Beauty and Fashion Dubai

Jelena Jakovljevic Bin Drai unveiled her much-anticipated Autumn/Winter 2016/17 ready-to-wear collection to a capacity crowd at Fashion Forward Dubai (FFWD),under the label JELENA BIN DRAI.

Set within the newly formed fashion tents at Hai d3 in Dubai Design District (d3), the designer showed her 37-piece contemporary yet classic collection to a VIP crowd, including front row favourites Rosemin Manji and Ana Divac.

Inspired by the designer’s love of London, during the early onset of winter, the collection features the most coveted of monochromatic colours as a base – stark black and ice white – with flares of the city’s statement bold red scattered throughout.

Reminiscent of the vast open plains of Hyde Park on a crisp November afternoon, full-bodied dresses covered in laser-cut leaves, pay homage to the fallen foliage as autumn’s last leaf cascades down. Long-line box and kimono jackets keep the chill at bay while circular skirts in double georgette catch flight in the heightened breeze.

As evening falls, so does winter’s first snowflake, captured with woven crystal detailing on softly tailored jackets. Delicate lace with reflective embroidered detailing mirrors the melting snow glistening under the park lights. Taking influence from London’s famous double decker busses, postboxes and traditional – but largely extinct – phone boxes, bold red offers a strong and imposing dash of colour.

A master of creating chic ensembles that flow effortlessly from day-to-evening, Jelena Jakovljevic Bin Drai cleverly combines conservative skirts with sheer – yet elegant – tops with dramatic effect. Round necklines and high backs are apparent throughout the ultra feminine collection, as are slim bow belts and bell-sleeve detailing.

JELENA BIN DRAI ready-to-wear is available from the designer’s atelier in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai plus House of Fraser, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi. Please call +971 (0)56 113 0397 for further details.

(Featured Image by Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)