Steven Khalil AW2019/20 Haute Couture Runway Collection features colourways of dove and pale pink, cornflower blues to deep jades and dramatic blacks rounding out the palette. This story explores the anatomy and fragility of flowers- their natural peculiarity and softness, while combining and expressing these notions with a mixture of strength and romanticism.
It was Steven’s intention to emulate and convey different flowers in varying stages of bloom- from tightly wrapped buds that hug and wrap the body to blossoms unfurling for a spring morning and fully fledged flowers triumphantly open and joyous.The woman envisioned to be drawn to and wear pieces from this collection is like so many of the women Steven loves to dress - strong, passionate and confident - but who also likes to express their femininity and understand the power of and look for a dramatic silhouette.
Steven has designed a collection rich with surface detailing and using exclusive embroidery techniques leading to the creation of the final pieces. Each piece is uniquely detailed in its construction while still feeling whole and being a part of the same story. Most of these hand finished and detailed gowns can take from 100-200 hours to design, construct and finish. This is part of the DNA of the brand. Every collection is different but still special.
Experimenting with layering and creating tufts of raffia that sit against a silver metallic base to amplify the sheen. Combining hand-cut powder pink silk georgette with a fine metallic thread for intricate vine like centres. Some also comprise small bursts of stamen flowers to enhance the original source of inspiration.
Densely embroidered pieces feature that are designed to have a foliage like formation that gradate into smaller individual clusters. Even more texture was explored through the selection of beading in metallic silver, jet black and gunmetal to increase lustre and shine. Deeper and more sumptuous silk velvet is used to enhance the combination of the matte/shine embroidery.
Steven grew up in the outer suburbs of Western Sydney and from a very young age was destined to be a designer. Ever since he was a little boy he was fascinated with fabrics and textures and prints-His mother bought him his first sewing machine at age 7. A seminal moment came for Steven when he was watching the wedding of Princess Diana and from that moment new he wanted to design beautiful gowns.
After completing fashion studies at 19, he began to gain recognition for the quality of his workmanship and eye for unique design. He rose rapidly through several bridal houses and was appointed Head Designer at just 22 years old. In 2003, he established his own fashion house in Paddington, Sydney.
Having a focus on bridal has always been at the core of the label but in recent years Steven has increased his scope from dressing celebrities on the red carpet to showing couture fashion focused collections on the runway. Combining classical elements of bygone eras with a contemporary edge. Designing, creating and producing the collections in-house and working with trusted fabric and embroidery companies to create the signature looks. The brand has shown three collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia in Sydney, Australia and two collections with Fashion Palette in New York.
The brand DNA although evolving with each collection has always stayed true- an approach that is tailored to each individual. This is characterised by closely working with each client to create a personalised couture experience and ultimately, their gown. This ethos now in turn filters down to the fashion collections - Steven wants to make a
woman feel strong, beautiful and feminine.
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