Just picked up my copy of this month's issue of UNFAIR magazine and it is PURE GOLD! The editorials were to die for, the fashion was insane and I'm finally seeing an amazing representation of Middle Eastern fashion and fashion icons. The cover features an amazing bolero top from Qasimi whose work also is featured in a great spread inside the magazine. Please go out and get this magazine. If you're interested in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern fashion scene THIS IS FOR YOU!
The Emirates have yet another designer to be proud of. UAE native Naz Cannon is new to the design game but his eye for fashion is well seasoned. In his menswear collection, he focuses on tops that are trendy and modern, using great fabrics and innovative draping. It's so hard to find a lot of creativity in menswear but Cannon's designs make up for that lack. Check out his website here.
I was mesmerized by Elie Saab's Spring 2010 Haute Couture Collection. He chose smart, washed out pastels and steered away from his usually bold makeup choices and tedious updos, making the whole collection a little more simple than usual. The details of each piece were impeccable right from the petal coated short dresses to the trailing gowns. The atmosphere of the show evoked a more modern, young feel which ran in sync with what other designers were showing. The collection had 44 pieces in total with only about 4 different templates but Saab made sure that each dress had a life and purpose of its own. The use of lace in some of the pieces touched on the lingerie fad that was so popular last season. The drapery was to die for as was expected and I was really impressed by the variety of necklines shown as well.
I saw this shirt and I HAD to take a picture. It's light and perfect for spring and summer and the design detail is amazing. Her great attitude and simple accessories show it off to it's best potential.
This Tuesday, the French invaded Lebanon again and they left no man standing sober on the streets of Gemmayze. I've never seen Gemmayze so packed and I certainly had my wine and cheese worth of a good time. Merci France! Here are some party photos:
The fashionable abaya? The concept is not new in the Gulf region where women run to buy the latest, most elaborate, and most expensive abayas they can afford. But two sisters are changing the game a little bit and are making abayas with a more Western touch to them. Reem and Hind Beljafla (pictured above), the founders of fashion label DAS Collecion are Emirati nationals with a flare for fashion. After Reem set out to make her own abayas for her and her sister to wear, people took a keen interest in her designs and she quickly realized that she could make her own business out of it. She was joined by her younger sister Hind and together they make abayas that adhere to the regulations of the traditional black garment but add a much more modern touch to them. Their inspiration comes from the time they spent between London and Dubai and also fashion shows in Milan and Paris. Their newest Autumn/Winter 09 collection shows off their talent very well, incorporating exquisite draping, great use of bold colors, and the most stunning fabrics. Hopefully their line will bring the abaya into the Western world so people worldwide can appreciate it.
