Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Fashion in the seventies was diverse and vibrant, boasting a variety of looks and trends such as bohemian, hippie, ethnic, disco, retro, military, sporty and safari. While some may regard it as a decade of bad taste, others see it as an era of expression by showcasing individuality through style.
Many international designers have revisited the groovy time period to capture its carless and effortlessly chic mood in their collections.
Renowned Middle Eastern designer Ingie Chalhoub’s Spring 2018 line embodies the true seventies spirit with carefree silhouettes in skin-toned pastels, ultra-light textures and multi-coloured prints against full sequin-studded looks in rose gold, ivory and black.
The new INGIE PARIS collection features caftans, feather-light tunics and free-flowing evening ensembles topped off with cascading ruffles. Even structured separates such as pantsuits, an oversized boyfriend blazer and tops are straight-cut, radically comfortable and body-freeing. Ingie’s full length evening gowns are bedazzled, bold and romantic.
Fabrics are silky soft to the touch with fine hand-stitched braid-like ruffles passing across necklines and waists. Crisp and smooth silk gazar, a stiff gauzy kind of silk fabric, contrasts a soft jersey, while drapes of silk mousseline don an ultra-graphic wave motif in relaxed pastels. There is also a bolder bandana print in pure silk, cut on the square with splashes of turquoise and white blending at every turn.
Sequined guipure, like a delicate mashrabiya, lets light pass through in subtle, elaborate patterns. Ivory and black undercut a sense of sophistication found in luminous ottoman lamé or fine Bayadère stripes, mixed with tones of bright pink and jade, aqua and lilac. They add colour to the predominantly powder rose colour palette of the collection.
Stilettos and sandals are interpreted in the season’s fabrics with ruffles and floral details of dahlias and orchids, while open-toe platform heels stay true to the mood of the moment. Bags feature Italian craftsmanship and hand-painted or embroidered florals while jewels, made of pale or rose gold, are in forms of lace and fine filaments. Iconic oversized pearls make an appearance throughout.
Her collection is being featured at Etoile La boutique in City Centre Bahrain.
