Lebanese designer, Rami Kadi, presented his collection titled “Un Souffle d’Orient” (A Breath of the Orient) during Paris Haute Couture last week at the Mandarin Oriental hotel. Kadi’s detailed collection incorporated arabesques and other archetypal elements of Arabic architecture, which was nicely contrasted against contemporary, deconstructed silhouettes. Among other embroidered embellishments were feathers and beads, which blended well with his Eastern inspiration.
It is undoubtedly a step forward for Kadi, who showed a saccharine and naïve collection during Fashion Forward last season. Having refined his couture skills working with celebrated Lebanese designers, Rabih Kayrouz and Georges Chakra, his decision to move his latest collection to Paris is a stepping-stone for the up-and-coming designer.
—Stephanie Khouy