Aly Fawaz -Contessa: Dubai Fashion Week

DFW FW11: Aly Fawaz - Contessa

Aly Fawaz's collection - Contessa, inspired by Marilyn Monroe, was a vibrant collection that is both elegant and futuristic.

The show opener was a strapless gown of layered black tulle, held at the waist with a metal belt and a flowing train.

Sensual gowns in fuchsia and parrot green were set off by jewelled bodices and ruffles. Completely bejewelled cowl neck dresses saw silver chained tassels over lines of crystals covering the fabric. Gold and silver outfits with encrusted bodices of sequins, crystals and chains were combined with frills and ruffled skirts.

Metal appliqués were used to cinch waists and line the necklines of the sensual gowns. A white and blue outfit with a pearl covered bodice and a bunched floral skirt won audience appreciation.

The three bridal outfits that were showcased, all carried a heavy floral theme as floral appliqués were alternated with satin roses and fabrics bunched into floral figures. The elaborate designs on the veil were restricted to the area covering the head, allowing the simple tulle trail to balance the heavily embellished bodice.

Tatyana Aceeva: Dubai Fashion Week

DFW FW11: Tatyana Aceeva

Jordan-based designer Tatyana Aceeva opened Day 2 of Dubai Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 with her line titled 'A Return To Glamour'. Her outfits are aimed at ‘the woman who wishes to look effortlessly graceful’.

The collection opened with a number of nude outfits embroidered with black lace. Outfits in varying shades of magenta were followed by gowns in electric blue. Models carried clutches that matched the embellishments on their gowns. Dresses in varying lengths - each outfit aiming to accentuate the classic female form in all its elegance, were presented. Grecian-inspired dresses and wide necks were accompanied by satin bows. Black dresses covered in sequinned patterning were alternated with stiff-pleated bodices and flouncy skirts.

One-shoulder gowns were held up by embellished straps as well as fabric bunched up to form floral design elements. Fabrics primarily utilised were pure silks, chiffons and flowing georgettes with hand-beaded embroidery and crystal embellishments.

Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and the 1930s, the collection aimed to infuse elements of modern design into classical silhouettes. A debutante at Dubai Fashion Week, the Iraqi-Russian designer presented an elegant 38-piece collection, memorable for its timelessness and wearable appeal.

Photo Cortesy: Dubai Fashion Week

Al Motahajiba : Dubai Fashion Week

DFW FW11:Al Motahajiba

With 42 outlets across the MENA region, Al Motahajiba, which was established in 1982, is one of the oldest and most renowned labels in abaya fashion. Their Fall/Winter 2011 line-up lavishly utilised the finest fabrics and Swarovski crystals to create a wardrobe fit for a leading lady of style, elegance and substance. The collection comprising jalabiyas and abayas, paid special attention on stylish cuts and embellishment.

Sinuous jalabiyas in magnificent hues of pink, green and white were adorned with crystal piping and sequinned sleeve borders. Empire-waisted capes were worn over gowns and delicately held in place with bands of crystals.

The colourful jalabiyas were followed by a presentation of traditional abayas featuring a variety of contemporary details ranging from baggy sleeves to tapered ankles. Panels of coloured silk worked their way into the black fabric as black capes flared to reveal their colourful inner sides.

Flared sleeves were a near permanent fixture on the runway. The 2-piece abaya, with a separated skirt and bodice also made an appearance with pale gold appliques along the neckline and the shayla.

The Fall/Winter collection emphasized the label's philosophy that strives to infuse modern sensibilities into the traditional abaya. Photo Cortesy: Dubai Fashion Week

Chantal By Saba : Dubai Fashion Week

DFW FW11:La Chantal By Saba

Pakistani supermodel Mehreen Syed opened Saba Waseem’s 36-outfit opulent Fall collection with a stunning sequinned black dress. ‘La Chantal’ experimented with silhouettes from the Indian subcontinent without straying too far from their traditional form. Billowy outfits in orange, green and black generously used about 30 yards of chiffon for the ‘kameez’ (tunic) alone.

Blouses encrusted with crystal were paired with flowing ‘lehengas’ (skirts) and sheer ‘dupattas’ (stoles). Ensembles were accessorised with elaborate arrangements of flowers and peacock feathers decorating the models’ hair.

The collection worked in a balance of fabric with embellishments, as low-slung encrusted bodices were paired with solid-coloured skirts featuring minimal embroidery. Innovative design elements such as beaded tassels along the hip and elaborate ornaments adorning plunging necklines dominated the runway. ‘Lehengas’ with borders of pearl in aqua and coral won audience approval.

Peppy Indian soundtracks set the pace for models, as they sashayed down the ramp in a collection that featured jalabiyas, dresses, saris, salwar-kameezes, lehengas, as well as jumpsuits.

Mehreen Syed closed the show in a heavily adorned white outfit, whilst Indian model and actor Dino Morea presented the sole male ensemble - a gold and white ‘sherwani’, unconventionally paired with jeans and traditional shoes.

Photos Cortesy: Dubai Fashion Week

Mariam Al Mazro/Gmaash : Dubai Fashion Week

DFW FW11: Mariam Al Mazro/Gmaash

Sister duo Mariam and Moza Al Mazro showcased their individual Fall/Winter line-ups at DFW 2011.

Marian Al Mazro's brand, ‘Mimi’ is popular in the region for its energetic prints and bold use of colour. The 4-year-old brand presented maxi dresses and flowing gowns that transformed playful designs into modest silhouettes, thereby giving them a modern touch. Bands of vibrantly coloured cloth ranged from the intricately patterned to sparsely printed and were alternated to create ready-to-wear outfits. Leopard prints met floral and geometric patters to form designs that remained graceful in all their vibrancy. Inspired by the charming English countryside, models wore barely-there make-up and donned simple hairstyles.

‘G'Maash’ by Moza Al Mazro sought inspiration from women in the Orientalist paintings of the 19^th century. Two-piece outfits dominated the collection, as flamboyant gold trousers and intricately designed blouses were paired with solid-coloured pieces. Launched as part of the Emerging Talent segment in Dubai Fashion Week 2010, the latest line-up from ‘G’Maash’ was generous on layering and straight cuts. Hues ranged from pastels to brighter tones, while silhouettes varied from knee-length dresses, A-line skirts, flowing maxi-dresses and pleated skirts.

Photos Cortesy: Dubai Fashion Week

Arshys's Invitation

Interview with Tatyana Aceeva

Molén: Who is Tatyana?

Tatyana Aceeva is a leading Jordan-based fashion designer with a passion for art and style. She is a self taught half-Iraqi, half-Russian designer, who has long enjoyed painting, made her move into the world of fashion design in June 2009, cutting patterns and drawing sketches that flatter the female body in a glamorous and modern feel. Months later, she began producing her line of haute couture evening and cocktail dresses.

She formally opened her first boutique in Sweifieh, Amman, on Sept. 25, 2009, showcasing her first women’s evening wear collection designed to meet the needs of today's fashionable and stylish females. Following the success of her line she has launched her collection at STRADA, Jordan’s top high end fashion boutique in October 2010.

Her extensive travel across the Middle East, Russia and Europe, have allowed her a unique insight into the cultures and lifestyles of East and West, inspiring her simple yet elegant designs for women that are dreamlike and glamorous .

What is the name of the collection?

The name of the collection is “A return to glamour“

Who inspired you?

An everyday modern woman, that strives to be feminine, sensual and glamorous

Which colors fabrics did you use?

I use variety of pure silks, crepe de chine, chiffons, crepes georgette, taffetas and other natural materials to accentuate the body and enhance easy movement as well as allure.

Dominant colors in Tatyana Aceeva Fall/winter collection are: different shades of silver and nudes, emerald green, sapphire blue, shades of purple

Shapes: Simple lines on free-flowing fabrics to accentuate movement, Classic mermaid shapes and figure hugging shapes

Lengths:Above the knee or long with the trail

Mood Style:Eternal quality and style

Accesories:Chunky Swarovski bracelets or layers of black pearl necklaces that are different lengths

Website: www.tatyanaaceeva.com

Photos Cortesy: Tatyana Aceeva