Last night saw the finale of Fashion Forward, a three-day extravaganza showcasing and celebrating the most talented in regional design.
We watched the closing shows by Amato, Ayesha Depala and scored front row seats to the hottest ticket in town, Zayan – clearly saved the best until last.
Team EW arrive at the Zayan show
Zayan was one of the most sought-after shows at FF and was packed to the rafters. We can tell your right now, that attempting to navigate our way through the people traffic to our seats proved to be a major feat, but oh so worth it. Once inside we were treated to a trip inside the always-creative and colourful world of Ms Ghandour.
EW’s Senior Editor Sophia and Deputy Editor Alexandria take in the collection from the front row
It was super fun show with a soundtrack to match. The FROW jived to mixes by Lana Del Ray and Icona Pop when the pack of young, bubbly models bounced down the runway.
We fell in love with the shrunken t-shirts with localised slogans splashed across the front “SATWA IS THE NEW SOHO” and “QAMZI IS MY HOMIE” teamed with the prettiest polka dot tulle skirts and rose gold heels – all firm favourites over at Emirates Woman.
Leggings came in leather and velvet, cropped capes and fine knit sweaters embellished with popcorn, unicorns and matryoshka dolls in crystals.
The talented Zayan receives a standing ovation from the audience
With not a minute to spare we were up from our seats and onto the next show, Amato Couture.
Just part of the huge crowd at Amato
EW’s Annah bumped into Bong Guerrero, the man with a plan and the creator of Fashion Forward
We spotted The Golkar brothers, Rami Al Ali, Lina Samman and Diala Makki at Amato.
Amato’s designer Furne One took a turn to the dark side with his collection “The Circus Of Good & Evil”.
First up, the ‘Evil’ looks.
Black leather and lace, whips and chains, knives and armor – we dubbed horror haute couture. The head wear embellished with horns, nails, daggers and a dead bird… A conversation starter to say the least. It was high-octane gothic glamour meets tough warrior chic.
The moody music complemented the heady theatrical atmosphere and super fierce collection.
Just when you thought the show couldn’t be any more OTT, out popped a tutu-clad ballerina to perform, it was all very Black Swan.
Then came the ‘good’ collection, think models rocking head-to-toe white with full-length nude leather gloves, white feathered wings and rose gold accessories.
The collection exuded otherworldly beauty and has convinced us Furne One is the Middle East’s very own Lee McQueen.
Furne took to the catwalk with his avant garde creations
The closing show of Fashion Forward was Ayesha Depala where lush faux furs worn with velvet harem trousers, caped cocktail dresses and some killer evening gowns graced the catwalk.
Her clientele of loyal society favourites will no doubt be clambering over one another to get their hands on these goodies.
Ayesha’s ladylike collection was a hit with the fash pack
Fashion Forward has been a blast and we’re already mentally planning our outfits for the next round, rumored to be in October… You heard it here first!
Until next time Fashion Forward!
