Ashi Studio showcased its Spring 2019 Couture Collection, entitled “Letters From Margaret”, during Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday evening. Eschewing the traditional runway, the Saudi designer took over Paris’s Ritz Carlton for a candle-lit dinner and fashion show.
Inspired by the bygone eras of the 1950s and 1990s, the 27-piece collection featured a vibrant color palette of hot pink, lime, and acid yellow. The silhouettes were voluminous yet light and feminine, a juxtaposition of loose shapes and accentuated waists with belts. An homage to the “fabulous era”, the offering was punctuated with sumptuous fabrics such as taffetas moiré and double satin, with hints of rich details like feathers, sequins, pleats, ruffles, and embroideries, which all make an appearance in the collection. Each stunning look was adorned with archival jewelry from Bulgari, including eight pieces plucked from the luxury jeweler’s Heritage Collection that are currently on display in various museums and exhibitions, but were taken out specifically for the occasion of Ashi Studio’s runway show. Each couture creation was also paired with bespoke footwear from Italian label Oscar Tiye.
Following the show, editors, buyers, socialites, and brand loyalist’s were serenaded by Arlissa, who performed a discography of hits, while wearing a white, flouncy gown with ostrich-feather detailing from the label’s new Spring 2019 Couture collection.
We spoke to designer, Mohammed Ashi, to find out more:
What made you do a runway show this time and not the usual presentation?
I’ve showcased in Paris several times, and it just seemed like this year was the year to have a fashion show during Paris Fashion Week. This collection is special to me and it’s different from the previous collection as well, with the introduction of more color.
The collection is more colorful than usual. It also explored silhouettes that feel more youthful and less dramatic. Can you please comment if this a new direction for Ashi?
The collection is a blend of the 1950s and1990s, two eras coming together for a new modern take on couture. The dresses have a lot of fabric manipulation, they’re voluminous yet feminine, it’s still Ashi but with a twist.
Could we say this new lighter mood has to do with the political situation of your country where things are opening up?
I’m glad to witness the modernity and opening of Saudi. Though the lighter mood of the collection reflects the evolving modernity of our clients; introducing more vibrant colors than ever before, such as bright green, pink, yellow, and fuchsia, as the aim is to reach a wider audience, of different people around the world, who are seeking different styles.
2018 you had amazing stars wearing your creations. Which was the biggest highlight?
The highlight was Beyoncé in the fuchsia gown, it was a big moment for me as a designer. She is one of the most powerful and inspirational women in the world and it was an honor to dress her, especially for such a monumental performance in South Africa.
The collection was perfect for the red carpet and award season is happening now! Which are the looks that you would like to see at this year’s Oscars red carpet?
The collection is filled with pieces that would be perfect for Oscar and Cannes moments, but there are some pieces that would stand out, such as the one-shoulder voluminous fuchsia dress, the strapless pink dress, or the one shouldered one dress.
Now Read: What the Front Row Wore to the Spring 2019 Couture Shows
