In pictures: Abeer Al-Suwaidi’s Taboo

Select VIPs and media filed onto a bridge near Zabeel Park in Dubai to see the 34-year-old’s latest mix of ready-to-wear and couture designs. As the range of 16 pieces filled the catwalk, the illusionist Moein Al Bastaki entertained the crowd. Jaime Puebla / The National

Abeer Al Suwaidi: Magic, music, artistic expression and glass. Magic is taboo in many cultures and so is some music. Artistic expression is not necessarily associated with traditional garments like abayas and when you put it all together the outcome is glass – a shattering end. I’m encouraging the audience to make of it whatever they want. Jaime Puebla / The National

IAbeer Al Suwaidi: ’m dealing with a traditional and culturally sensitive garment. The young generation is supportive; the older generation doesn’t always take it so well..Jaime Puebla / The National

Abeer Al Suwaidi: the abaya is not just one four-yard square piece of fabric, there’s much more we can do with it. I actually find the abaya the hardest thing to design because of the limitations and things that must be respected. Jaime Puebla / The National

Abeer Al Suwaidi: the Magic collection is gold, purple, maroon and mustard. The Music collection features belts and harnesses made of animal hair. I was also inspired by some locally based artists, photographers and Jackson Pollock, so I had fabrics made based on that. I used lots of crepe, crinkled chiffon and the Magic collection has a lot of heavy gold embroidery. There’s also specially created plastic pieces – with artwork simulated onto them – for the Glass collection. Jaime Puebla / The National

Abeer Al Suwaidi: I’m encouraging the audience to make of it whatever they want. Jaime Puebla / The National

Abeer Al Suwaidi’s collection is available at USH Boutique, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Jaime Puebla / The National Newspaper

Avant-garde Emirati fashion designer Abeer Al Suwaidi showcases Taboo, her latest ready-to-wear and couture collection