Despite the all-too-British weather, the glamorous Kensington Roof Gardens, replete with flamingos, provided the perfect backdrop for a stunning Gala Night. It was a unique opportunity to experience the best in Syrian talent from the fields of food and fashion.
This prestigious black tie event was hosted by the British Syrian Society, in association with TTT Moneycorp Ltd., to mark its third anniversary. Guests of honour were Syrian Minister of Tourism, HE Saadalah Agha Ka’la, and the Rt Hon Michael Portillo, former cabinet minister and recent MP for Kensington and Chelsea.
Proceedings were launched in the gardens, followed by a fashion show featuring designs from Taline Temizian’s 'Collection ALPHA' and Haike Weber’s 'Anat Arab Heritage' collection.
Taline's designs harked back to the sophistication of 1920s Europe with tailored evening suits and eye-catching dresses, many of which were adorned with antique Syrian lace and embroidery. Modelled to music that evoked the time, guests were transported to the world of Gosford Park and Bright Young Things.
Haike's clothes, by contrast, are inspired by and incorporate traditional Syrian textile techniques. Dresses made from luxurious fabrics, in powerful colours, were topped with patchwork waistcoats, draped with embroidered shawls and accessorised with intricately designed textile handbags.
Guests were later addressed by the Syrian Ambassador to London, HE Dr. Sami Khiyami, and were then treated to a fascinating speech on the history of Syrian textiles by Chairman of the British Syrian Society, Dr. Fawaz Akhras. The Syrian Minister of Tourism, HE Saadalah Agha Ka’la gave a speech outlining the extensive features his country has to offer the visitor, sentiments which were echoed by the Rt Hon Michael Portillo in his amusing address. Executive Director of the British Syrian Society, Mr. Ghayth Armanazi, rounded off the series of talks.
All these, as well as an exciting raffle, took place during an exquisite dinner presented by The Syrian Academy of Gastronomy. Six resplendent courses sampling Syria’s abundant cuisine were painstakingly prepared by top chefs flown in from Aleppo. The range of delicacies included the flavours of spiced rice, tender ground meat, colourful vegetables and chewy nuts. A beautifully arranged plate of glaced fruits and intricate pastry baskets of honeyed nuts completed the memorable feast. |