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

Palestyle: Palestinian Fashion With A Cause

I'm always attracted to the allure of fashion with a cause. Recently I stumbled upon the brand Palestyle. The brand was founded by Zeina Abou Chaaban who is a Palestinian woman living in the UAE. She combines the handmade embroidery of Palestine and Arabic calligraphy with modern fashion sense to create bags, jewelry, wallets, and even clothes that give a Palestinian flair to trendy fashion. Most importantly, the brand strives to empower Palestinian women in the refugee camps of Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. A percentage of every sale from Palestyle's collection goes toward the income of these women who work to bring their embroidery tradition to the masses.

The brand consist of glam accessories with high quality materials including leather, gold and Swarovski crystals. I absolutely love the jewelry pieces! Through just word of mouth, Palestyle has become a hit and is now available in high-end department stores around the world including Bloomingdales in Dubai Mall. Check out their site for more information: Palestyle

These are my favorites:

Hermes Fall 2011: Made for Muhajababes?!

Browsing through Hermes' Fall 2011 collection that hit the Paris Fashion Week runways recently, I thought for a quick second that I might have slipped up and was browsing through the collection of some up and coming Islam-conscious Middle Eastern designer. But lo and behold, the Hermes collection IS that Islam-conscious designer this season. I was very impressed by the orientalist details that worked their way throughout the collection from flowing kaftans to elongated kurtas, to the rich color and texture choices. I couldn't help thinking that this would be a "muhajababes" DREAM collection. For those of you who don't know, muhajababes are women who wear the hijab while still remaining ultra fashionable and chic. I am in LOVE with them. And I feel the world should be too! Check out my favorite pieces from the collection and tell me what you think:

Omar Joseph Nasser-Khoury at The Mosaic Rooms

The Mosaic Rooms, which is a UK based art space showcasing contemporary culture from the Middle East and its diaspora, has recently been graced with the well thought out designs of young Palestinian designer Omar Joseph Nasser-Khoury.

Nasser-Khoury's work is very much inspired by his homeland Palestine where traditional embroidery still has a place in fashion aesthetics. He worked with local artisans to stay true to the embroidery tradition and traditional garments of the region but puts his own spin to it. The synthesis created a product that is pure genius and I've seen nothing like it from a Middle Eastern designer.

There is a certain uncanny richness to the collection and this richness is enhanced by the stern expressions on the models' faces. Seemingly, through these expressions and through the garments, the designer seeks to provide commentary on the Palestinian people and their occupied status.

The collection features 22 pieces and is on display at The Mosaic Rooms until 03/09/11. Anyone in London should go and tell me how it is!

For more information click here