FASHION-LOVERS from across the region flocked to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain yesterday to enjoy an array of new outfits and accessories on display for the first time and set to become ‘the look of 2022’.
The successful first edition of The International Bahrain Fashion Weekend, featuring couture gowns carefully curated for the Middle East by five top designers, was held under the patronage of Shaikha Marwa bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the founder of the renowned Bayanah brand.
Alongside show-stopping runway looks were pieces paying tribute to the kingdom’s National Day 50th anniversary celebrations. “We promised something extraordinary and we delivered,” said Amina Leelo Weewo, founder and chief executive of Stella Polare Boutique Events, organisers of the show.
“We have to go on with our lives and nothing should stop us.
“My original planned event was a women’s conference and fashion show. It had to be cancelled in 2020 as Covid-19 hit Bahrain three weeks before its scheduled date.
Amazing
“In the end, I divided the event into a women’s conference that was held in August and now my own fashion show, which I’m seeking to make an annual event.
“Having top designers here sheds light on the country and, as a tribute, they have brought in Bahrain-inspired designs to model and showcase. Five world-class designers with 15 pieces on show – that’s amazing.”
With guests dressed to impress, the Grand Gala Night included a fashion show featuring Bahraini Noof Al Shekar’s NS by Noof luxury bags, Iraqi designer Hana Sadiq’s stunners specialising in integrating Arabic art with haute couture, Portuguese Micaela Oliveira with her bridal gowns and princess dresses, and award-winning Mexican designer Kris Goyri, known for his ‘feminine and fresh’ fashion style, as highlighted earlier in the GDN.
Headlining designer, Malan Breton, a favourite of fashionistas around the globe, received well-deserved applause. The Taiwanese-born designer, who lives in France, launched his namesake fashion label ‘Malan Breton’ in 2005, Malan Breton Homme in 2010, and Fantôme Malan Breton in 2012.
He has dressed the Desperate Housewives of New York and the top models of Australia, as well as global stars such as Emma Thompson.
Javani India founding and creative director Jyotika Jhalani said: “As a 25-year-old luxury brand that sells all over the world, alongside seven shops in India, we’re very happy to have our items getting more exposure in Bahrain.
“We have strong collaborations and co-brands with top designers like Keira Chaplin and there is huge international interest in what we come up with, whether shawls, cushions or embroidery.
“There is a partnership with a Bahraini entrepreneur to present our items here, although this is my first visit to Bahrain.
“The atmosphere and response has been so overwhelming we’re now planning to hold our own fashion shows in Bahrain in the future.”
A lavish dinner was held after the show, featuring performances from musical artists Karl Wine, who recorded Je t’aime Bahrain, and Bahraini’s soulful star Banah. Also attending the event were international VIP guests such as Rebeca Riofrio, the UK director for the Parliament Society for Arts, Fashion and Sports.
Today, there will be a ‘Meet the Masters’ event where members of the media, fashion advocates and bloggers, students and VIP guests will have the opportunity to meet some of the top fashion designers.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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