Quirky designs, ancient Egypt dominate Day 2 of Arab Fashion Week

A model walks down the catwalk wearing a Laura Mancini design during the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai. (AFP)

DUBAI: During the second day of Arab Fashion Week taking place at the Meydan Hotel & Grandstand in Dubai, Italian fashion house Laura Mancini and one of America’s hottest designers Laquan Smith closed the shows with their stunning Ready-Couture collections.
Favored by many A-list international celebrities, Smith presented a quirky collection featuring his signature PVC catsuits, corseted dresses, python knits and over-the-knee boots. His design motto to create outfits for an “unapologetically glamorous” woman was reflected on the catwalk as models showcased a selection of outfits for every occasion. Amongst some of the celebrities supporting the designer at the FROW were American rapper Yo Gotti and reality star Cardi B.
In contrast, Mancini’s collection paid tribute to Maria Callas and featured classic evening gowns, tailored capes and dresses in the shades of pastel pink, black and gold. Some of the looks took inspiration from ancient Egypt with heavy embellishments and crown pieces. The show was opened by the world’s first Emirati model Rafeea Alhajsi as she elegantly glided on the catwalk in a full-length embellished look that resonated with an ancient Egyptian queen.
Ilse Jara, one of the upcoming designers from Paraguay, presented a Ready-Couture collection that merges technological innovations with natural materials and traditional embroidery techniques.
The spotlight was also on the regional designers including Saudi-based premium denim brand Jeans Couture that was founded by mother-and daughter duo Suzan Farhoud and Leen Al-Shieshakly. Their collection included signature treated denim pieces in dark red and black with floral details and statement accessories.
As part of the Arab Fashion Council’s mission to support regional emerging talent, design students from the College of Fine Arts and Design at American University in the Emirates were given an opportunity to present their work at a catwalk show for the “Next Generation” project with Arab Fashion Week. Their designs were inspired by 3-D patterns and geometrical prints which they created for this assignment.