MAISON de URBANA – A COLLECTION OF CULTURE
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
With Fashion Week comes blossoming talent to make the event even more unforgettable and a chance to open new and exciting doors. This season, Urbana Chappa, a spirited young designer based on the west coast of the United States in California, brought her inspirational collection to the runway of New York City to the Metropolitan Pavilion on Thursday, February 7, 2013.
The collection is designed from the heart which makes it even more special and greatly desirable by women across the globe. Chappa never met her Middle Eastern father and in putting this collection together, she is exploring her vastly diverse culture. Her ethnic background is a combination of Persian, black and Spanish parentage. She is fascinated by the ‘burka’ calling it uniquely the ‘burkana’. It takes six months to bring a collection to fruition on the runway and it takes a great deal of teamwork to make it successful. The collection is ‘Maison de Urbana’.
The ‘burka’ signifies quite a bit for this dedicated designer who is beautiful both inside and out. Women in the Middle East do not have a voice and that is why Chappa is so passionate about this collection. To take a different spin on the concept, she believes in empowerment for women and this is a powerful way to convey through clothing but also a way to look into a woman’s eyes to see how much expression comes forth.
Chappa began her career as a celebrity stylist working with clients who had special needs. This inspired Chappa to want to create her own clothing line that would make not only these types of women feel beautiful and comfortable but every type of woman. Perhaps that is why she has been approached by fans of the collection giving her praise and thanking her for making fashionable clothing if they are a cancer patient or if they hail from the Middle East and want to be heard and keep their tradition alive in their clothing. In Urbana’s belief, there is no single trend that takes precedence. Every woman should continue to dress as they feel comfortable and sets them apart from the rest. Chappa is continually inspired by the styles of the women on the street, real women whose movement of their jacket can set off a wave of creativity.
Favorite designers that have created her love of the design industry are Alberta Ferretti who knows what a woman wants and does so much with silk, lace and satin. Through her delicate vision, a beautiful woman is born. Elie Saab takes a close second with stunning creations with widely feminine appeal.
Urbana would love to visit Paris, a fashion capital of much meaning. In Paris, the ‘burka’ is banned and Urbana would love to be able to introduce her ‘burkana’ in a different light. She would love to visit Tokyo as well and take on fashion in that famous city of diversified styles.
The collection was filled with bright colors symbolizing life in its glory. We saw sequins, rich fabrics, intricate beadwork and lace (a favorite of Urbana Chappa), form-fitting silhouettes and free-flowing gowns. Floral patterns on silk seemed to be uplifting to the soul.
Whatever your mission of the day may be, professional or play, evening glam or romantic dinner for two, this latest collection has something for every type of mood and personality. It is versatile symbolizing a woman’s strength and fortitude, a tribute to life and expression.
Urbana Chappa has first-hand advice for not only aspiring designers but you could also apply it to any career you are looking to pursue or any dream that you want to fulfill. Work very hard and believe in yourself. Success doesn’t just happen overnight, you have to work diligently to achieve it and patience plays a strong role. With the support of your family and friends, you can realize your dreams in magnificent ways. In the fashion business, you have to develop a tough skin and roll with the punches.
So what is next now that ‘Maison de Urbana’ has been unveiled? Urbana is busy at work. She is off to LA Fashion Week and from there will be the birth of a new collection of gowns with intricate handcrafted beading and lace and all the beauty that couture gowns have to offer. Having two adorable children of her own, Chappa is setting her sights on designing a children’s line in the future as well.
Urbana Chappa has told a powerful story through her clothing and given us a magical collection. She is a shining force in a sea of fashion. We look forward to following Urbana on her journey to the top.
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