OMAN: Muscat holds its first international fashion week, showcasing designs from the Middle East and South Asia

Record ID: 197731

  • Title: OMAN: Muscat holds its first international fashion week, showcasing designs from the Middle East and South Asia
  • Date: 25th February 2011
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SULTAN BIN HAMDOON AL HARTHY, CHAIRMAN OF MUSCAT MUNICIPALITY, SAYING: "Muscat fashion week is special for costumes from the Middle East. That's what we try to concentrate on."
  • Embargoed: 12th March 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Oman, Oman
  • Country: Oman
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVAD65PNE9TFUO1MCHR5T4Q9WU8R
  • Story Text: A far cry from the political turmoil that has gripped the Middle East region in recent weeks, the Muscat fashion week is celebrating the works of country's top designers.
    It is the first time local talent is being showcased along with clothes by other designers from the Gulf, other Middle Eastern countries, and South Asia.
    The emphasis is on local sensibilities, as was obvious from the make-up ahead of the fashion shows.
    "Eastern make-up is different from Western make-up which is simple and nice. Western people like to keep it simple but we Arabs like everything over-the-top -- strong clear kohl, eyeliner, foundation -- so that it can show," said one make-up artist, who did not give her name.
    Six Omani designers are taking part, along with six others from other countries.
    On show were rich colours and heavy ornamental garments.
    "Muscat fashion week is special for costumes from the Middle East. That's what we try to concentrate on," said Sultan Bin Hamdoon Al Harthy, chairman of the Muscat municipality.
    Omani fashion designer Nadra Al Ajami lent colour to the traditional abaya -- the all-covering black garment worn by women.
    "It's a good opportunity to participate with other people from different countries and exchange ideas. Our ideas come from our heritage -- whether it is Indian or Moroccan -- and sometimes from gifts or flowers. We use these elements to make the abaya," Al Ajami said.
    Her models paraded abayas with a dash of bright colour on scarves, pipings and belts.
    Lebanese designer Fadi Nahla showcased wedding gowns as part of his collection.
    "I'm showing 34 pieces including nine wedding dresses. I'm optimistic and I like weddings. My style is a combination of dresses for big parties and for weddings. That's why I am taking part with nine dresses in this show," Nahla said, ahead of his show.
    Nahla sent his models down the ramp in a variety of fitted dresses.
    Indian designer Shreekahnth displayed long printed dresses with a play of colours in flowing fabrics.
    The three-day extravaganzaon Thursday (February 24).
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