The day 4 & 5 of Dubai Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011 witnessed the mix of designers presenting different collections rendering vividness and diversity to the concluding days. From abayas to saris and anti-fit outfits there was a lot to see on the ramp apart from signature glamour and drama. The panache finale by Rajesh Pratap Singh brought the five days of fashion extravaganza to a dazzling finish. Here is a sneak peek into the collections of the designers on day 4 & 5 of DFW F/W 2011.

Surbhi Jaggi/At A Glance
Surbhi showcased her line of abayas fusing Indian cuts and silhouettes into the abaya through touches such as Mughal detailing on the bust and a sari-inspired abaya featuring an over the shoulder sash in sequined black. Wraparound abayas with brocades and cowl necks also appeared on ramp.

Designer duo Lamees and Eman Al Hajri of At A Glance presented A-line dresses in white with black and green back paneling, sheer shirts were paired with foliage-inspired sequined harem pants and bubble skirts in solid colours. Fur, leather and lace were used to give sleeve and collar detailing.

Aartivijay Gupta/Parul Chopra and Shriya
Outfits like nude dresses with embroidered necklines, sheer white tunics worn over gold trousers, outfits with delicate zardosi work paired with gold-bordered dupattas formed Aartivijay Gupta’s fall lineup. Salwar kameez, anarkali style tunics and flared skirts were the highlights.

Silk gowns, short dresses, saris and salwar kameezes were on offer as designers Parul Chopra and Shriya displayed their ‘Spontaenia’ collection. Halter top with skirt, sari with embroidered pallu and bridal outfits with heavily encrusted lehanga choli concoted the range.

1001 Abayas
1001 Abayas by Safa and Mariam Al Medfaei, fused the traditional and creative to present pullover abayas with heavy black tassels, swirly embellishments and appliqués inspired from Islamic art. Round hemmed abayas, crepe jacket and keffiyahs worn at heads were the highlights. Sequinned arcs and coloured piping on the diaphanous outfits, brought about illusions of deep necks and high cuts.

Ameera Aamer
A well-balanced mix of abayas and dresses with outfits in plush fabrics and a riot of colors, the collection by the designer had international style with jalabiya-inspired gowns and
kimono-like abayas he showcased. Ankle length dresses, sun inspired jackets, outfits in sheer fabrics and baggy jumpsuit abaya with trims, mirror work and patterned sleeves were showcased in  hues like magenta, crimson, green and red.

Nabrman
The creations by the label utilized thick winter friendly fabrics with a geometric grid pattern. Voluminous velvet abayas were interspersed with draped silk in muted colours. The fabric also made its way into a silk abaya in the form of collars and sleeve lining. The abayas saw subtle colour infusions as floral attaches on the sleeves and hems in olive, lilac and soft pink.

Hanayen
Hanayen showcased a collection with the classic black abaya, pullover abayas with pleated detailing and patterned voluminous single sleeved creations concocted the collection. Abayas with geometric patterns, floral appliqués and sequinned bodices with turbans were seen on the ramps. High collars, mao collars and Moroccan inspired necklines were the highlights of the collection.

Rajesh Pratap Singh
Our very own Rajesh Pratap Singh presented the finale collection with the ‘cocoon’ inspired dresses with dropped shoulders and tapering hemlines. Floral motifs, and  pixellated roses and appliqués were seen in hues of black and orange. Outfits of metallic fabric, silk georgettes, leather and velvet with metal ikat pattern, geometrical prints of hexagonal shapes and laser cut leather features formed the collection. Ankle-length velvet coats in deep burgundy, navy blue and black were also seen rendering luxurious feel to the collection.

Jaya Misra
Reflecting the ‘Navratna’ or the nine precious gems from Indian mythology, Jaya Misra presented long skirt, gown with pearl sleeve ends, tunics, anarkali outfits, flared skirts, solid colored saris with zardosi details, traditional salwar kameezes and bridal lehangas in bright to autumn palettes.
 
Montaigne/Arshys by Arshia Khan
Montaigne presented a collection of simple t-shirts and conventional jackets emphasizing comfort. Cropped jackets were worn over t-shirts with prints of magazine covers running down the front. Leggings in leather and denim panels were worn with tweed jackets as tank tops and paired with smart jackets with zipper detailing.

Arshia Khan presented her collection as a visual journey through the ages, fusing retro-style elements with contemporary silhouettes. 80s inspired kaftans in neon colors were followed by Bohemian loose tunics and short dresses. In an innovative mix of fabrics, the collection introduced leather into the traditionally crepe abaya.

Anum Moosa/EM-ME
With heavy Goth and punk rock influences, the outfits by Anum Moosa were influenced by the likes of Vivienne Westwood. Spike studs were seen on structured jackets, as well as leggings and short skirts. The collection also saw a few creations in soft fabric with embellishments and sweeping hems in knitwear.

Marie Carmen Fallaha presented hand-knitted cardigans in dark colours teamed with printed jumpsuits as over-sized cashmere tunics were paired with leather leggings. Emphasizing on effortless chic, the prêt line saw baggy tops with hearts, blades and lip-shaped motifs in soft fabric with loose silk trousers.

Aditi Jaggi Rastogi/Priyanka Kakkar
Aditi’s collection was made of rich fabrics of fur and velvet, while also utilizing lycra, tulle and sequined fabrics. Fun dresses, flowing Kaftans, evening gowns and dresses with Swarovski detailing, kitschy dresses, velvet leggings and tulle veil were the highlights.

Inspired by the colours of twilight, Priyanka Kakkar’s collection in silks, georgettes, tissue and corduroy, were generous in their use of floral appliqués and foliage-inspired embroidery. The color palette was comprised of forest green, reds, pinks and blues.

Hadi Katra Couture
The creations of satin, taffeta, muslin and lace formed Hadi’s fall lineup. Animal prints were seen in a number of outfits including a zebra-floral print dress, a single-shouldered draped leopard dress as well as triangular snakeskin side panels on evening gowns. Long gowns in coral, red, yellow and pearl, leather prints on grey tulle and bridal wear were the highlights.

El Deseo
Fatma Mehdi Al Majid’s label El Deseo played primarily with pure chiffons and silks, the embellishments on all the outfits were hand-worked. Abayas with wide sleeves, lace busts and bands of fabric running down the sleeves, voluminous sleeves and abayas with flowing capes along with outfits inspired by the Indian sari formed the collection.

Muhammed Asim Jofa
Inspired by monarchy, the collection by the designer comprised ensembles in a variety of plush fabrics ranging from chiffons to chamois embroidered with white gold, embedded with precious stones and Swarovski crystals. The color palette was comprised of vibrant green, camel brown, white, lavender, blue and pink with heavy use of crystals and precious stones.

The day 3 at Dubai Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011 saw the designers from across the world displaying their creativity at the glittering ramps of Dubai. The emerging talent show kicking off the day was followed by designers like Hemant & Nandita and Ekta Singh highlighting Indian design sensibility. Here is a sneak peek into the collection of the designers on glamour laden day 3 of the fashion week.

Emerging Talent Show
The emerging talent show had six names displaying their work. It includes Azdan Zandi collection, inspired by lilies fusing modernity with feminine grace. Her outfits were classically feminine, incorporating futuristic detailing and sharp cuts. Outfits in lamé, black and white featured in the collection.

European designer Anna Gurgacz presented audiences with a blend of lavish Arab designs and simple European fashion. Inspired by the fuchsia flower, the outfits came in multiple hues of pink. The outfits utilized stretch fabric, satin and crepe.

Debutante designer Sarah Mrad presented her 10-outfit collection for the petite woman. Borrowing heavy French influences that manifested as short figure enhancing outfits and frou-frou dresses were adorned with bows, buttons as well as laser cut flowers.

Kay Li dazzled audiences with her upbeat collection of 8-pieces that used traditional fall fabrics such as wool and leather. Symmetrical paneling made its way into narrow trousers as well as structured jackets.

Sophie Wanney presented minimalist designs aiming at the bold and powerful woman of today. Cropped jackets were paired with straight pants as paneled shirts with symmetrical patterns were paired with A-line skirts.

Sara Al Rafai’s 5-outfit collection infused colour and stylish cuts into the wardrobe of the young Arab woman. Dresses inspired by jalabiyas and abayas followed in hues of salmon, green and camel were paired with puffed sleeved bodices and long jackets.

Shrekahnth
The designer presented a futuristic 3D-themed line inspired by Filippo Marinetti’s ideas on futurism. In one of its kind show the audience was asked to wear supplied 3D glasses, as outfits with fluid patterns created the illusion of movement on still fabric. The collection was comprised of flowing outfits accompanying elaborate head-dresses influenced by planetary symbols. With digital prints ranging from the natural to abstract images of space, the outfits utilized muted winter shades with dashes of colour in the form of geometric patterns. Shrekahnth’s outfits used minimal embellishments and allowed the prints to hold on their own.

Paula K
Lebanese designer Paula K’s collection followed the concept of ‘Metamorphose’, a style that infuses elements of multi-functionality into every outfit. With black dominating the collection, jersey gowns in Grecian styles concocted the range. The creations mirrored the multi-faceted personality of the modern day woman, using kitschy capes and jackets made from various uneven fabric pieces. Influenced by Lebanon’s heritage and mythology, the models were adorned with copper headpieces and waistbands, keeping with the ethereal feel of the collection.

Faheema K/ Aisha Al Aleeli
Faheema Kader – the first ever designer from South Africa at DFW – showcased her Fall/Winter line, titled ‘Gold Rush’, inspired by the country’s mineral wealth. The collection was lavish in its use of sequins, as embellishments found their way onto necklines, hemlines and along sleeves. Wide pants in black lace were worn over gold leggings, paired with corsets and elbow length gloves. 

Aisha Al Aleeli presented a range comprised of a grey Grecian gown front panel combined with the black abaya silhouette, an exquisite pullover abaya with kimono sleeves and brocade piping and an Indian-inspired abaya, with sari-like draping accompanied by a floral, Swarovski-studded shayla. Other innovations included abayas with almond-shaped orange and grey appliqués and an abaya with a diagonal leopard print.

Gulzeb
Gulzeb Asif displayed the stunning Eastern ethnic collection with hints of Western design elements comprising dresses, salwar-kameezes, lehengas and kaftans bore exquisite hand beading and crystal embellishments. Kaftans in vibrant orange and forest green were followed by one-shoulder dresses in dual shades. Encrusted necklines and bands running down the front set off dark-hued dresses. Salwar kameez is paired with narrow and wide trousers carried golden embroidery and embellishments that were set off by thin brocade borders.

Hemant and Nandita/Reynu Tandon
The tribal holiday collection from Hemant & Nandita utilised patterned fabric with embroidered necklines. Chunky stones lined collars, while solid coloured tops of orange and turquoise were paired with sequinned shorts and jodhpurs. The collection ‘Lolita Flies To New York City’, paired leopard printed skirts and trousers with kaftans and blouses.

‘Mynah’ by Reynu Tandon presented a 24-outfit prêt-a-porter line, all in a single shade of camel brown. The outfits used laser cut cotton and silk georgette, layered over a multi-coloured pattern that worked its way into almost the entire collection. Highlights included two saris in camel brown and a low-slung bodice with red embellishments that was paired with a multi-layered tulle skirt.

Ekta Singh/Meher & Riddhima
Ekta Singh’s fall line-up was inspired by pure glamour utilizing silk chiffon, georgette and net to create a line of luxurious eveningwear. Highlights included a black bustier with intricate silver embroidery paired with a tulle-layered skirt, held together by a Swarovski-studded belt; a long dress in plissé black; a jalabiya-inspired outfit in a captivating purple and the showstopper that was a dual-shaded dress in purple and red worn with an elaborate tiered neckpiece of green beads.

Meher and Ridhima’s collection was inspired from the fun, laid-back styles of the 60s as well as Paco Rabonne’s usage of geometric patterns. Outfits in burgundy and wine followed peach dresses embellished with pearl. Maxi-dresses in turquoise were held up with silk bands. A short black gown with a layered pink tulle underlay was accompanied by a loose jacket-cape held together with pink and purple rings. The cocktail dresses, tunics and gowns in georgette and chiffon were designed for the discerning globe-trotter. 

Gaurav Gupta
Inspired by the concept of fluidity in the world, designer Gaurav Gupta presented the collection in chiffon, jersey and metal mesh fabrics, embellished with bugle beads. Structured wool and felt jackets were part of the collection as were dresses ending in unevenly layered tulle. The traditional Indian sari was presented with a different twist, as multiple chains of gold replaced the traditional sash over the shoulder. A short orange dress with ruffles, stockings, single shoulder dress and a brown mermaid dress embellished with matte gold sequins were also featured.