Perfect creations

On a regular work day, Dubai-based designer Rabia Z is in knots, minutes before her turn on the runway. But the Creations Fashion Show, a DSF initiative held at the BurJuman Centre on Saturday, proved to be the exception.

Far from being on the risque side of the catwalk, Rabia was intent on having fun and spreading the message of peace in Palestine along with promoting her stylish wares. After passing around a string of wrist bands made from the ghutra - Arabic men's head scarves - she got down to the business of acquainting mall trawlers at BurJuman with her conservative couture.

"I have never had this much fun presenting my collections. Unlike a fashion week, there is less confusion backstage and the experience is more rewarding. Creations gave me an opportunity to put my best out there," Rabia said.

Her collection was trans-seasonal and a blend of her spring-summer 09 collection and her 2008 Tribute Black collection.

"My clothes were symbolic to an extent. It was a tribute to a modern Arabic woman and my designs proved that skin show does not necessarily equate to being fashionable or modern," she said. Her 22 modest ensembles were the selected as highlights from her Khaleeji collection.

"There are many tourists in Dubai and most are clueless about what to expect when it comes to conservative couture. This was an opportunity to show them a slice of Middle Eastern fashion. During fashion shows, the doors are only open to invited guests, but here people from all walks of life get a taste of our culture."

This young designer, a regular at Dubai Fashion Week circuit, is not the only one to have enjoyed the evening. Dozens of mall trawlers who had visited the Observatory in BurJuman this weekend were in for a double treat. Apart from scourging through stores for bargains, many had the opportunity to check out the designs of another local Lebanese designer Aiisha Ramadan. The newlywed Ramadan made the most of the runways by presenting an ethereal collection titled White.

"My collection was inspired by everything white. My clothes were romantic, dreamy and sexy in an understated manner& Nothing tight or vulgar. It was all free-flowing," she said.

In an upbeat mood after her showing, Ramadan feels Creations gave her an opportunity to touch base with some "serious buyers".

"This is my first time at the Creations and the public reaction was simply mind-blowing. I got so many feelers from genuine buyers."

For those who did not catch the show yet, it's not too late. Over the next three days, six designers - local and international - will rule the runways. Tonight, it's Dubai-based designer Amber Feroz's turn. His collection, An Ode to Mourning Light, will be bolder and brighter when compared to the designers before him. Fantastical in its theme, his collection has been inspired by a mythological king, who is on a quest for contentment.

"Through my clothes I have portrayed two moods. The first leg is sombre and dark while the second part is much lighter in its tones," says Feroz who took time out between dress rehearsals to attend to the phone.

Another highlight of his show will be his print-heavy fabrics, seamless constructions and toga cuts.

Designers from overseas will jet into Dubai to showcase their collections over the next three days. Elena Gracia from United Kingdom, Samora from the US and designer Charini from Colombo will all showcase their designs.