Valentino Haute Couture 2013

Dresses in the Valentino Haute Couture show were covered in layers of crepe and tulle, ever so slightly voluminous and ethereal. In particular, the sheer gown above features a sensual mix of almost nude organza with an overlay of intricate red piping.  According to style.com, "it took 500 hours of hand-rolling to produce the piping. And that was just one of the outfits that featured the effect. One roller apparently developed carpal tunnel syndrome during the production of the collection." Old school classic pieces still walked the runway in the form of cape dresses and garden party dresses.

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli created a magical show that entranced all those who witnessed it in person, or even later online. The craftsmanship and devotion really showed through. The ladylike, yet thoroughly modern gowns really stood on their own

Designer Spotlight: Zeeshan Ali Adnan

 

Simplicity and elegance are what defines Zeeshan Ali Adnan Clothing. With a focus on modern abayas, the clothes themselves are still traditional at their core. Their signature embellished neckline comes to life in different forms. On one, a high neck is covered in small gold paillettes, and in another the bronze trimming slopes down the front in a long V, giving an almost bokeh feel to the dress. Lush fabric, perfectly pleated, give form to the lower skirt resulting in a unique and utterly femme aesthetic.

In one singular piece, a traditional collar is redone in a more avant garde design, coming up only halfway around the neck before connecting to the fluid fabric of the abaya. This subtle, yet imaginative play on classics are what take these pieces to a higher level of fashion. Taking classic silhouettes and reinventing them for a more modern audience, a Zeeshan Ali Adnan piece (or pieces) will complete your wardrobe!

How to Wear a Slouchy’Z Abaya

Sometimes pulling off a couture abaya can seem a little intimidating. I thought I’d show you how to style this particular Slouchy Z abaya. Although the abaya itself is covered in embellishments, it’s a little easier to pull off in that it’s all black. The voluminous arms are tempered by a belted waist, so the proportions are evened out. To wear a piece this strong I would go with simple styling so as not to seem overwhelmed.

With such a standout gown, keep everything else simple so as not to compete with the showstopper itself. I especially like a bold platform pump; and in black, it doesn’t take away from the abaya but subtly adds to it instead. Of course a signature red sole adds a bit of class to the whole ensemble. The model here is already wearing a pair of earrings, so just add a couple of dainty, simple gold rings to your fingers. Finish off the look with a fun art deco inspired clutch in gold and black, and the couture Slouchy Z abaya is now impeccably styled.

How would you style this abaya? What would you change to make it more “you”?

Designer Spotlight: Slouchy'Z

With a focus on strong contemporary pieces, Slouchy'Z, the brainchild of Maryam Selaich is fast becoming a couture favorite. Known for their unique attention to detail, many of the most popular being a mixture of a more traditional Abaya with a patchwork of different fabrics and textures added for a different feel. These aren't your run of the mill everyday Abayas here, but instead are made for a certain type of woman- one who wants to stand out from the crowd in something uniquely created for her.

"We cannot deny that, as women, we love fashion and being able to show versatility in styles in the Arab world of today, but combining this with maintaining our tradition, is, in essence, what we try to achieve with our designs. It's all about blending high-fashion with traditional culture"
-Slouchy'Z designer, Maryam Selaich

Created much in the same way that art is, Slouchy'Z prides itself on the fashionable flair of their immensely popular Abayas. Combining tiered ruffles, voluminous sleeves and a tassel belt, their clothes are not for the feint of heart. A woman has to be able to carry off such a strong piece with confidence, poise and elegance, knowing she's wearing the most high end, quality, couture Abaya in the room. These modern cuts and couture details come together to form a fantastical mix of traditional and high end.

Effa Abaya design with half knitted and half tulle flower on the sleeve

Asymmetric multi texture abaya with half knitted and half tulle flower details on the sleeve. Elasticated waist and belt attached. Brought to you by Effa.

Visit: http://3abaya.com/view/859/ab12-199.html