Fashion Forward at Fairmont Pacific Rim

Situated along our marble lobby, stands three glass vitrines showcasing vintage couture dresses, acquired by our owner and developer, Westbank, which rotate seasonally. The vitrines have recently changed and now feature a collection from Thea Porter, a British artist, fashion designer and retailer who in the 1960’s brought opulent Middle Easter fashions to London, England.

September 2nd, 2018

If you love couture fashion, unique cocktails, and live music, grab your friends and join us in The Lobby Lounge for our new Fashion Takes Flight cocktail experience. Our award-winning bartending team has created a cocktail trio inspired by the Thea Porter couture dress collection.

Thea Porter, Haute Couture Abaya
London 1967-1975

One of Thea Porter’s most devoted clients Elizabeth Taylor commissioned couture Abaya from Porter for both her personal and professional life. This Abaya was worn for Taylor’s 1975 film The Bluebird. Made in very small numbers, it is incredibly rare to discover this identical Abaya. Constructed in pale grey silk chiffon, entirely transparent, it is both woven and embroidered with gold thread and gold braid.

Thea Porter, Haute Couture Abaya
London 1967-1975

Constructed in gold, grey and pink silk and silk chiffon, this Porter Couture Abaya is trimmed in sage green silk and hand-embroidered with gold sequins upon emerald green silk. Perfectly balancing sheer and solid panels of fabric with changes in texture and light refraction, Porter’s Couture represents the fusion of Western ideals and Eastern design.

Thea Porter, Haute Couture Abaya
London 1967-1975

Porter’s work was photographed for American Vogue, French Vogue, British Vogue and L’Officiel and shot by Parkinson, Avedon and Bailey throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s. Constructed in Diaphanous and transparent black silk, this Porter Couture Abaya is fully hand-embroidered in gold wire and silk thread and inset with panels of loomed and hand-woven Jerusalem silk.