The sun-drenched city of Abu Dhabi was awash with bright colours this week as the fashion industry's top designers upped sticks and headed for the Middle East. Big names like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Emanuel Ungaro brought a rainbow of vibrant hues to the catwalk when they took part in a spectacular showcase of their latest creations in the heart of the United Arab Emirates.
Lively shades seemed to be the order of the day, with most of the designers presenting warm, energetic affairs. The Big Apple's Donna Karan proved herself equally adept at winning over the local fashionistas, with a spaghetti-strap scarlet number featuring an oversized black belt.
Calvin Klein meanwhile opted for rich purples and greens, with his models sashaying down the runway in a series of floaty silk and chiffon gowns. And Italy's high-end brand Bulgari had likewise caught the bug, with slinky off-the-shoulder designs in bright green and gold dominating its show.
Givenchy and Valentino were among the other fashion houses presenting their creations in the sumptuous Emirates Palace Hotel. And the appropriately titled "Masters Of Excellence" extravaganza wasn't limited to cutting-edge fashion, with jewellery, watches and yachts also among the luxury goods on display.
Around 7,000 wealthy VIPs from all over the Gulf region were expected to attend the four-day event, which many said was long overdue. "The Middle East accounts for 40 per cent of the clientele for haute couture, which is enormous," explained organiser Denis Muler. "Saudi Arabia remains the number one market."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
