World's first sundeck catwalk: J Winter Fashion Show on Costa Atlantica
Famously known for turning England’s iconic London Tower Bridge and the world’s highest PETRONAS Twin Towers’ Skybridge into a phenomenal catwalk, J Model Management made history again on 17 January 2013 with the first ever fashion show on the sundeck of an international cruise ship. The highly anticipated J Winter Fashion Show, which took place on the luxurious Costa Atlantica, showcased an exquisite combination of haute couture, bridal, swimwear, and high end ready wear collections from the UAE, Portugal, Lebanon, Russia, Italy, Hong Kong, Greece, and Vietnam. With the grand catwalk staged on the 70 metre sundeck overlooking Dubai’s skyline, the event redefined modern fashion show standards.
Opening the show in a breath-taking Oscar De La Renta long trail wedding dress, Jessica Minh Anh appeared as a stunning representative of the multi-talented new generation who makes their fairy tale a reality. She was followed by other fashion models in elegant and romantic designs from world’ famous brand Marchesa, Hong Kong power house Lusan Mandongus, Greek talent Christos, and Lebanese celebrity designer Aiisha Ramadan, which can be found at high end Frost Boutique.
In contrary with the angelic looks of modern brides, the second collection by Russian award winning designer Polina Raudson, conveyed strong emotion and harmony with all-black retro dresses. Using an unusual combination of natural fabrics such as silk, chiffon, cotton, and denim, and materials such as plastic, glass, and metal, Polina’s collection strengthened the concept of future and space.
Perfectly suited for the lengthy sundeck, the next collection from global swimwear leader Gottex made a bold fashion statement by incorporating colours, shapes, prints and details into two opposing extremes. The daring side presented strong colours such as cadmium reds, royal blue, torques, purples, and canary yellow, while the more feminine side used softer hues and prints, twisted and drapery shapes, Swarovski stones, and graphite jewels woven through fine lycra. The swimsuits were accompanied by colourful, crystal studded, and ultra-light anti-flat flip-flops from UAE’s very own footwear brand FLOPEDS, which married fashion and comfort together.
Adding sophistication to the grand catwalk, the next collection was a dreamy bridal series from Portuguese famous designers Joana Montez and Patrícia de Melo. Using light fabrics such as tulle, muslin and silk organza in the form of overlays, transparencies and frills, the 15 dresses moved away from traditional styles to show more distinguished cuts.
Showcasing the unique taste of a modern Middle East, Slouchy’Z transformed traditional abayas into stylish loose-fitting pieces with a special mixture of color, flow of textile and delicacy of cuts on the grand catwalk.
Closing the show with elegance and class, Vietnamese celebrity designer Hoang Hai brought couture to the next level with richly embellished floor-length pieces. The finale ivory lace dress worn by Jessica, which was a design masterpiece, used gemstones, layered lace, and delicate floral elements to accentuate timeless beauty.
The show was followed by a VIP Networking Party at the famous café Florian on board, where fine Italian drinks and canapés were served. Exclusive guests, such as countries’ ambassadors, luxury brand managers, retail group directors, and famous international designers, experienced world class hospitality from J Model Management and Costa Cruises.
The show was covered by CNN, CNBC, Forbes Middle East, The National, Dubai TV, Sama TV, Rotana TV, Abu Dhabi TV, Fashion One TV, and OK! Middle East among many others. Official partners included Costa Cruises, Sephora Middle East, Damas Jewellery, Al Qudra Sports Management, Fonoon, Pastels Salon, Dusit Thani Dubai, Marine Biz TV, Cocoona, Asiatic Printing Press, Cosmopolitan Hotel, OK! Middle East, Eve Arabia, and M Print House. Talking about the collaboration, Dr. Sanjay Parashar, Founder of Cocoona said: “Cosmetic surgery and beauty are inextricably bound; they are family. And when you have an event that tributes beauty, promises to go above and beyond the boundaries of fashion and aims to blend extraordinary beauty and sophisticated art, you know you have a groundbreaking experience. This is why we are so unbelievably privileged to be a partner of the J Winter Fashion Show - it promises to make beauty history”.
With this addition to their excellent track record of continuous history making showcases, J Model Management has become the most desirable fashion show organiser worldwide. The company is set to expand their seasonal catwalks this year to other major cities including Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, and New York.
