The energy at a Sana Safinaz show is simply amazing. I’m someone who believes in good or bad karma, good and bad chi and I love sitting through Sana Safinaz shows for the great vibrations. Last evening was just another example of how two icons – inspirational and aspirational in every possible way – continue to raise the bar for fashion, year after year. The location of the show, outdoors and set against swaying palm trees, was also a refreshing backdrop as opposed to fashion weeks that have been held indoors.
Message from the East, an ode to the fusion of two opposing cultures, began with a relatively less formal range of separates, many of which incidentally are going to be available as ready to wear options. This in itself was raising the bar for wedding wear but the dynamic didn’t end there. The range was as diverse as it was colourful, with my personal favourites being the straight, long and often ankle grazing column shirts worn over just-as-wide trousers. This is a classic Sana Safinaz silhouette and they simply brushed it up with innovative detailing. There was so much of it.
Bridals have a tendency of being boring but Sana Safinaz design for the modern woman, who’s anything but. There was an incredible variety of structure and textures in this collection, starting from the ankle-grazers to the knee length frocks and then the more western blousons. One witnessed ruffled high neck shirts and organza over printed skirts, there were tassels and frills, ribbons and of course, sequinned bows. There were several jackets – both long and short, loose and structured – in this collection, again offering an option of a garment that could be worn in pride anywhere in the world.
The showcase then transitioned into heavier wedding pieces before ending with the actual bridal. Refreshingly, nothing was conventional. There was a distinct mood of Persian or Central Asian aesthetic, especially in the ivory and white bridals that were walked down with a dupatta draped as a veil. An essential part of every bridal collection now, black made a comeback in dresses that would work perfectly for the less superstitious or then perhaps on red carpets. Nothing spells glamour as well as black. This was fashion that transcended time, generation and borders.
The expression of craft was just as interesting. While over sized pearls and diamantes were the hero of most ensembles, one also saw thread work, applique, cutwork and a lot more in the draping. I’m not a fan of frills but one dupatta that trailed behind a regal bride made quite an impression.
Overall this was a collection that was fashion forward and thus edgy. I wouldn’t think that every outfit would be every woman’s cup of tea but the beauty is that there was something for everyone. Distinct in retaining their signature, Sana Safinaz made a very strong first impression for fashion week.
