Couture Fashion Week
Showing in Paris is something of a dream for any couture designer. For Melbourne based Aleem Yusuf, this dream was realised when he made his Paris Couture Week debut last week. Showing his Autumn/Winter 2019-20 collection Nomade in the French capital last week exceeded his expectations. He was “nervous, exhilarated and humbled”.
“The Parisian and international press loved the collection. Also … the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode had a spot reserved for us and were well aware of our presence for Haute Couture Week. This is a landmark achievement for our brand in the couture world.”
Yusuf views his collection as the culmination of the journey from his native Pakistan to his adopted home of Australia. There are many elements of each of the pieces of his new collection that reflect that journey. It’s colour palette was inspired by the natural hues of Australia’s oceans and desert sands. The vivid golds and purples evoke the colours of the bazaars of Pakistan.
Citing the golden age of couture as a main reference for Nomade, the gowns also feature ostrich feathers, Swarovski crystals, sequins and lace. The Nomade woman is one who lives with no boundaries and limitless self-expression.
While the couture designer has previously attended trade events in Paris, Yusuf describes his Couture Week runway debut as an exhilarating experience.
The highlight? “Seeing the models walking up the runway with our creations. Also the international media giving very positive reviews and loving the craftsmanship that took us nearly 10 years to refine to get to the level to offered to show during Paris Haute Couture Week.”
Here are just some of Aleem Yusuf’s Nomade collection, which took approximately two thousand hours to construct.
Yusuf wasn’t the only Australian couture designer to show in Paris last week. Four Aussies made their way to the couture capital to showcase their talents.
Follow Aleem Yusuf Couture on Instagram here. Or, head to his website.
