THE TOP 5 RUNWAY SHOWS IN DUBAI 2010

Suffocating humidity couldn’t keep the crowd away at the closing show at WHO'S NEXT IN DUBAI Fashion Event last October 2010. Hushing the buzz of standing- room- only crowd, all eyes were turning toward the runway as slender, tall models began emerging to show the ultra- chic ensemble from a very creative Dubai- based designer, ESSA.

The crowd, which was packed with fashionistas, celebrities and fashion editors, was wowed from the start, enthralled at the vibrant colors, vigorous motifs and eclectic styles of Essa Walla, the prince of Pret- a- Couture.

Meanwhile, after showcasing his first international show at the recent New York Couture Week 2011, EZRA SANTOS participated the STYLE ARABIA Event last month with intricately detailed pieces, then at the end of the show, EZRA SANTOS stood on the runway for seconds, receiving some well-deserved applause. It was a very short appearance for such an outstanding achievement.

Dubai, in less than a decade, made some impact transition from being a breeding ground of fresh talents and unlimited creativity in the Middle East to noted and more established global fashion city. 2010 was a heady mix of glamour and business year, combined with quirky highlights, the Dubai Fashion Week took the major spotlight followed by Who's Next In Dubai, Style Arabia and the lesser fashion events by the dozens..Fashion in Dubai will always be a repertoire of  beauty, delusions of fame, and the vulgarities of excess. Fashion shows have become adrenaline source in our  fashion calendar of make-believe.

FURNE ONE

I AM THE QUEEN!!

Dubai Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011

With fire and passion, Dubai-based Filipino designer FURNE ONE presented his Spring Collection at  Dubai Fashion Week2011.Unabashed and unapologetic, ONE, bends all rules and refuses to present the predictable, sinous silhouettes walked in the runway, straight from goth fantasy of warriors and queens. But this was no dream. This was a style reality, couture on a rampage.

 FURNE ONE's bondages and gladiators-in-a plexus collection was tamely titled " I AM THE QUEEN!!!..a visual journey to the past, drawing inspiration from the golden age of Queen Elizabeth I. Combining textures, One's wood curved high heels and shoulder pads fused well with its bleached-stained canvas fibers worn out to have a raw feel.

 FURNE ONE's edgy and unconventional elements of fiber twisted threads mixed with Swarovski crystals displayed exuberance in his hand embroidered gowns. The clever use of tye-and-dye graphic elements dashed with subtle shimmer complemented the models covered in canvas gallows.

photo credits: VANSHIKA MEHTA

EZRA SANTOS

D'OR AFRIQUE

STYLE ARABIA

EZRA SANTOS presented a fashionable and fabulous gowns, some were in short flirty frocks with elaborate bead works in shimmering Swarovski crystals and components and full swingy skirts cut a flattering silhouette in italian tulle. Beautifully cut, outfits were undeniably painted a pretty picture.

The laser cuts in an elephant motif adorned the voluminous skirt in beige tulle with bodices embellished with glitters. Weaved tulle in drop shouldered tight tops, jewelry set ornaments displayed the collections high attention to shimmers. 

PHOTO CREDIT: DUBAI MASALA

ESSA WALLA

OH! SAUVAGE

WHO'S NEXT IN DUBAI

ESSA's traditional and contemporary reference is inherent to its ethos. His inextricable link of sleek and structure define ESSA's inherent sensibility. That, his art is beyond the physical. That its sensibilities in something more unreachable and inscrutable, the mystique of which is known only to him.

 ESSA's aesthetics come from his passion and his creative unconventional mind, radical and a sweeping statement. He has this gift, his languid ability to transform mere fabrics to amazing designs, taking it to a whole new level. His irresistible visuals sizzle the mind, very textural , sensual and experimental. He put humor into his clothes, he makes ordinary things seems extraordinary. 

Essa's " Oh Sauvage "Collection at WHO'S NEXT IN DUBAI Fashion Event 2010 was his global travel, his Amazonian chic with Parisian flair , a boho-hippie collage in color riots.

 PHOTO CREDIT: STYLEMONGER

ZAREENA YOUSUF

MARRAKECH EVENING
Dubai World Trade Center

Zareena Couture presented last night October 10, 2010  the  Haute Couture Collection 2011 at the World Trade Center Dubai. Elegantly crafted jalabiyas with western flavor strutted the super fabulous runway.
 Zarrena Yousuf is an Emarati designer and owns the label Fasateen, whose works grace celebrities, fashionistas and royalties.

 The bejeweled kaftans locally called jalabiyas, maintain harmonious balance between traditional and western influence. Inspired by the Moroccan ethnic silver and gold jewelries, the breathtaking pieces exuded luxury.

  Chiffons and crepes were draped and pleated and inserted to waist and bodice. The colors in rainbow palette dazzled the exuberance of arabisque art pieces.

FALGUN and SHANE PEACOCK

DUBAI FASHION WEEK Spring/Summer 2011

 

Drawing inspiration from animal patterns, Falguni and Shane Peacock’s loud Spring/Summer line demanded attention and held attention in its celebratory tribute to life.The designer duo indulged in a process of layering digital prints over one another to result in a uniquely glamorous look. The collection was set off by some of Dubai’s well-known socialite women, demonstrating its easy wearability.

Ready-to-wear outfits alternated with avant-garde creations containing innovative shoulder pads and the generous use of leather. Short dresses in yellow, nude pink, deep blue and crimson were interwoven with the liberal use of black that added to the collection’s timeless appeal.Bold prints on short dresses and hard-wear dresses featured prints resembling bees, scales and tiger stripes, all animals on the brink of extinction.