Hotel de la Paix, Siem Reap Presents Haute Couture Fashion Designs

Raisina, who recently opened the first Cambodia Fashion Week in 2011, will feature his latest collection at Hôtel de la Paix's stylish Arts Lounge, showcasing 15 extraordinary silhouettes of cocktail dresses and evening dresses. The Paris-trained designer, who has previously worked for Christian Lacroix and Yves Saint Laurent has been featured internationally with shows in New York, London, Paris and Manila. For this collection, Raisina has selected a range of dresses inspired by his roots in Madagascar, mixed with Asian and Parisian influences. The collection features weaving, handmade dyes, magical crochet and embroideries made out of silk and raffia, the national fiber of Madagascar, while couture evening dresses are detailed with delicate silk fabrics, handmade at his workshop.

Presented by both local and international models, every model will have only one look and individually styled with extravagant makeup and hairstyles. Models will appear from center stage amongst a boudoir display of selected furniture and home décor, designed especially for the occasion. The center stage will be the first spotlight to start the event and will be followed by a succession of surprises, including performances from apsara dancers trained by the Nginn Karet Foundation based in Banteay Srey. The show will conclude with a magnificent ‘bouquet finale', an accumulation of Raisina's magnificent use of color and texture.

Remarking on his inspiration behind the show, Eric Rasina said, “The capsule collection is a real homage of my 10 years of inspiration in Siem Reap, Cambodia where I have discovered not only the beauty of the temples but also the beauty of the people who make the culture here amazing. I always feel great in Siem Reap and it is incredible being able to create fashion here and to show it to the rest of the world.”

Dresses, accessories and unique pieces of textile will continue to be displayed in the Arts Lounge in white and transparent boxes around the central stage. Special photos of Raisina's textiles, captured by fashion photographers Rafael Winer and Onin Lorente, will be displayed in the entrance and near the bar area with a projection of selected photos of textiles in the entrance hall.

Hotel Profile, more photos: Hotel De La Paix