DARMAKI: The Middle East's Own Luxury Footwear Brand

The Middle East has yet another gem to add to its crown, it's very own homegrown luxury footwear designer! UK- based Sultan Al Darmaki, the Emirati designer behind the luxury footwear couturier, DARMAKI, combines cultural and artistic influences to create one of a kind designs. DARMAKI incorporates culture, high-end materials, superior Italian manufacturing, and attention to detail to create luxury footwear that makes the line a unique and viable contender in the international designer footwear market.

Sultan Al Darmaki follows the philosophy of Andre Perugia in believing that a woman's personality is revealed in her shoes. That being said, the ideal DARMAKI woman is elegant, sophisticated, and not afraid to experiment with her style. Each shoe in the collection exudes its own character that caters to a different type of woman. DARMAKI also expresses the creativity of the designer who uses different motifs, including Arabesque, while not sacrificing the femininity and sexiness of the shoes. To find out more about DARMAKI's A/W 2011 collection, check out the site here. 

In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:

NazCannon: Emirati Style Avant-Garde

 While in Dubai this past month I got the chance to take a look at the Spring/Summer 2011 collection of Emirati designer Nasser Mohammed Al Midfa, the driving force behind the menswear label NazCannon. I was simply blown away by the edginess of the pieces in the collection. It is not everyday that you see edgy and avant-garde fashion coming out of the label obsessed Emirates, but NazCannon breaks the mold by breathing fresh air into not only the Emirati menswear fashion scene, but also the international menswear fashion scene. His use of a range of silhouettes and dramatic draping techniques goes against the grain of many menswear designers who choose a more tailored and staid look for their collections. NazCannon's look is part punk, part chic, part rock n roll, and all original. I especially like the androgynous nature of many of the pieces as they would look equally as sexy on a girl as on a boy. If you want to check out all of NazCannon's looks, head to the boutique Bullets & Butterflies at the Mercato Mall in Dubai where his collection is sold exclusively. In the meantime, check out some of my favorites from his SS '11 Lookbook!!

Reemami S/S 2011: Color At the Fairground

As a fervent color-o-holic, any collection that makes extensive use of bold colors while not making their designs look clownish or kitschy is a winner for me. Reemami, a Dubai based fashion line owned and designed by Reema Al Banna, is one such label that I'm now in love with. Born and raised in Dubai with a background in graphic design, Reema is not afraid to use bold playful colors and designs that can be statement pieces for any girl. Her designs are for the young at heart who like to have fun with their wardrobe and don't take life too seriously.

These ethos are echoed in the campaign shots for Reemami which are shot at a fairground. How much more playful can you get?! The shoot really shows off the color and lifestyle of the ideal Reemami girl. Love, love love!

Erdem Spring/Summer 2011: What Spring Means To Me

 I am still in denial that it is cold outside here in New York City and am already looking forward to having picnics in Central Park, outdoor seating at restaurants, beautiful people, and blossoming flowers. Turkish-Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu's Spring/Summer 2011 collection helps with that denial by providing me the release I need from the cold weather with a beautiful collection that embodies exactly what spring means to me. His pieces are light, playful, and exude springtime in every way from the lace embroidery down to the colorful flower prints. So while spring is taking its time getting to the city, I'll look at pictures of spring and Erdem's collection to get me through the harsh weather. Snow tomorrow? No big deal.

Check it:

Rouge Couture Spring/Summer 2011 at Dubai Fashion Week

 I recently came across the collection of abayas and jalabiyas by Rouge Couture that was shown at Dubai Fashion Week. The label is designed by best friends Sara Al Madani from the UAE and Apple Wang from China. The collection is a perfect example of when tradition meets modernity. The collection also brings together Arabian and Chinese design aspects to make each abaya a veritable and original work of art. I absolutely love the unique accents on each piece. One piece featured Alexander McQueen-esque skull bones that ran down the abaya while another had metal embellishments running down the lapel. The collection is perfect for those stylish women who still want to remain modest and each piece is free size so that different figures can feel comfortable in them. I absolutely love this collection because it makes the abaya super edgy and dare I say sexy?

Check my favorites:

To learn more, visit their site here.

I LOVE ASHI STUDIO

 I LOVE ASHI STUDIO! There are few designers that have entire collections that completely blow me away but every time I look at Mohammed Ashi's work, I am in complete and utter AWE. Each and every one of his designs are amazingly powerful and the craftmanship is impeccable. In my eyes, Ashi is the designer of the future. The Saudi designer's aesthetic is so delicate and playful and the way he plays with volume is remarkable. He does not shy away from being over the top yet his pieces remain ultra classy. I love his color aesthetic as well. The colors are light and understated which brings out the impeccable workmanship in the design of the outfit itself. I could seriously marvel at his designs all day if you let me! Bravo Ashi Studio!

And what's more, Mohammed just released his campaign video for his upcoming collection entitled "Creature of the Night"! Take a look:


But while we're waiting for his upcoming collection, feast your eyes on some of my favorite pieces from his Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Again, I can't stress how much I LOVE these designs!:

If you want to learn more about Ashi Studio, check out the site here