SOURCE: EMIRATES WOMEN

BY: DIANA BELLHEATHER

Glitz and drama

If there’s ever a stage to showcase the very best of design craftsmanship, it’s Haute Couture fashion week in Paris.

Reserved only for the most elite houses from around the world, Arab designers hold their own among historic Maisons such as Chanel and Givenchy. There’s still a full day of shows to go, but here are some of the highlights from the runways so far.

Rami Al Ali

Syrian couturier dedicated the 22-piece collection to an orchid. A symbol of beauty and strength, the orchid is delicate in its nature but bold in its stature. Strong and architectural silhouettes dominated, as did the bold colour palette of vivid bursts of lime green, turquoise, coral and rose. New high-tech engineering was adopted with laser cut fabric arranged in a tessellated pattern to uniquely illustrate a beautiful floral motif.

Georges Hobeika

Maison Georges Hobeika’s SS20 Couture collection brings together some of the designer’s favourite stylistic moods and inspirations: the force of nature, the ecstasy of freedom and the philosophy of entertainment. These inspirations are expressed in elegant and feminine outfits that invite us to the shores of Sardinia illuminated by the Virgilian sky, the sparkling reflections of the turquoise Mediterranean and the glistening sensuality of golden sand. Perfect for your next randevou on a yacht.

Maison Rabih Kayrouz

The latest couture collection from Rabih Kayrouz was filled with emotion and heartache that the designer feels towards the turmoil in Lebanon. The undone pieces with exposed thread and uneven panels revealed the core of each item, exposing it all. This raw approach to couture also highlighted the hard work of the atelier where craftsmen spend hours stitching these pieces together.

Georges Chakra

The energetic spirit of youth and purity were the key messages that Beirut-based couturier Georges Chakra wanted to convey in his latest collection. Packed with his signature embellishment and using an array of rich fabrics, the SS20 line offered plenty of bridal-inspired gowns as well as other dresses that would be worthy of any special occasion.