Maarkah Fashion Week NYC

Tonight I attended the inaugural fashion showcase, Maarkah Fashion Week! I saw it on the calendar on Fashion Week Online and thought I'd check it out because of the featured designers from the Middle East and Africa. Having already fallen in love with some of the fashions during a recent trip to Morocco, I was curious. As it turns out, the showcase featured designers from Holland, Morocco, South Africa, Belgium, Syria, Guyana, Israel, Indonesia, and the United States. I wish I could have covered them all, but here are my highlights from tonight. 

Jacques LaGrange Couture (South Africa)

I really liked the sophistication of all these gowns, each one with its own feature. The theme of "opera elegance" comes to mind. I'm particularly a fan of the lace or lace-like material used, as well as the added touch of frills or fringe detail. 

Gamakache Black (United States)

To me, this collection was show in three parts: the white pieces I found sexy yet relaxed; the black evening wear with colorful collars had a dramatic appeal and I loved the sequins detail on the flapper-like dress. But my favorites are the rose patterned pieces, which are bold, dramatic and fun. I am definitely a fan of color. 

Siham El Habti (Morocco)

This collection was my favorite, and probably the one I was looking forward to all night. I love the caftan look because it can be so relaxed but as you can tell from the runway, it can also be dramatic. The detail on each of these caftans is amazing. Again, I'm a big fan of the bold colors mixed with gold hues, but even the ivory on gold works for me.  There was one caftan where the train was covered with large sequin shells that you could hear the them brush against each other every time the model sashayed. Loved it. This is what I came for.

For more information on Maarkah Fashion Week, visit www.runwayprestige.com. 

See you on the catwalk!

~T~