Tara Babylon: Redefining Evening Wear with Avant-Garde Aesthetic
British-Iraqi designer Tara Babylon, founder of her eponymous fashion label, is revolutionizing evening wear with her avant-garde aesthetic, drawing inspiration from her rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. As a finalist for the Fashion Trust Arabia Award in the evening wear category, her designs are a contemporary interpretation of the ancient city of Babylon.
“I’m very drawn to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The fact that it could have been the eighth Wonder of the World is something I take and run with. It’s like this wondrous, magical utopian place,” Babylon said in an interview with Arab News.
Launched in Sept. 2019, her brand fuses vibrant textures, bold colors, and innovative materials. Case in point: her colorful plaid made from elastic weaves, a linen blend dress with hand-woven cuffs, and a hand-made cotton scarf featuring oversized sculptural roses.
Babylon’s unconventional approach to fashion sees her taking common elements such as safety pins and elastic weaves and elevating them to couture status.
“I love the challenge of starting with something simple and transforming it into something luxurious,” she explained.