Fashion Revolution

AFTER the political turmoil that Tunisia has endured over the previous few months, mulberry bag the third annual Tunisian Fashion Week was an event that was far from the locals' minds. Despite the trouble, a few selected designers opted to showcase their collections in the name of revolution.
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The event, which almost didn't happen, was saved by the good will of a few creatives who were able to change the organiser's opinion. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the four day fashion marathon was finally held at the Acropolium of Carthage; a cultural space and former cathedral that overlooks the city, providing breath-taking scenery for the event. Although models were walking on the catwalk while military forces where still in the streets of Tunis, the designers were not to be put off.
On the contrary, some of the shows such as Nuclear Bomb by Ahmed Talfit were highly praised by a cheering public. His black multi-layered evening gowns, and deconstructed tulle hats resembled the shape of a mushroom cloud, mulberry handbag making a bold political statement which also referenced the recent disaster in Japan.
The young Moroccan and Berlin-based designer Amine Bendriouich expressed his solidarity with his fellow Tunisian designers by reinterpreting religious costumes. Bendriouich's take on the controversial Burqa was converted into menswear. The extremely high turtleneck sweaters suggested the veil, whilst traditional harem pants were created from tailored jackets with deconstructed shoulder-pads adding a spark of modernity to the garment. No need to say that Bendriouich intended to shock the more conservative minds amongst the public.
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The highly anticipated Salah Barka is to Tunis what Bernhard Willhelm is to Paris: a strong-minded designer who cheerfully plays with urban dress codes, by adding a dreamy touch to his garments. Flashy colours, a hint of pop-culture and cheeky prints built the main tone of his collection.
Sleem Fekih stuck to a more romantic view of the Tunisian revolution, firstly by sending out glamorous glittery, silky evening gowns in gold, then chiffon dresses of rosy shades suggesting a positive future for Tunisia. Like the designer said himself: "Tunisia is pretty in pink". A similar though more straightforward statement was brought forward by jewellery designer Sondes Ben Moussa Mahjoub, who used the Tunisian flag to customise accessories. One thing is more than obvious, the creatives of Tunisia are definitely proud of their revolution.