LONDON: Gulf designers had a strong presence at last week’s opening show of London Arabia Art and Fashion Week, which has become a regular on the British capital’s summer agenda.
With art exhibitions and workshops taking place in various parts of London, the event was a chance for young Arab artists and designers to connect with their British counterparts in the fashion and art industries.
“The third year running, the Arabia Art and Fashion Week in London is becoming a mainstay on London’s thriving cultural scene, and we hope it helps people from both regions to continue to cooperate, trade, exchange and understand each other,” Omar Bdour, the head of London Arabia Organization, told Arab News.
The opening fashion show at the Jumeirah Carlton on Wednesday revealed the latest collections of designers from the Gulf region, namely from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Morocco. “We made an effort to select a few designers that have shown special creative and tailoring skills that could be deemed worthy of exhibiting their product at the pop-up shop at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London,” said Asmaa Al-Jabri, the week’s fashion curator.
Al-Jabri and her two sisters started Velvet Abaya in Saudi Arabia 12 years ago, making a mark in the local industry for modest designs.
Lamia Alsamra, another Saudi designer, thrilled visitors with her collections luxurious royal style. The businesswoman from the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia started her multi-brand outlet in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, adding her own designs that slowly developed into a line in 2016.
“My ‘Royal Collection’ is based mainly on tailored designs with hand embroideries and color,” she said.
The show also featured a “Dress for Our Time” made by Professor Helen Storey, tailored from a decommissioned tent from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as a reminder that the world needs to solve the growing refugees crisis.
Harvey Nichols’ general manager Simon Youden said that he was excited that it is taking part with its pop-up shop, which continues until Aug. 16. “In summer time, London increases its diversity, and hosting this pop-up is part of what we do at Harvey Nichols in pushing the boundaries of retail and welcoming Arab designers in the store.”
Gulf designers in the spotlight at London Arabia Art and Fashion Week
Gulf designers in the spotlight at London Arabia Art and Fashion Week
- Event offers young Arab artists and fashion designers the opportunity to connect with their UK counterparts
- Dress made from a decommissioned UN tent served as a reminder of the growing refugees crisis
Tiffany Trump steps out in Saiid Kobeisy gown
DUBAI: Tiffany Trump is proving to be a fan of Lebanese designer Saiid Kobeisy’s designs.
This week, Trump’s 31-year-old daughter wore one of his gowns to the Kennedy Center Honors, an annual event held at the White House that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
For the occasion, Tiffany opted for a floor-length emerald-green velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline and long fitted sleeves, cinched at the waist with a slim belt and finished with a thigh-high front slit.
She has previously chosen Kobeisy for other high-profile appearances. In September, Tiffany wore another of his designs to the state banquet held during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK, stepping out in a blue quartz couture gown paired with a beaded clutch by the designer. Styled by Toni Breisse, the look was completed with jewelry by Samer Halimeh.
Tiffany is known for her affinity with Lebanese designers; at her 2022 wedding to Lebanese-born businessman Michael Boulos, she donned a custom-made Grecian-style gown by Elie Saab.
Tiffany chose her wedding dress as a nod to Boulos’ heritage. “It’s a Lebanese American wedding, so we were so happy to have Elie Saab create the magic,” said mother of the bride Marla Maples, according to People magazine at the time.
In January, she turned heads in a dress by Zuhair Murad at the Trump-Vance inauguration candlelight dinner, hosted at the National Building Museum in Washington. The custom chocolate-brown chiffon gown boasted an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, and a dramatic cape-like sleeve.
