LFW Sept 08 – Qasimi

The tailoring was sharp and structured, true to form for Qasimi, taking experience from their architecturally trained roots. Khalid bin Sultan AlQasimi and Elliot J. Frieze are the duo behind the collection.

The collection was inspired by the beauty of the Maharajah, iconic women Louise Brooks and Joan Crawford and the story of Asmahan, an Egyptian cabaret dancer. The collection was dominated by tailored classical looks reminiscent of country manor and colonial safari style attire, but with a modern twist worn in sumptuous fabrics including suede and chiffon.

It consisted of both Men's and womanswear which meshed well and took a rather androgynous form at first. Men sported city shorts worn with tailored jackets in complementing soft shades of neutrals. The women's wear was tailored with modern lines and form fitting silhouettes becoming gradually more feminine, the maharajah influence became more prominent towards the end culminating in luxurious billowing empire line dresses exuding colonial opulence, bejeweled and in exotic bright shades of sorbet.

Trousers took precedence with loose draped styles dominating. Waists were nipped in and Crotches were draped low at the gusset, some long and tapered, others narrowing into a cuff below the knee, giving a contemporary twist to the traditional maharajah style attire.

Bright prints of tropical blossoms, as well as monkeys in jungle colour's adorned the backs of stark white jackets and one piece's, livening up the overall uniform feel. The palette consisted of soft, pale shades perfect for safari. Light damson pink and pale coral were accented amidst a demure pallet of pale grey, light taupe and off whites, continuing through the collection, with the accent colours moving into more vivid shades of sorbet pink and bright coral as the collection became more exotic.

Overall it was a collection that fitted together beautifully and ended with exciting and exotic statement pieces that easily impressed the awe inspired crowd.

Words Lynsay McConachie