Faiza Bouguessa has been busy. The French-Algerian designer behind her eponymous label is set to open a showroom in Dubai’s D3, is revamping her e-commerce website, and today launches the Bouguessa Ramadan 2016 collection, with Style.com/Arabia bringing you the first look in the gallery above.
Clients rely on Bouguessa to provide a contemporary take on the traditional abaya. The designer draws inspiration from modern art and architecture and (here in particular) from buildings and sculptures made from mirrored surfaces that create an optical camouflage. For this collection, Bouguessa explored the works of renowned American architect Eleanor Raymond; German artist Ekkehard Altenburger known for his temporary installation House of Mirrors; and Indian-born, British artist Anish Kapoor, for his works that include Chicago’s Cloud Gate. “With this inspiration I examined the fundamentals of the Bouguessa core design through geometric cuts, sharp lines, and I added contemporary metallic tones,” explained the Dubai-based designer to Style.com/Arabia. She added, “It brought innovation to the collection while maintaining the classic elegance that reflects the philosophy of the brand.”
In a neutral palette of black and ivory offset by dusty rose, the collection features loose shapes with sliced, box-pleat details across sleeves; belted, ankle grazing silhouettes; and straight-cut kaftans in metallic materials. “I played with a metallic fabric to create a mirror effect that emphasizes the contrasted futuristic lines of the designs,” said Bouguessa.