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Fashion is nothing if not evidence that when times are tough, creativity flourishes.
The Royal University of Women (RUW) played host to the future stars of the world of style as its students staged Moda Mist 2012, the annual BA Fashion Design graduation show.
The show, presented under the patronage of Shaikha Fajer bint Ali Rashid Al Khalifa, took place at the university last Thursday evening.
In a black-and-white themed tent, pulsating to the sounds of techno music, was an outdoor setting for a classy catwalk.
With help from Aldo Accessories, Charles and Keith footwear, Inglot make-up, hairstyling by Diva Salon and Noah events for stage, lighting and DJ, the runway was the landscape in which the latest round of five fashion graduates were given three months to design and produce their final collections to showcase.
The savvy alumni let their imaginations run wild onto the fabric.
Taking part in the show was Lady Gaga-inspired Noora Al Khalifa, 23, from Riffa. “I wanted something different, that’s why my concept – Retro Futurism – takes designs from old movies and adds a futuristic twist,” she explained.
“I go by the saying ‘everyday is a fashion show and the world is my runway’.
“That’s why I designed a corset of mirrors. I saw a picture of a huge building, which gave me the idea to crush a mirror and round the edges.”
With her robotic-looking collection, the audience was treated to an array of models preparing for a stylish mission into space.
Noora’s designs used sparkle and shine on block colours to contrast with big dramatic shapes and fabrics. The song playing alongside the displayed collection, namely, ‘throw your hands up’, had the crowd doing exactly that.
Manar Al Kubaisi’s collection, Blumen (flowers in German) was elegant and sultry, which was emphasised by the models slow movements.
The designs were clean-cut, extremely detailed and by using light colours and fabrics, they created a smooth atmosphere within the exhibition area and left the audience in a hypnotic trance.
“My collection focuses on flowers and fabric manipulation, which involves techniques like ruffles, pleating, gathers, tucking- the basics of how to play with the fabric and reconstruct it,” said the 22-year-old from Juffair.
“My idea really came to me when I travelled to Germany. I started taking pictures of flowers because I was so fascinated by them. That’s why I chose the title Blumen.
“After researching, I started looking at the shape rather than the flower itself, which developed the idea of fabric manipulation in an elegant and simple style.”
‘O For The Love Of Deco’ by Amal Al Mulla, 21, from Riffa, came out with a retro and razor-sharp set.
With a look reflecting the modern woman, it focused on the use of pattern to capture the attention of the audience. The assortment focused on the shoulders, giving a hard shape to the designs.
“My main inspiration is the art deco era,” she said. “I went back to the 1920s and added a modern and contemporary twist.
“I did market research throughout the process because I wanted to analyse and understand the people of Bahrain and their tastes, which I incorporated in the designs.”
The Stripes Collection by Fatima Al Khalifa, 24, from West Riffa, focused on different types of horizontal and vertical lines to create flowing and elegant summer clothing.
The garments came out strong and the models walked the catwalk with the grace of Cleopatra, reinforced by an extensive use of gold and draping.
“I’ve always liked stripes and didn’t know their history. I originally thought it was all about sailors and sea life, but then I found a book called The Devil’s Claw, which was all about stripes and had pictures and explanations.
“I love fashion and I hope I can compare myself to well known designers one day when I become more experienced.”
The Aurum collection by Nayab Suhail Bhure, 23, from Busaiteen, demonstrated a minimalistic theme, yet captured a type of futuristic element with a glossy patterned 1920s inspired fabric.
“My Baroque-inspired items give a kind of history to my collection. I had my fabric made by a manufacturer in India, who was more than happy to help. I sent him motifs and the thread and he wove the fabric for me and sent it back. That really helped me make this collection my own.
“I’ve always felt creative and wanted to bring art to life – fashion is the best way to do this. You can actually touch your ideas.
“In Bahrain fashion tends to trickle down from the West but I feel this course has provided a good way to allow an Arab-style to evolve. We’re creating our own fashion scene here.”
The enthusiastic onlookers were impressed by the work on show and supportive of the designers’ array of talents and initiative.
Ruaa Abdulaziz, an interior design student, 22, from Riffa, said: “The fashion show was amazing. I loved Manar’s work.
“It’s different from the typical Bahraini-style. People our age are interested in this type of fashion.”
Graphic Designer Noora Ali, 21, from Riffa, said: “I really liked Amal’s work. It was so colourful and reminded me of the recent H&M collection, so it’s very relatable for Bahrain and I think people can wear it.”
