Now in her third season since the debut of her eponymous line, Saudi designer Arwa Al Banawi showcased her Fall 2016 collection at a runway presentation at the first edition of the Dubai Collections. Having first launched with printed ‘90s style suits, Al Banawi all but abandoned her initial aesthetic with a collection that served as an homage to her Saudi roots via the reinterpretation of its traditional garments.
Al Banawi experimented with thob-inspired, ankle-grazing dresses and envisioned the traditional bisht by way of hooded cloaks in a dark, sandy palette. To round out the offering, she delivered a couple of blazers featuring hand-embroidered details and velvet lapels; jersey separates; and a structured, woolen-silk skirt and dress. On the whole, however, Al Banawi departed from her signature far too soon. She ultimately didn’t need to overtly source her heritage to drive home where she’s from, and far too many pieces—like the ill-fitting biker short trousers and the ripped cigarette pant—lacked impact. What made the brand initially stand out was its unique perspective on suiting, and it’s a shame to see that so noticeably absent in this collection.
See the entire Arwa Al Banawi Fall 2016 collection here.
