Beads and crystals at Amir Sali’s glittering homecoming show

Amir Sali’s homecoming fashion show at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel had no shortage of luster. The industry’s “prince of beads” proved his right to the title by showcasing a collection that exhibits beads, beadwork and even more beads.

On Monday, February 3, guests that comprised mostly of women in their prime and in power, also a majority of Muslim sisters, waited patiently for the start of the show, titled "SUG." It was an hour and a half delayed. While the invitation emphasized that the event was to start promptly at 7:30 p.m. it was not the case, and attendees were made to wait over cocktails and conversations.

Finally, after a brief introduction, models opened the show that blinded the audience.



Heavily beaded dresses came one after the other. The clothes had very simple silhouettes; it was their sparkle that took center stage. Swarovskis, monochromatic and multi-colored, round, edged, matte, polished, sequins—the clothes were adorned with them.

White long-sleeved body contour dresses were made attractive by their gold-encrusted cut-out details. Long gowns were generously embellished with beads. Men’s pants and jackets were bedecked as well. There were also a few wedding gowns in the collection, and needless to say they were as luminous as the rest.

The finale was a long, fully beaded silver dress that ended the 30-minute show brightly.

Amir Sali, a Filipino designer from Jolo, Sulu, worked for 17 years in Egypt and in Saudi Arabia, where among his loyal Middle Eastern clientele were the royal families and other Arabian elites.

Amir recently returned home to the Philippines and has set shop in Metro Manila. Here, he has been making clothes for local celebrities and other personalities and has been slowly gaining ground on bridal wear.

The audience gave mixed responses to the fashion show. Some lauded the over-the-top ensemble, while a few were overheard saying, “Kulang na lang sumuka ako ng glitter.” But  like they say, fashion, like art, is subject to personal interpretation.

Amir Sali’s collection may be summed up in three words borrowed from a famous Disney song: shining, shimmering, splendid. — BM, GMA News