Fashion Forward Dubai season 3 took place last week in Dubai, UAE. The hottest designers of the Middle East gathered in the city to showcase their latest collections. The Middle East knows many talented designers, presenting a variety of contemporary designs – sometimes influenced by cultures from the region. Fashion Forward Dubai is growing each season and is putting Dubai and the Middle East on the fashion map. Fabulous Filipino fashion blogger Bryan Grey-Yambao was present this year to admire Middle East’s finest designs. Today I share some of my favorite designs from FFWD Dubai season three with you.
From left to right: Ezra, Rami Kadi, Jean Louis Sabaji, The Emperor 1688, Tahir Sultan, Said Mahrouf
Ezra’s collection is my favorite from this Fashion Forward Dubai season. Each gown more breathtaking than the other. This collection includes stunning evening gowns and classic bridal looks. This bridal look blew me away, a very classy look with finely crafted embellishments. Ezra’s extravagant couture got me on cloud 9!
Rami Kadi is one of my favorite designers. Once again he has made fairytales come to live with a beautiful collection of gowns in soft, sweet shades of pink and other pastel tones. Models walked the ramp carrying spring flowers on their heads during the show. This collection celebrates spring romance and beauty and is called ‘Le Royaume Enchanté’. I had a ‘say yes to the dress’ moment of euphoria when seeing this bridal gown. A bridal gown fit for a princess…and the bride wore Rami Kadi!
Jean Louis Sabaji’s collection takes inspiration from nature. The gowns decorated with huge 3D roses grabbed my attention. Extravagant and perfect for a spring garden wedding. Jean Louis Sabaji’s collection is a breath of fresh air, very artistic and out-of-the-box.
The Golkar brothers from The Emperor 1688 designed yet another perfectly tailored collection for both men and women. Their Fall/Winter 2014 collection includes sharp suits for men and several stunning gowns and work wear pieces for women. Their collection was inspired by the relationship of Queen Victoria and Albert and their time spent at their Balmoral castle in Scotland. Scottish wools, tweeds and tartan are fabrics used for this collection. I really like this contemporary white gown. The belt detail is, dare I say it, ‘kinky’ which gives this chic and feminine look an edgy and raw touch. Love it!
This design by Tahir Sultan is a musthave. It is simple, chic and the belt detail makes it look as if it is a luxurious robe. I love the way the fabric flows and the white jewels on the shoulders give this gown a little extra ‘sparkle’.
Said Mahrouf’s collection is very minimalistic; light flowing fabrics draped in different ways. I like this short dress, the deep v-neck detail is sexy and I like the way it is draped at the front. Team it up with a pair of expensive heels and a bold lip color and you are the showstopper of the evening!
From left to right: Amato, Zareena, Bashar Assaf, Essa, House of Roland, Zayan The Label
Amato
Amato was inspired by Alexander the Great and his travels and conquest in Asia Minor; Persia, India and Egypt. The color palette for this collection includes bright jewel colors like ruby reds, emeralds and blues. Models walked the ramp wearing heavy jewellery pieces inspired by Indian jewellery. What I love about this gown is its vibrant red color and vein-like detail that decorates the dress. Amato once again stuns us with pieces of contemporary art and has put on a show we won’t forget!
Zareena
I chose this gown because it has an oriental look to it and looks very regal. This style gown reminds me of something a Game of Thrones lady like Lady Sansa Stark or Queen Cersei Lannister would wear. I adore this shade of red, the embroidery details and the cape/cloak.
Bashar Assaf
This blue jumpsuit immediately attracted my attention. I am a fan of jumpsuits and the palazzo style pant is very fashion forward. The combination of this shade of blue and red works very well together. I would love to wear this ensemble!
Essa
This design by Essa reminds me of the time I worked at a luxury PR agency in central London. My colleague’s always looked super chic whenever they hosted a press event. This is a sophisticated, city-chic style for independent women who work hard and want to look fabulous. The black and white feather detail at the bottom of this coat gives it a playful touch, the hint of bright yellow underneath the coat gives it a spring feel. Fierce!
House of Roland
‘Bulletproof’ is the name of House of Roland’s collection, celebrating strong women…modern warriors who aren’t afraid to rebel. This design attracted my attention because it combines two of my favorite clothing styles; crop-tops and high waist skirts. I love the sparkly sequin bust of the top and the navy blue color of this ensemble.
This design from the AW14 collection by Zayan The Label combines a feminine, peplum top with a masculine pant. A modest and sophisticated look.
Let us know which Fashion Forward Season 3 looks you like best!
Fashion Forward Dubai – Photography Credits: Ian Gavan – Stuart Wilson – Getty Images