Designers set to wow at AFW

Couturiers Furne One and Rami Kadi give us insight as to what to expect from their shows at the Arab Fashion Week tomorrow

Concluding tomorrow, the region's annual Arab Fashion Week has been making waves since its conception in 2015. Now well into its eighth edition the AFW is considered to be one of the world's five most important fashion weeks alongside New York, Milan, Paris and London.
Local designers like Aiisha Ramadan, Amato Couture, Baravia, Red Skys, Yara Bin Shaker and international couturiers like YSL Studio, Hiba Younis, Rami Kadi and Blumarine are some of the names that graced this year's show.
Here's a peep into the design aesthetics of Rami Kadi and Furne One who are set to exhibit at the show tomorrow.
Amato Couture by Furne One
Launched in 2002 in UAE, Amato, which means 'beloved' in Italian, is the brainchild of the much-awarded creative designer Furne One who instantly touched a chord with the region's fashion elite with his Avant Garde label. His is UAE's first global designer brand that has earned itself an international cult following - from royalty to international celebrities. When asked what we can expect from his showcase, Furne says, "I love drama. Thus expect the unexpected." Amato Couture will present his showcase at 7.30pm on Sunday.
How would you define your fashion identity/ethos?
Personally, my style is very simple, clean and classic. But for my creations, I intend to create dresses that are dramatic and opulent.
If you had to put a celebrity face to your brand aesthetic, who would it be and why?
Cate Blanchett. She really is the ideal Amato woman. She has style and substance. Cate dares to wear anything out of the ordinary but still remains elegant and graceful. She isn't afraid to look different from the other celebrities - which I think is what makes her an exquisite muse.
What part has Dubai played in your growth/identity as a fashion designer?
Dubai has definitely changed in the last couple of years since I came. The women have embraced a brand new style - and as a designer, it is important that you know how to look outside of your own comfort zone. The challenge is to learn to adapt to the changes of the fashion world but still remain true to your aesthetic. It is essential to create a balance between the designer's artistry and creativity with the business side of it all.
Rami Kadi
Lebanese American Rami Kadi is a well known fashion name today. Launching his own showroom and opening his first atelier in the heart of Beirut when he was just 25 paved the fashion path for his couture designs. His show begins at 9.30pm tomorrow.
How would you define your fashion identity/ethos?
I would say I am into modern couture, "Nouvelle couture" with a quest for exploring contemporary techniques within the realms of classical couture craftsmanship.
What can one expect from your Arab Fashion Week show?
The pieces are to be standout, they have kaleidoscopic color explosions and they are inspired by the Burning Man festival.
If you had to put a celebrity face to your brand aesthetic, who would it be and why?
I've been looking up to Blake Lively recently. I find timeless beauty in her features with a contemporary style.
What part has Dubai played in your growth/identity as a fashion designer?
I did my all-time first show in Dubai almost 5 years ago and it was my first step into growing my label. I am very thrilled to be back again and to showcase the collection I first presented in Paris.
 
 
neha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai