Centered on the concept of trauma, Hussein Bazaza’s SS21 collection captures the raw and chaotic range of emotions that were endured after the devastating explosion in Beirut on August 4. One of the many creatives affected by the tragedy, the Lebanese designer’s atelier was destroyed in the blast, but the mental impact of the event was far greater. “SS21 aims to represent what every Lebanese person is unfortunately going through,” read a statement from the brand. “Jumping from fear, panic, anxiety, hate, love, happiness, loss, confusion, denial and so many other mixed feelings.”
Presented during Milan Fashion Week, the heartfelt spring/summer 2021 collection was unveiled via a poignant, yet powerful film directed by Samir Siryani. Titled NH4NO3, the fashion film conveys the story of Zeina; a young woman who becomes disorientated when asked to express herself. Jolting between scenes, the film evokes the sequence of crippling emotions connected to trauma, while offering a glimpse of the SS21 collection.
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Inspired by designer’s contrasting feelings, the line reveals romantic skirts juxtaposed with masculine jackets; modern geometric lines worn alongside classic lace; soft pastels paired with dark maroon, black, navy and burnt orange; and airy, ethereal silhouettes mixed with grunge aesthetics. Brimming with an array of paper-light pieces perfect for a warm summer, the collection also includes unexpected outerwear which is used as a protective shield. To emphasis the emotion embedded within the collection, Hussein Bazaza has also hand painted emotive illustrations directly on toile. Raw and deeply profound, Bazaza’s SS21 line celebrates the resilience of the Lebanon — and turns crisis into creative expression.
