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.
Below we take a look at some of the highlights from day 3 of the proceedings…
Anaya
For AW17, the ANAYA was inspired by the “Glaciers” of Mont Blanc in the French Alps, with the colour palette reflecting the fluidity and mesmerising shades of winter whites, icy blues and greys mixed with iridescent accents.
The range was targeting chic ‘power-women’ of the cosmopolitan cities of the world with a luxurious and wearable offering. The brand embraced a multitude of luxury textures from Orylag fur from France, liquid organza from Italy to hand encrusted ostrich feathered embellishments. Each piece was designed to be unique and versatile with fresh contemporary silhouettes to take the wearer from outdoor cocktails to evening gala dinners.
The brand re-invented its body conscious evening dresses with fresh elements of crystal encrusted beading, iridescent piettes and fur accents. Evening dresses also got a new facelift with more emphasis on the ankle length rather than the traditional floor length styles.
For the first time, the brand introduced elevated separates to add an element of versatility to the range and give a mix and match feel. For example, the pants vary from front-slit cigarette shimmer pants to sunburst pleated culotte pants which can be worn from day to night.
Lama Jouni
The AW17 Lama Jouni collection was inspired by the French colonisation in Lebanon and the positive cultural change that resulted from the tragedy that occurred.
The pieces were designed to celebrate the modern Middle Eastern woman in a subtle way, transforming traditional trouser shapes by adding slanted cuts and side slits and pairing them with modern hooded tops and adding ruffle details to otherwise minimal silhouettes.
Fabrication focussed on crepe satin, rabbit fur, cotton, leather and jersey in a palette of black, white, red and sage.
Amato
Amato, which means ‘beloved’ in Italian, was launched in 2002 as the brainchild of the designer Furne One partnered with textile expert Rashid Ali to build an avant-garde label. Furne’s passion in couture, and the brand fearlessly shows out-of-the-box, unconventional yet chic collections.
For AW17, Amato focussed in on old world glamour, channelling the decadence and opulence of decades past. The palette was brimming with dusty muted tones with rich pops of blue and red standing out from the fold.
Mixed materials played a big role with lace, sequins, crystals and ruffles adding to the drama of the pieces.