DSQUARED2 Fall/Winter 12/13: The Substitutes

I am ALL OVER this campaign video for DSQUARED2's Fall/Winter 12/13 Collection. All over it! The creativity, the clothes, the production, the shoes!! I want everything!

Mohammed Ashi Caftan 2013 Collection: Magdalena

 I have one word to describe Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi's latest Caftan 2013 collection: STUNNING! Okay one more word: ELEGANT! All I can say is that my mouth dropped when I first saw this collection. Ashi of ASHI Studio has never disappointed me when it comes to his designs but I was blown away by this Caftan collection which was launched just in time for Ramadan. The collection, entitled Magdalena, is heavily inspired by the fragility of Japanese geishas and features kimono-inspired draping, color, fabric, and design. It's amazing to see how Ashi incorporates his own design aesthetic into these Japan-inspired pieces to give them a life of their own. The collection exudes peace and tranquility and every detail, even the model's hairstyle and makeup, is carefully produced to remake the ancient into a modern, fashionable hybrid. Take a look at some of the pieces and as always love is always appreciated. So comment away and like my Facebook page!

Dima Ayad A/W '12-'13

So it's been a while since I've posted anything on here. I truly apologize for that, but it was for legitimate reasons. I've been working to make a lot of changes in my life and the biggest change that has happened since my last post was my big move from New York City to Dubai. This move not only allows me to write about the Middle Eastern fashion designers that I love, but to also have an opportunity to see the work up close, to breathe in the fashion scene here and to better report on the status of fashion and street style in the Middle East.

I'm extremely happy to say that I'm back in full swing and have plenty of updates and cool designers to dazzle you with. So without further ado, I present one of my first updates, Dima Ayad and her fabulously amazing A/W '12-'13 collection! Lebanese-born, UAE-based Ayad is still new to the fashion game but her designs hold their own against even the most seasoned of designers. I love the way she uses simple and sleek designs yet manages to find a way to make them quirky and playful with small but powerful details: whether it be feathered collars, bejeweled cuffs, or a ruffled shoulder on a one-sleeved dress. Her bold vision is easily translated into her designs and it's plain to see that Dima Ayad can hold her own. Check out some of my favorite designs from her new collection:

Also make sure to visit Dima Ayad's site here to see more of her amazing work!
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Thanks guys!

'Moroccan Holiday' by Steven Meisel

I came across this 'Moroccan Holiday' editorial by photographer Steven Meisel for the May 2009 issue of Vogue Italia and fell completely in love. I'm such a fan of the full bold colors used and I love the retro oriental look that is becoming more and more popular in mainstream media. This makes me all the more eager to plan my own 'Moroccan Holiday'! Check out my favorites from the editorial:

Myriam Fares-Al Gasayad... Arab Lady Gaga?

More so than the music in this video, I'm in LOVE with the outfits Myriam wore. She's grown as an artist and I think she's finally found a personality that suits her. Check out these dresses!! Do I sense an Arab Lady Gaga in the works? Fabulous!

Malaak Autumn/Winter 11/12... Heaven in an Abaya

 After a LOOONG hiatus, I'm back and ready to serve up some more fashion from the Middle East, and I want to start with a long overdue post about one of my favorite abaya labels, Malaak. Run by Dubai based designer Huda N., the label celebrates the fusion of regional and international culture that is Dubai. Taking the abaya and making it fashionable is a daunting task but Malaak does it gracefully and even exceeds expectation. Not only is there a natural mix of cultures in the designs but also a mix of times with a lot of the pieces having a very retro look while still being modern and dare I say sexy! From the drapery to the studs, every piece has its own unique feature. I'm particularly a fan of the 80's-esque blazers with the studded shoulders. Below are my favorites from Malaak's Autumn/Winter 2011-12 collection: