Fashion Forward Dubai: When style, innovation come together

Fashion designer Khulood Thani (fourth right) and models on the runway during the Bint Thani Presentation on day 1 of Fashion Forward Fall/Winter 2016 held at the Dubai Design District on March 31, 2016 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Sometimes less really is more, and that was the take home from Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD) on Day Two of the event. One of the most memorable collections so far has been that of Khulood Thani, who displayed the collection of her much-loved label Bint Thani on Friday evening.
Khulood normally displays the collection of her popular label in London and not Dubai but she made an exception at this year's FFWD where she showed her collection of around 12 pieces in a presentation format.
This standing-room only show attracted the likes of Nadine Kanso, Aya Nakkash and Sally Sohelili - all known for their personal style and also for their appreciation of Khulood Thani. The Dubai-based designer displayed her ready-to-wear collection called, "The Journeyer". Her collection took inspiration from the shores of the UAE and came across as a combination of architecture with a feel of softness.
It was not only her innovative cuts such as the double collar that appealed but her use of colour too seemed perfect. A soft blue with a navy blue, with orange and aqua green, it was a palette that was eye catching. Favouring long silhouettes with trousers crop, it was all about ease for Bint Thani.
The first catwalk show of the second day of FFWD was conducted by Starch Foundation, a non profit organisation that helps launch Lebanese emerging designers, a regular feature at FFWD as there is always some new talent to look out. Each designer who is the part of this catwalk presentation displayed about 12 looks.
This season it ranged from Lebnese designer Lobnan Mahfouz' Per Vers athleisure take on fashion. Athleisure is a trend in fashion in which clothing designed for athletic workouts is worn outside of the gym to go to the office or shopping or other social occasions.
Mahfouz' use of mesh on jackets made this sporty fabric good enough to be worn for a dinner party.
A more sophisticated take on this trend was given by Beirut-based fashion designer Bashar Assaf who teamed a zip hoodie tracksuit top with high-waisted wide leg trousers. It was all about minimalism with easy long silhouettes and her colour palette was in the shades of sand. As for designer Salim Azzam it was all about the white shirt, be it the shirt dress or a shirt worn with cropped trousers. Adding that whimsical touch was some very charming floral and nature inspired embroidery. Somehow you reminded of school uniforms only a lot more chicer. It was a shame that this show did not have the crowd it deserved, as rains kept some of the fashion crowd at home. Guess they were scared of their hair frizzing!
- sujata@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai