Ong Chin Huat views Alia Bastamam’s Resort 20/21 collection online in Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week’s digital edition.

For now, any thoughts of flying off to a remote island to get away from it all seems an impossibility. Images of white sand, blue skies and breaking waves remain just that – an illusory image in your mind. But just because you are in a lockdown mode, doesn’t mean you can’t amp-up the glamour quotient and play out your island girl paradise fantasy.

Ethereal, sensual land floaty, Alia Bastamam’s new Resort 20/21 collection is aptly named Horizons, a subliminal message to fashionistas out there to raise their head a little and look father a field at the bigger picture and all the good that is to come. The collection echoes the beauty of nature which is all around us, with the infinite sky, sea horizons and dazzling sunsets creating the colour palette for her clothes.

Perfect for at-home dinner parties and poolside cocktails, you don’t need to be in Bali or Santorini to wear these stunning dresses. “I made sure my designs were light and free – easy, effortless looks with max impact. Everything flows comfortably without constricting silhouettes,” Alia says.

She walks her talk with style. Flowing chiffon in ombré tropical colours such as azure, sky blue, cream, nude, orange and coral makes this resort collection as colourful as the multi-hued sunsets on a tropical island while the revival of some of Alia’s signature designs like the tail kaftan and billowing butterfly dress will surely garner back her followers.

Feminine ruffles are given life with the gust of sea breeze while pleats are inspired by the hand fan and beach parasol.

All this escapism is, however, not lost on the designer. Just like her creations, Alia remains optimistic and pragmatic. “When things get better, we can finally escape. But for now, I want this collection to reflect freedom, life and love – just like the sunsets we fall for.”

The Alia Bastamam Resort 20/21 Collection is available exclusively on www.aliabastamam.com.

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