International fashion designer Monique Lhuillier poses beside one of her 2014 collections that are now available at Fifty One East stores. PICTURE: Jayan Orma
By Peter Alagos/Business Reporter
World-renowned Filipino fashion designer Monique Lhuillier gave a preview of her Fall/Winter 2014 and Spring/Summer 2014 collection at luxury retail chain Fifty One East.
Lhuillier, who was in Doha for the first time, described the reception to her bridal, evening gown and shoe collection as “warm, welcoming and responsive.”
She said her 2014 Spring Collection is all about colour and fluidity, as she described her style as “easy, elegant” and “refined elegance.”
It is also dedicated to balanced textures, innovative layering and sophisticated ease, according to Lhuillier.
Her rich colour palette includes coral, fuchsia and red pop against neutrals like cream, soft rose gold and nude. The evening gowns, evoke ease and elegance while high low gown silhouettes are a new interpretation of traditional evening wear.
In contrast, the Fall/Winter 2014 collection reflects Lhuillier’s dark side.
She describes the collection as bold and dramatic, with a hint of dark romance. By pairing signature femininity with a juxtaposition of modern architectural details and Old World Parisian couture, Lhuillier said the season is about fusing structure with fluidity.
Lhuillier told Gulf Times that she is in Doha primarily to meet with her clients: “I would love to know my customers; I would love to have that relationship with them to know what they are looking for. That’s why I am here today.”
The international fashion designer, well-known among top American celebrities, lauded Fifty One East for connecting her with the Middle East clientele. Lhuillier expressed satisfaction with the luxury boutique’s work in promoting her collection, particularly in Doha.
“I am happy with our partnership, which has been running for three years. They (Fifty One East) have been a wonderful support system for me,” said Lhuillier, who described Qatar’s premier haute couture as “a first-class establishment.”
Lhuillier revealed that in her recently-launched website, Fifty One East was the very first boutique that was showcased.
A representative of Fifty One East noted that the company is “delighted to welcome” Lhuillier to Doha “and be the first to introduce her style to our discerning clientele in Qatar, only at Fifty One East.”
“Monique boasts an enviable list of celebrity clients and the presence of her creation has become notable at many of the world’s high profile events. This is why the availability of her models in Qatar has been highly-anticipated,” the representative added.
As a female designer, Lhuillier said: “I take advantage of being a woman designing clothes for women, so I know the how they want to feel and I know how the clothes should be cut to flatter our figures.”
She said her clientele base in the Middle East is fond of having a lot of colour in their fashion statements.
“And if there’s one thing I know about my clients in the Middle East is that they love colour and if I usually show a lot of that in my collection, it is always well-received,” Lhuillier explained.
According to Lhuillier, femininity runs through all her collections. She said what differentiates her work from that of other fashion designers is her love for fantasy and romance. She also noted that her designs for each collection vary from what customers want.
“I like to push myself, which is why my collection as it moves forward, it always evolves; so it changes every season and leaves a signature touch,” Lhuillier said.
