The Splash Fashion Revolution

Touted as the region’s most awaited runway action, the “Splash A/W fashion show” saw over 3,000 fashion enthusiasts become part of the changing face of fashion. A platoon of 40 international models marched the ramp donning the season’s hottest trends at the elegant Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah on Sept. 24.
Drawing inspiration from the era of the World Wars and moving into the future with Top Gun and Fight Club, this season’s Splash Fashion Revolution was all about waging a war against monotony fashion.
The venue was designed with a towering projection surface interlaced with multiple plasma screens, and evoked the theme message of the Fashion Revolution in dominating colors of military gray and Victory Red. A U-shaped catwalk was defined by precise lighting onto the gray floor. The focal feature was a stylized elevator in the center, which further added to the theme of a military headquarters. Furthermore, tiered seating for guests along with a separate section of VIP lounge saw Splash loyal consumers, top International media and the fashion elite.
The models sported the latest trends from Splash’s all new Autumn Winter 2010 collection that amongst other themes captured two key global trends: “Military/Biker” and “Country Club Ski”
The “Military/Biker” collection was less about contemporary influences and more about looking back at historical designs and traditional military garb from different eras. Key pieces from this collection included aviator jackets, military inspired coats, layered lace skirts, georgette dresses, sturdy tweed blazers and coats with fur detailing and biker jackets, which gave the line an edgy, yet feminine look. Flannel, double-faced wool, lightweight canvas, insignia and skin prints were the key details and fabrics for the collection while the color palette was predominantly khaki, accentuated with a flash of cardinal red. Shades of olive green were mixed with earthen browns, whereas black and deep blue palettes enhanced the dark mood with a hint of antique gold mixed subtly with gunmetal gray and Air Force blue.
The “Country Club Ski” collection featured several diverse looks from equestrian to the 1960s preppy schoolgirl. Retro influences were drawn from the late 1950s to early 1960s and 1970s. It was all about mismatched layering and a mix of masculine with feminine. Trouser shapes were redefined, with high-waisted leg-elongating flared silhouettes with Jodhpurs being a key item. The sheath dress, the trench, skinny fit-and-flare pea coats with shirt dresses, tailored shorts and bow-tied blouses were key highlights of this collection. Waistcoats and gilets, mini-kilts, neat-fit skinny knits and big cardigan jackets also were of flavor in the season’s must-haves. Fall colors like ochre, rusty orange and brown perfectly synced with imperial colors like tan and royal blue, and added the extra glam to each of the looks.
“This season Splash unveiled the first 3D campaign in the region welcoming the era of fashion through technology and now through our fashion show we chose to break free from the shackles of monotonous fashion,” said Raza Beig, CEO of Splash.
According to Beig, the fashion followers and loyal customers are an integral part in shaping the success of the most awaited Splash fashion shows each season. “For years Splash has been revolutionizing the fashion scene in Dubai and the Middle East by introducing innovative concepts and campaigns each year. A staple in every Fashionistas diary the Splash Fashion Shows are eagerly awaited and widely appreciated.”
Introduced last season, Splash continues with the arrangement of the two consumer shows that precede the last show, a VIP Media show, which was attended by UAE’s opinion leaders, socialites, fashion experts and brands’ key stakeholders from across the region as well as international media.
Splash’s much sought-after after-party followed the show, and the fashion arena got transformed into the Victory Square and marked a celebration of victory for the Splash revolution. DJ Kennedy set the mood for some truly dramatic dance moves while UK based VJ Ed Shaw captivated the audience with his video attack and the floor remained packed till the wee hours of the morning.
“Each season, the Splash Fashion Shows are uniquely themed keeping in sync with the latest International catwalk trends and this season Splash further modernized the concept of a fashion show yet again by pulling off the region’s biggest consumer show,” said Beig.
This Autumn Winter collection was ultra-glam, bringing back old world charm contrasted by elements of modern military cool and country club ski.
To view the AW’10 catalog, visit the Splash website at: