The line to enter the hall for Ezra’s spring/summer 2017 fashion show was a nightmare. Crammed like sardines in the humid outdoors, guests were separated into VIP and regular entry queues, and the VIP line — or crowd, rather, as single-file seems to be an unknown concept at these types of events — alone, looked like it would fill up the whole hall.
Once inside the venue, it was clear that there was still a wait ahead. Workers were busy assembling a structure at the front of the stage, and by the time they finished and the show finally started, there was a nearly-30-minute delay, which then had a domino effect on the proceeding shows.
In classic Ezra Santos style, bedazzled gowns were paraded down the runway, with a variety of different design elements on display — from ornate necklines to bold shoulders and voluminous tulle skirts. Models made elaborate poses at the front of the runway, while standing underneath the industrial-style structure comprises a few metal poles and a netlike type overhead, before embarking on their walks.
They were accessorised with dazzling silver earrings, and some even had hairpieces inspired by the lace accents on their dresses.
Many of the pieces featured intricate basket-weaving techniques — Ezra’s new take on couture.
While a great many pieces showcased the technique, along with corn-husk-like bows, bodices and fringes, other pieces, like those with round, pearl-like embellishments, didn’t look cohesive when shown alongside the collection as a whole. Were the dresses all red-carpet or wedding-worthy? Sure. But, did they seem like they were all produced for a single season or theme? Not really.
Still, they were certainly glorious, and the final look — an ornate caped gown with a matching headpiece won loads of oohs and aahs from the crowd. The designer himself received a standing ovation from many of the guests seated in the front row. Guests seemed quite pleased with the drama and decadence of the show — though it could’ve done without the theatrics, which really only delayed the evening’s schedule.
hlodi@thenational.ae
