Looks like curry isn’t the only thing making the Middle East hot hot HOT! And I’m not talking about food either! The Middle East is showing some leg... And you’d better believe we’re staring.
Both Dubai and Pakistan are in the spotlight in regards to fashion, and you’d better believe that they have more to offer than the hijab and burqas (though this may surprise many of you). If you recall the Samantha-infused “Sex and the City 2”, with the fabulous fashion escapade into Abu Dhabi, it may console you that you don’t need to go and rent the movie to see the beauty and risque looks of the Middle East.
In Dubai in October, Rouge Couture’s line is on display (the company is Dubai-based, and stated up by Sara Al Madani and Apple Wang in 2009) with James Bond music in the background, reporters were told that this contrast between the West and the traditional Islamic fashion is the very essence of the line, and is meant to show that Islamic women are strong. You go girls! It is no secret, especially to those who have seen “Sex and the City 2”, that sexuality is kept under wraps in the Middle East. Well ladies, at least now, these wraps are couture. Madani is true to her roots, and says that no matter how far she decides to take the line, the clothes will always remain modest and not deviate from the tradition and history of her culture. Dubai is not the only place where Islamic-based fashion is making waves, from Indonesia to Monte Carlo, and through top designers like Dior, we see the expansion of this type of wear.
However, fashion never comes without drama, so mix that in with the Middle East and you’ve got yourself quite the explosive combination no pun intended. In August, at the Monte Carlo fashion show, we were witness to a lot of drama! The Prime Minister’s wife was a great patron of the show in MC (not to be confused with the one and only Mariah Carey), but not everyone shared in her enthusiasm. One parliamentarian outright said that worldwide Islamic pride was tarnished by the Festival! Sounds a bit harsh, don’t you think? There’s no reason to generalize and throw a tantrum like a little child. It’s true, fashion will always tend towards a more Western look or essence, but events like these can only be seen as progress in my opinion.
The situation in Pakistan is much less controversial, where the miniskirts and risque looks are all meant to get people back to the stores. We’re not saying that it was a cash cow move, but its motives are less than fashionable... Then again, the nation is in the midst of political, and definitely economic, turmoil. So when we look at it that way, I imagine that “Fashion saves Pakistan!” is not too bad of a slogan, especially when it’s dressed to the nines!
--> Let's have a look at Fashion from Dubaï Fashion Week:
--> Then, Fashion trends from Pakistan:
