Images by Cindy ReFrame

This fashion show was an end of year showcase for the University of Sharjah Fashion Department (BA in Fashion Design & Textiles) combined with a few other designers who also wished to dovetail into the evening’s program, produced by specialty fashion show organiser Pret Motif.

The looks signified a typical UAE woman’s outlook which combined traditional Abaya and some other formal pieces for appearing at events. They would be work alongside some smart casual ensembles to take you from a luncheon to an early eve affair.

As I was able to sit in the media pit in front of one of the tutors with a PhD in textiles, I was able to get a few bits of commentary about different techniques used such as tie dying and rouching, and themes from other part of the world such as Africa which students had taken for their inspiration.

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A few students showed fashion films before their catwalk presentation which served to strengthen the designer’s memorable ‘brand’ message and creative direction to its audience.

Commentary

It is always interesting to attend fashion school’s year end project work shows. Even though they may not be nearly as well attended as established designers’ shows, and yes, they are very shaky to watch, such as a toddler taking their first step. But you can see what is really possible in terms of raw talent.

For someone who regularly attends end of year shows, the artist’s work can be seen at very early stages, and then followed as they develop. Favorite designers who you may think will be the next who’s who can be seen taking next steps of their career.  If you are a scout, a fashion fan or buyer or just a true blue artist, end of year fashion shows are like mining for gold dust.

If you cannot attend the mighty St Martin’s end of year shows in London, the prestigious fashion school that was attended by the greats such as Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Katherine Hamnett, Bruce Oldfield, Jenny Packham, Matthew Williamson and Christopher Kane, to name but only a few alumni, it is a show where buyers and press are parked and preened to watch like a hawk and observe every last garment.

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As St Martin’s has such a reputable global reputation, where each Master of Arts programme with 50 places receives over 600 applications per intake, then you know you are on a winner and the college is so good it is allowed to show at London Fashion Week.

The University of Sharjah BA in Fashion Design and Textiles ‘is the only one of its kind in the UAE which blends both disciplines-fashion and textile design to equip students with the profound knowledge, skills and attitudes throughout the three years of studies.’

In total, the Fashion Plus show on May 14 at the Gloria Hotel featured eleven designers which included;  F Couture, Redefining Classic Look, DNA Prefall – Story of an Identity, Seascape, Beauty N Bloom, Roots, Entre Nous, Feminine Geometry, Free Yourself, Naya Nova, Tiffany Competition, with an additional model competition for performance during the show entitled UModel.
For more information about University of Sharjah’s fashion programme check out: http://www.sharjah.ac.ae/en/academics/Colleges/fa/dept/fashion/Pages/cw.aspx

Here are some looks captured from the show: