For the inspiration behind SemSem‘s Resort 2020 collection, creative director Abeer Al Otaiba looked to Studio 54-attendee Bianca Jagger’s most stylish looks from the 70s. The Nicaraguan actress was not only known as the socialite linked with some of Studio 54’s legendary night-time fashion moments but also as an activist for her work with human rights.
“Her exquisite taste for luxurious fabrics and rich color and undeniable elegance evoke a sense of style we continue to gravitate towards to this day,” shares Al Otaiba with Vogue.me. “Her natural ability to create style moment after style moment also influenced how I developed the collection. Along with her enviable style, I really resonated with the fact that she is also an advocate for defending the social and human rights of disadvantaged women and girls among many other charitable causes she is actively involved with today.”
This season, each powerful look in SemSem’s Resort 2020 collection uses the label’s signature textiles upgraded with its New York atelier’s craftsmanship to highlight the artistry of SemSem’s in-house artists. “I wanted a bold look for Resort and combined geometric details with fluid silhouettes,” explains the Egyptian-born designer. “We also developed new patterns by hand-painting textiles at our New York atelier, creating a new dimension to the aesthetic of the brand.” The Resort 2020 collection boasts fabrics that have been hand-painted for 36 hours, rich tie-dyes, as well as saturated tones of blue and pink.
Wearable silhouettes feature embellished bustiers balanced with tailored pants and dramatic skirts in a color palette of elegant neutrals, silver, black and white. Pleated bias gowns allow for freedom of movement while the luxurious cotton separates can take you from day to night. Taking on a new direction for the future of the label, Al Otaiba has also introduced a number of new textures to the collection through the mixture of bias crepe silks with custom dyed ostrich feathers, jacquard lame patterns, and cashmere.
As described by Al Otaiba, the woman who wears SemSem is a “woman who feels empowered; she is strong, independent and strives every day to make a difference in the world. She is a successful woman who looks to others for inspiration and guidance, yet ultimately defines her own path to success.”
From the Resort 2020 collection, select looks launching this August will be available exclusively on Net-A-Porter.
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