The Fashion International shows at London Fashion Week have become one of the most sought after multi-designer runway presentations. Held in the heart of the fashion district at the iconic London landmark, the Amba Hotel Charing Cross, this show has become the perfect setting and location for any designer wanting to show their latest collections.
Fashion International has top media coverage including multiple buyers and celebrities in attendance. For seven successful Fashion Week seasons the Fashion International brands that have participated have become part of the busy London Fashion scene. The show is presented in the Ballroom which is a world class, award-winning Victorian masterpiece; with sweeping staircases and glittering chandeliers – turning the Fashion International shows into an even more chic and sophisticated event.
Seven designers presented their collections at Fashion International SS’19.
The first designer for the multi -designer SS’19 presentation, Rubaaiyat, presented a range of dreamy, flowy pieces, along with exuberant ruffles and exaggerated sleeves which added bounciness and drama to the garments. The threadwork for the exquisite embellishments are hand crafted and highly detailed in creating the structure and shape of each piece, such as lantern sleeves and ruffles.
Rubaaiyat’s name is inspired by Persian poet Omar Kayyam’s poems – in Persian – ‘rubaiyas.’ Therefore Rubaaiyat’s endeavor is to capture the essence of love and spirit as portrayed in their collection.
The second designer of the show, Sam Dada, has presented her collections at various international Fashion Weeks including Dubai, Pakistan, Doha, India, Oslo and the AAPNA exhibition in LA.
Sam Dada is a self-taught designer and the brand originated in Lahore, Pakistan in 2005. The SS19 Collection is named, ‘Peace in the Region’ and has an array of colours and embellished details upon silks. Fashion is still the central factor yet peace is the core message reflected in each design.
Ahmed Salim, the creative lead and fashion brand consultant behind Beligi London takes contemporary styles and draws inspiration from the early nineties. The menswear collection this season captured this inspiration, the garments consisting of bright colours and animal print details, along with fur and other tartan-like prints.
The idea of Beligi had begun while Salim served a five year sentence for drug distribution. Prison had opened Salim’s creative mind and following this, the journey of Beligi started when Salim gained education in creative writing and entered into the fashion industry.
The fourth label is See Saw by menswear designer Simone Watson. Simone is a well-rounded business professional known for her high-end collections. Designed and made in the UK, the SS’19 collection is inspired by travel, music, society and one-off trendsetters and shows a good fit and style. See Saw is an expression of the style, confidence and determination of young men in today’s society.
Following See Saw, the next showcase by Karen Gold strives to awaken the authenticity and power of African women. She is a contemporary British designer and the label fuses trans-seasonal tailoring with eclectic visuals focusing on eclectic styles, ethnic styles, and pure elegance.
The label understands their worth and the power of their heritage and culture, thus with every Aso Oke blazer sold, Karen Gold empowers to give back to the community of women and youths that are in poverty and in need of assistance.
This collection is inspired by ancient and traditional eighteenth century patterns, incorporating a mix of African influences from ancient to modern. Many colours are used, as are traditional stripes and patterns creating extraordinary timeless pieces that portray the stories and traditions of their heritage.
Next is Congolese/British designer, Lyly Ngoy, who is an emerging designer behind the luxury African clothing brand Afrodite.
The Afrodite speciality is showcasing handmade, fashionable clothing and accessories using the finest fabrics and sources. The effortless sophistication displayed in each piece aims to flatter all body shapes making the wearer stand out from the crowd.
‘Black Sparta’ is the name of the SS’19 collection and is a merge of African tradition and history, and there are also influences of modern Europe. The collection features bold, rich and vivid African prints, creating beautiful silhouettes and an essence of luxury.
To close the grand Fashion International SS’19 event is Omar Mansoor – renowned for his couture and occasion wear. Omar is a London-based designer and is showcasing his fourteenth collection for London Fashion Week. He has dressed British actresses, European aristocracy and international royalty. His collection features an exquisite array of fabrics crafted into magnificent silhouettes – this season all in the colour red, which adds to the allure of the collection.
Omar’s signature style includes knee-length and full-length attire constructed with embroidered silks and lace. Omar is widely credited in the industry with his designs and also known for re-introducing fusion clothing into modern fashion.
Emma Sengstock
London-Olios 