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In a groundbreaking moment for the fashion world, Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi, the founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio, made his mark on the official Haute Couture calendar in Paris. He became the first designer from the Gulf region to join the ranks of esteemed couture designers featured at the event. The highly anticipated show, titled “The Essence,” took place at Paris’s opulent Théâtre du Chatelet, captivating the glittering crowd with its bold and poetic ode to dark romance, diversity, and sensuality tinged with danger.The inspiration behind Ashi’s latest collection came from German author Patrick Suskind’s iconic 1985 novel, “Perfume.” As the show notes revealed, the collection delved into themes of passion, obsession, and mystery, taking the audience on a mesmerizing journey through the designer’s creative vision. Structured creations in a monochromatic color palette of black, white, and neutrals dominated the runway, occasionally punctuated with dusty pink and dusk blue accents. The gowns featured unexpected cutouts and shaggy dystopian materials, lending an air of intrigue and edginess to the ethereal designs.Among the standout pieces was a breathtaking gown adorned with a dazzling necklace-style collar, from which silk rippled out behind the model, creating a captivating visual spectacle. A hot pink mohair-style gown made a striking appearance on the runway, while British Moroccan model Nora Attal and Danish model Mona Tougaard opened the show in all-black, futuristic ensembles, exuding confidence and sophistication.For Mohammed Ashi, the milestone of joining the Federation de la Haute Couture as a guest member marks the pinnacle of his illustrious 17-year career. He joins the esteemed ranks of couture icons from around the world and takes his place alongside other Middle Eastern designers, including Georges Hobeika, Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab from Lebanon, and Morocco-born Sara Chraïbi. The official calendar also features renowned luxury labels such as Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, and Rahul Mishra, among others.Beyond the runways of Paris, Ashi’s designs have graced the red carpets and stages, adorning A-list celebrities such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, Kylie Minogue, Penélope Cruz, Deepika Padukone, Sonam Kapoor, and Queen Rania of Jordan, among others. His creations have enchanted fashion enthusiasts worldwide, reflecting his deep-rooted pride in his Saudi heritage and the profound influence it exerts on his designs.In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Ashi expressed his immense gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to be part of the prestigious Haute Couture calendar. He paid tribute to the legendary couturiers who paved the way for him and vowed to honor the grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. Acknowledging the role of his dedicated atelier, he attributed the success to the exceptional talent and devotion of his team, who bring his visions to life.As Mohammed Ashi forges ahead on this new chapter of his career, he remains true to his roots and embraces his Saudi heritage as a wellspring of inspiration. His creative journey reflects a deep connection to his culture and a commitment to exploring its rich heritage through the lens of contemporary couture. The world eagerly awaits the next chapters of Ashi’s fashion odyssey, as he continues to push boundaries and showcase the allure of Gulf-inspired haute couture on the global stage.
