Day two of Dubai Fashion Week kick started with L’Oreal ’s head make-up artist, Alexis Dralet showcasing the new make-up trends for Autumn/Winter 09.
There were heavy brows, nude eyes and bronzed cheeks with deeply stained lips. The models, in clothes supplied by Luxecouture, either supported dark lips in hues of deep red and burgundy with nude eyes, or nude lips with colourful eye shadows, such as green, bright yellow, orangey red, violet and metallic blue. Light smoky eyes also featured, while one model drew applause for her futuristic, white rimmed eyes with lashings of black mascara.

Introducing his collection titled ‘Drops of Silk and Cristal’, it was a series of sweeping, floor-length evening dresses that came down the catwalk, as Aly Fawaz ‘s show commenced.
It was the traditional combination of fitted bodices heavily embellished with stones, pearls and drop chandelier crystals teamed with silk mousseline and crepe de chine flowing bottoms that dominated. Long trains and embellished over the shoulder diamante sashes completed the feel of elegance, glamour and sensuality Fawaz was aiming for.
Again, as with the collections seen so far at Dubai Fashion Week, there were more ruffles and pleats, while waists were clinched in with belts adorned with rectangle-shaped crystals. The collection went through a rainbow of colours from light peach and pastels to vibrant fuchsia.
Hinting at having trained in Paris under Yamamoto, the Abu Dhabi based designer incorporated asymmetrical cuts into his designs. While oversized bows and crystal drop chandelier earrings completed the high octane glamour of Fawaz’s collection.

High-end clothing boutique KashMIRI took to the catwalk to showcase collections of some of the region’s leading designers that they stock in all three of their Dubai stores. First to take the catwalk was Eternal Threads with their collection of head dresses, bags and pashminas.
Joining forces with accessories designer Meera Mahadevia, lifestyle designer Ajaz Rahim made his debut into fashion design at DFW.
Together they brought to the runway a collection of ornate bags with intricate beadwork, pashminas with dangling jewels and embroidery, and jasmine headdresses.
Whilst some pashminas were lined with silk brocade, the statement piece of the collection was definitely a red pashmina that was adorned with a large Natraj styled brooch (also know as the Hindu god Shiva), which came down the catwalk with a matching bag. Other pieces that stood out included a white pashmina that was kept together with an elaborate jewelled arm band and a black velvet pashmina that had a gold mesh border.

Meanwhile, the popularity of Pakistani designer, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin, was evident from the applause the first item from his Resort Collection received.
Drawing inspiration from the French Riviera, the colour palette of choice was a range of blue, teal, turquoise and emerald green. Fluid silhouettes in soft fabrics of chiffon and georgette were touched by hints of amethyst bead work and either gold or deep purple embroidery. While Nehru collars finished off the casual chic look of the collection.

Moving away from the embellishment seen at the other shows, Mariam Al Mazro shifted the focus of Dubai Fashion Week A/W 09 to prints. Flamboyancy mixed with a carefree attitude was represented in her collection of panelled ankle-length dresses. The show started with a billowing dress that was made of five different prints – a theme that continued throughout most of the range.
Polka dots, stripes, geometrics, florals, paisleys and even psychedelic patterns appeared together in a patchwork of panels. Occasionally, these prints were contrasted against plain silks. While waistbands which were tied at the back, helped to shape the dresses.

Billowing sleeves teamed with loose, long-flowing skirts helped to emphasise the hippy-chic feeling of the designs. Perfect for glamourous cool summer nights!