By Mai Al Khatib-Camille
Saks Fifth Avenue marked the arrival of its 2010 Autumn/Winter collection with a spectacular fashion show - transforming the Bahrain City Centre store from a shopping haven into a winter wonderland.
The event attracted the kingdom's fashionistas and beautiful people with more than 100 VIPs and media lovies anxiously awaiting a peek at the outlet's sensations for the coming season.
The catwalk showcased models adorning the latest international styles from D & G, Valentino, Michael Kors, Ports 1961, Diane von Furstenburg, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior, Lanvin and McQ by Alexander McQueen.
Eveningwear from world-acclaimed designers Ella Zahlan and Zuhair Murad also added a magical feeling to the evening.
The lights dimmed highlighting a classic backdrop featuring a contemporary collection of black and white trees and the floor of the catwalk was filled with fresh, crunchy autumn leaves.
There was an audible gasp from the crowd as YSL, Pierre Hardy and Sergio Rossi's stunning footwear collections were displayed and Christian Louboutin's iconic red-soled shoes left a size 11 impression.
Luxury beauty brand - Thierry Mugler - transformed the models into glamorous ice princesses by showcasing all of the latest deep colour palettes straight from the international fashion weeks celebrated around the globe.
Throughout the evening, the audience was cocooned in a blanket of lounge/ house music, chilled ambience and stylish attire.
I couldn't decide what I wanted to buy first - the shoes or one of the gorgeous outfits that I could wear for work.
The evening gowns made me consider accepting even more invitations to formal gatherings! As for the men's collections being displayed ... I have to say, not bad at all. There was only one outfit that truly threw me - a tuxedo shirt matched to black nylon tracksuit bottoms - not so sure about that one, you guys. Was he a waiter or a wrestler?
The model seemed as confused as the audience but, apart from that little oddity, this was the best fashion show I have seen in a long time and the crowd of people around me agreed.
Fashion enthusiast Shaikha Al Seddiqi, 19, from Muharraq, loved the entire range of collections. She said: "I especially liked Diane von Furstenburg's designs and the Valentino grey dress. Zuhair Murad really outdid himself with his beige evening gown.
"Also, Saks has Alexander McQueen's last collection - the bejeweled clutches and shoes. The real difference between Saks Fifth Avenue and other shops is that it offers customers a personalised service - meaning each associate is assigned to one customer. The staff members aid you with what you are looking for and style you to the nines. You really feel pampered while shopping."
Fashion designer Khaleda Rajab, 26, from Hamad Town, thought the clothes were exceptional. She said: "This was a great show. The collection was put together really well and there were plenty of details in the garments."
Bless Boutique's owner Nancy Ghobary, 27, from Seef, attended the event with a few of her designer friends and said: "What I love about Saks is that it has variety. There are some things I would not necessarily style together in the same way but I have to say there aren't many shops that can throw together an event such as this.
"They make a real effort to showcase their collections. They interact with the customers and you couldn't help but leave the show feeling like you wanted to shop. Everyone feels like a VIP at Saks - job well done."