Elie Saab SS21
With fashion week slowly coming to a close, a collective of regional talent joined the reams of international designers who embraced the challenge of showcasing their work virtually. Here, a round-up of the Arab fashion designers who offered unique, creative, and visually stunning collections during a season we’ll never forget…
Elie Saab
The couturier’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection titled Hymne A La Vie was released during Paris fashion week but showcased via a film on the designer’s official Instagram page. Inspired by ‘the renewing power of re-emergence’ (an ode to the people of Lebanon and their power to rebuild following the devastating explosion that took place in Beirut in August), the collection caters to the duality of women: soft and vulnerable and yet, daring and adventurous. The designer maintained his famous ethereal touch while showcasing a variety of colors ranging from black to bright yellow.
Azzi & Osta
Lebanese duo Azzi & Osta took over the Paris showrooms to present a collection or resort-friendly classics in a mainly sherbet-hued color palette. Cocoon sleeved dresses and sweet playsuits provoked a sense of hope and joie de vivre, delivering a much-needed dose of optimism to their loyal clientele.
Hussein Bazaza
Titled NH4NO3, Hussein Bazaza’s new SS21 offering was presented live and digitally during Milan fashion week. The collection is deeply inspired by the concept of trauma in which raw emotions were unapologetically displayed. On the designer’s Instagram page, he shared how the aggravating trauma following the Beirut blast culminated in his creative process and a fashion film, illustrating the range of emotions and flashbacks he experienced. “The designer was not inspired to create light pieces fit for a warm summer,” he says. “In the emotional sense, 2020 has been a cold year. Thus, the label had to create outerwear for most of the looks to portray the need for more cover-ups against the cold, and against danger for protection.”
Aboud Jammal
A rising star of the regional design scene, Lebanese designer Jammal showcased his latest creations for the first time in Paris this Spring/Summer 2021 season. Red carpet-worthy dresses in swathes of chiffon and Swarovski jewels his signature – this season, the highlight came in the form of the above strapless gown in elegant sapphire blue.
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