Alta Roma

The eternal city shows off some of its best talent!

If you are as crazy about dresses as I am, you would have loved this year’s Alta Roma runway fashion shows. The eternal city abounded with superb up-and-coming talent alongside some of the big names in Italian fashion, such as Fausto Sarli and Raffaella Curiel. Bright reds, yellows and mauves, with details embellishing every piece of clothing, from tiny bustiers atop fitted skirts to flowing, floor-length gowns, kept fashion fanatics delighted throughout their trip to Rome.

Gianni Galliano’s festive mood was a pleasant surprise from the usual black. Indeed, the show was all about joie de vivre! What could be wrong with that? And what more could a girl ask from a city filled with spiritual and architectural significance, Spanish steps and romance and romanticism that oozes from all the local lips. I can’t help but smile at the memory of “Ciao bella!” and other gallant compliments offered by strangers as I innocently walked through the countless shops and exquisite boutiques.

Above image: Gown designed by Gianni Galliano.

Gallery  1, 2 & 3: Gowns designed by Gianni Galliano.
Gallery 4: Gown designed by Abed Mahfouz.
Gallery 5: Bracelet designed by Romika Jahar of Romika Jewels. www.romikajewels.com
Gallery 6: Ring designed by Laura Munder. www.lauramunder.com

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ALTA ROMA II
In a shower of brilliantly coloured paints, Lebanese fashion designer Abed Mahfouz’s models strode down the runway, shaking their magical hues like fairy dust over the front row guests. Mahfouz is tired but relieved. Finally, on Tuesday, January 30, his dream of displaying his latest collection of eveningwear at Rome’s High Fashion week was realized, even though he was not sure whether he would be able to pull it off until the last minute. Mahfouz said the last six to seven months were like a nightmare, with the political instability in Lebanon growing almost daily. However, judging by the collection he displayed in Rome, his country’s political tension did not stifle his creative flair. This season’s creations were inspired by ceramic and porcelain, both of which look strong but are, in fact, delicate. Mahfouz says that this reflects the situation in his homeland.

Gallery 1: Gown designed by Camillo Bona.
Gallery 2, 5 & 6: Gowns designed by Fausto Sarli.
Gallery 3 & 4: Gowns designed by Abed Mahfouz.
Gallery 7: Shoes by Renee Caovilla. www.vivre.com
Gallery 8: Ring designed by David Webb. www.vivre.com

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ALTA ROMA III

Black and white – the wonderful, understated colour combination for spring 2007!

Whether you are stepping out for dinner or just for a dip in the pool, choosing these colours will ensure that you make the best dressed list.

Gallery 1, 5, & 6: Designed by Raffaella Curiel.
Gallery 2: Designed by Gianni Galliano.
Gallery 3 & 4: Designed by Bluemarine.
Gallery 7: Shoes by Bruno Frisoni. www.saks.com