THE ART OF FASHION - The Orientalist by the House of Kamiar Rokni

 

Set sail on a voyage of the exotic east, with ‘The Orientalist’, the new collection by The House of Kamiar Rokni, to be unveiled at the at the finale of the PFDC L’ Oreal Paris Bridal Week 2013. Inspired by the fascination of the west with the exotic east  and the ‘Orientalist’ paintings of 19^th century, it is an ode to the art, architecture, costumes, textiles, culture and crafts from North Africa, Turkey, Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Russia, China, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.  

 

From Rokni’s design guru, Yves Saint Laurent’s “master craftsmanship combined with a shocking sense of color and restraint, world culture and hippie deluxe styles” to the team’s shared Seraiki heritage and diverse backgrounds; all have shaped this unique collection. Kamiar Rokni’s rich Persian heritage, signature color sense and innovative cuts  to Tia Noon's imaginative mix of Punjabi, Tajik, English and Memon traditions, to Rehan Bashir's meticulous Kashmiri craftsmanship all have seamlessly blended together to create

an aesthetic that is fine art. That coupled with the design house appreciation for the bridal classics of Bunto Kazmi and Faiza Samee by transforming them into a whole new level with cut, color, imagination and craft. The trio were also were inspired by their grandmother and aunt’s distinct sense of dressing and vintage outfits that fired them to create heirloom pieces with a twist that are the cotemporary bridal.

 

The imagery is an awe-inspiring collage of art, culture, and inspiration from around the world. Jumping tigers, grazing reindeers, dancing elephants, unicorns, pigeons, doves, parrots and peacocks set in foliage of roses, Islamic grids, intricate Persian patterns and Rococo elements.

There is exquisite Gara embroidery, French knot, oversized Mukesh, Zardozi, Dubka, Marori and Gotta work , all intricately worked on a eclectic mix of indigenous textiles and hand woven silks, Jamavars, Chinese silks, tissues, organzas, chiffons, nets, brocades, satins, velvets and paired with rich Jamavar    Shawls. The unique  mixing of design elements  on each creation, the meticulous detailing, imagination and craftsmanship make each piece an absolute must have.

The collection consists of exquisite one-of-a-kind signature pieces that work together as an outfit or can be worn as separates. In terms of silhouettes, the focus is on wearability and innovation, with a 60’s influence in terms of   cut.  There are the HOK’s statement long and bolero jackets.  Embellished short shift shirts to the classic long ones paired with farshi ghararas, sheer pants and palazzos. There is also the revival of the lengha choli and exciting innovations of the matador cape attached to skirts, ghararas and pants that end in a pouch.

The team has worked hard at making sure that every interesting design element has a purpose and a utility.

 

 

From craft, cuts, color to imagination, the Orientalist is fine art fashion for the modern and confident bride of today who wants to stand out on her wedding and own an heirloom that will stand the test of time. These are pieces of art that that you want to own and wear forever and pass on to the next generation.