MBFWA 2017: Steven Khalil
Steven Khalil presented what can only be described as a truly spectacular Resort 2018 collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia.
Never one to shy away from bold colours, adventurous shapes and show-stopping amounts of glam, Steven Khalil delivered once again this year, all set underneath a magnificent set of chandeliers in the Elston Room at Carriageworks.
Among the designs showcased were sophisticated 50s inspired designs, extravagant bows, plunging necklines, thigh-high splits and bejewelled bodices. His 25-piece collection included a diverse array of styles and colour palettes, ranging from deep purple to metallic gold and silver. Standout features included intriguing shoulder detailing and daring colour combinations.
The grand finale gown offered up the most expensive item shown at fashion week this year; a magnificent wedding gown worth $100,000 featuring a stunning train and veil.
“We are dealing with big bucks for this wedding gown,” explained Steven. “The concept of the beading on the gown took a few months. We did a few trials, then we started construction.”
“All the beading is by hand, and we also hand ruffled the gown with tulle and organza.”
The gown was created by 3-4 seamstresses and in excess of eight months of planning and took more than 300 hours to create. It was fashioned with Steven’s Middle Eastern market in mind, offering a sophisticated and dreamy gown for brides.
“The beading is so intricate, and placed so that the beads pick up the light,” explains Steven. “The cost of the dress is a combination of beading, labour and fabrication … but for this price we generally get most of our enquiries from the Middle East where they are willing to pay that money for a wedding dress.”
Scroll down to view the collection.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model rehearses ahead of the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MAY 15: A model walks the runway during the Steven Khalil show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Resort 18 Collections at Elston Room on May 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
Words: Alexandra Longstaff