Alta Roma | Luxury Fashion Abed Mahfouz

Celebrating the 12th annual AltaRomAltaModa fashion event, designers from all around the world congregated in Rome to debut their spring haute couture collections.

From January 27 – 31, 2008, world-renowned designers showcased their most noteworthy designs to guests at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. This year, the event boasted a third room and an additional 27-metre catwalk, marking this event an important one in Alta Roma fashion week history.

Some notable designers at this year’s event included Sarli, Curiel, Carlo Contrada, Abed Mahfouz, Tony Ward, Ella Zahlan, and for the first time in Rome, Edward Arsouni. The many participating fashion houses previewed their haute couture collections for Spring 2008. Floor-length gowns skimmed the catwalk, exhibiting seamless embroidery, elegant tassels and flirty ruffles.

Above image: One-shouldered black tulle dress with floral motif by Abed Mahfouz. www.abedmahfouz.com

This year’s showstopper, Lebanese designer Tony Ward, best known for his work with Lagerfield for Chloe and Claude Montana for Lanvin, debuted his signature spring 2008 haute couture line. His use of flirty neutrals, soft silks and racy metallics wowed the crowd.

With two shows annually, one in January and one in July, Alta Roma’s AltaRomAltaModa fashion week is slowly becoming the most anticipated haute couture fashion event of the year. Showcasing young artists and established designers from all over the globe, this fashion spectacle only makes sense to be held in the glamorous city of Rome. www.altaroma.it

Gallery 1: Romantic and feminine tri-level ruffled gown with bowtie accent by Tony Ward. www.tonyward.net

Gallery 2: Sheer lace overlay gown by Camillo Bona. www.camillobona.it

Gallery 3: Red and white silk tube gown by Abed Mahfouz. www.abedmahfouz.com

Gallery 4: Embroidered a-line tassel gown with cap sleeves by Ella Zahlan. www.ellazahlan.com

Gallery 5: Flirty, canary yellow gown with ruffled layers by Tony Ward. www.tonyward.net

Gallery 6: The finest talc is encased in this Acqua di Parma Colonia Talcum Powder Shaker. www.vivre.com

Gallery 7: Douse yourself in Guerlain’s prominent Shalimar Black Mystery eau de parfum. www.vivre.com

Gallery 8: Live like royalty with this 18-karat gold, ruby-banded jewelled crown ring, by Carlos de Souza for Most Wanted Design. www.vivre.com