Lebanese designer's 'Great War' inspiration

Designs by Dima Kassis New-York born Dima Kassis has launched her Fall-Winter 2012/2013 Collection entitled, Wartime Romance. “The Great War was the starting inspiration for the collection”, explains designer Dima Kassis. “I love that as men went to fight, women took on these jobs formerly filled by their men – and with it a change to more utilitarian fashion - simpler and straighter lines. The main element that I related to was the romance in the war, where writing letters was the only way to stay in touch. The collection draws on this romance and the seriousness of wartime – a collection of femininity and practicality”.
Lebanese designer Dima Kassis places an emphasis on cuts and designs meant to flatter the proportions of the body. A palette of sober and muted tones reflective of the era is used for the jackets and dresses – military greens, wine reds, and a lot of black. Lace is introduced in the form of a delicate short-sleeved shirt contrasted with sharper tailored wool jackets is her nod to this romance infused yet war stricken era. A navy crepe structured cut out dress with strong shoulders sums up the woman she is designing for – a very strong and confident one.
“I wanted to design a collection for this woman waiting for the return of her loved one and the anticipation to please and dress beautifully for him” she adds.