Candy...Darling?

Ziad Ghanem AW13 catwalk images by Lin Vitali, review by Rhiannon Chown.

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Ziad Ghanem, "Candy...Darling?"

If I was to dream up my absolutely perfect fashion collection it would have fabulously bright colours, stunningly fantastic prints and would feature a subtle nod towards the 50s. I’m now worried that Ziad Ghanem is sitting in my head and making my dreams into a reality. Fabulously bright colours? Check. Stunningly fantastic prints? Check. Subtle nod towards the 50s? Well the gorgeous collection is inspired by the 1950s film An American in Paris and the way the dresses hug the female figure so beautifully is a definite reminder of the hourglass shape encouraged by the 1950s dresses. So check.

As you can probably tell, I’m a huge fan of this collection. I’ve not seen such an impressively unique yet stylish collection in a long time and the luxurious fabrics just finish it all off with a wonderfully elegant edge. I also love how there’s a great range of different styles from possible work wear to extravagant evening dresses. And my hidden gothic side is really drawn to the stunning black lacy dresses. I just want it all!

To choose one garment that stood out the most for me would be impossible. Every single piece had so much thought and creativity put into it that they almost would’ve seemed more at home in a contemporary art gallery than a catwalk show. I was particularly fond of the beautiful floor length skirts and gowns. The regal swirling patterns of the skirts look as though they’ve been taken straight out of a palace or stately home’s wallpaper chart (in a good way), a print which is also used in panels of some of the dresses, and I love the dramatic blouses, especially the bright sunshine yellow blouse with a hugely oversized bow. You can’t beat a good bow.

The bright sunshine yellow and bow theme continues in other designs too such as some of the floor length dresses. These stunning strapless ball gowns have fitted bodices and long flowing skirts that fall effortlessly to the floor with an elegant swoosh.

The bows make an appearance several times throughout the collection, my favourite being as an extraordinarily oversized bow tie printed with swirling black patterns, starkly contrasted with the white background. The bow tie is the main focus of the rest of the outfit: a short sleeved shirt, trousers and elbow length gloves printed in the same pattern which create a striking contemporary camouflage effect.

Hair and Make-Up

A comment has to be made on the hair (Darren Folwer) and make-up (Laura Brady). The models’ faces were used as blank canvases for stunning works of art where the make-up artists have gone wild with creativity creating exquisitely colourful effects. The models’ hair was also greatly taken into consideration as bright splashes of blues and yellows topped off the artistic creations.

Ziad Ghanem AW13 Presentation Summary

This charming collection is inspired by the 1950's film An American in Paris and Andy Warhol's superstar actress Candy Darling. The bold and bright collection celebrates the female silhouette, luxurious fabrics and Ghanem's signature print styles. The haute couturier creates designs which are individually adapted to the wearer's form and character, and this is beautifully reflected in his choice of catwalk models, where models' unique personalities and style qualify them to walk the catwalk, irrelevant of size, age or gender.

Ziad Ghanem AW13 Catwalk Images

Prints galore and perfectly fitted skirts teamed with jet black tights for a fabulously quirky yet formal look.

With stunning blouses like this, why go for a plain white shirt?

Daring corsetry and full body dresses - shown off or covered up, they're both super sexy.

Beautifully interesting floor length dresses with inspiring prints.

Ziad Ghanem shows yet more skill by contrasting prints with block colour.

Almost mime-like, the collection could belong in a theatrical performance.

The magic continues with dazzingly flowing capes.

The combination of fitted bodices and elegant skirts is an absolute success.

Gothic revival is truly alive and kicking with these gorgeous dresses.

Bright colours bring these simple designs to life with a fabulous flourish.

If you have an occassion to wear these dresses, go and get them. Even if you don't, just wear them to the pub and dazzle everyone.

The incredible collection wouldn't be complete without about a bit of glistening metallic glory.

To summarise: prints galore, bright colours, gothic injection, glistening metallics. Wow.

Massive round of applause in order for designer Ziad Ghanem (far left) for a truly amazing collection. Job well done.