The region’s premier showcase for style talent has just drawn to a close, and we’re still digesting all the fashion inspiration the three-day event had to offer.
Thirty-one designers from the Middle East displayed their spring/summer 2017 designs at the eighth season of Fashion Forward, and hundreds of attendees flaunted their style nous on the city’s streets.
Showing everything from couture and ready-to-wear to quirky accessories, the attending labels – including five designers making their exciting debut – put on catwalk shows and presentations in d3 over the weekend.
So in case you weren’t there, here’s our bite-sized guide to the best of Fashion Forward Season 8…
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DAY ONE
The 1950s were well and truly back in fashion at the EZRA show, where Grease-esque full skirts were given a modern update with masses of texture. There was also a frothy tulle number that wouldn’t have looked out of place on Grace Kelly:
The couture label also delivered the wedding dress of our dreams (though we wouldn’t necessarily don the Maleficent-inspired headdress on our big day – we can’t quite see that fitting comfortably into a bridal Rolls Royce)…
House of Nomad channelled a Noughties Lily Allen, sending every model down the catwalk in so-clean, so-fresh white trainers (Reebok Classics, as a matter of fact).
Paired with pleated tennis skirts, ice-cream hued bombers, and nautical separates, it looks like spring/summer 2017 is all about sporty chic (and our stiletto-sore feet are ever thankful).
Kage also stuck with a sherberty palette, laced with clashing stripes (think vertical paired with horizontal). Fun and filled with colour, this is a collection we could really see ourselves wearing come spring.
Kristina Fidelskaya kept things similarly light, with a neutral-toned collection heavy in pea greens and creamy beiges. Texturally, sheer, easy breezy chiffons edged with delicate lace imparted a Romantic vibe with a risque edge.
We’re particularly enamoured with the collection’s showstopper gown; a metallic sheath that looks simple in silhouette, but moved hypnotically – almost like molten gold – down the catwalk:
DAY TWO
Tair kept things restrained yet architecturally interesting with a monochromatic men’s and womenswear collection.
That artfully draped white number to the left is particularly intriguing – teamed with tailored cigarette trousers and oversized, jewel-toned earrings, this could be a workwear staple. (So typing would be a tad tricky, but such are the things we must do in the name of style).
Salta also stuck to a neutral palette mixed with earthy nude tones:
The contemporary label proved its deft touch with masterful cuts and never over-baked silhouettes, delivering a collection that nails a nonchalant, off-duty aesthetic.
Embellishment was the name of the game at Hussein Bazaza, where mermaidy sequins and fluffy fringing took to the runway.
In fact, the entire collection’s juxtaposition of ultra-modern fabrics with vintage-influenced tailoring had us weak at the knees.
We want everything pictured below in our wardrobe, stat:
Bedouin presented a range rich in laid-back frills, slouchy, oversized shapes and sheeny, stroke-able silks.
The cold-shoulder cutouts look set to stick around until next season too.
Mrs Keepa gave us some of the chicest ball girls we’ve ever seen, with a tennis-themed display of crisp cottons, quirky prints and super-cool co-ords.
The gym socks we’re less keen on, but we’d definitely take a pair of the cat’s-eye sunnies.
DAY THREE
The whole of Dima Ayad‘s collection was laced with a futuristic cobweb of lace, which lent an otherwordly air to otherwise effortless midis:
The Dubai-based designer also roped in stylist and fashion influencer Kat Lebrasse, who modelled a tiered, baby-pink top on the catwalk.
Bouguessa gave a masterclass in piping and kimono-style knotting with this relaxed yet office-appropriate selection.
We can see this label becoming a bit of a workwear go-to come Ramadan.
Royal by name, royal by nature: Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi is famed for opulence in her eponymous designs, and this season was no exception. Think lashings of feathers, fringing and intricate lacework.
Speaking of opulence, Amato went all out this season with a Wild Wild West theme, complete with a sand-strewn runway and cacti…
The collection, however, was more woodland nymph, with reams of ethereal tulle, elegant appliqué and bucolic embroidery.
And the added bonus? All the shoes were from Clarks (hurrah to runway shoes we can afford without the need for an overdraft!).
Well, that’s it for this season folks – now, to put all our spring/summer 2017 inspiration in a humungous Pinterest board…
Images: Getty
