Yes, you’re going to want to organise a grand ball so you have an excuse to wear some of these.
It’s that time of year when the region’s sartorial crème de la crème descend on Dubai for spectacular catwalk show after spectacular catwalk show.
And this season of Arab Fashion Week certainly lived up to expectations, with romantic gowns and avant-garde separates strolling down the runway over the weekend.
The bi-annual event (which officially wraps up with a black-tie gala on Sunday night) showcases the very best of Ready-Couture for Spring/Summer 2018 and Pre-Collections for Autumn/Winter 2018/2019.
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Here’s the best of what the weekend’s displays had to offer…
KARTIKEYA
The New Delhi-born label is known for its free-spirited womenswear, but it was the beauty look that really turned our head on the night. Those lips strike the perfect balance between Disney Princess red and deep berry, while the pale lavender eyeshadow? We’re trying that out, stat.
Christophe Guillarmé
The Parisian-trained designer brought plenty of Left Bank romance to Dubai, sending out endlessly elegant gowns. We’re particularly enamoured with the off-shoulder number to the left, with its scatter of rose petals and sculpted neckline.
Viola Ambree
This Swiss fashion house hit the sweet spot between vintage-inspired silks and forward-thinking separates. Super-fine fabrics underpinned the entire collection, with an emphasis on fluidity and clean lines.
Mua Mua Dolls
This eclectic label—which includes a line of hand-knitted dolls—really amped up the fun on the runway, with kitsch motifs and whimsical details. Would you just take a look at that sequin-encrusted trench? We’re dying to sling that over distressed jeans and a white tee to liven up our weekend staples.
David Tlale
The South African designer closed day two with a flash of colour and intricate prints. That ruffled gown to the front, rich in drama and theatrics, was our favourite on the night—we can totally picture Naomi Campbell rocking it to an awards night.
Phuong My
This Vietnamese label presented a collection of delicate yet statement-making gowns, boasting an intriguing blend of texture and silhouettes. Those baby’s breath crowns were the weekend’s dreamiest detail—here’s a closer peek.
We’re bookmarking that for bridal inspiration.
Humariff
Talking of big-day ideas, this Russian couture house presented a line of gowns that we’d happily wear down the aisle. Blending elegant embellishments and striking details, each piece had front-row viewers cooing in excitement.
MINAZ
The Malaysian label embraced a clean palette of sherbert hues, with floral motifs and futuristic textures adding extra interest.
Read:
Our favourite looks from Arab Fashion Week’s first night
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Renato Balestra
The Italian designer has dressed the Queen of Thailand and Princess Noor Hamzah of Jordan, so we were expecting something rather regal. And Balestra certainly delivered, with an ornately dramatic line of after-dark gowns that have us craving a black-tie gala invite…
Images: Supplied
