Spring/summer 2008 collections

Dubai-based designers Meher Mirchandani and Riddhima Whabi recently unveiled the spring/summer 2008 collections from their labels Affascinare and Meher and Riddhima.

The young designers have taken inspiration from the colourful paintings of Kandinsky to create eye-catching tops, skirts, and bubble dresses embellished with their signature geometric textured motifs and cord work in vibrant colours.

White dominates the palette in the Affascinare collection, which includes light, summer outfits in crepe and chiffon. This collection is available in Dubai at S*uce, FAE and Mumbai Se.

The premium Meher and Riddhima label uses satins, silks and georgettes in bright summer hues, Swarovski crystals and other opulent embellishments to create a luxurious range of garments. This collection is available exclusively at S*uce.

Mirchandani and Whabi are childhood friends. They grew up in Dubai and studied fashion design at the American University of Dubai.

Affascinare, launched in 2002, is among the first home-grown labels in Dubai and the young designers have combined international trends with inspiration from local architecture and culture to develop a distinct look for their label.

They have also successfully taken this Dubai label abroad to boutiques in Singapore, Malaysia and India.

Their premium label Meher and Riddhima was launched two seasons ago.

"Now that Affascinare has been well accepted by women of all ages and nationalities, we felt the creative urge to add another range that was more contemporary in application and had a more luxurious feel with heavier embellishments, finer fabrics and more organic patterns. Hence we decided to create another label," says Mirchandani.

Whabi adds, "Our collections are designed for the globetrotting woman who wants outfits that can successfully carry her from day to night, feeling chic and stylish in any city in the world. We are committed to using the highest quality fabrics and hand finishing to create truly individual statement pieces."