Splash Autumn/Winter 2011: STYLE Coup d'Etat !!

Invitees flocked in hordes, queuing unpatiently in humid air to witness the most exciting runway show this season, the SPLASH AUTUMN/WINTER COLLECTION 2011 at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai.

Screens were suspended on stage with jail-cages constructed in two layers, the dark and gothic setting added arresting curiousity. Intriguingly romantic, the use of technology and industrial LED-like hardware gave way to attention and appeal.

The tableaux of male models in military inspired apparels built the high octane show opener. The visuals and soundtracks were intense and intoxicating.

The mannequin's frozen stiff looks paraded out military-influenced items such as leather jackets,  long marcelled hairs and fleece hoods effortlessly whipped this season's dialogue between sporty and tailored.

Besides the famous khaki that seems to be everywhere this season especially when it comes to military trend, black and grey were introduced.
 The collection, which has been based on the eighties swing-coated military figures, is rich in moss green military jackets that seem to draw their inspiration from the Russian armies. Pants tucked into leather knee boots represented a surprising element in the SPLASH runway show.

Military trend extended a little bit for fall/winter 2010-2011, entering into the aviator area through leather jackets with fur collars, leather pants, and specific accessories. And, if there are essential items to keep in mind for this season are the sexy and femnine dresses worn with thigh high boots. Models looked  like Cossack cops, in ranged from the air-force gray of one bomber jacket and the army-green of another gunmetal gray that echoed the discipline of the military academy.

The second part of the collection defined a little arctic luxe with ice crystal knit prints looking so cool for guys and detached. The women's clothing are sensual in softly structured mini dresses with tight stockings and boots complementing the over-all seductive attitude.

Finally, Splash CEO- Raza Beig scored several notches up the style barometer, the A/W Collection is the best so far from his previous range of wonderful pret-a -porter collections. The fabulous sets and preparation by the BRAG team headed by party and event guru -Bong Guerrero is highly commendable. GO,GO,GO SPLASH!!!!!!!! FIERCE!

photo credits: EROS GOZE/DUBAI

SPLASH AUTUMN/WINTER 2012- ROCK & FASHION

The SPLASH Autumn/Winter 2012- Rock n' Fashion, transported us into the arsenal of dreams, a magical peep into the rock chic era in a huge elleptical arena where the backstage became the frontstage. Complete with dressers, make-up artists, stylists and models, they brought life on stage as backdrop while the rest of the models strutted on the runway, with only a see-through gray net dividing the double scenario.

Responsible for some of fashion's most epic and entertaining shows, not to forget that it's the most expensive event that occurred on a single day, Splash once again outdoes itself... and again, claimed as the number ONE in the region.

The modernized rock 80's inspired looks are reminiscent of the quirky and decadent decade when rockers and fashion were influenced by its flamboyant show -offs. As expected, the most anticipated collection did not disappoint.

My senses are still reeling from the assault of colours from its show opener that catches the eye, the stylistic chaos are striking clues of Splash eclectic influences on its Autumn -Winter collection. It seems to be enjoying the color that has been injected into its past Spring Summer 2011, the fully blocked looks popped up and combined some shades of winter.

 Splash playful parade pencil skirts paired with chic blouses, mini dresses in knitted tribal motif accentuated with fake furs and sprinkling of leather accents and musical instrument. Bejewelled footwears flaunts and unfurls with dizzying high heels fueled addiction to look more sexy and rock glam...it was nothing short of magic. Textile trends of lurex, cotton twill, chiffon, jersey, georgette and knitted wool were use effectively as splahes of prints depicted human figures. 

Shape shift as the collection reached its peak, most noticeable were the prolonged reign of solid colors and glitzy fabrics like gold. When classic equals boring is sometimes true, Splash made it interesting by stressing more on other elements. The  addition of studs, antique metals, sequin -sheeting and encrustment  were quirky, yet on aesthetic take.

And yes, apprehensions were ultimately justified. A visual feast on the runway, yes Bong Guerrero did it again!. But the fineline between regalia and serious fashion had been drawn.....despite the wide variation, the bar of presentation raised extremely high on this show, does the latest A/W collection sends the right signal on its forecasts and trends?

                                    
                           SPLASH CEO-RAZA BEIG with NISHA JAGTIANI-LANDMARK CHAIRMAN'S DAUGHTER

                                                     
                                                                  RAZA BEIG- SPLASH CEO  

.....well, the devil is on the details, honey!!!!!!!




PHOTO CREDITS: ELMER MAGALLANES/DUBAI