RIYADH: Debuting her fall/winter 2018 “Black Rose” collection at the first Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh, Rana Yousry, the designer behind ASORY House, tells Arab News that the collection, containing 25 couture pieces is designed for the ASORY woman. “The collection describes the ASORY woman, who epitomizes feminism, boldness, strength, and power,” she said.
Founded in late 2016, the design house wants to tell the story of different women, who when they come together, create something unique and exceptional.
Using fashion as a medium, Yousry emphasizes “the art of creation— it is not just about wearing a dress, but the story behind it.”
Strength, fragility, and imagery create savoir-faire, making the haute couture outfit a wearable “oeuvre d’art,” she explained. The design house is also heavily inspired by Assyrian history and the Assyrian star— taking sharp and edgy lines from the star to create classical or bold designs.
“The Black Rose collection took around 2,340 hours for the fabric to be created, designed, and refined to finally, envision the soul of the woman underneath it. Mermaid, tiered, asymmetric, bubble, and Maillot-inspired silhouettes have been used, because they speak to the ASORY woman,” Yousry said.
The collection uses a color palette of iridescent reds, yellow, and black with lamé gold and ruffles for texture. Evening dresses with frilled, textured sleeves and long cape sleeves and ruched corset with fray skirts were a highlight of the collection. Speaking on the feedback received so far, Yousry said that she has received very positive reactions. “I’ve been told that my first collection is very fresh, bold, and very different in terms of the cuts. It makes me very proud when they come up to me to say that I’ve inspired them to think about starting their own collection.”
It only goes to show that ASORY House has fulfilled the ambitions that it aspires for— something of meaning to every woman.
Also at the show, Lebanese designer Naja Saade and his design house Naja Saade Couture showcased a collection inspired by women and their journey.
“Each piece is a unique design that reflects a woman’s image and personality. I aspire to create extraordinary designs — haute couture evening and wedding gowns — in which women can live their extraordinary moments,” Saade told Arab News. After graduating with a major in radiology, Saade shifted gears and pursued his childhood dream of being a fashion designer. Saade went on to establish his fashion house in 2012.
Soft, feminine silhouettes, with luxurious elements like delicate lacing, hand-embroidered fabric and Swarovski crystals, feature in his signature designs. “They mirror femininity in all its forms,” he said.
The Autumn/ Winter 2017-2018 collection, “Maharani” is inspired by the “women of this era, with all their contradictions.” According to Saade, “India was the ultimate source of inspiration for this collection, with themes drawn from the Maharaja’s costumes, the Hindu kings and rulers’ attire, transformed into designs that radiate femininity.” Using fabric like tulle, silk, brocade and silk, the collection exemplifies refined elegance and old-school glamor.
Naja Saade Couture launched a high-end, ready-to-wear Fall/ Winter 2018-2019 collection last week’s Arab Fashion Week in Riyadh, which is more affordable and accessible as opposed to his one-of-a-kind pieces. The “Tail of Bird” collection featured 30 pieces, including long and medium-length dresses, jumpsuits, pant suits and two bridal dresses. The collection featured green, pink, red and white hues, inspired by nature and birds. Silk, crepe, muslin and tulle were used to create movement and texture.
“I felt drawn by a bird’s symbolism, for it is both beautiful and mysterious. Despite the voyage and migration that governs its life, a bird adapts to new places, copes with circumstances and defies obstacles with beauty,” Saade says.
“Free or captive, the bird sings with love and exudes positivity. Just like a woman who, no matter how burdened by the experiences of life, manages to conceal her grief and pain every time she goes out into the public, exuding beauty and mystery.”
