Arab Fashion Week Fifth Edition Closes with International designers

The fourth day of the Arab Fashion Week marked the end of showcasing collections by participating designers and fashion houses for the year.  The fifth edition was a resounding success with the best of creativity and technical expertise on display. Today, the fifth edition will end with the awards ceremony at the City Walk venue, followed by a gala dinner.

The evening started with Dimple Amrin from India with her Pre-fall/Winter 2019 collection. Themed “Fall Fantasy”, the designer showcased her contemporary interpretation of India’s famed embroidery and appliqué work styles – Zardozi, Chikankari, Tharad and mirror-work. From urban street fashion to formal evening wear, each piece highlighted the expertise of handwork. Whilst the urban street fashion was portrayed in chic black, the gowns were a myriad of cool and warm tones, with appliquéd flowers, mirror-work and diamantes. Dimple said, “Every piece is feminine in design but has an inherent strength in its structure. This is what contemporary women identify with”.

Faspiration, the UAE-based fashion house specializing in modest fashion, was the second Ready Couture Pre-fall/Winter 2019 collection of the evening. The colour palette was black and rich shades of red and maroon for this collection themed “The Fairy Samurai”. Tara K, the creative director of Faspiration said, “The Fairy Samurai is the essence of women’s empowerment. It’s about being feminine and being strong. And our collection is very wearable as the style also takes into account the comfort factor.” A stylish collection of fitted jackets, palazzo pants and flowing skirts, the delicate designs complemented the overall look of smart-chic.

Elsi Couture from Armenia presented Ready Couture Spring/Summer 2018 as the third collection of the evening. An elegant compilation of formal evening wear, featuring cocktail dresses and gowns, Elsi has chosen black and white, two eternally classic colours to showcase her collection. Fitted forms interlaced with finely executed paneling and embroidery, each piece defines Elsi’s understanding of understated sophistication that connotes confidence and power. The designer commented that, “My approach is that every lady should be comfortable and confident of what she wears and style will follow naturally”.

Creating a flutter and lots of smiles among the audience, the fourth collection was from Bibiona Couture, the luxury fashion label for girls, known for their handmade ensemble. Showcasing their Ready Couture Spring Summer 2018, exquisite frocks and long dresses in soft pastels and rich tones were presented to a very appreciative audience. Subtle embroidery, lace and frills come together for regal outfits for the little ladies.

The evening closed with the eagerly awaited collection from Lebanon’s Tony Ward. The much-anticipated showcase was the fitting finale to a very successful week of Ready Couture. Unleashing his master touch on the runway, Tony had the audience spellbound with dramatic statement pieces that ranged from sheer glamour to poetic eloquence. From soft pastels to chic black, vibrant red and dynamic navy, the colour palette was the perfect foil for exquisite appliqué and embroidery. The collection comprises of classic evening gowns with fitted bodice and full skirts and superbly structured cocktail dresses with elaborate paneling, the magic of Tony Ward is everywhere. Tony commented, “This collection is an amalgamation of many thoughts, ideas and concepts that collaborated to celebrate femininity”.

As the fifth edition of the Arab Fashion Week ends today at City Walk in Dubai, the anticipation for the sixth edition to be held in Dubai in April 2018 has begun.