Artist Abdullah Alkhorayef, COO Central Region Al Bandar Trading Ravi Krishnan, COO Eastern Region Bharatesh Suvarna and National Marketing Manager of KSA Suresh Srinivas. — Courtesy photo JEDDAH – “The Art of Fashion” tastefully merged the season's latest high-end trends with some of the most innovative artistic minds in Saudi to debut the SS13 collection at the exclusive Maison BO-M Galeries at Nujoud Mall, near InterContinental Hotel. A select group of Saudi artists, graphic designers, painters and photographers were challenged to blur the lines between fashion and art in this exciting partnership. Each artist was given a piece from the Reiss collection and had two weeks to create a unique art piece using this product. The new creations were unveiled alongside the SS13 collection during the stylish event, allowing a fresh new perspective on fashion and art to be created. Commenting on the creative partnership, Ravi Krishnan, chief operating officer of Al Bandar said: “An art gallery plays a very important role in shaping society by providing people with an understanding and appreciation of both creativity and culture, and I feel that Reiss, as a brand, plays a similarly important role, with our collections consisting of rich color palates, touchable textures and beautifully tailored pieces signifying the incredibly high standard that both Reiss and Maison BO-M strive for.” The art pieces was showcased at the Gallery for five days following the launch, between March 4 and 8th and will then travel to Reiss stores in Riyadh. These art pieces were auctioned on the launch day which was attended by high profile people and members of the royal family. A part of the proceeds from this auction was given as charity for the noble cause and remaining was given to the artists. Reiss Spring summer 2013 collection An understated, clean opulence heralds new levels of femininity, with a fresh, modern twist in Reiss' SS13 collection. SS13 incorporates voluptuous materials and looks to the work of famed photographer Nick Knight for inspiration. This line celebrates vivid colors and artistic effects with colors and prints being worn head-to-toe but differentiated through the use of contrasting textures and fabrics. A sheer shirt, brocade jacket and pair of jacquard jeans all appear in perfect color unison, but each resonates a different texture. The perfect modern match. Tailoring forms the foundation of the collection, with brightly toned trouser suits paired with relaxed fitted blazers. Peplum and boxy jackets also feature, modernized with kimono sleeve detailing that are teamed with cropped trousers to provide a creative silhouette of shapes and proportions. Tweed feels fresh, expressed in matching jackets and shorts or pencil skirt sets, presented in feminine hues such as mint or peach. Lengths nod respectfully to the 60s with graphic shift dresses, while fitted knee-length, body con dresses pay tribute to the 90s. Trousers are straight in both cropped and full length while the high waisted midi skirt makes an elegant return. There's a return to bold separates such as blouses, which, this season, will be sheer and printed with billowy or ruffled sleeves. Ruffles will also be dominant in structured fabrication across skirts, dresses and jackets, reflecting the modern femininity that runs through the collection. Leather jackets will reflect key attitudes of the SS13 collection, with trend setting colors of stone, chocolate, tomato, blush and light grey featuring as cropped bikers, fitted jackets, tops and body con skirts. Statement chunky ‘tape' knitted jerseys will appear in boxier silhouettes, in romantic hues of antique lilac, soft pinks, white, greys, soft graphite and black, while it will also be seen in delicate, compact detail through fitted skirts and dresses in pretty pink with black scalloped edging. Floral prints will dominate the Reiss SS13 collection appearing in a myriad of forms. Modern and exaggerated with over-sized hydrangea, lotus and poppy designs will ensure maxi dresses and jumpsuits maintain a modern, fresh personality. Florals will continue across Reiss' accessories, appearing in both print form and as graphic applied detailing, with a play on texture being exercised in natural fabrics including raffia, linen and canvas. Prized arm candy for the season includes top handled bowling bags, shoulder bags and a major focus on totes. Sporty, boxy shapes will be structured, but maintain absolute elegance through shiny gold detailing. Mini box and hand-held bags, as well as over-sized clutches, are key to the SS13 trends. This collection celebrates modern femininity at its most wearable. – SG
