Dubai Fashion Week Shines Bright
by Katharina Withelm posted on April 07, 2009Yesterday, Dubai Fahion Week started. Needless to say, that Fall/ Winter collections in the Emirates are far more colorful, bright and opulent than anywhere else in the world.
Coats, thick jackets and scarves were entirely missing, actually pants were rarely seen – after all their climate is so warm they dont require them unless the air-con is on extra strong! The first day of DFW was a felicitous mixture of trends and tradition.
Raakhee Raipanchola ‘s collection of colourful daywear and bright evening dresses took to the runway first. Known for her unique twists and contemporary designs in fashion, Raipanchola didn’t disappoint as she showcased her hotly-hued collection of shorts, t-shirts and floaty floor-length gowns.
Showing at DFW for the first time, Amit GT however, embraced an old-world charm as he showed off his collection of Greco-Roman inspired evening wear. The models floated down the catwalk in pale pinks, soft lilacs and nudes. Drapes and pleats also featured heavily as did fluid trains and one-shoulder dresses. But while the muted shades dominated this decadent collection, there were also some black structured dresses embellished with crystals, hinting at the eclectic vision Amit had for his collection.
Bright hues dominated the catwalk as Royal Rickshaw showcased its new collection. Mirror work, sequins, Swarovski detailing, crystallized bead work and floral appliqués all featured heavily. Detailed bust-lines and embellished head bands added glamour and highlighted the gipsy-luxe look of the collection.
Moving away from his usual colourful creations, Vikram Phadnis, the Bollywood choreographer turned fashion designer, showcased a much more mature collection this season. His colour palette was mainly limited to black, with hints of gold, deep red, dark purple and blue thrown in. And while there were plenty of voluminous skirts (one such skirt was made from 75 meters of taffeta alone!), cropped velvet harem pants and churi dar trousers, they all accompanied fitted jackets embellished with gold and bronze embroidery and antique brocade.
With a black structured fishtail dress, Walid Atallah had the final show on day one of Dubai Fashion Week. Swarovski crystals, stones, sheer nets, sequins, pleats, ruched skirts, fitted bodices, floating trains and corsets were all present in Atallah’s collection of 42 dresses. The eveningwear spectacle was inspired by the lotus flower and the models wore crystal flowers in their hair. The collection’s colour palette also included blush pinks and nudes as well as mint greens, deep purples and vibrant blues – it was quite the Far-East vision!
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