How to do spring summer 18 according to Saudi fashion designer Arwa Al Banawi
Known for her sharp tailoring skills and quirky prints, Arwa Al Banawi - whose clothes have adorned the likes of Elisa Sednaoui, Natasha Poly and Catt Sadler - is the regional go-to girl for those seeking bold, statement pieces. Although famous for her loud designs, it's her statement style that turns heads in her home-base of Dubai; Banawi can easily be spotted in her famed uniform of latex leggings and oversized blazer. So with spring already in full throttle, we thought who better to guide us through the SS18 trends than the trendsetter herself. Here Banawi breaks down the season must-haves, her feelings on Dad sneakers and what piece she'll be carrying over from last year.
ON THE SS18 TRENDS SHE'S MOST EXCITED ABOUT: Leopard is in this season as well as topaz and sequins. The 80s disco trend is my favourite though. It was inspired by powerful women from the era, like Grace Jones and Blondie. So you'll find there’s a lot of masculine silhouettes, latex leggings and oversized blazers with shoulder pads. I have many of those pieces already.
ON THE ONES SHE WILL BE WEARING: I’ve been wearing my leopard dress and black bomber jacket with shoulder pads almost all the time. They’re very easy to dress up and down for day and night.
ON THE ONES THAT WON'T MAKE IT INTO HER CLOSET:
I still can’t find myself wearing a bra top without a blazer - I can’t do it.
ON HER GO-TO COLOURS FOR THE NEW SEASON:
Animal prints, topaz, silver sequins, metallic gold and orange.
ON HER GO-TO UNIFORM: My go-to uniform is usually a white t-shirt, latex leggings, and an oversized blazer.
ON HER STREET STYLE CRUSH OF THE MOMENT: Deena Al Juhani Abdulaziz is always my style crush - whether she goes elegant or simply does streetwear, she always pulls it off.
ON DAD SNEAKERS AND FANNY PACKS: I'm into Dad sneakers if they're Yeezy ones, then they're definitely a yes. I also have a Miu Miu belt bag that I love. It’s blue and navy.
ON THE PIECE SHE WILL BE CARRYING OVER FROM LAST SEASON:
The Hayataha red coat; I wear it all the time!
