Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Fashion writers, bloggers, big wallets with wasta and the covert ‘fashion police’ were all in attendance as Saks Fifth Avenue showcased its autumn/winter 2015 trends at a grand show at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts.
The venue was stunning with Manama’s 150-year, historical setting as the backdrop with its well-balanced Arabian and European architecture capturing the essence of the occasion.
As the water cascaded off the impressive handmade fountain in the open-air amphitheatre, the night was filled with a buzz of indiscernible chatter as guests scurried to find the best seating for a view of the catwalk.
The show last Thursday evening began with mesmerising music and the models promenaded with confidence in the top tailleur Saks is known for.
The production of a successful fashion event not only relies on the location but important details that help execute the desired emotion to the audience. The show organisers were spot on with the lighting, model casting, staging and hospitality.
Joz Salon was responsible for the hair which was simple and chic with the women sporting high sleek pony tails which appear all the rage. The models of both sexes came on the catwalk individually and as pairs but the performance worked perfectly when they hit the stage as couples.
Saks aimed to showcase a variety of its high-end brands which proved challenging as every label has its own identity. The safe bet was to simply focus on the seasonal theme with pieces reflecting the current trends.
The start of the show featured a couple walking in tandem with the woman wearing a long black feather statement piece further enhanced by her golden cut-out shirt which caught the light flawlessly. Her male modelling partner worked a leather motto-cross with a snug cobra button-down paired with a fitted trouser in a matching shade.
Some notable outfits were a boxy golden metallic top that paired with what looked like a shiny off-white organza ball gown skirt. This combination just worked perfectly.
The gents donned some really smart outfits and my favourite was a black and white tux with yellow graphic printed shoes and matching bow tie. Another cool casual look consisted of a skull graphic print under a red leather motto paired with fitted jeans and high top trainers.
There were oohs and aahs from the audience when a model walked on wearing a long gown in a deep turquoise or Pantone (Biscus Bay). It was adorned with a floor-length cape trailing her at the back and subtle silver metallic embellishments. In my opinion the outfit was visually cool, confident and inviting.
A full red velvet gown with long sleeves followed which breathed luxury, while another model rocked the popular fringe trend with a purple suit and tasselled heels.
Continuing with unexpected combinations, a white feather skirt contrasted well with a structured navy military jacket and a gold sequined floor length dress caught the crowd with its shimmer and shine. A matchy-match printed set with a ruffle blouse and heels looked dead-on Margot Tenenbaum which would have a proper place in a dinner meeting or boardroom.
Surprisingly, the real showstopper was in the audience. Bahraini fashion blogger, Ali Al Bana, AKA ‘the satoriali’ wore a full bejewelled mask which captivated the guests with his unique clandestine façade.
People flocked around him and he strode around the arena. He was mysteriously chic and wore his regal attire with confidence.
The night wrapped up with cocktails inside the lounge while others waited outside in the heat for their valeted cars. They may have looked cool at the start but many of these dressed up divas left the party drenched in sweat with mountain-slide make-up. This was a steamy show which ended up even hotter for some.
