Fashion goes socially responsible on Day 4

Dubai: Fashion went socially responsible on Day 4 of the Dubai Fashion Week, closing, again, with another celebrity – Bollywood actress Minissha Lamba walking the ramp for designer Zaeem Jamal.

British designer Tanya Sarne, Megan Park from Australia and India’s Meeta Mulchandani brought their latest collection to support the Emirates Arthritis Foundation in a segment called Fashion for a Cause. Sarne, whose eco-friendly and bio-degradable collection called ‘Handwritten’ will retail at new boutique Ume Fashion opening soon.

The day however began with lace, lots of it, as Bisma Ahmed showcased her collection called Chantilly Lace & a Pretty Face. Then it was the turn of abaya retailer Hanayen who brought out models in the black traditional garb but with a variety of cultural influnces.

Indian designer Divya Oswal fused her cultural roots with Arabia while Lebanese designer Saher Dia won applause for his unrestrained used of crystals and sexy yet feminine cuts.

Zaem Jamala ended the night by summoning angels on to the catwalk amidst a Halleleujah chorus and liberal inferences to wings via his dresses and literally, and use of sequins. Minissha Lamba’s showstopper sequined sari ended the night with a flurry of glitter strewn around by the models.

Bisma Ahmed:

A former winner of DFW’s Emerging Talent, Bisma Ahmed kick started Day 4 of Dubai Fashion Week with a 16 outfit collection entitled “Chantilly Lace & a Pretty Face”. Ahmed used lace in varying intensities in all her creations, teeming the fabric with silk, chiffon and jersey silk. Saris decorated with silver appliqués and one made entirely out of lace were the highlights.

Fashion for a Cause

Women from different walks of life joined models in a bid to raise awareness for arthritis. Hosted by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation in association with British label “Handwritten”, the show featured creations by British designer Tanya Sarne, the Australian Megan Park and Meeta Mulchandani from India. While Sarne went back to the Nineties, Park chose sleek and modern themes. Mulchandani’s line was inspired by colourful Indian weddings.

Hanayen

The abaya retailer displayed its new collection of 32 different looks spread over 16 ensembles. With bold patterned cloth weaving in and out of the gaps in the abaya, the collection was a mix of the trendy and traditional. Innovations creations included a two-piece abaya, abayas draped like the Indian sari, outfits with tall stiff collars as well as abayas flowing open to reveal patterned pants.

Divya Oswal

Making her Dubai debut at the Dubai Fashion Week, Indian designer Divya Oswal showcased her line of Indo-Arab creations. Ornate waistbands and flouncy sleeves made their way into the creations as plain silk and chiffon gowns were embellished with elaborately decorated necklines.

Saher Dia

Definitely one of the highlights of the day and of this edition of DFW, Lebanese designer Saher Dia dazzled the audience with his collection of evening wear, bohemian chic and bridal wear. Featuring simple cuts with strategically placed Swarovski stones, one piece, a bold swimsuit-like outfit encrusted in purple and white crystals with a chiffon cape won took the show to a new level. This one’s another designer to keep your eyes on.

Z for Z

Designer Zaeem Jamal’s angel-inspired show was undoubtedly the highlight of Day 4. Starting with a performance by a dancer with flowing silver wings, Gregorian chants set the stage as music by Enigma summoned the models. From shades of blue, green, bronze, orange, gold and pink, the creations were a tribute to the 10 angels the designer chose to represent. Bollywood actress Minissha Lamba made a dramatic entrance as showstopper in a sequined sari of metallic grey which was emblazoned with feathery white wings. The flowing grey train of the sari was held up by a topless male model in wings.