The August explosion in Beirut shattered the lives of residents and business owners, including designers like George Azzi and Assaad Osta who watched their studios crumble.

The duo was on the verge of completing their AW 2020-2021 couture collection and despite the tragedy, they have managed to pull it off and bring their vision to life. ‘Un Reve Flamant’ evokes optimism and hope and has been dedicated to the Lebanese capital that is still recovering.

One way to boost your mind with positivity is dreaming of future travels and for Azzi & Osta it was all about the colour and culture of Amsterdam. Their vision was first centred around the tulip, its vivid colours and frills, and extended to their shared passion for Art History.

Among the faille and the organza of silk, the crepe, the tulle, the lace and the velvet, we see a tribute to Rembrandt. An ode to the great artist has also been showcased through embroidery in golden threads, lit with pearls, that are sown on an oversized jacket with large lapels, dropped shoulders and puffed sleeves.

The blue colour palette also plays a role in this collection and is used across a long dress with a ball petticoat and inlay of rigid hand-painted petals. ‘Letter to Vermeer’ is a wide dress in powdered sky blue, in a contemporary silhouette offsetting its medieval flair with its mid-length, while the ‘North Sea’ jumpsuit is embroidered with indigo tulips, extended by a cape lined with a stream of frilly blue tulle.

Van Gogh is another artist that entered the minds of the designers and his piece ‘Vase of Roses’ has been reinterpreted into a three-piece, hourglass-cut silhouette reminiscent of a vase, carved out by a soft green peplum corset embroidered with silk organza flowers, topping an ankle-length skirt.

With vibrant colours, dramatic silhouettes and intricate embroidery, Azzi & Osta once again remind us why regional talent needs to be celebrated and supported, now more than ever.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram

Images: By De Gournay