A Visual Spectacle

Designer Furne One's annual haute couture show is always a dramatic and visually spectacular presentation. This year was no exception. The show titled "To Dream of Heaven" was held recently at the Godolphin Ballroom of the Emirates Towers Hotel and marked the second showing of Furne's own label Amato.

Latest collection

Furne's work is influenced by Lacroix, with whom he apprenticed at the beginning of his career.

But the Dubai-based designer has successfully adapted his style to suit the taste of his Arab clientele. His latest collection of evening gowns drew inspiration from varied sources such as French Queen Marie Antoinette, Amadeus Mozart, Japanese art and culture and his favourite movies Phantom of the Opera and Kill Bill.

Phantom

The set was inspired by the cemetery scene in Phantom of the Opera. As the geisha like models stepped out of the iron gates onto the grass and snow covered ramp, visuals on a screen behind told a story of moving from darkness to light.

The dresses ranged from a witty mix of Mozart-era men's pants worn under a flounced Marie Antoinette style gown to multilayered collages of tulle, silk, lace and crochet embellished with embroidery, flowers and coloured Swarovski crystals.

Special accessories

The designer's attention to detail could be seen in the intricate workmanship and special accessories. There were frilly waistcoats, fur lined gold jackets, hats shaped like wedding cakes and bird's nests, crystal encrusted masks, belts, bags and veils, lace parasols, a variety of vintage collars and hair accessories and flower-bedecked "face" collars.

His wedding gown was a vision in pink and white tulle with a crystal encrusted bodice. The bride's headgear shaped like a ship sailing on a frothy sea represented the journey from darkness to light.

Dramatic

The choreography by Kevin Oliver was excellent as was the make up by Terry Allen and hair by Helga.

The ramp lined with real grass, the haunting set backed by interesting visuals on the screen, the dramatic lighting and choice of music and the geisha-like make-up and bouffant hairstyles of the models enhanced the visual effect of the gowns to create a stunning show.