SimplyAbuDhabi XII

2 0 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I One of the most show-stealing gowns is a black evening number. High- necked and sleeveless, the chic black column dress has a tiered skirt and a regal, embellished metal belt that manages not to detract at all from the tailoring. A keyhole back dips generously low to reveal a seductive window of bare skin while the metal belt cinches the waist to add glamour and show off a tiny waistline. Thereafter layers of fabric cascade down to the floor beneath which heels can but peep. The collection is rigid in its palette: black, white and camel, with a devilish scarlet number livening up the ensemble. Some of the dresses are demure to the point of almost being bland, but others cut a dashing figure that are effortlessly envisaged in the cafes of France’s capital or slinking down the Champs Elysee. Alongside the razor tailoring comes a broad-ranging collection of accessories. Rolland’s signature symbolism is polished, clean metal- worked shapes to contrast with minimalist designs. This season he has worked an asymmetric shape into a running theme, forming buckles on crocodile skin handbags, the clasp of a clutch and the stone embellishment for an arm cuff and one of those waist-clamping metal belts. Each bag is entirely hand-made and infused with the same spirit of luxury evident in all his couture. Textured leather in white, bottle green and rich chestnut brown are intermingled with highly polished metallics and deeply grained wood. For evening, customers can don instead a heavily jewel-encrusted cuff to bring a ‘je ne sais quoi’ to any outfit. Or add a positively sculptural element to any outfit with one of Rolland’s Art Nouveau rings. The collection is designed to bring to the customer “exclusivity and rarity”. You can add desirability to that list.