Iconic images, many of which are to be seen in Dubai for the first time, are paired with the remarkable story of Parveen Shaath, a true fashionista avant la lettre from Saudi Arabia. Miss Shaath dedicated her life to the very subject of these photographs, haute couture dresses, collecting the best specimens for the inner circles of Saudi society. A number of these dresses, by fashion houses of note, such as Belville Sassoon, Victoria Royal, and vintage labels like Paul Louis Orrier and Nettie Vogues will be on display in the gallery.

The result is a museum quality exhibition offering a rare opportunity in the Gulf region to experience the magical power of fashion. In keeping with the gallery’s mission of exploring the photographic dimensions of the Arab world, many of the works have been selected with an eye on the locations where they were shot, such as Lebanon, Morocco or Egypt. Whether born from old-fashioned orientalism or serious engagement with the Arab culture, the world of fashion has a long history of using style elements associated with the Middle East. More than just visual associations, haute couture had and still has a notable clientele from the region, going back to the 1950’s, as the story of Parveen Shaath testifies. Parveen Shaath spent the better part of her life with an undying devotion to all things fashion. Long before ‘fashion week’ became the cultural cornerstone of the fashion industry, she made the twice-yearly trek to Europe to handpick each and every piece that she sold, laboring over the details, the cuts, the sizes and the colors she chose to stock her boutique. In the process, she found herself swept away by the whispered secrets that hide between the folds of floating chiffon, the regal posture that certain types of taffeta demand and the incredible power that clothes can wield. Like all fashion visionaries, Parveen Shaath knew the power that clothes carry, and her efforts at preserving a part of fashion history are finally reaping the fruits of her labor.

The photographers brought together in this exhibition are all internationally acclaimed for their lasting contribution to fashion photography, as well as to the history of 20th century photography. Fashion, for them, has become the story of their lifetime.

Exhibition dates: September 14 - October 17, 2010 Vernissage: Tuesday, September 14, 7-10 pm