Emirati designer Zahra Mohammad presented her first ever ramp show on day seven of Creations 2008, organised by DSF in partnership with BurJuman. The designer showcased a collection of beautifully embellished shaylas and abayas that blended tradition with contemporary international trends.
"I am grateful to DSF and BurJuman for providing excellent facilities for my debut ramp show. It was an exciting experience and has given my work good exposure," said Zahra. "I am happy that many Westerners in the audience liked my creations and complimented me after the show," she added.
Later in the evening, well-known Pakistani designer Deepak Perwani displayed his latest collections for women. A three-time-winner of the prestigious Lux Style Awards, Perwani is on the board of governors of the Pakistan School of Design and the Pakistan Fashion Council and has showcased his prêt and couture collections for men and women at various international fashion weeks.
The designer combined traditional Pakistani craftsmanship with a modern twist to create summery cotton and poplin dresses and richly embellished ethnic eveningwear in cool sorbet shades.
'Savvy city'
The grand finale of his show featured sensuous Swarovski crystal studded chiffon gowns in red and black.
"I design garments for the men and women of today, who want to be trendy and comfortable. I am happy to have been invited by Creations 2008 to showcase my collections in a fashion savvy city like Dubai," said Perwani.
And the winner is...
Zahra Mohammad, a local amateur designer, won the Aspiring Designer Award at Creations 2008 and was given the unique opportunity to present her shayla and abaya collection at Miami Fashion Week 2008.
The jury for Creations 2008 included Beth Sobol, founder of Miami Fashion Week, Maheen Khan, president of Pakistan Fashion Consul, and Yousuf Mubarak, DSF events, operations and logistics director. Miami Fashion Week is among the most awaited events in the international fashion calendar and features the best designers in the industry.
Zahra will be the first Arab designer to showcase a shayla and abaya collection at an international fashion event.
