The Oriental Fashion Show was held during Paris Fashion Week at Hôtel de Crillon on the 24th and 25th of January 2018. We were invited to join this event which was organised by Hind Joudar, a true advocate for oriental heritage and the caftan. Her book Les Merveilles du Caftan was released in 2012: a study on the cultural and historical influences of the caftan during different civilizations. With the “Silk Road and Al Andalus” association she brings together designers from all over the orient and connects the unique common passion of these designers; their love for fashion and oriental haute couture.
Hany El Behairy (Egypt), photography by David Tergemina – TRG prod
During the opening show by well known Egyptian designer Hany el Behairy, we felt like we were brought back to an ancient era. It was as if the Luxor Obelisk from the Place de La Concorde opened the door and out appeared a goddess, entering this enchanting fashion evening in quintessential Egyptian style. His collection is just what we imagined it to be, a homage to his Egyptian roots, with an array of designs that reflect elegance, femininity and sensuality. Models walked the ramp in beautiful evening wear: gowns with draped sides and asymmetric one-shoulder styles, each embellished with sparkling crystals. Models wore silver and gold leaf headbands with dangling earrings. Romantic colors were used for the designs, including champagne, pink and metallic hues. The opening of the fashion show couldn’t have been more glamorous and magical.
When it comes to Oriental Haute Couture, the Caftan plays the leading role on the catwalk. This year Lamia Lakhassi, Menouba, Fatima Zohra Idrissi and Houda Serbouty presented their latest collection of caftans. Moroccan stylist Lamia Lakhassi showcased colourful caftans with geometric floral patterns styled with bold necklaces and jewellery and beautiful velvet caftans with organza sleeves and gold detailing. The designs are regal, but have a bohemian touch. True Moroccan craftsmanship!
Menouba by Rym Menaifi (Algeria), Nouf-Couture Paris (Saudi Arabia), photography by David Tergemina – TRG prod
The Algerian designer Rym Wided Menaifi from Menouba couture showcased richly decorated traditional Algerian ensembles. Velvet vests embroidered with gold threads combined with Algerian sarouel (harem style) pants or skirts. Some sumptuously decorated with pearls. It felt like looking through the eyes of the designer to a modern oriental painting, who had painted her own contemporary vision of the Algerian dress.
Moroccan designer Fatima Zohra Idrissi from Fes, the city of textiles and tailoring , presented a variety of breathtaking sculptural caftans in shimmering fabrics adorned with tassels and finished with headpieces. Mesmerizing silhouettes! Her showstopper piece was a breath taking bridal gown in gold (top image).
Houda Serbouty caftans are very feminine and glamorous. They are a modern interpretation of the traditional caftan, with straight lines and delicate floral embroidery. Very chic. The models also wore mesh headpieces and jewellery styled in a way that perfectly matched the glamorous caftan pieces.
The Oriental Fashion Show continued with more designers, beautiful bridal gowns and glamorous evening wear.
This was truly a memorable Oriental Haute Couture spectacle and we are already looking forward to the next season! Head over to our social media pages for more oriental fashion updates!
Naziha
