One of the largest and longest lasting empires in history – the Ottoman Empire - has become the source of inspiration for Lamya Abedin’s latest Sultan Collection. In this collection Abedin presents 50 unique pieces that showcase the rich sartorial heritage of the Ottoman era.
“Cultures and countries have always been the catalyst to my creativity and the Ottoman Empire was an epitome of such inspiration for me with its ethnical diversities, confluence of the east and west and rich cultural vibrancy,” says Abedin, as she catches her breath during the photo shoot of her new Sultan Collection at Almaz by Momo at Mall of the Emirates.
The modern Maghrebin style restaurant becomes an apt backdrop to Abedin’s new collection, which is adequately kitschy as it is classical. Giorgio Armani contributed to the Arabesque look of the models and Jacques Dessanges of Paris did the hair styling.
Putting together this collection was like taking a class of History major. Abedin spent days researching paintings and etchings from the Ottoman period that showcase fashion and costumes of the times. A lot of research also went into reading reportage on histories of international costumes with a focus on Ottoman Era. She also made intensive research and readings on Ottoman history and Anatolian civilizations.
Ottoman architecture, social system and traditional techniques all became sources of inspiration for Abedin’s latest creations.
The new collection sees influences of Balkan countries, Greece, West Asia and North Africa. Abedin mixed many different fabrics and textures in the new collection. In the new collection one can see the use of jersey cottons, kilims, lace, crochet, pleats, snakeskin finishes and more. As usual Abedin scoured the world for her material and accessories, sourcing elements and materials from Turkey, Egypt, Iran, Germany, India, France & Thailand. A highlight among the fabrics used is the вЂikat’. Literally meaning “to bind”, ikat is an ancient kind of weave that uses a resistance-dyeing process on wrap or weft fibres.
Accessories, not only an Abedin favourite but also an important aspect of Ottoman fashion, are once again an attention-grabber. Scarves, belts, bras, necklaces, brooches, the vintage metal tarboush, turbans and a lot more clink add the glamour quotient.
Abedin has also played with an element of her personal style statement in this new collection – vibrant colours. Ottoman fashion too was an advocate of all things colourful and Abedin has taken a creative take on that by including brights, pastels and nude shades into the Sultan Collection. “I’ve opted for a lot of layering, color blocking and patch in this collection, inspired by the famous Turkish mosaic tile works as well as by their luxuriant woollen carpets.
But what’s an Abedin collection without some experimental, first-of-its-kind pieces? In this collection the Bolero Abaya and the Wrappo Abaya (an asymmetrical sleeveless abaya that is wrapped up and draped with a flowing part of the abaya) are ones to watch out for. Lots of pantaloon abayas, reversibles, and portable sleeves will be seen in this collection too.
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