Women’s Arab Fashion Week 2022 kicked off in style on Thursday, with shows by Egyptian designer Maram Borham and Palestinian talent Ihab Jiryis.
Taking place until March 28, Arab Fashion Week is showcasing many of the biggest names in the region, as well introducing emerging international names to the region's discerning clientele.
Maram Borham
On opening night, Egyptian couturier Maram Borham, known for her lavish wedding gowns, brought a range of looks in eyelet lace to the Dubai Design District catwalk.
Shifting through a discreet palette of silver, pink, lavender and cornflower blue for spring/summer 2022, the pastel shades were contrasted with pops of dazzling fuchsia and electric blue. A collection of largely sleeveless gowns, these arrived with embellished bodices scattered with floral details, aimed at Borham’s core audience. Two-piece dress sets felt younger and fresher, eyed for a more youthful crowd. The stand-out of the range, however, stayed close to Borham’s DNA as a layered gown that faded from bright fuchsia to black.
Ihab Jiryis
Closing out the opening evening was Ihab Jiryis from Palestine, who also delivered a spring/summer collection. Called Royal, the range featured elaborate, golden headdresses, followed by structured, long-sleeved gowns, many of which had daring side splits. In a clear nod to the 1980s, Jiryis also delivered body suits, gowns with ruffled, deep V necks, and even the odd power shoulder, dished out in silver, with red, purple and a baby blue variation.
The stand-out look was undoubtedly a curve-hugging dress that seemed to be made of shattered mirror, reflecting dazzling gem tones of purple, blue and red. In a clear sign that Jiryis is a modern thinker, despite the nostalgic feel to his show, the catwalk was opened and closed by Tunisian model Ameni Esseibi, who has just been named as the first Curvy Ambassador to the Arab Fashion Council.
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
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