WATCH: Layla Kardan performs live at Arwa Al Banawi’s FFWD show

Messages of female empowerment and feminist slogans typified the collection by designer Arwa Al Banawi at Fashion Forward Season 9. Courtesy Fashion Forward

Layla Kardan

Layla Kardan
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The female empowerment theme reigned supreme at Saudi designer Arwa Al Banawi’s presentation at Fashion Forward this season.

Dubai-based jazz and soul singer Layla Kardan set the tone for the show with a live performance of a song called A Suitable Woman reflecting phrases printed on t-shirts worn by Al Banawi's models.

Red was a dominant colour appearing on gently-tailored jackets, three-quarter length coats and asymmetric tunics. White and blue played into the capsule collection as did gold brocade in the form of boxy 1980’s blazers.

Known for her passion for storytelling through clothes, Al Banawi began her career as a lifestyle blogger in Saudi Arabia before moving to Dubai four years ago. After a brief flit in banking she studied design in association with London College of Fashion. She went on to debut her collection of ready-to-wear suits and signature shirts in 2015 and her pieces can be found at s*uce boutique within Dubai Mall.

Discover more about Arwa Al Banawi and find her complete collections here.