Chanel, Cupcakes,Cameras and Crayons: Fashion Forward Day 3

The last day was the most crowded and the busiest. I started my day with Grazia emerging talent, a show celebrating Emirati young designer, whom was picked by Grazia magazine's readers. Aram’s first ever professional fashion show, was deeply inspired by Alice in wonderland and the mad hatter tea party, she took the inspiration into the next level, and set up a real tea table with cakes, and macaroons. Aram’s designs were very clean cut tutu skirts and dresses, midi and full length, mainly using tulle and silk with pastel colours. Although Aram was simple and predictable, but she starts grand, and I am sure she will keep it grand.

Last two shows were the ones with the longest entry queues. Saving the best for the end, FFWD always schedule Zayan the label show for the finale. The Lebanese, Dubai based Zayan Al Ghandour is the successful lady behind the brand and behind Dubai's most famous concept multi-brands series of boutique (S*uce).The show theme was "I want a fairy tale" using the quote from Julia Robert’s character in the movie “Pretty Woman” and using the movie’s famous soundtrack as the runway’s marching music. Her collections are always on the girly, funky side. With grey sweatshirts and maxi cotton funky dresses, Zayan's signature tutu skirts, fur coats and the borrowed clutches from London’s top shoes and bags designer Sophia Webster, Zayan’s 10 years in fashion business have made her expert of what will sell out in few days and what won’t.

For the grand finale Amato Dubai’s great couturier, who never repeat the same design again for any reason or for anyone! The man who once dressed Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez, has created a dramatic impeccable collection that should have been displayed by the Opera House of Paris in a huge show at the PFW. It can be easily described as the best and grandest show, out of all the FFWD shows. This designer’s sophisticated mix of authentic cultures, Indian, to Bedouin to African with the rich and dramatic gowns has created a collection of masterpieces, and with the difficult to describe pieces of accessory which added a further touch of sophistication to the outfits, have made audience go into a crazy endless session of applaud, and I could spot some tears of appreciation as well. Fashion Forward was as usual a plus experience for me, and for all the Middle Eastern fashion lovers. You go watch fabulous great designers, mingle with fashionable people who are coming from all around the globe, like the big blogger BraynBoy who surprised the crowds this time by his appearance, and above all this you learn, learn to appreciate cultures, different taste, and of course fashion.

Last two shows were the ones with the longest entry queues. Saving the best for the end, FFWD always schedule Zayan the label show for the finale. The Lebanese, Dubai based Zayan Al Ghandour is the successful lady behind the brand and behind Dubai's most famous concept multi-brands series of boutique (S*uce).The show theme was "I want a fairy tale" using the quote from Julia Robert’s character in the movie “Pretty Woman” and using the movie’s famous soundtrack as the runway’s marching music. Her collections are always on the girly, funky side. With grey sweatshirts and maxi cotton funky dresses, Zayan's signature tutu skirts, fur coats and the borrowed clutches from London’s top shoes and bags designer Sophia Webster, Zayan’s 10 years in fashion business have made her expert of what will sell out in few days and what won’t.

And Amato:

For my outfit I wanted to wear something 100% authentic Egyptian. I was searching to get a dress from Egyptian designers, I came across Allaga, a new Egyptian brand which is a collaboration of young Egyptian fashion students, they had a fabulous collection for fall, and I like a Jalabyiah dress. You know I have always liked the traditional upper Egyptian Jalabyiahs for men, and I have always wondered if one day I could wear them. I was so lucky to find amazing people like the ones behind Allaga, who actually had the same thought as me and created such a very traditional yet trendy and casual dress, the fabric is so good, and lightweight. I really would love to thank them as all of their collection was sold out, and when I asked them, they did one specially for me, really thanks to all the people behind Allaga, and go check the new collection now, it has just been released few days ago.

I styled the Jalabyiah dress with authentic silverware from Ruby's Silver and Tajaly. Another young talented Egyptian jewelery designer with gorgeous pieces, I picked the Tarboush and old Egyptian flag, and the Mishkahh (old Islamic lamp) as the necklace. I loved the fact that every piece of the jewelery represented an era of Egypt's history. For my bag I added another piece of Egypt's culture the Bedouin one. With Neama Al Khalek beyond amazing clutch, that clutch was a show stopper, I couldn't how many times I was stopped by the fashion shows, where I was asked where was my clutch from, and was actually picked for the best handbags by Platinum list in Dubai. Neama is a fashion designing student and has already started a line of handmade clutches, using genuine leather and authentic accessories. Go check her line here