Sak's Fashion Show, AW 2012

Opulent fabrics in rich velvets and leathers and dark crimson hues dominated the runway as Saks Fifth Avenue presented their Fall/Winter 2012 collections at the Godolphin Ballroom of the architecturally renowned Emirates Towers. Right in the heart of the city, over 700 VIPs had their RSVPs in check while the show set the tone for this season’s hottest trends.

 With a perfect blend of designer heroes and exciting new-comers, the show took a simple yet sophisticated approach with the audience being taken on a captivating journey through the inspirational collections. With the addition of Oscar de la Renta, one of the most revered designers of our era into Saks Fifth Avenue this season, the range of eveningwear surpassed expectations at the finale of the show with heavyweights Marchesa, Naeem Khan, Carolina Herrera and Andrew Gn taking centre stage.

Bringing an expertly edited collection from the most coveted menswear and womenswear designers, the show featured seven key trends in an overall mood of eclectic elegance: Brocade Brigade, Mixed Media, Ladylike, Geek Chic, Masculine/Feminine, Formal Remix and High Shine.

The show stated one strong statement of colour – Red. After a spring season of pretty pastel hues, it is time to inject our wardrobes with this primary color; from cherry and crimson, to scarlet and berry. Models were preened to perfection in this seasons beauty trends courtesy of Estee Lauder.

The show opened with a runway full of lavishness. There is a common gold thread running through the season, and this section showcased the ‘more-is-more’ aesthetic. Designers Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta and BiYan channeled rich baroque opulence with brocade patterns and ornate embellishments.

Dark colours in ink-black, bottle-green and scarlet-red dominated the opening section, adorned with embellished accessories and ornate lace for a dose of gothic glamour. High contrast materials in dark colours and gold-gilded finishes joined forces for a whole new breed of baroque.

 

A wave of womanly elegance swept through the runway. Below the knee, hip-swaying statement dresses - strictly grown-up and universally flattering – emerged from designers including Oscar de la Renta, Azzedine Alaia and Jason Wu. Remaining restrained and feminine, this trend story was drenched in a variety of scarlet hues for a definitively Fall look.

Metallic leather, glitter toe-caps and leather paneling give this season’s wardrobe the glam-rock treatment. Think embellished, sequined, shiny, lacy and ultra-elegant – this trend will allow you to take a night off from your cocktail dress and turn to statement separates perfect for partying. Go for gold – or silver or bronze - and add a bolt of blue to your after-dark wardrobe with metallics from Marc Jacobs, Faith Connexion, Jil Sander and Carven.

Gowns were opulent, glamorous and striking on the runway last night, with Saks Fifth Avenue showcasing two distinct ways to wear them – theatrically pretty or dramatically dark. This season’s mood is about all-out opulence. Statement dresses have had a revamp fit for red carpets, dazzling parties and black-tie balls. True romance came in the shape of darling Oscar de la Renta gowns and classic-cut Carolina Herrera dresses in palettes of pinks, ochres and creams. Black velvet from Andrew Gn and baroque finishes from Jason Wu, with deep-neck Victoriana inspired necklines from Zac Posen gave way to gothic glamour. Scarlet fever overcame the runway with the show culminating in show-stopping gowns from Jason Wu, Marchesa and Oscar de la Renta.

The Saks Fifth Avenue Fall/Winter 2012 Collection is now available at Saks Fifth Avenue, BurJuman.