The Fashion Express Fashion Show that rolled into Galeries Lafayette, the Dubai Mall, on Monday October 17th 2011; brought together 10 Fashion stylists to put together a show conveying looks from five destinations – London, Shanghai, Paris, Dubai and New York- in a concept that distilled international fashion trends with local influences into a cosmopolitan showcase.
The show communicated 50 styles that were eye-catching and exciting for each destination. The event, following on from the Galeries Lafayette’s lauded Spring Summer ‘Parislicious’ Show held last March, drew an audience of 250 VIPs, fashion enthusiasts, socialites, and decision makers. The Fashion Express focused on fashion-forward individuals styles who tailored their ensembles based on the environment they were representing. The event portrayed the similarities and contrasts between cities that are global fashion powerhouses.
Each country’s specific look and collection was tailored by a 2 Fashion experts, who collaborated to execute ten looks for each country. Every country showcased seven female looks and three male ones. Wadih El Najjar and Huda Kattan were the creative force behind a Hipster London, with Anoud Badr and Ushi Sato shaping an Electric Shanghai, Dina El Fares and Teresa Karpinska creating a Bohemian Paris, Fanny Massoutre and Dina Daoud expressing a Glam Dubai; and Derek Khan along with Christina Linza breathing life to a Preppy New York.
“It was a pleasure to have enthusiastic individuals who dedicated their time and effort to make this event happen. They have surely gathered a cross-section of some of the most emotive fashion looks from around the world to showcase it here in Dubai,” said Pascal Abchee, General Manager of Galeries Lafayette. “The event was centered on highlighting the similarities and exploring how expression through style occurs in various countries.”
The country looks had specific ways of approaching fashion, based on climate, culture and demographics; and all the collections showcased had rich and exclusive mode to it linked to the country of origin. The Collection included brands such as Sandro, Maje, Manoush, lacoste, Nodus, Citizens of Humanity, Red Valentino, Thomas Sabo, Calvin Klein, Karen Millen, Ives Solomon, Hoss, Gerard Darel, Jessica, Sonia Rikyel, See by Chloe, Zadig & Voltaire, Agnes B, Versace, Valencia, Celyn B, Maria Pino, Burberry, Fendi.
The Galeries Lafayette Fashion Express Show indicated that fashion trends move globally, and influence various destinations. The show was a representation of Galeries Lafayette’s approach to fashion: locally driven, yet dynamic and unique.
The event took place on the roof of The Dubai Mall above Galeries Lafayette; which was designed to convey the idea of a Metro station, with giant screens projecting scenes from the cities to the audience. A train cabin parted its sliding doors to disembark models wearing the looks. While New York went for neutral clean lines, London conveyed experimental and elegant, of course there was no mistaking Dubai’s fierce desert chic with its emphasis on statement-making pieces. The Paris line-up epitomized soft 70’s hues in contrast to Shanghai’s explosion of colour.
“Galeries Lafayette prides itself on offering styles which are highly regarded by people and we are delighted with the success of the event. We thank everyone who helped us celebrate and showcase Galeries Lafayette’s latest looks for the Autumn Winter collection of 2011” Mr. Abchee concluded.