MFW18 Day 3 - More Midi Fashion at 555 Chabanel

VEX COLLECTION

The Vex Collection for the Fall/Winter 2010 season is characterized as “sophisticated sportswear”. It was a nice start to the fashion show, as the first model sported a rib knit / tweed combo sweater. A red ruffled coat, green shawl collar coat, and a black leather jacket also followed, as well as a double-breasted blue coat with a belt at the waistline in the self fabric. There was a mix of black leggings and trousers. It was great to see color and made me look forward to the next shows.

RABE

Rabe offered something different from all the collections I’ve seen so far this week: argyle patterns! They did argyle in a blue, gray, and white combination, and even in red. The only thing I wasn’t too fond of was the length of two skirts. The hems were below the knees, sort of mid-calf, but kind of odd. Otherwise, the collection was attractive, especially with the quilted red boxy jacket and tweed jacket.

172 GRAMS

The collection began with a pair of dark skinny jeans, a black blazer and white shirt. Very chic. Skinny jeans and black pants were mostly used for bottom pieces. A vibrantly stunning layered red dress lit up the runway. There was a slight wardrobe malfunction as an off-shoulder all-over gathered orange top literally dropped off the models shoulders and more, baring more skin than intended. The model remained professional and it was a great show nonetheless.

AG. SAMIA OUCHAREF – LINE KNITWEAR, BRAVE BELTWORKS, YUMI

Love, love, love! The Midi Fashion show catalogue described this collection as “A gothic mood in an icy palette… It’s pretty twisted”. The description intrigued me, and the clothes were striking and dramatic. From hot pink to bright blue stockings, it was a change from the standard black leggings repeatedly seen everywhere (although they did a nice job pairing leggings with a long knit sweater and a black leather jacket). A sequined shawl was also very chic.

MOSAÏK

Another slight wardrobe malfunction (or rather, shoe malfunction) as a model wearing a one-shoulder orange top took off her shoes mid-runway. A red off-shoulder dress that gathers into a band at the hem was consistent with the Fall/Winter 2010 trends. The unique part of the collection was the black velour skirt with white ruffles near the back hemline. The white ruffles were made from the same white cotton fabric as the white shirt the model was wearing. I also liked the black boyfriend blazer with the rolled sleeves that revealed just a hint of floral lining. It stood out among the all-black outfit. These pieces can easily be dressed up or dressed down, making them versatile.

BOBI

Horizontal stripes were one of the main features in the bobi collection. There were quite a few simple striped knit sweaters with variations in necklines (v-neck, round scoop) paired with leggings. purple leggings, off-shoulder bodices, and even a high-waisted black skirt. Cowl necklines graced several knit sweaters. Slim silhouettes. As a whole, the collection is wearable, modern, and stylish.

B HIP by ZIBI

The clothes were very lively in their details. A pair of black shorts with pleats on the front were cute, but maybe I’d wear them for summer instead of winter. The pleats, zippers, and studded details made the clothes appealing. There was a dark gray sweater with dangling metallic chains at the shoulder that I thought was nice and different – I would’ve loved to see more of that. Nonetheless, the collection was beautifully done.

2XPOSE by RUDSAK

The waxed wool fabrics gave a sheen to some of the coats. I’m not really feeling it, but it’s probably one of those trends that I will learn to love with time. I did like the military influences, particularly in the red double-breasted coat with large buttons. Asymmetrical zipper openings adorned some of the coats as well. I was happy to also see a rib knit trim used for the collar of a double-breasted black coat. Belted coats in self fabric was also consistent with winter trends (but not the fur trim around the hood).

GINGER by RINO ROSSI

A blue dress with a cowl neckline was also done in mustard yellow – certainly not my favorite color. More colors followed, such as a short slim green dress and a red-and-black striped turtle neck. An oversized black rib knit sweater worn over leggings looked really comfortable. The short red dress with 3/4 sleeves and basic neckline was anything but basic. It definitely appeals to a wide range of fashionable women.

Photographs by Abir Shah