London Fashion Week just opened with an outstanding digital presentation by London-based Emirati menswear brand, Qasimi for their Spring 2022 collection. Entitled, “Between Ashes And Roses,” creative director, Hoor Al Qasimi led the presentation for the Spring 2022 ready to wear collection via a film. The 8-minute show was a runway presentation that was staged and shot at St. Ann’s Court, a country estate in Surrey.
Both male and female models walked down a spiral staircase and stormed through the white-washed estate wearing bold colors reminiscent of the bougainvillea and magnolias growing against the backdrop. Some of the most noteworthy looks included the opening look, a bright pink cape with a built-in bucket hat, and matching trousers, followed by noteworthy graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts with the words “Longing” and “Belonging” written across them in English and Arabic, paired with fringed skirts, laser cut silhouettes, bomber jackets and jacquard pieces – conveying elevated streetwear.
Inspired by Emirati heritage, the collection featured fringed bags using a traditional Emirati craft of woven palm frond, otherwise referred to as “safeefah.”
Hoor Al Qasimi further explored her culture throughout the collection by teaming up with a Sharjah based platform that looks to preserve the culture and heritage of the UAE as well as one that supports and empowers female artisans, called the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council. Tarboushas – traditionally seen hanging from the Emirati “gutra,” were also seen decorating front pockets of tailored jackets, the bottoms of small bags and the necks of dresses.
Pakistani, Lahore based jeweler, Zohra Rahman was also tasked with creating a multifunctional piece that can be used as a pendant, a brooch and an earring – further elevating the looks and creating an avant garde feel.
The Spring 2022 collection is the fourth one helmed by Hoor Al Qasimi following the death of her twin brother, Khalid Al Qasimi, in 2019. Belonging to the royal family, Khalid Al Qasimi had launched his label in 2015, and garnered a celebrity and fashion-pack following, with his collections always being minimal yet consistently paying tribute to a celebration of culture.
