Valleydez hosts a botanical bonanza to launch the store’s SS15 collections

Botanical garden-themed mannequins in the windows at the Valleydez SS15 launch in Dubai. Photo by Hafsa Lodi

Don’t let the theme of the launch event fool you — for while blooming flowers and other fanciful features of a glistening garden were indeed present, there was a mature, yet audacious edge to the luxury multibrand’s new collections shown at the Sunset Mall branch on Monday.

Undeniably botanical-themed were the new designs by Piccione Piccione, whose vivid prints featured birds, bees and blossoming orchids, and Khoon Hoi, where beautiful embroidered hummingbird appliqués adorned glamorous jewel-toned gowns. Fyodor Golon’s SS15 garments combined cosmic volume with rainbow-hued stripes and digitalised floral prints, along with three-dimensional metallic flower embellishments, while Bangkok brand Dry Clean Only’s latest collection embraced two key SS15 trends: denim, and botanical elements, in jean jackets with patchwork detailing showing colourful birds atop branches.

But where things really got fun were with the SS15 designs by Manish Arora, depicting dreamy cotton candy-coloured scenes of spaceships and clouds, brought further to life with a kaleidoscope of textures, sheer and holographic textiles and glittery embellished roses. Also giving off somewhat futuristic vibes were Jean Pierre Braganza’s latest pieces, which, through abstract industrialist graphics in black and white, created a juxtaposing impression of masculine grace.

In accessories, Mawi complemented the outer space tone set by Manish Arora, with sorbet-coloured stars and robot-like gizmos stuck onto perspex box clutches. New designs by Bahraini line Designs Factory featured East-meets-West pop icons like Marilyn Monroe and gold burqa pieces on handbags and clutches. Finally, the footwear on display throughout the store by brands like Minna Parikka and Suecomma Bonnie was beyond unique, featuring, again, galactic themes along with funky peace sign finger motifs.

Valleydez is located in Dubai, at Sunset Mall on Jumeirah Beach Road and Galleria Mall on Al Wasl.