Fahionistas and special invitees in Jeddah last week got to see a rare display of how dazzling a Tunisian bride can be in her dream day. The exquisite fashion collection presented at the Tunisian Bride Show in Al-Hamra Sofitel on May 29 was by none other than Narjes Derouiche who is rated as one of the most successful fashion designers in her country. Invited by the Tunisian Consulate in Jeddah to host the show, the first on such a grand scale in Jeddah, Derouiche presented an alluring and thought provoking collection of both bridal wear and other ceremonies, such as the Tunisian Gomra and for henna parties. Blending the traditional and contemporary, Derouiche brought to the ramp her masterpieces, each one meticulously nurtured: Derouiche considers her designs as babies that pass through many stages of life till they attain the level of a masterpiece and are ready to be worn. “Very adorable, glamorous!” gushed Rahma Al-Ghamdi, a Saudi visitor. “I loved her collection – full of fusion!" Mauritanians, Moroccans, Jordanians and other Saudis invitees to the show were no less impressed by the all-Arab appeal of Derouiche's work. There was the traditional kaftan, a long shirt and a skirt that Derouiche embroidered with golden and silver threads. For the hood, (Bornos) which covers the head, she used silk or chiffon. Also presented was the Sefsari (the Tunisian Abaya), which is off-white and covers the whole body. Other dresses had deft touches of Tunisian architecture engraved in them, presenting Berber, Ottoman and Andalusian heritage. “It's very important to conceal a women body while enhancing her beauty and making her feel comfortable,” said Derouiche, clearly not one to go against the grain with her penchant for fusion. "It's necessary to preserve our cultural heritage by emphasizing on traditional Tunisian dresses whose history goes back to the 17th century," said Derouiche. It was this shared value for heritage that prompted the Tunisian Consulate to organize the show. “The dress,” says Derouiche, “portrays a charming dialogue between herself (the wearer) and the outside world." Esmond and Azzaro Derouiche's creations have adorned celebrities, including models like Reem Sa`eedi, Abeer Bannane and Fatima Boshiba who have worked with the renowned Lebanese couturier Elli Saab. Derouiche, who has 10 years' experience, studied design for three years at the world-renowned fashion university Esmod in France. She was a student of Loris Azzaro (February 9, 1933 - November 20, 2003), the French fashion designer who was born in Tunisia and came to Paris to set up his line in 1962. The fashion industry, Derouiche said, is very much supported by the Tunisian government; in fact traditional and fashionable dresses are showcased on Tunisia's national day (March 16) and broadcast on TV. Derouiche dresses range in price from SR1,000 to $4000 (SR3,750 to SR15,000), depending on the design and embroidery work. True design, according to Derouiche, is unique for each and every person. "While designing it is necessary to make the client comfortable by giving her dresses that suit her personality," she said. Last week's show in Jeddah was not Derouiche's first in the city; she had participated as a volunteer presenting Tunisian clothes in several private and public charity events in Jeddah for the past 20 years. __
