Rami Kadi recently closed Arab Fashion Week’sVogue Talents Day with his showstopping floral-inspired autumn/winter 2019-2020 collection. Showing support to the creative talents chosen byVogue Italia's Deputy Editor in Chief and Head of Vogue Talents, Sara Sozzani Maino, the Lebanese/American designer added his unique daredevil touches to the catwalk at the end of the special day.
"Closing the day of Vogue Talents at the Arab Fashion Week is a message of Rami Kadi's brand vision in giving back to the region and supporting the new talent which is definitely the future of the fashion industry," the hip 32-year-old Beirut-based designer said.
Florals are the main design characteristic of Kadi’s “The Temple of Flora” collection. While browsing through a private book collection in the Lebanese capital, the designer, who has become internationally recognised thanks to his distinctive, unconventional creations and nouvelle couture, came across Taschen’s reprint of “The Temple of Flora.” The box set portfolio of illustrations by Robert John Thornton, which was originally published in 1799, had such an impression on Kadi that the next step was thinking of a contemporary response to them. And that response became the collection.
Kadi always includes technology and innovation in his work and “The Temple of Flora” highlights novel techniques of handcrafting such as hand-painted plastic leaves, laser-cut techniques and 3D-knitted iridescent sequins. The creative silhouettes and structures look like unique botanical shapes, in unison with the theme of the collection. The silhouettes are a composition of 3D materials, with ombré feathers inspired from the depth of flowers’ petals. As well as ruffled dresses and tulle skirts, there are pieces like an acid yellow bodysuit worn beneath a fishnet created from sparkling bugle beads and a sculptural gown in printed floral fabric smothered in sequins that are undoubtedly made for the strong and daring Rami Kadi woman. The power factor is also evident when it comes to the vibrant array of colours, including highlighter yellow, bright orange, shimmering greens, hot pinks and violets.
Since Kadi launched out of Beirut in 2011, he has been leaving a unique mark. The passionate contemporary couturier, who made his Paris Haute Couture Week debut this year, is known for featuring embroidery and a kaleidoscopic explosion of colours and sequins, as well as his high finishing. He has dressed international superstars, including Beyoncé and Katy Perry. Plus, of course, regional stars like Najwa Karam, Sherine Abdel Wahab and Myriam Fares have been spotted in his creations.
