Amato
With contemporary regalia fit for a modern Maharaja, designer Furne One brought his own light to the runway of d3 through an innovative couture display of darkness. His fall winter 22/23 couture runway show opened the second day of Arab Fashion Week with an all-black cast of looks characterized by other-worldly-handmade embellishments, — calling to mind the romanticism of vintage Indian costumery. Turbans, capes, feathered shoulders, and molded armor served as the hallmarks of this fall-winter collection that pushed conventional barriers.
Dorota Goldpoint
Polish designer Dorota Goldpoint took the audience at d3 on a journey through Poland’s meadows and orchards via a calming palette of periwinkle, blush rose, gold and lilac.
In notes of silk and organza, sculpted shoulders and mythological feather details, the former psychotherapist conveyed “The Inner Power” for fall winter. Soft, yet bold, she illustrated the feminine spirit of self-aware and ambitious women who know exactly what they want in life. “It’s also a universal message, saying that woman’s heart has no wrinkles,” she said, adding that she channeled female-icons of yesteryear such as Greta Garbo, Coco Chanel, Marlene Dietrich, and Audrey Hepburn – all of whom achieved success in a male dominated world.
Stada Boutique
Designer Georgiana Stavrositu conjured old Hollywood with a fall winter assortment of red carpet looks that speak to a “woman looking to embrace her inner goddess and express her sensuality beyond boundaries.” The Romanian designer behind Stada Boutique, who has also made a splash at New York and London fashion weeks, ushered in a new season of escapism and hope, here in Dubai in a language of crystals, delicate embroidery, 40s era necklines and romantic capes – all of which are fit for a modern icon.
Rian Fernandez
In a celebratory explosion of color, embellishments and innovative techniques, Filipino designer Rian Fernandez ignites a new golden age. Known for his couture looks driven by a love for traditional Filipino artisanal craft, he once again constructs a wardrobe for a modern icon. Couture gowns and ensembles awash in fluorescent green and mermaid iridescent shades were punctuated by complimentary tailored ensembles for men. Elaborate bodices, intricate weaving and sultry tassels embraced the female figure, cocooning the fall winter 2023 woman with the sort of unique flair Rian Fernandez is known for.
Weinsanto
Presented by La Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Victor Weinsanto, a former ballet student who cut his teeth at Jean Paul Gaultier, amped up the couture fall winter season here with an edgy injection of streetwear meets punk. Asymmetrical lacing, studs, nets, and chains characterized the designer’s Dubai debut that culminated in an all-black, red carpet look and a theatrical white headpiece reminiscent of the punk rock music scene.
Maison Mada’en
Known for her handmade embroidered looks that have appeared in and around the Cannes Film festival, Dubai-based Farah Bseiso paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II with her fall winter 2023 couture collection Inspired by the Gardens of London, their flora and their scents. Reflecting on the beauty of nature, Maison Mada’en infused inviting colors with fairytale motifs, encouraging us all to take a look beyond reality and dream. Dubbed “Fallen Rose “, the collection featured vibrantly colored tulles and hues of silk mikado that were envisaged to flatter all tones and body types. “The collection represents strength and power, as well as courageous and positive characters that are rooted both in traditions and liberal [ideologies],” she noted.
Ilse Jara
Paraguay-born designer Ilse Jara closed the second day of runway shows here with her sustainable ethos and upscale looks that explored the possibility of merging technological innovations with natural materials and traditional techniques. developing her own DNA through textures. Intrepid in jungle paradise shades of red and green, fan detailing and long swathes of silk plisse’, Ilse Jara had the last work on the runway of d3. With her firm belief that achieving a balance between forward-looking technology and craftmanship Jara captivated with her nature inspired concepts with a purpose – this time mirroring the wonders of Mother Nature with her one-of-a-kind vision.