The day 2 of the ongoing Dubai Fashion Week Fall Winter 2011 titillated with subtle glamour and striking designs. The drama, high end creativity, style and grandeur, all paired to present the wonderful shows. Opened by Jordanian Tatyana Aceeva, the whole day witnessed rich contemporary yet traditional designs reining the ramps. Let’s peep into the collections of the designers on Day 2 of the DFW F/W 2011.

Tatyana Aceeva
Tatyana Aceeva presented her Fall Winter 2011 collection titled, ‘A Return To Glamour’, infusing the elements of modern design into classical silhouettes. The show opened with a number of nude outfits embroidered with black lace. Outfits in varying shades of magenta were followed by gowns in electric blue. Grecian-inspired dresses and wide necks were accompanied by satin bows. Black dresses covered in sequined patterning were alternated with stiff-pleated bodices and flouncy skirts. One-shoulder gowns were held up by embellished straps as well as fabric bunched up to form floral design elements. Fabrics primarily utilized were pure silks, chiffons and flowing georgettes with hand-beaded embroidery and crystal embellishments.

Montaha Al Ajeel
The designer’s latest collection saw influences had heavy Mexican, Arab, Oriental and Dutch influences with the usage of fabrics like denim, jersey silk and lace. Keeping the traditional cut of the abaya intact, digital prints of the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower and other pop culture motifs were infused into the outfits. Hats, tiaras, masques and a flamboyant feather headdress added dramatic value to the show. Patterned beaded chains were a recurring feature as they appeared on waistbands, tasseled necklines as well as whole bodices.

Aly Fawaz
Aly Fawaz’s collection – Contessa, inspired by Marilyn Monroe, was a vibrant collection that is both elegant and futuristic. Sensual gowns in fuchsia and parrot green were set off by jeweled bodices and ruffles. Completely bejeweled cowl neck dresses saw silver chained tassels over lines of crystals covering the fabric. Gold and silver outfits with encrusted bodices of sequins, crystals and chains were combined with frills and ruffled skirts. Metal appliqués were used to cinch waists and line the necklines of the sensual gowns. The range also had three bridal outfits in heavy floral designs.

Jeanine Haute Couture
Drawing inspiration from the pearl, the 40-outfit collection extensively made use of organza and chiffon along with tulle and Chantilly lace. Strategically frazzled lace was used in a bridal outfit as well as ruffled crepe in an evening gown. The bridal collection made appropriate use of stiff bodices and teamed them with lavish flowing skirts and sequined veils. Outfits in shades of grey, beige, white and black were embellished in complementary hues. The theme of pearls was evident in every creation, as pearls were worked into every outfit in the collection, from bordering sleeves and hemlines to outlining appliqués and chains of pearls woven in between Chantilly lace.

Mauzan
In Mauzan’s fall winter line up geometric patterns adorned fine fabrics from Italy and France giving the outfits a global appeal. Batwing sleeves ending in tassels were followed by triangular panels of patterned silk and bands of cloth running through the classic silhouette that is synonymous with the region’s women. The wraparound abaya attached with a sash that doubled up as a shayla, Jalabiyas in green velvet with orange appliqués and kaftans with symmetrical panels in shades of orange and green dominate the range.