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!
And as always, sharing love is caring so please feel free to comment and like A Taste of Tomorrow on Facebook

Thanks guys!

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!

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