Shahab Durazi

We are presenting a retrospective of the brand dating back to approximately ten years. This collection is an expression of the unique craft that Shahab Durazi stands for. It transcends season, gender and genre. It attempts to address the ever evolving role of style and elegance in a fashion system that thrives on rapid change. The collection endorses slow fashion and the relevance of timelessness in a capsule collection that defies the concept of trends and promotes classic couture with contemporary nuances.

Predominantly an all black collection, Shahab Durazi is notorious for his affinity to black, white, grey and silver and this collection, albeit vintage, is no exception to that rule. The mystery of black, juxta positioned with white, cream, bone, ecru, dove, slate and silver, has been used in myriad ways to translate the language of modernity and fluidity. The collection has a vast ensemble of silhouettes ranging from tailored separates and evening gowns to soft blouses, impeccably cut jackets and boleros and sharply tailored pants for both men and women. The collection is very strong on tailoring, using couture techniques to achieve a sense of balance and proportion. The embellishments are refined, confined to detailed floral filigree work or abstract textures to create an illusion of sorts. Women’s trousers are beaded while men’s boleros and cropped bandhgala jackets are embroidered using glass beads, pearls and cords. There is a sense of nostalgia with pieces reminiscent of the 40s and 50s: an era known for its vintage chic. Skirts and scarves borrow abundantly from the dapper dresses, displaying fringed details. The men’s collection borrows from English dandy dress codes with pristine collars, cuffs and bows that are exquisitely embellished with pearls and silk ribbons. There is great attention to detail as the collection draws inspiration from the various couture strengths of the brand, favourably used in the past. Belts have elaborate diamante buckles, blouses have intricate pearl and crystal necklines and capes and coats have large French motifs from Renaissance art and Rococo art. Cummerbunds appear on both the men’s and women’s trousers, dressed up with three dimensional flowers, pearls and detailed cord embroidery. Quilting is seen on cummerbunds, jackets and belts and is embroidered with Japanese pearls and crystal beads to dress up an evening look. The raglan sleeve appears consistently through the collection, enhancing the shape of shoulders and lending a modern, contemporary feel to pieces one would imagine are strictly old school. While some gowns favour a contoured mermaid silhouette others are soft, flowy and voluminous. Graphic prints on French chiffon is seen on evening gowns with embellished cummerbunds and belts. Women’s suits go softer, almost slouched and dressed in ornate pearl patterns or French floral filigree. The men’s collection sports crisp tailored sherwanis with intricate beadwork, while the men’s kurtas are asymmetrical and highlighted with ornate beaded borders using silk threads. The collection also has an assortment of complementing accessories such as hand embroidered clutch bags, lace collars and cuffs,  envelope briefcases and pearl encrusted bow clips. Men’s coats are structured in rich wools to further enhance the shape of couture cuts and stark tailoring. Men’s shirts display beautiful hand embroidered beaded yokes while the scarves are equally rich, drawing attention to the use of accessories to dress up a simple look for an evening out.