Ashi Studio Spring RTW 2018
Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi launched his couture house, Ashi Studio, 10 years ago in Beirut. To celebrate this milestone, the elegant couturier gathered VIPs from Thailand, one of his strongest markets, for a desert-themed fashion extravaganza. Guests were invited to the Qasr Al Sarab Anantara Desert Resort in Abu Dhabi for the three-day event. The sprawling Arabian palace, surrounded by sun-kissed dunes, proved to be the perfect location to showcase Ashi’s signature couture.
Ashi Studio Fall Couture 2017
Although he showed his Fall 2017 Couture collection, his Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear line was the main event. As the sun set behind the dunes and drones hovered in the air above, models exited to the strains of cinematic orchestral music (composed by Ashi himself) in softer silhouettes and, for the first time, bright colors. The designer offered full looks in fuchsia, emerald green, and canary yellow, each punctuated the show with virtuoso brilliance. Notably, a few models donned sparkling tiaras, earrings, and necklaces signed Chaumet, sent from Paris for the occasion.
Ashi Studio Spring RTW 2018. Courtesy Ashi Studio
Chaumet diamond tiara and necklace.
Referring to this second collection, Made in Italy, Ashi explained that over the past year he has slowly been moving his operations outside of Beirut. “Lebanon has made efforts to support and educate fashion designers, however, there is no emphasis on the tailors – the people who make the magic.” Regardless of the challenges, Ashi refuses to slow down. Launching accessories, he showcased shoes in collaboration with Beirut-based Poise Design. Its designer, Emma Boutros, offered elegant mules and stilettos featuring a whimsical ribbon accent. “The main inspiration behind these new creations is Poise’s classic silhouette, which was morphed to embody the same esthetic that marks Ashi’s ready-to-wear designs. The shoes will be available from October, first exclusively at the Poise Beirut showroom and then online. The models also clutched small crocodile structured bags. These are Ashi’s first foray into bags and signal an expanded direction for the designer.
Poise Design for Ashi Studio. Courtesy Poise Design
Poise Design for Ashi Studio. Courtesy Poise Design
