As I stood amidst the dimly lit hall, the anticipation hung in the air like a veil of mystery, and the House of Parishae Couture Fall/Winter 2023 show unfolded before my eyes, revealing a narrative that delved deep into the recesses of the human experience.
The collection, aptly titled “Zer: Beneath the Surface,” wove a tale of confronting the aftermath of unrelenting victimhood that subtly infiltrates our daily lives. From the shadows of plague and wars to the allure of sensuality and money, the cyclical nature of existence unfolded before us, touching on both the spoken and unspoken aspects that reside in the corners of our minds like dissonant whispers.
The journey commenced with the enigmatic presence of a fortune teller, embodying the harbinger of fate. From this point, the narrative unfolded, tracing the trajectory of man from strength to breakdown and back again. It explored the echoes of nostalgia, the yearning to revisit the past, and the persistent inability to shake those haunting memories—an ultimate human pursuit to be recognized and understood amidst the dissonance of our collective trauma.
In a display of artistic brilliance, the bespoke, upcycled collection, named “Zer,” meaning under the surface, showcased one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from repurposed vintage materials. These garments bore the regal grandeur and timelessness of their former selves, seamlessly blended with the charismatic personality of the redesigned silhouettes.
The soundscape, meticulously curated by Mustafa Shiekh (Mufay), added another layer of depth to the experience. Drawing inspiration from old-school horror movie scores, such as those from "Psycho" and "The Shining," the aim was to evoke feelings of fear and discomfort. It served as a poignant reminder that, at times, we cannot escape the harsh reality of our existence, no matter how much we yearn to.
The silhouettes drew inspiration from gothic architecture, a visual representation of a bygone era. The pointed arch, a definitive feature of this architectural style, manifested in textured, embossed embroideries and certain silhouettes. The fall-winter colors mirrored the stages of alchemy: black, white, golds, and reds, painting a canvas that resonated with the complexity of the human experience.
As the models gracefully glided down the runway, adorned in these symbolic creations, the audience was not merely witnessing a fashion show but rather immersed in a narrative that explored the depths of the human psyche. The House of Parishae Couture had once again transcended the realm of fashion, creating an experience that resonated on a profound and visceral level.
