Intricate handmade mandalas on Rami Kadi’s SS20 collection. Photo: Instagram/@ramikadi
In a world threatened by global warming, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, at the forefront of almost every industrywide conversation is one question: How can we be more sustainable? As one of the biggest culprits of pollution and carbon emissions in the world due to mass production and waste generation, the fashion industry has often received pleas for changes.
While many brands have modified the fabrics they source and the amount of energy they use, one Lebanese-American designer is taking action in a big way: Substituting a physical runway for a digital one in the Middle East‘s first-ever cyber fashion show. Presenting his spring/summer 2020 couture collection via a social media live stream, couturier Rami Kadi is making unprecedented strides toward sustainable, luxury fashion to tackle climate change and reduce his carbon footprint one couture presentation at a time.
“2,200 Hours Were Spent On The Embroidery Alone, Featuring More Than 17,000 Tiny Shimmering Crystals.” Photo: Instagram/@ramikadi
The Beirut-based label will also be showcasing the first dress made completely from recycled plastic, demonstrating the ability to transform the harmful into beautiful. Apart from this iconic sartorial moment, Kadi’s latest 33-piece collection titled “Kaleidoscope” envisages the harmonious return of society through “good energy.” Featuring delicate stones, sequins, and embroidery weaved onto layers of tulle, feathers, and organza, each creation is a shimmering reflection of light and color.
In full accordance with the collection’s ” quest for the alignment of the chakras”, the Indian meditative symbol mandala is the star motif in both deconstructed and full form on pastel and neutral tones, with the color green frequently appearing throughout the designs to signify growth and healing.
“The beautiful does not need embellishment, nor does it need filters,” said creative director Kadi. The beautiful is free-standing, and it is one and the same with reality. This is why only transparency is worthy of the beautiful. My quest is enhancing the beauty of what is real through transparency.”
Mandalas frequently appear throughout the SS20 couture collection. Photo: Instagram/@ramikadi
The SS20 Couture Collection livestream will begin on Rami Kadi’s official social media accounts today, January 23 at 5 pm Lebanon time / 7 pm UAE time.
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