bazaza can credit Maison Rabih Kayrouz and Elie Saab as part of his CV before launching his own label in 2012. Hussein Bazaza loves to tell a story with his collections and the AW17 season was no different, it was named AKANE (pronounced Ah-Kah-Nay) which means ‘deep red; dye from rubia plant; can also mean ‘angry child.’
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The collection told the story of Akane, an orphaned girl from Japan in the 1940’s who vowed to avenge her loved ones’ deaths. She taught herself all kinds of sorcery, witchcraft, magic and spells to make this happen and transformed herself into various magical beasts to execute her revenge.
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The primary colour of the collection was deep red, referencing the literal meaning of Akane as well as the colour of revenge and blood. Touches of metallic rose gold also featured. Inspiration came from the ‘40’s and ‘50’s with a modern twist; shapes were indicative of the era with puffed sleeves, edgy shoulders and flared skirts.
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Fabrications centred around tweed, cashmere and knit with military patterns, heavy beading and intricate embroidery in the shapes of the different monsters that feature in the legend. It was a crowd-pleasing collection with lots of drama.
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Michael Cinco
The Dubai based Filipino designer Michael Cinco is best known for his couture gowns. His luxurious and intricate creations have cultivated quite the celebrity following including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Sofia Vergara.
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Cinco’s AW17 collection took inspiration from the beautiful palace of Versailles in France, referencing the enchanting ceiling paintings and the intricate gilded walls and furniture adorning every room. The pieces used a lot of embroidered tulle and lace and crafted by hand.
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The intricate detailing on the bodices and sleeves all referenced the opulent and lavish lifestyle of King Louis XIV and the ballgowns were an ode to the grandiose times of Marie Antoinette. The show-stopping collection certainly captured the magic and opulence of the era.
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