Glam September 2015 by Oryx Group of Magazines

Contents

16 SAVE VS SPLURGE

Black and white dressing is easy to put together, but hard to pull off. Treat it as a canvas and you ready to go.

34 AUTUMN WINTER 2015

GLAM

QATAR'S NO. 1 FASHION MAGAZINE W W W.G L A M QATA R .CO M

SEPTEMBER 2015

Androgynous tailoring, an 80s revival and duvet-like coats form this season's mix bag of influences.

48 MUSE COLLECTION Qatar's fashion sweetheart, Wadha Al Hajri, is back with a collection that draws from the strength and personality of one of her favourite artists.

Contents 52 MIND OVER METAL

South American designer Monica Sordo has cut her teeth in fashion capitals worldwide before settling in New York to focus on her jewellery label.

56 IN THE MARKET Fresh-faced designer Dina Khalifé pays homage to her new home, Madrid, by evoking the colours and sights of a traditional Spanish market.

60 FINISHING TOUCH

Vanessa Seward's debut collection for her namesake label is exclusively available online at Net-A-Porter. She tells us why the online retailer is the perfect partner.

64 JEWEL BAGS

Jasmine Nye's collection of clutches and bags are a dazzling spectacle that will add an instant lift to your outfit.

72 A NEW DAWN

Aiisha Ramadan is no stranger to the world of couture having dressed celebrities from around the world. This season, she shares her journey on launching a ready-to-wear line.

GLAM

QATAR'S NO. 1 FASHION MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2015

93 BEAUTY UPCLOSE

Chanel Makeup Studio unveils new additions to its collection to achieve this season's neutral and subtle beauty looks.

ON THE COVER DINA KHALIFÉ AUTUMN WINTER 2015 CAMPAIGN

GLAM SOCIAL MEDIA

SINDHU NAIR FASHION EDITOR DEBRINA ALIYAH DEPUTY EDITOR EZDHAR IBRAHIM ALI SENIOR CORRESPONDENT AYSWARYA MURTHY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT AARTHI MOHAN PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT ALTAMIRANO SUB EDITOR SHELLEY KNIPE

MANAGING EDITOR

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

VENKAT REDDY HANAN ABU SIAM AYUSH INDRAJITH MAHESHWAR REDDY B

FREDRICK ALPHONSO MANAGER – MARKETING SAKALA A DEBRASS ASSISTANT MANAGER – MARKETING HASSAN REKKAB MATHEWS CHERIAN SONY VELLATT A H M IRFAN SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT DENZITA SEQUEIRA ASSISTANT EVENTS MANAGER JASMINE VICTOR

BUSINESS HEAD

PRATAP CHANDRAN SENIOR DISTRIBUTION EXECUTIVE BIKRAM SHRESTHA DISTRIBUTION SUPPORT ARJUN TIMILSINA BHIMAL RAI BASANTHA P

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR–IN–CHIEF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Cala Mari launches their new campaign with a fun stop motion video featuring Doha-based bloggers Eat Sleep Be Fancy, Vaninita and Bonjour Chiara. The campaign introduces new additions to the label’s collection, the Cala Del Ray clutch and tote bag. Shot at the W Doha Hotel & Residences, the campaign features the bloggers playing with the clutches while roaming all over the hotel. The film is shot and edited by Jan Xavier Pacle with music by Karl Mallari. Check out the full collection of videos on https://youtube.com/user/calathemari/videos

EVENTS OF THE MONTH Dubai Music Week 2015 September 23rd to 26th DMW 2015, in partnership with Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and Live Nation Middle East, supported by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing are proud to mark Dubai’s calendar with this international music festival for the Middle East. The festival will feature four main segments, including concerts with an award-winning line-up of A-list performers, celebrity guest speakers, master classes and an interactive entertainment village. Ellie Goulding and Thirty Seconds to Mars are some of the big names that will take the stage at the festival. www.dubaimusicweek.ae

COMING UP

YOUSUF JASSEM AL DARWISH SANDEEP SEHGAL ALPANA ROY

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With 3D-printed jackets, medieval capes and boys dressed as girls, the haute couture collections were a fantastical parade. Next month, we bring the highlights from Christian Dior’s old Flemish influences to Elie Saab’s Byzantine gold pieces. Image: Chanel Haute Couture AW2015.

Contributors Karen Nicolet Karen Nicolet is a fashion and lifestyle blogger and the marketing manager at the Doha Film Institute. She began her professional career in advertising and moved to film marketing, working on projects such as the Ajyal Youth Film Festival and Qumra. With a love for photography, fashion and writing, she started her blog ‘Clumsy Chic’ in 2012 as a creative outlet to keep her inspired. Since then, the blog has continuously evolved to bring inspirational stories in fashion, travel, food, design, and DIY to her readers. She has collaborated with brands like Fendi, Dior Beauty, Printemps and Turkish Airlines.

Aiisha Ramadan She has won a number of prestigious awards such as Young Designer of the Year by Swarovski, named one of 30 Most Awesome Women in the Arab World in 2009 by Arabian Woman Magazine and won The Gr8! Women Achiever Awards in 2011. The AIISHA RAMADAN label is the epitome of modern design. The beautifully crafted garments speak to the feminine woman across the world. Celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton have adopted the label, which has gained international popularity for its elegant, yet sultry look.

YOUR VOICE ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM On our July cover Farah Hassan: So good to see Qatari designers being promoted by our media! Love the styling too! Stephanie Elman: Can't wait to see more from this talented designer. Definitely a new chapter for Doha's fashion scene.

Esmerelda van der Westhuizen With over eight years of spa experience, Esmerelda brings a wealth of knowledge from international roles to Doha as the manager of Spa by Clarins at Kempinski Marsa Malaz. Her talents boast an understanding of over 30 different leading cosmetic and beauty brands, as well as skills in offering the latest and innovative spa treatments and equipment.

Judith Jones Judith is a well-travelled, British expatriate with a passion for reading and writing. She has contributed to several publications on a variety of topics including travel, fashion, health and business; and has interviewed countless inspirational women along the way. Having eaten her way around Doha as a restaurant reviewer, she is now on a diet. Currently writing a travel memoir telling of her expat’ life living in such countries as Russia and the Caribbean, she is also making the most of her Qatar lifestyle.

LETTERS The summer packing list was a real help as we were going to multiple locations on our vacation. Could you do a feature on how to travel with just a cabin baggage next? It would be useful to see how we can stay stylish yet lightweight especially to exotic locations. Jenny Tan I love the Eid gift guide that was focused on individual tastes. But some of the items are so expensive! Riham Quareshi Really appreciate the magazine for its very international perspectives, but most of the events are either happening in Europe or Dubai. Is there nothing we can lookg forward to here in Doha? Rani Kapoor

SCAN SHOP & MORE

SEE ADDITIONAL CONTENT ON THE MANGO APP

G Talk While we were dashing away from the desert heat in the last two months, something momentous happened across the ocean in the city of New York. The first ever menswear fashion week took place under the umbrella of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as an addition to the already established Pitti Immagine in Florence and Pitti Uomo in Milan. The becoming of the stylish urban man is for one, a profitable proposition for the industry, but second, it is a sign of the new generation’s pursuit of individual style. The exciting moment for us, while reviewing the thousands of looks intended for men, was recognising how well these pieces would look in our own wardrobes. The bomber jackets, the slouchy pants, the perfectly tailored shirts, and even the stiff formal tuxedo jackets, would fit in into our rotation of outfits. In fact, if you were to take the runway model’s gender out of the equation, there is no obvious distinction of sex-appropriate clothing for some of the collections. The rise of a gender-free era in fashion has been brewing steadily in the past decade: men are embracing tight-fitting silhouettes that nip at the waist and hemmed capris with sandals, while women look glorious in three-piece suits. Our fashion editor, a prime example, is a big fan of shopping for sweaters and shirts in the men’s department. This is a different movement from androgynous dressing, as there is no desire to look like the opposite gender, but rather it is a convergence of fashion trends and its norms. Consider that at one end of the spectrum is the highly traditional technical suiting for men while at the other - are perfectly cut feminine dresses for the female form. Now in the middle, lies the meeting point of urban style, where silhouettes are not genderspecific and free for all. With that thought, we draw on some of the strongest collections hitting stores this season, including those of Bottega Veneta and Dior, where the meeting point between masculine and feminine is blurred. It is a liberating thought, and who knew it would have come from the sexism-riddled fashion industry?

EDITOR’S PICK WE ARE MARVELLING AT THESE CUTE DISNEY PRINCESS BAGS FROM REGIONAL BRAND CEECODE. DESIGNED BY CYNTHIA PENNIKIAN, THESE TOTES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT FIFTY ONE EAST LAGOONA MALL. THE BRAND IS A PURVEYOR OF STATEMENT PIECES WHICH IS PERFECT FOR MONOCHROME OUTFITS OR JUST TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR A PRINCESS CLOSE TO YOUR HEART.

BUZZ GLAM / NEWS

SEPTEMBER 2015

ALEXANDER WANG BIDS ADIEU TO BALENCIAGA French couture house Balenciaga is parting ways with its American creative director Alexander Wang, after three years. Wang is considered one of the most successful American designers of his generation. Born in California to Taiwanese parents, he launched his own label, a mix of relaxed chic and streetwise edge in 2007, when he was just 23. He will be showcasing his final collection for Spring/Summer 2016 on 2 October 2015 in Paris. “It has been an incredible experience to work with a couture house in Paris. Now I am looking forward to taking my own brand to the next level,” says the designer.

ADIDAS REVEALS SELENA GOMEZ’S AUTUMN COLLECTION Selena Gomez’s latest collection for Adidas Neo aims for a sports luxe-inspired feel. Consisting of pieces intended for layering, the collection includes sports basics such as sweaters, joggers and windbreakers, featuring soft metallics and feminine elements. Soft pink and washed blue are the colour highlights, with metallic leathers bringing femininity, and black and white adding edginess.

Orange adds a sportier feel and shows up in a beanie that is also available in navy. A jersey tote comes in heather grey or orange, and sports a tassel along with the Adidas logo. The footwear has metallic details and a seamless silhouette. The Selena Gomez Adidas Neo collection is now available in all Adidas Neo stores around the world and also via adidas.com.

16 \ NEWS FASHION BUZZ DESIGNER LINE-UP FOR HEADONISM 2015 Sophia Beale and Harvy Santos will join Emma Yeo and Keely Hunter at this year’s British Fashion council Headonism showcase, an initiative curated by Stephen Jones that celebrates and supports the UK’s emerging talents in millinery. “I am delighted that Harvy Santos and Sophie Beale are joining Headonism. They are both wonderful milliners, who have a very distinct view on what millinery should be and the talent with which to express it. Our Headonism stalwarts, Emma and Keely are creating unusual and avant-garde millinery and are London’s finest,” says Stephen. Born in the Philippines, Harvy describes his work as “Fearless fashion with unique creations that are entirely handmade using traditional techniques.” British milliner, Sophie describes her creations as “Vibrant and captivating head pieces with a graceful delicacy". Beale graduated from London’s Kensington and Chelsea College and was appointed Royal Milliner by the Late Queen Mother.

PAULE KA ANNOUNCES NEW CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAULE KA has been an image of graphic and contemporary Parisian chic that interprets classic with quirky femininity. As part of its brand renewal, the fashion house has appointed Alithia Spuri-Zampetti as its new creative director. For the past six years, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti has been head designer in charge of women’s ready-to-wear collections at Lanvin. Her previous experiences at Valentino and Bottega

Veneta, and her genuine passion for sophisticated fabrics have contributed to her designing repertoire. "In keeping with PAULE KA’s chic heritage and with support from its atelier, I am keen to create a contemporary wardrobe, combining the essentials of daily wear with more elaborate pieces for special occasions, all within a price range that offers accessible luxury,” says Alithia Spuri-Zampetti.

18 \ TRENDS 3 ●

2 ● 3 ●

2 ●

4 ●

SAVE

1 ●

SPLURGE

5 ●

BACK TO BLACK

1 ●

SAVE 1 Leather cowboy sandals, QR350, Zara, Landmark Mall. ● 2 Hoop earrings with pearls, QR40, H&M, Villaggio Mall. ● 3 The No 5 Bag, Finders Keepers, QR260, WEST L.A. ● 4 Cross front jumpsuit, QR265, Glamorous, WEST L.A. ● 5 Soft feather dress, QR845, Line & Dot, WEST L.A. ●

“The most colourful thing in the world is black and white, it contains all colours and at the same time excludes all,” says author Vikram Verma. Not to adhere to an autumn dressing cliché, but there’s an art to black and white dressing that is becoming increasingly lost in our colourful perspectives. Solid black and white combinations exude an immediate polished exterior, alluding to the standard get-ups of fashion mavens of days past. It is simple to put together, but it is also one of the hardest looks to pull off, as the shades may come off looking dull or too uniform-like. Confidence and sass is the key to master before venturing into the monochrome wardrobe, and be adventurous with accessorising. The plain canvas means that just about anything can work, from little pops of stars on your sandals, to gold details on your earrings.

4 ●

SPLURGE 1 Denim overalls, QR1,691, Alexa Chung for AG Jeans, ●

Net-A-Porter.

2 Mia Grey clutch, QR2,500, Belquis, www.belquis.com ● 3 Swirl pearl drop earring, QR2,550, Balenciaga, ●

Porto Arabia.

4 Thames slider, QR1,400, Tory Burch, Lagoona Mall. ● 5 Meg dress, QR9,550, Tory Burch, Lagoona Mall. ●

GLAM / ON OUR

RADAR

SEPTEMBER 2015

AN EDIT OF THINGS THAT ARE HOT NOW

ETHAN K’S THE DOHA BAG Inspired by his journey to Qatar last year, exotic skin artisan Ethan K, has created The Doha Bag, to bring together his experiences and inspirations from this desert city. As he sat admiring the picturesque view of the marina at The Pearl while sipping karak tea, he sketched a special handle to emulate the golden bangles on the wrists of one his closest Qatari clients. The handle takes inspiration from thr lady’s colourful personality, while the curve of the bag

emulates the ripples of the Persian Gulf 's waters. The bag features a special octagonal turn-lock made with semiprecious stones which symbolise luck and prosperity in Asian culture, an ode to Ethan’s Singaporean origins. Four creations have been designed exclusively for Harrods, and each has an 18ct gold dipped-plate, engraved with ‘Ethan K for Harrods’. The Doha Bag is available in a selection of colours and sizes, and can also be carried as a cross-body.

22 \ TRENDS SWAROVSKI MIDDLE EAST EXCLUSIVE As an extension to the watch collection presented at Baselworld this year, Swarovski has launched a special edition exclusively for our region. “I was enthused by the idea of extending some existing lines and interpreting them with an extra touch of sparkle, which I hope will please women from the Middle East,” explains Nathalie Colin, the brand’s creative director. Comprising three designs, the special issue portrays a reinterpretation of two iconic, bestselling designs: the fashionable timepiece Aila Day, and the feminine and playful Lovely Crystals. Aila Day Double Tour is available in a combination of gold plating, brown leather and brown dial. Its double-wrap strap is particularly easy to mix and match with other cuffs and bangles, for an off-the-moment stacked wrist look. The collection includes two luxuriant takes on the ever-popular Lovely Crystals, in light gold-plated and rose gold-plated bracelet variations, with moving crystals encased in the face. The collection is now available in stores.

AIGNER METROPOLITAN After the success of its Cybill One of One Collection last year, Aigner is launching another limited edition of the iconic Cybill bag, to celebrate the diversity and unique characteristics of cities worldwide. The Metropolitan Collection gives life to ten cities, including New York, Dubai, London, Shanghai and Doha; channelling the spirit of a

metropolis with characteristic colours, significant symbols and complex leather artwork. The Qatar Edition comes in warm berry tones, displaying the typical geometric, arabesque decorations that we are all familiar with while the London and Berlin editions are characteristically hip, young and edgy. Aigner is located at Porto Arabia, The Pearl.

24 \ TRENDS

UNION SQUARE AND NOA COLLECTION One of Valerie Messika’s ten new collections for the Messika Paris brand, is the Union Square, that highlights a versatile and transformable design that is understated, yet elegant. Both the earrings and tie necklace feature emerald-cut diamonds of minimal facets, to deliberately tone down the sparkle. The necklace comes in the form of an endless ribbon that can be worn in a single or double loop, and is held together by a

removable diamond hinge, crafted in a 4.01 carat emerald cut stone. The versatility and playfulness of Valerie’s creations continue in the Noa collection of bangles, that feature movable diamonds symbolising 'Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow'. The thin bangles form the vessel for the movable diamonds, making the pieces a dynamic addition to your outfit. Messika Paris is available from Ali bin Ali Jewellery, Royal Plaza.

BABY MALAK COLLECTION The award-winning jewellery designer, Nada G, who graced our shores a couple of seasons back, has just launched the complete Baby Malak Collection, at the 2015 Las Vegas Couture Show, the jewellery industry’s annual exhibition. The collection was based on the Baby Malak rings launched last year, which so well-received that the designer decided to expand on the concept, to include cuffs, earrings, chokers and necklaces. The rings originally debuted within the Resolutions Collection, which embraces the vibrancy and positivity of life. Beautifully encrusted in the brilliance of colourful stones, the designs were crafted to work in harmony with the vibrant metal, with each ring spelling out a rainbow of its own. “We all pursue the positives in our lives and what constantly makes us happier and more balanced everyday. Our goal is to add light, love and hope in everything we do and spread positive energy,” says Nada.

26 \ TRENDS

SAINT LAURENT’S COUTURE CAMPAIGN Saint Laurent’s new campaign, ‘Rue De L’Université’, for its couture collection, is an introduction to the new couture house of Yves Saint Laurent, located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, from which the campaign name is derived. A three-year renovation project, undertaken by creative director Hedi Slimane, the design follows 18th century French period elements and principles of architecture. Named Hôtel de Sénecterre, the structure was originally built in 1685, by Thomas Gobert - the building planner to King Louis XIV. The original monumental staircase

built under Louis XV, has been given a modern take by New York artist Garth Weiser - with a black and white diptych, while a monumental 18th century crystal chandelier has been restored by Hedi for the staircase. The new geometric garden of the couture house has been entirely replanted with the help of historians, to replicate the precise authenticity of the design. The furniture includes both the house and Hedi’s private collection comprising of modernist, Art Deco and 18th-century French pieces, including a parchment desk that belonged to Yves Saint Laurent by 1930’s designer

Elizabeth Eyre de Lanux. The art collections include paintings of Ad Reinhardt - a black 'Ultimate' painting, a Daniel Buren black and white striped painting and a Carl Andre sculpture. The couture ateliers are located on the third and fourth floor, - ‘L’Atelier Flou’ for dressmaking and ‘L’Atelier Tailleur’ for tailoring. Hedi began to recompose the traditional couture ateliers of the house in 2012, which have now become the centre of the Saint Laurent project. The previous couture house on 5 Avenue Marceau, is now home to La Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent”.

28 \ TRENDS

THE AMIULET PROJECT The go-getter spirit of the Miu Miu woman has us transfixed every season as we eagerly await what surprises Miuccia Prada has dreamt up. As the playful and whimsical rendition of its more polished sister Prada, Miu Miu has always been on top of the game when it comes to the 'revolving door' trend of fashion. With a zany mixed bags of goodies for its AW2015 collection that sees references to eras from the 60s right through to the present, Miuccia has set her eyes on creating something that allows for the expression of individuality. In comes the special aMiulet project, a series of bags proposed as amulets or talismans for the fashion spirit. Eighteen bags have been

created that feature rich and elaborate construction techniques, and are finished off with quirky and provocative aesthetics. Using unexpected materials that have been taken apart and reassembled to find a unique design perspective, Miu Miu introduces a new craquele leather, while the trusty python skin is mixed with Plexiglass. The collection include briefcases, patina bags, and bowling bags, all in bright eyecatching colours. Each piece, considered more of a fine object rather than a bag, comes with its own dedicated plate of certification. The aMiulet range is now available exclusively in fourteen boutiques worldwide, including Milan, Paris, London, New York and Tokyo.

WHO WHAT WEAR

Chloë Sevigny in Miu Miu at the ‘Kids’ 20th Anniversary screening at BAMcinemaFest 2015 in New York.

Elizabeth Olsen wearing a black satin Dior dress, paired with a Rose Dior Bagatelle necklace, ring by Dior Fine Jewellery and Dior shoes, at the Japan Premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Lady Gaga wearing a Salvatore Ferragamo olive green cape and skirt from the AW15 runway collection, while out in London.

TRENDS / 33 On the red carpet, off the runway and on the street, celebrities bring their style game.

Rihanna wearing an embroidered denim Dior dress, a printed leather Diorama bag and jewellery from Dior Fine Jewellery, at the brand’s presentation in Tokyo.

Rita Ora wearing a Versace AW15 runway look - a black minidress with Swarovski beading, at the London auditions for The X Factor.

Michelle Williams wearing a look from Louis Vuitton Cruise 2016 collection to the house’s ‘La Galerie’ opening, at the Louis Vuitton Family Home in Asnières-Sur-Seine, Paris.

Chloe Moretz wearing a pair of Black Goosebump Nappa Stuart Weitzman NUDIST sandals, while attending the 5th Annual Coach and Friends of the High Line Summer Party.

Rebecca Hall carrying the Prada soft calf leather tote with lining in a contrasting colour from the AW15 collection in Los Angeles.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing a black crop top from the Holiday 2015 MICHAEL Michael Kors Collection, with a black pencil skirt from the AW15 Michael Kors Collection, while out in New York City.

Marcia Cross carrying the Aigner Cavallina Bag, while at a Swiss late night shopping event.

Diane Kruger wearing Prada calfskin and jacquard sandals with platform shoes, in New York.

TRENDS / 35

Rebecca Hall wearing Prada AW15 while attending the ‘The Gift’ premiere in Los Angeles.

Alicia Vikander wearing a look from Louis Vuitton AW15 at the ‘Man From U.N.C.L.E’ photocall in London.

Charlize Theron wearing sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti Design at the premiere of DIRECTV’s ‘Dark Places’

TAILORING GOES INCREASINGLY ANDROGYNOUS, THE 80'S REVIVAL IS ALIVE AND KICKING, AND DUVET-LIKE COATS GIVE WARMTH. THE SEASON IS AN ECLECTIC MIX OF CLASHING INSPIRATIONS.

AUTUMN WINTER 2015

FOCUS / 37

Burberry Prorsum AW2015 runway

EMILIO PUCCI Peter Dundasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wizardry is at its finest in his last collection for Pucci, as he takes on a new role at Italian house Roberto Cavalli. The Zodiac Collection explores a glistening starry night, celebrating the symbols of astrology and the unforeseen powers they behold. Graphic black and white marks it with a modern urbanity, while also rendering homage to Emilio Pucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own black and white collection of the late 1950s. Zodiac iconography is everywhere, creating intriguing, cosmic-laden patterns that illuminate fade-to-black prints, orbits around silk crepe iconic T-shirt dresses, and shimmers on a dramatic sweeping cape. The new trouser silhouette, with an exaggerated wide leg, creates a bold look, while snug roll-neck sweaters feature three sporty stripes. Evening pieces exude a Bohemian vibe with gypsy dresses, swing dresses with pearl fringes, and shiny numbers of crushed micro-sequins.

FOCUS / 39

ALICE+OLIVIA Stacey Bendet draws inspiration from the Biba-enthused days of swinging London and the rock and roll era of the Rolling Stones, taking us back to the fashion and decor of the late 60s and early 70’. Texture is the new print this season, where flowing dresses are accented with lace details, floral jacquards are shown in mod shift shapes and graphic diamond designs are seen on wide-leg pants. Layering takes centre stage with an emphasis on the winter short, often paired with long tops and matching jackets that are artfully styled at Bendet’s hand. Extravagant long coats and pants come in regal jacquards, while a lengthy brocade vest in gold and blue jacquard with matching pants and a mock neck top—mock necks, especially in lace, form one of the key looks. Mongolian furs are shown over printed dresses, while trench coats with fur and leather details are paired with graphic printed shorts. A black wide-leg tuxedo looks 70s chic when paired with a silver embellished mock neck top. “This season is about personal expression. It is about bold femininity. It is about glamour. The clothes have a true rock and roll vibe, while simultaneously being very romantic,” says Bendet.

DIOR “I wanted that feeling of sensory overload in the collection,” explains Raf Simons. “With this animalistic, powerful woman, wearing a new kind of camouflage.” And through the idea of animals and an abstraction of their patterns, Raf embraces the primal and the patterned, to convey the message of a liberated and hyper-natural world for women. The feminine tailoring gives away to over-sized masculine elements, in forms of blazers and double-breasted overcoats, while rough masculine tweeds and wool felt comes in opera coats, and long-line outerwear. Abstract animal patterns appear in knitted jacquard body suits and body harness dresses, while pelts of Canadian fox detail give rise to a real animal touch. A continuous narrative from the past season’s garden of flowers, Raf moved this collection into the animal realm, referencing the 1947 Christian Dior, where leopard print came to life.

FOCUS / 41

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN In the spirit of the rose, Sarah Burton takes the notion of the female form and deconstructs it to discover the darkly romantic woman underneath. Her silhouette grows organically in three dimensions, as strong and natural as a rose; a symbol of strength and fragility, forever on the brink of dishevelment. This is a collection steeped in the frayed nature of reality, and the beauty of imperfection translated through eaten-away lace, skeletons of dresses, frayed coats and jackets, poetic knits and laddered lace. In colours of crimson, black, deep burgundy and silver, highlight pieces include pleated leather skirts and dresses, engineered lace cut-out knitted dresses with laddered pleated ruffles, distressed and shredded silk rose cape coats, 3D leather rosette dresses, and exploded petal-printed organza dresses with frayed edges.

MOSCHINO Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that Jeremy Scott sent Looney Tunes and friends down the runway this season, after his previous showings that shot Sponge Bob and Barbie into the fashion-sphere. The classic cartoon characters are juxtaposed with edgy hip hop streetwear, drawing on the rise of urban culture in mainstream dressing. Colourful, attention-catching and surely not for the faint-hearted, sweaters come emblazoned with bright logos, while denim patchwork is contrasted with shiny gold details. Pitch in a shot of sportswear: basketball tank tops, hockey jerseys, and baseball stripes. Quilted leather and nylon puff jackets find root in military and construction work wear, paired with embellished knee-high boots and safety helmets. And what is street culture without graffiti? Scribbles appear haphazardly all over evening dresses of all forms - a sexy off-shoulder kimono number, a ladies-who-lunch A-line piece and a ballgown worthy of a wedding, complete with matching gloves.

FOCUS / 43

ETRO Veronica Etro brings forth a collection that circles her family’s twin pursuits: the world of home interiors and fashion. Ornate wallpapers, rich tapestries and luxurious upholstery textiles, provide a lush canvas and new creative playground for beautifully made clothes. The swirling motifs of furnishing fabrics are produced through weaving, printing and rich embroideries, while graphic geometrics, inspired by carpet patterns, create a soft optical effect. Paisley makes an appearance within the deep folds of pleated dresses, with a splayed skirt. A mélange of different materials – jacquards, velvets, sequins, and printed silks – are patched together to create rich, new tapestry effects. A denim jacket is newly configured in slices of five different haberdashery ribbons. Coats are a bricolage of mohair, embroideries, jacquards, or suede, leather and exotic skins. Sharply cut shapes are clean and exacting, allowing for precise silhouettes.

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BOTTEGA VENETA “This is not about meticulous dressing, but taking a bit of a bolder approach when it comes to pattern and colour,” says creative director Tomas Maier. “The collection explores the possibilities of beautifully made clothes that express your own individual creativity.” In giving rise to a nonchalant sense of style, Tomas puts together unexpected combinations, to highlight a personal take on dressing. The palette is dominated by bright shades of green, teal, yellow, red, and byzantine violet, and is finished off with pale colours of petal pink, camel, and mist. Materials are luxurious, as always with the brand, wools that are compact and in various weights, matte technical crepes and jerseys, and denim. With a little crossover from the men’s collection, the silhouette is precise with dominant pants and shoulders. The new Monaco bag juxtaposes a rigid flap with a soft body, while shoes are square-toed, multi-buckled, and low, for the woman on-the-go.

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LANVIN “The homage to Jeanne Lanvin at the Museum Galliera museum made me feel the need to go back to my own roots, to Morocco, where I was born,” says Alber Elbaz. This is a collection evoking the spirit of a nomad travelling into the dry and warm desert of Morocco. A lean and oversized silhouette that is both masculine and feminine, there’s a certain element that is both raw and precious in the constructions. Pieces are collarless and button-less, like a vest in oversized Tibetan goat, or a long sharp-edged blanket coat. The welcoming warmth of the desert comes to life through the colour palette of honey, pomegranate, cinnamon, and the grey and black of sun-baked earth. Under striped woollen capes, brocade chiffon dresses come with passementerie belts, silk braiding, plaited tassels, toggle fastenings and gold cords. The season also sees the launch of a mini version of the house’s Sugar bag, which has been reworked for practicality. Two pockets provide space for the essentials, especially as a companion for travelling.

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FENDI Karl Lagerfeld contemplates on decades of collaboration with Fendi and presents a collection that is meant to take the brand into the future. It is all modern, and dictates relevancy to a new way of dressing for the current generation, one of the more successful efforts by brands to connect the past to the present. Colours of rust, saffron, and geometric prints, are inspired by the Swiss artist Sophie Taeuber, with cuts that are straight and long. The materials structure the silhouette with the play of appliquĂŠd leather panels on the side of a skirt, while patchwork fur introduces a new graphic element to the coats. Dresses and puff jackets are voluminous, shearling warms up the bottoms of the trousers, and leather breastplate detail white shirts. The houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3Baguette bag also gets a new update with the 3Baguette Chain, a boxy rendition that comes with a chain handle. The update is concurrent with the vision of the collection, for a young and contemporary woman with a cool and urban attitude. The double FF buckle has been innovated to rotate into tiny scattered lines, to open and close the bag, giving the FF logo a functional element, to its decorative predecessor version. Crafted in leather, the bag comes in a variety of pop colours and embellishments, while the chain is available in both gold and silver.

Muse

COLLECTION

QATAR’S DESIGNER DU JOUR COMES BACK THIS SEASON WITH A COLLECTION THAT RETURNS TO HER SIGNATURE MONOCHROME BLACK AND WHITE SETTING THE TONE FOR A SOPHISTICATED MINIMALIST COLLECTION. Cut from lush velvet, silk gazar, organza, crepe, or neoprene, Wadha Al Hajri tells the story of confident, independent and powerful women - a reflection on the growing empowerment of women in the country. “I refer to it as my Muse Collection, because it is inspired by the beauty, femininity and strong personality of one of my favourite artists,” she says. The collection is available at www.wadha.co & www.bysymphony.com

FASHION / 51 The monochrome palette serves as the perfect backdrop for the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural cuts, featuring dramatic trapezeshaped tops and cape dresses. Wadhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woman has always cultivated a sense mystery, favouring restrained feminine dresses and separates. This can be seen in the artful placement of a cut-out to highlight the wearer's back, or the contradiction found in a high-buttoned shirt rendered in gossamer fabric.

Wadha has also focused on more fitted shapes with a hint of masculine tailoring. Cut close to the body while still allowing for ease of movement, each look in the collection highlights fine craftsmanship.

FASHION / 53 Her signature hand-embroidered geometric patterns and latticework cut-outs, are part of the designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing exploration of unique surface embellishments and techniques.

MIND OVER METAL STRONG AND BOLD PIECES THAT EVOKE ARCHITECTURAL LINES AND INDUSTRIAL RAWNESS GIVE NEW MEANING TO ACCESSORISING. BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

On an outfit that demand little attention, Monica Sordo’s jewellery pieces drum the loudest. Two-tone metal cuffs or a layered gold fringe necklace that runs all the way down the bust, seem more museum exhibition-worthy rather than on the your average street-style star. But these statement-making pieces weren’t made for the ordinary woman either - it is a leap into a generation of women who are powerful and self-assured of their own beauty and strength. These are traits that the designer herself portrays, through her vastly colourful experience in the fashion industry, that finally led her into the creation of her own jewellery label. Having moved to Milan at the age of eighteen to pursue her fashion training at Istituto Marangoni, Monica had the opportunity to meet heavyweights the likes of Miuccia Prada, Giorgio Armani and Franca Sozzani. “It was a different time then. There was no social media, no bloggers, and everything and everyone was very approachable in a city like Milano. It was such a great experience, which is so different from today,” the designer reminiscences. She had her eye set on the fashion editor ranks and took a job with Marie Claire Spain after her Milan stint. Five years later, the designer moved to New York to join the Christian Louboutin PR team and in early 2012, she finally pursued her calling. “I had an immediate strong connection with brass and took on the challenge of creating with such a strong material. In jewellery, I found a language, a new way to communicate,” she

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says. It was also familial ties that helped; Monica’s father runs an industrial workshop, working with wood, metal and tools. “After studying at the Gemological Institute of America in jewellery design, I continued my training in my dad’s workshop where he taught me a lot about the manufacturing process.” he brand’s debut collection, themed Concrete Jungle, paid homage to New York by reinterpreting the city’s skyline. Working off the facets of aquamarine stalagmites, Monica recreated the stones in brass, through a complex process using metal bars and a milling machine, resulting in the signature faceted spikes. “This is when my affair began with skylines and architecture, evolving into pieces like the Kavanagh cuff and the Empire choker, both inspired by the tip of landmark buildings of the Art Deco period,” she says. In Buenos Aires, Monica fell in love with the majestic and imposing Kavanagh building, while the Anuket collection finds roots in the goddess of the Nile River. “She is considered the Lady of Heaven, who used jewellery as a sign of power, beauty and femininity, and to offer protection.”

The distinctive metal collections have won over legions of style-makers who have strong fashion views, so it is no wonder that the brand quickly became a favourite for magazine editorials. Earlier this year, the brand began its Middle Eastern adventure, becoming available for the first time in Harvey Nichols Dubai. “My trip to Dubai and its stunning mix of historical and ultra-modern architecture, would certainly be of great inspiration for one of my upcoming collections.” What is it about Art Deco and architecture that draws you? I have found infinite inspiration and in a city like New York, you can breathe it every day - its overdose of lines, angles and skylines. The industrial looks come from my father’s workshop and my passion for vintage machinery and tools. I am really fascinated by how massive machines are built and what they are capable of doing. I love the rusty tones of the metals they are made of. I find beauty in big masses and try to represent that in a stylish and minimal way in my jewellery. Working in Lima with Peruvian artisans, has somehow influenced my design, which carries a bit of an Inca flair. I have always said that inspiration is something very personal, and for me, it is a

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melting pot of experiences that accumulate from my life. Take us behind-the-scenes of your work. All the pieces are handmade in our Caracas workshop and in Lima where I work with a small group of artisan who are silversmiths and goldsmiths. My design process is very intimate, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a sketcher, and to develop a piece, I draw over and over again from a very simple sketch on a napkin, to a full tech drawing. I find that by repetition, I get what I really want and see the piece evolve, until it clicks. A piece of jewellery must be beautiful, but also functional and comfortable. I am obsessed with pieces that completely cage the arm or neck and there is a lot of engineering behind this. Designing for me is always a challenge and seeing the final result is a great reward. How do you think this fits into Middle Eastern aesthetics? Our pieces are very unique because of their size and boldness. It is a piece of custom jewellery that is handmade with fine finishing, using a very high-end manufacturing process. It is hard to find pieces of this dimension, quality and design, and I think this will appeal to the Middle Eastern woman.

IN THE MARKET

SPANISH MARKETS COME TO LIFE WITH THE DEBUT COLLECTION OF DINA KHALIFÉ. BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

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Lebanese designer, Dina Khalifé, taps into the vibrancy of Spain’s heart with her Autumn Winter 2015 collection, that finds its soul in the hustle and bustle of Spanish markets. The fashion and accessory designer moved to Madrid half a decade ago, after falling in love with the city. In this debut fashion collection, Dina presents modern and feminine silhouettes that are adorned with prints of her own illustrations, with lively scenes of crowds, floral motifs and stylised interpretations of market food. The colour palette is reminiscent of the shades of fruit and vegetables found at market stalls, and the collection is a carefully edited selection of key wardrobe pieces, including long-line shift dresses, sweetly tailored separates with matching prints, and ladylike tops with playful details such as peplum frills. Matching accessories include printed scarves with delicately hand rolled edges and limitededition handmade necklaces that echo the motifs from the prints.

What is the essence of the label? I like to portray beauty and magic in ordinary things. The idea is to transform hand-drawn prints into beautiful clothes and accessories that are simple, elegant and easy to wear. Fashion is something that has always been on my mind. When I was working for Bimba & Lola, I realised that the experience has given me great confidence to venture on my own. I decided to quit my full time job and start the brand. I heard about Starch, a foundation based in Beirut, that helps emerging Lebanese designers in developing their creative work, and this is how the first collection was born. What’s the story behind the collection? I was inspired by the food markets in Spain, the main protagonists are prints with crowds, food and bold colours. The collection conveys the jovial atmosphere and eye-catching details one can experience when visiting those

spaces. Patterns portray convivial scenes from interacting visitors, sophisticated stands and exquisite fruit and vegetables displays. What sparked your journey into fashion? Since I was a child, I was passionate about drawing. Later, I started to collect fabrics with colourful patterns. Both my mother and grandmother used to embroider beautiful textiles at home. In 2009, I did my masters degree in textile design and surfaces at the Istituto Europeo di Design Madrid. Afterwards, I worked for the Spanish fashion house Bimba & Lola, as an accessory designer. The experience was very important since it is a brand with hundreds of shops around the world. The exposure was very enriching. I am lucky and thankful to live in a country with so much inspiration. These days, I’m inspired by the books I’m reading, nature, interaction with people, travel, museums, and food. What’s the design process like? The fabrics are all hand-drawn and handpainted in-house. The collection is produced in limited runs by local artisans in Terrassa, an area in Spain known for its textiles and fine printing techniques. How do you relate this back to the Middle East? The brand is characterised by colourful prints with strong attention to detail. Coming from the Middle East, and living in Europe, is an advantage because of the understanding of the Middle Eastern market and its audience. Also, having the collection produced in Europe in small runs by local artisans, makes the quality of each product exclusive and unique. Middle Eastern women give great importance to their physical appearance: they like to dress up and wear unique clothes. They encourage young designers from the region and they feel proud to wear their pieces.

FINISHING

TOUCH

Vanessa Seward has put her life and soul into a venture that has been a long time coming - her namesake label.

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ast autumn, Vanessa Seward joined a small group of designers in debuting their collections in Paris. But though it was her first solo presentation, the designer has had countless fashion week hours with Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Azzaro. The collection laid the foundation of a comprehensive wardrobe, based on Seward’s own life and style, and is a narration of her journey

of finding the balance of how women dress. “It’s difficult to be chic in your everyday life. For a long time, I didn’t know how to achieve this. After working in couture houses, I wanted to make this elegance accessible,” Vanessa says. Classic pieces that have come to define Seward’s signature style are rediscovered in luxurious prints, subtle femininity, touches of lame and well-tailored denim. Details include enamel buttons, grosgrain trims and golden hardware. “I pay tribute to the contemporary woman, with whom

I identify. This collection is dedicated to her. It’s not a concept or a cliché, but a recommendation to help her face her daily life with an extra boost of confidence.” The launch of her new label is backed by the founder of A.P.C, Jean Touitou, with whom Vanessa has had several capsule collaborations in recent years. The cherry on top is an expansion plan that will include standalone stores. Net-A-Porter has launched the label’s collection online, with a special selection that is geared for the woman on-the-go.

Q&A

Has it been your long-term goal to launch an eponymous label? It was more of a dream, but I knew that without the right partner it is very difficult to do. I also think that I wasn’t ready, my last experience collaborating with A.P.C. taught me a lot on casual clothing. So

when Jean Touitou proposed we do it after working together on six collaborations, it was a dream made true. Who is the Vanessa Seward customer? I think she’s a woman who’s looking for well-cut clothes that make her look good, without outshining her personality. How do you go about the design process? I start with my personal needs and I’m also inspired by the stylish women who

surround me. I work closely with my team on the structure of the collection and then I tell my story. What was your inspiration for the AW15 collection? My life! I wanted the collection to be as personal as possible, so I was inspired by my childhood in London, my life in Paris, and my Argentine roots. Why did you choose to partner with Net-A-

Porter for the launch? Net-A-Porter had carried my collections for Azzaro, and I admire their selection and incredible fashion sense,so it was really important for me that they were the retail partner. What are your personal highlights from the collection? The long shearling coat (Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been looking for one for ages!), the denim blazer and the clover print dress.

SHINE BABY SHINE FOR WRITER JUDI JONES, IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT WITH THE EXQUISITE COLLECTION OF CRYSTAL-ADORNED EVENING CLUTCHES FROM DUBAI-BASED LUXURY ACCESSORIES BRAND, JASMINE NYE.

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Rola Hamade is the ultimate role model for a luxury fashion brand. She is elegant, glamorous and inspiring, and also happens to be the owner and self-taught creative designer of Jasmine Nye. Several years ago, while following her initial career path as a professional in the banking and finance sector, Rola became pregnant with twins. Jasmine and Nye were the names chosen for her anticipated twin daughters. However, when twin boys arrived, the precious names were set aside until two years ago, when the designer swapped her career in finance, for a shot at fulfilling her passion. The designer wanted to create an accessory collection aimed at a niche market, resulting in the launch of opulent evening bags, which took on the name of Jasmine Nye. “This business is now my baby,” says Rola proudly. “When I’m designing, I’m inspired by the many personas of a woman – classic, elegant, adventurous, daring and chic, and with this in mind I create the collection,” she says. Jasmine Nye's recent trunk show in Fifty One East in Lagoona Mall unveiled the brand's latest collection which looks more like

jewellery than bags. A veritable feast of functional art, consisting of rich, jewel-coloured minaudières embedded with Austrian Swarovski crystals, they are customised to suit a plethora of tastes in a rainbow of monochrome shades, including champagne, gold, silver, black and bronze. A closer look reveals several shades of crystals bleeding together to create an optical illusion effect. Adding a dash of bling are the patterned clutches, with intricately detailed designs featuring geometric lines and swirling motifs, delicately drawn crystal bows outlined in complimentary colours, such as petal shapes, music notes and an irresistible, twinkling, red, love heart clutch, just poised and ready to add the exact amount of sparkle to rev up that little black dress. New additions this season include a range of seriously soft, lambskin evening bags in six delicious metallic shades, gold, silver, black, bronze, rose gold and sky blue. Classic and simple, yet glamorous and glossy, in keeping with the brand’s character for elegant, evening luxury with attention to detail, these offer a suede lining and an optional shoulder strap. For a little something

special to carry inside these little treasures, Jasmine Nye’s fabulous range of crystal card holders offers more than a handful of glamour, and is no doubt the ultimate style statement. Each accessory is handcrafted with particular attention to detail, such as the perfection of the lining, the jewelled clasp, and the subtle chain that can be worn over the shoulder or nestled discreetly inside the clutch. Such workmanship can take several days to produce and is custom-made to the client’s requirements. “When something is handcrafted, it has a special touch, a certain spirit, and is more personal,” says Rola. Two new collections are produced each year from Rola’s workshop in Dubai. “If I see something that inspires me, I always sketch it on paper. I prefer to work with coloured pencils rather than computers. I choose the colours and crystals from the Swarovski charts for the minaudières, and consult with the Italian tanneries for the metallic range, after which my designs are then executed." Surviving within the realms of the fashion industry where styles are always changing, Rola admits that the challenge is her motivation to succeed. Hard work and persistence are major factors in her work ethic. Through private trunk shows held regionally and

“All kinds of things inspire me, I always sketch on paper. I prefer to work with coloured pencils, rather than computers.” internationally, and showcasing at Paris Fashion Week, the brand has been well received since its inception, and popularity continues to soar. "I never compromise on originality and quality,” says Rola. “For me they are not just clutches – they are jewellery. Something that transforms any outfit into a grand statement. Timeless pieces that can pass from generation to generation. An heirloom that can sit in your closet for years yet will always be stylish.”

A TOUCH OF

LUXURY NEW BRAND FROM ALMOTAHAJIBA - SIGNATURE COMES TO LIFE

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xcitement fills the air of a brand new boutique, as fashion cohorts chatter with enthusiasm about the new offerings. But that is what the luxury abaya brand Almotahajiba Signature is about, panache, with a dash of surprise and innovation in design, both in the boutique's interiors and its clothes. With gold panels, a custom-made chandelier at the entrance, and wooden motifs that reflect the country’s traditions and the brand's love for design detailing, the interiors of the showroom complements this luxury wear, with a collection of handmade abayas, jalabiyas, sheilas, leather goods and accessories. While Almotahajiba is about ready-to-wear abayas, Signature is about luxury with fabrics sourced from Paris, fine embellishments, and a modern take on cut, design, and tailoring. Signature was launched to fulfill a desire in the market for luxury abayas of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Embroidery makers are sourced from the best in India, and suppliers who have worked on orders from the Qatar royal family. So we come to the Signature Almotahajiba woman, who is she, and why would she choose Signature over Almotahajiba? Signature designs for the “modern, fashion aware, new generation woman, who prefers the best for herself,” in short for those “who love luxury and their personal comfort”, as the brand describes it. Signature is intent in being categorised as high-end and its designs are equally exclusive. The showrooms of Signature is where the fashionconscious would love to be, and in this highly

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comfortable and luxurious setting, selecting a much-loved piece is part brand experience. Not one element of spatial design is left to speculation, with the best of materials being sourced: marble from Italy, or gold leaf plating from Austria. These are just some of the examples that speak of the thought-process and planning that went into each feature. With the same care that went into designing, the materials for the abayas are mostly pure silk with hand beaded embellishments from India. The Signature fabric is the Versace crepe and foil work, that is almost never used in ready-towear. he idea is to call it a 'product of Qatar' since the idea originated here, but everything is elsewhere: Poland for production, embroidery from India, leather from Portugal, Hong Kong for packaging. The brand wants to emulate the same culture of excellence and creative spirit as the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing fashion brands, while placing an even greater emphasis on the elements of quality and authenticity. Special care is taken to ensure the uniqueness of each piece as is seen in the case of an abaya, which takes 500 hours to embroider. The artisanal work is quite explorative, with a fusion of floral and geometric patterns in the background, and an oriental detailed handwork. Deep black, ancient gold and high-tech silver are the choice colours in this collection. The brand also offers luxury bags made from natural calf leather in a variety of colours. They will also be bringing out a shoe collection and an eye-wear collection. The brand's factory, has just become the first in Qatar to achieve the ISO 9001:2008 certification. With the recognition, Al Siddiqi Holding continues the fulfillment of its promise to provide their clients with top-end products.

Al Motahajiba: Signature is located in Porto Arabia Towers, The Pearl Qatar.

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A NEW DAWN

ONE OF THE REGION’S MOST CELEBRATED COUTURIERS, AIISHA RAMADAN, IS BRINGING HER VISIONARY CREATIVE FORCE TO THE WORLD OF READY-TO-WEAR. HER DECADEOLD COUTURE LABEL HAS WON OVER BIG NAMES, THE LIKES OF CHARLIZE THERON, JENNIFER LOPEZ, AND CHRISTINA AGUILERA. AS SHE STEPS INTO A NEW ERA FOR HER FASHION LABEL, AIISHA TELLS US IN HER OWN WORDS THE JOURNEY LEADING TO THE FIRST PRÊT-A-PORTER COLLECTION.

76 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We focused on quality rather than quantity by displaying signature silhouettes that will be the core of the AIISHA RAMADAN brand moving forward.â&#x20AC;?

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presented the relaunch of my brand - AIISHA RAMADAN - in the shortest fashion show I’ve ever had. Nothing was by mistake. Nothing was a coincidence. I knew exactly the feedback I wanted to receive, and it was remarkable. After nearly nine years of working in the industry, my fans, clients, and the world knew me for couture; intricate gowns that would be presented in sets of several dozens, worn by celebrities from Hollywood to here - my home, the Middle East. My love for couture and the fantasies it surrounds me with, is what got me into the fashion world. However, my belief was, and still is, that my true essence is in the ready-to-wear business - but I needed some commercial guidance. This is when I met Asil Attar and the Est2014 team, and together we set out on a journey to restructure and manage my brand, and to mentor me as a designer and an individual. The process started in December 2013 and it was so emotional, cleansing my soul and mind. It was an incredible journey in search of Aiisha Ramadan. I had to choose between being a couture designer who

spends thousands on extravagant shows and producing one-off pieces to impress my audience, or creating a brand that will leave a legacy for its wearable and affordable lines. I chose what my essence stood for without letting go of my couture fantasies. So for my first official ready-to-wear collection, we focused on quality, rather than quantity, by displaying signature silhouettes that will be the core of the AIISHA RAMADAN brand. It’s fair to say that every piece I displayed was made with pure love, passion, dedication, and a vision of where this brand will be in the future. The inspiration for my Autumn Winter 2015 collection is 'City Lights' - as I drive by, or fly above them, a magical ceremony is created by all the lights that embrace the city at night. I’m inspired by the geometry, the colours, the darkness that reflects from the buildings and the shadows that create shapes. A million lights flickering are mesmerising and the simple lines that define them like jewels cast in the finest settings. There’s magic when all of these elements unite, they play on my imagination, creating elegant, effortless, and refined lines.

For my AW15 collection I partnered with Dhamani Jewels. Their incredible sets of diamonds represent the brightest lights in a dark sky. With each look from daywear to couture, each ring, each necklace and pair of earrings, adds a touch of glamour and timeless beauty that can’t be ignored. The last several months have been extremely busy for me. It was an exhausting, yet incredible and lifechanging experience. The thought that every decision I now take will shape my baby’s life, is an immense responsibility. My journey of discovery was a lot more challenging when coupled with being new to motherhood. But in the end we pulled through and I’m extremely proud to say this is my favourite collection to date. AIISHA RAMADAN is a brand with a global vision, that is dedicated to offering its clients variety to their wardrobe that stands the test of time. It is simple, refined, elegant, effortless and timeless. It’s about time the Middle East exports some real ready-to-wear fashion and I will never fail to be a pioneer among the few Middle East designers endorsing this domain.

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WRAITH

INSPIRED BY FASHION

Bringing together the world of fine motoring and haute couture, Rolls-Royce unveils Wraith-Inspired by Fashion, a timeless creation drawing inspiration from colour palettes, materials and techniques used in high fashion, to bring to life the Wraith’s characteristic blend of power, style and drama. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Studio presents a two-tone colour scheme of Andalucian White and Arctic White that comes with accent choices of Jasmine, Tailored Purple and Mugello Red. The motor car was photographed at the home of Rolls-Royce in the south of England. The luxurious materials and distinctive features presented in the car were accentuated by fashion models, set against a backdrop of the vehicles. “This iteration of Wraith provides a canvas for materials and finishes most commonly associated with the world of fashion. Inspiration was sourced from international catwalks and bespoke tailors, resulting in an aesthetically stunning and sartorially on-point motor car,” says director of design for the brand, Giles Taylor. The car is now available for order in Qatar for a limited time.

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The contemporary fashion theme is completed with the integration of welting, a specialist technique most commonly associated with bespoke tailoring. Presented as a colourful silk strip, the welting stylishly frames Wraithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature leather door panel.

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The lacquering process for the application of wood to the dashboard takes nine days to complete. This is elegantly finished with the integration of a bespoke clock, set as a piece of jewellery, styled exclusively to emit a pearl effect, reminiscent of silk fabrics.

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Beyond the traditional placement of embroidered headrests, seat stitching and piping, the accent colour has found an elegant new application via a striking two-tone composition steering wheel. A seamless stitch, a highly complex craft technique from the world of fine tailoring, was mastered and applied to the wheel by the craftspeople in the leather shop at the home of Rolls-Royce.

AL ANEEQ WHERE THE BIG BOYS COME OUT TO PLAY

ELIAS EL-INDARI FOR TUMI The international travel, business and lifestyle accessory brand, TUMI, has announced Elias El-Indari, the founder and curator of the men’s lifestyle portal, SMF blog, as its first UAE brand ambassador. El-Indari has 60,000 followers on social media and 40,000 blog readers from the Gulf alone, making SMF one of the most popular men’s fashion and lifestyle blogs in the Middle East. “As an international blogger, my life is lived out of my suitcase. TUMI will perfect my journey with its technological innovation and design excellence. My life is carried by my TUMI,” says El-Indari.

HEART OF A MAN Master perfumers, Daniela Andrier and Antoine Maisondieu, have created a unique combination of refined ingredients that are woven together to create an unforgettable, lingering scent. Bottega Veneta pour Homme is a fresh, intriguing and understated fragrance, where distinctive notes of precious labdanum, fir balsam and bergamot, blend into a sensuous leathery signature. At its core is the fragrant resin extracted from the Cistus plant that lends the fragrance its rich depth. Mixed with aromatic top notes, warm heart notes, and nostalgic base notes, means the result is a woody, aromatic and leathery scent. Bottega Veneta is available at Wojooh, Sephora, Paris Gallery, and Debenhams.

JEREMY RENNER WEARS JAEGER-LECOULTRE Actor Jeremy Renner sported a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon watch, while attending the New York premiere of Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, at the AMC Lincoln Square in Times Square.

RAGING RED From Ralph Lauren comes Polo Red Intense, the new, powerful, masculine scent that is building on the winning formula of Polo Red. This bold fragrance features invigorating red ginger, intoxicating red leather, and addictive red roasted coffee, to evoke an exciting mix of speed, adrenaline and power. Available in 75ml and 125ml.

PHILIPP PLEIN AT HARRODS IN LONDON Philipp Plein marked his London debut with the opening of a men’s boutique within Harrods. The new store offers a complete range of men’s ready-to-wear and accessories. The impressive interior mirrors the brand, where black marble finishings cover the walls, hexagonal recesses surround marble platforms, and mirrors add depth to the interior. The eye-catching focal point is an oversized black skull finished with Swarovski elements, all in keeping with the brand’s bold entrance in the UK capital. “London has always been one of my favourite shopping destinations and I have never left the city without visiting this iconic department store. The Harrods opening is our first step into the UK market. I am thrilled and honoured to be a part of it,” says Plein.

GLAM / BEAUTY

BOOTY SEPTEMBER 2015

OUR CURATED BOX FOR ALL YOUR BEAUTY SOLUTIONS.

NATURE KNOWS BEST

BECKONING BOUQUET International actress and model, Dree Hemingway, embodies the daring spirit and natural femininity of the new fragrance from Chloé: authentic, soft and sensual. Chloé Eau de Toilette is a fresh, musky, floral scent, with ‘Rose absolute’ at its core. Bergamot, magnolia, gardenia, and a subtle hint of lemon, complement the white rose. The light fragrance stays true to the signature glass and metal bottle of its predecessors. Inspired by the Fortuny pleat in the Chloé collections, it displays its unique, distinctive relief, and the genuine silver-dipped band at its collar. A white ribbon tied in a simple knot around the neck evokes the tender white rose inside.

Stenders’ Natural Body Cream range is made from natural butters and essences, and scented with essential oils. Choose from 3 luxurious variants to pamper your skin: Peony, which features a glistening bouquet of luxurious peonies, accentuated by rejuvenating cranberry extract and shea butter to enliven the skin; velvety Cranberry - packed with revitalizing cranberry extract and complemented with juniper berry essential oil; or Chocolate Vanilla - a hydrating and nourishing blend, blooming with the scent of cocoa, shea and cupuacu butters, which quickly soften the skin. The Stenders range is available in The Galleria Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai.

91 CRÈME DE LA CRÈME L’Occitane en Provence brings together customer favourites from across the world, to create an ideal treat, with its Bestseller’s Collection. Pamper your body with natural and organic ingredient-based cosmetics, and well-being products, from enriching hand balms, to anti-aging face creams and fragrant eaux de toilettes - in this collection there is something for everyone. Taking the spotlight are super smooth Shea Butter Hand Cream, anti-aging Immortelle Divine Cream, delicate and subtle Almond Shower Oil, Néroli & Orchidée eau de toilette, triple action Immortelle Precious Cream, and Repairing Shampoo for Dry and Damaged hair. Find yours at L’Occitane in Landmark Mall or Villagio.

SOFT SPOT FOR NAILS Complement your wardrobe this autumn with nude nails from OPI’s SoftShades. The new collection features blushes, nudes, and matte shades in rich, true-to-bottle colours. Reinvent the French Manicure with fresh pink and white limited edition shades, show off sophisticated nail art with exclusive Swarovski crystal kits, or create a soft and feminine look with romantic sheers. If you love a SoftShades manicure and want it to last, OPI also features these understated colours in their gel formula. SoftShades Nail Lacquers and SoftShades GelColors are available exclusively at Sephora.

IN THE STARS This month, Sally Hansen releases the new Horoscope Collection. This exclusive, limited-edition range features 12 new shades inspired by the signs of the zodiac. Fiery Aries finds harmony with cherry red, detail-oriented Virgo is paired with an innocent salmon-pink, while romantic and peace-loving Libras find balance in a celestial blue. Most importantly, the varnishes don’t just highlight the best hues for each sign - they beautify the nails, too. The Complete Salon Manicure formula means you get a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, colour, top coat, gel shine finish, and chip-resistance, in one bottle. Find your sign at Wojooh stores.

BUZZ GLAM / BEAUTY

SEPTEMBER 2015

BEAUTY TREND OF THE DECADE HEAVY EYEBROWS HAVE BEEN VOTED THE TOP BEAUTY TREND OF THE PAST 10 YEARS ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A NEW SURVEY. THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF BEAUTY THERAPISTS AND COSMETOLOGY (BABTAC) SURVEY REVEALED THAT WOMEN IN THE UK THINK DEFINED BROWS ARE THE MOST STYLISH BEAUTY LOOK OF THE PAST DECADE. Stars including UK supermodel Cara Delevingne and US actress Camilla Belle, have championed the trend and sparked brow envy among beauty lovers on both sides of the Atlantic. Contouring, a make-up technique made famous by reality TV star Kim Kardashian, was deemed the number two trend. The concept uses foundations and concealers of differing shades to subtly sculpt the face by enhancing features such as lips and cheekbones, while ‘slimming’ other features such as the nose. Dark ‘berry’ lips claimed third place in the survey, with the Nineties-style look proving popular with beauty lovers today. This was followed by the classic red lip look, with smokey eyes proving to be the fifth most popular trend. Other looks that made the top 10 list include winged eyeliner, glossy lips, nude lips and drawn-on beauty spots. The least popular trend at number 10 was the natural look. A total of 2,844 British women aged 18-73 took part in the survey, with the majority claiming to have learned the techniques through trial and error. More than half confessed to watching YouTube tutorials online to improve their skills.

BOLD BROWS: PERFECT PRECISION Tweezerman’s Brow Shaping Scissors and Brush are the ultimate eyebrow fix. The tools are custom-crafted with an ergonomic design, and have sharp, ultra-thin blades that allow you to isolate each hair for optimum accuracy and control, when trimming and shaping your brows. Use the spiral brush to define your brow shape, and the stainless steel scissors to trim excess length from the brows, while checking for balance and precision as you work. Tweezerman products are available in Qatar at Salam Studios or Virgin Megastores, and are at Areej, Bloomingdales, Tavola and Harvey Nichols in the GCC.

CLASSIC LIP LOOK: WORK OF ART

CONTOURING: A LIGHT TOUCH

Another must for your beauty arsenal is the Artist Plexi-Gloss, a new lip lacquer range from Make Up For Ever. With a non-sticky formula and a perfect-dose applicator, the Artist Plexi-Gloss gives lips a shocking shine, extreme colour and has staying power. The SuperFlex applicator has a unique lip-hugging shape with a small ‘gloss reservoir’ that collects the perfect amount of lip lacquer needed, for an incredibly smooth texture. The glosses come in 35 shades, from nudes, corals and pinks, to reds, and are available in two versions: ‘Pearl’ - for a shine peppered with fine pearlisers, or ‘Pure’ - for intense and vibrant colour.

Bourjois’ new Air MAT gives an airy matte finish with an even coverage, in a long-lasting formula. It evens the skin tone with a natural, imperceptible veil and creates a super soft, smooth texture. Promising 24 hours of wear, Air MAT contains specially coated pigments that provide fresh-looking coverage throughout the day. Non-greasy oils bind the pigments to the skin, and an extra-fine mattifying powder with zinc extract and tiny silica beads absorbs excess sebum from the skin. You can find your ideal coverage from a choice of 8 natural shades, at Wojooh or Boots stores.

FUN IN THE SUN! ALTHOUGH SUMMER IS A FABULOUS TIME FOR ENJOYING OUTDOOR PICNICS, BARBEQUES, OR DINING AL FRESCO, THE SEASON CAN BE TOUGH ON YOUR SKIN. BY ESMERALDA VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

The summer sun is stronger than at any other time of the year, meaning none of you stylish GLAM readers should go outside without proper SPF protection, to fend off those harmful rays and sun exposure effects. During the hot summer months your skin might become more vulnerable to pimples. As we perspire, the sweat mixes with oil, dirt and bacteria, which can clog the pores and lead to a dreaded outbreak. The best practice, especially during the summer months, is to stick to a regular regime of facials to cleanse, exfoliate, and of course pamper your skin. The most common signs of sun damage include wrinkles, age spots, broken blood vessels and leathery, rough texture of the skin. These symptoms are caused by the three most damaging sunrays - UVA, UVB and UVC. You could think of them as (UV)A – Aging, (UV)B – Burning and (UV)C – Cancer. It’s been estimated that more than 350,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed globally this year alone – so let’s work together on reducing that number with the right sunscreen. There are many sunscreen misconceptions, which is why it’s important to understand how it works and protects your skin.

People often think that the higher the sunscreen factor, the stronger protection. This is a common error, as the factor only indicates how much protection time you have. To calculate this, you must first know what your reaction time to the sun is. If you have a darker complexion and you are outside in the sun at noon in July, how long would it take for your skin react? By react we mean to tingle or feel flushed. If it takes 5 minutes, your reaction time is 5 minutes. To assess how effective your sunscreen is, multiply 5x30 (SPF) to get 150 – this is how many minutes of protection you have before you must reapply. For those with fairer complexions, your reaction time will be less, probably around 2-3 minutes. This means anything less than SPF 20 will not provide you with protection from the sun. During the summer months, we often feel like we want to become hermits in Qatar and stay indoors away from the sun and the heat. However, it is also important to go outside and soak up those important rays, to generate Vitamin D. The important thing is to stay safe whilst in the sun, and to minimise the risk of skin damage. Let’s have fun in the sun – safely!

BEAUTY / 95

BEAUTY CONFIDENTIAL: CHANEL For autumn, Chanel unveils Les Automnales featuring plays of shadow and light with a palette of natural colours and the Blue Rhythm de Chanel which is inspired by the jazz blues.

Les Automnales Chanel Makeup Studio combines a range of rich textures and effects with a wide array of natural hues and muted undertones, to create the look for the runway. All are illuminated by shimmering touches of gold, bronze or copper, evocative of the plays of light cast by the rays of sunlight on tree branches. The dramatic eye is created with colours directly inspired by nature. There are shades of khaki and brown, but also touches of rust. The limited edition palette, Entrelacs, combines five matte and satin eye shadows, paying tribute to classic autumn colours, golden beige, velvet beige, bronze, deep brown, and beige. The Makeup Studio also offers Les 4 Ombres in Tissé d’Automne, featuring

golden khaki, peach-beige, copper-brown and deep khaki. The Illusion d’Ombre Velvet line expands with Fleur de Pierre, a slate gray with a silver shimmer. The frost blush Joues Contraste is offered in a dusty rose with light golden shimmer. Alezane is the ideal blush color to achieve a radiant natural glow. New lip colour options include Rouge Allure,Meditation, and Lost & Delirious. New shades of Stylo Yeux Waterproof eyeliner, Volume de Chanel mascara, Lèvres Scintillantes lip gloss, and Le Vernis nail colours round out the new make-up collection. Blue Rhythm de Chanel Composed in a crescendo where the colour blue takes centrestage, the collection includes Les 4 Ombres eyeshadows, Ligne Graphique Dream Blue eyeliner, Le Volume Ultra-Noir and Blue Night mascaras. The colours are meant to evoke the rhythm of the blue major with a tinge of rebellious spirit. Available at Fifty One East stores.

ARTISTIC COLLABORATION Art on Fashion, along with Qatari artist, Noor Abu Issa, launched a collection of scarves called ‘For the Love of Colour,’ at the Fire Station Artist in Residence. The event was supported by the Fire Station, Salam Studio &Stores and The Creative Union, a popular branding agency in Doha. The gallery was transformed with canopies and installations of beautiful and colourful scarves. Noor’s art portrays Islamic geometric design infused with bright colours, giving it a contemporary

feel. “It has been an exciting journey transforming my art into wearable pieces and being supported by such iconic landmarks,” says Noor. All the scarves are made in Italy. The square scarves are made of 100 percent silk, while the long ones are modal and cashmere. These scarves will be available at Salam Studio & Stores from 13th August. The next collaboration with artist Amal Al Aathem will be launched later this year for Spring Summer 2016.

NEW DAMAS STORE IN BARWA CITY Damas, the leading jewellery and watch retailer in the Middle East, opened the new Damas Collections store in Lulu Hypermarket at Barwa City. Inaugurated by Kevin Ryan, Retail Director of Damas, the store showcases novel designs from well-known and treasured Damas brands such as Farfasha, Legacy, Spring, Hayati, Mystique and many more in-house brands. “The new outlet at the Lulu Hypermarket in Barwa City articulates Damas’s global strategy and direction to offer discerning jewellery enthusiasts exclusive in-house collections and select international brands,” says Kevin Ryan.

AROUND TOWN / 97 VINCE CAMUTO COMES TO DOHA Internationally recognised for its iconic, namesake founder as well as its stylish designs, the popular New York-based lifestyle brand, Vince Camuto is now open at Lagoona Mall, Qatar. Known for its chic, versatile and wearable creations, the store will offer a wide range of stylish shoes, handbags, apparel and accessories. The store’s opening event showcased Vince Camuto’s Transition 2015 collection, a range of chic styles inspired by five key trends such as the Femme Fatale, Clean Slate, Urban Safari, Caged Heat and Easy Rider. With quality craftsmanship and wide range of styles, this collection provides stylish solutions for the Vince Camuto woman’s office, off-duty and special-occasion needs. Occupying a spacious, custom-designed space, this fashion brand assures fans and fashionistas a relaxing and luxurious shopping experience.

TORY BURCH BOUTIQUE OPENS AT LAGOONA MALL A wide assortment of the Tory Burch collection will be available at the boutique, including ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, small leather goods, watches, jewellery, eyewear and other accessories. The store’s interiors are unified by Tory Burch’s signature green awnings and orange lacquered doors, as well as oversized light boxes featuring the brand’s lifestyle images. In keeping with the aesthetic of other Tory Burch stores, the custom-designed interior has a residential feel. Oak and marble floors, raffia walls and gold leaf chandeliers offer a neutral backdrop to a sophisticated mix of furnishings, including sea foam silk drapes, teal velvet sofas and blue-and-white embroidered pillows. Tory Burch’s classic designs with a bohemian aesthetic, has drawn people from the very beginning. Over the past decade, the company has grown into a global brand with more than 140 boutiques around the world. Art, music, travel, and interiors are inspirations for the collection.

TALK GLAM / SHOP

SEPTEMBER 2015

ODE TO CLASSIC FILM

This season, Mario Testino, through his lenses and the models Cameron Russel and Sean Richard, continues to interpret Massimo Dutti in a collection replete with alluring fabrics, colours, and of course, sensations. Massimo Dutti goes one step further with a collection above and beyond the typical autumnal garments, to offer a boho style that invades garments contrasting starkly with the most minimalist formalwear. Garments inspired by cinema classics, and films from the 70s that have moulded the face of fashion, bring us a hint of nostalgia. From suede pieces with fringing, to cord trousers and patterned shirts, denim and leather are everpresent. The variety of colours is mixed, from browns, camel or purples, to sea blues and bright greens. All fused together in different fabrics to create a warm, cozy and elegant atmosphere.

99 EPIC AND MEMOIR SPECIAL EDITIONS Amouage curates special editions as gifts for Eid Al Adha, including keepsakes from the Epic and Memoir lines. Epic Woman is a spicy and floral oriental fragrance that opens with silken top notes of cumin, pink bay and cinnamon, that pervades to a bouquet of delicate and dewy damascene rose, geranium and jasmine, accented with tea in the heart. The special edition Epic bottles are inspired by the deep, striking green of the imperial jadeite of the Orient, which is believed to provide protection from evil, and emerald Swarovski crystals intricately adorn the gold-plated metal caps and the Amouage insignia. Memoir Woman finds inspiration in the decadent mien and genius of the 19th Century French poet, Charles Baudelaire, and the German philosophy of the doppelganger. It is a spicy fusion of absinth, enhanced by deconstructing the redolent tuberose to its core and reassembling the note in a white floral accord with lisylang and orange blossom. Memoir’s special edition bottles are made of black crystal glass, graduating from a dark to a lighter shade, and its silver metal caps and insignia are embellished with dusky Swarovski crystals.

THERE WILL BE NO MIRACLES HERE Rollercoaster sets the tone for Philipp Plein’s AW 2015. The designer chose Palazzo delle Scintille, a historic Milanese building from the 1920’s that is, today, an enormous striking underground space. Street style is elevated to extreme luxury with mink and fox fur basketball jerseys with python and crocodile inserts. Two-tone fur stoles, Wild Mongolian Kidassia coats, and geometric bandeau bras come in black and white with just a touch of orange. Couture capes with clean, sharp lines, close-fitting dresses and python and crocodile jogging pants

are paired with trenches, flat black leather boots with straps, high belts and wide-brimmed hats, to enhance geometries and glamour of the look. Luxury and technology characterise the fabrics of the long dresses opened by round holes, tears and cuts. The tridimensional image of a diamond panther that decorates each piece of the collection, from clothes to accessories, represents the symbol of the #pleinwarriors - the show’s hashtag created to launch and share the free, proud and overwhelming spirit of the brand’s aesthetics.

LADY EMBLEM Montblanc’s new fragrance for women, Lady Emblem, is represented by Lesly Masson and photographed by Carlotta Manaigo. The image created for this fragrance is that of an independent and contemporary woman. With an almost piercing, yet undeniably alluring look and slightly tousled hair, the Lady Emblem woman has a distinctive versatility that makes her the perfect companion to her male Emblem counterpart. The bottle is designed to be a carbon copy of the Montblanc diamond, with the same number of facets, and reflects the same brilliance and draws the same dreams. Heavy in hand, crowned by pink gold and garnished with a luxurious glass top, it is nestled in a rose tea-coloured box. A mystifying rose sake is the focal point. The exceptional rose sake is obtained through highly sophisticated distillation to maintain refinement, naturalness and grace. The sake note, which was invented by two perfumers, has the fresh, crystalline zing of the finest rice spirit. There is a slightly metallic hint of litchi and cut grass.

100

QUIS QUIS AW2015

TUDOR FASTRIDER CHRONOGRAPH Inspired by the non-conformist spirit of the famous Ducati Scrambler, a model emblematic of the brand, this new chronograph is a travelling companion that is both technical and exhilarating, with a youthful and spontaneous style. Created in 2011 at the beginning of the partnership between Tudor and Ducati, Fastrider is Tudor’s technical and sporty line dedicated to the world of performance on two wheels. This year, Tudor continues on the path of aesthetic juxtaposition, by offering a new Fastrider chronograph inspired by one of the most famous Ducati models, the Scrambler. Three dials were designed to reflect the various Scrambler versions, bright yellow, olive green and red. Stripped back to the essentials, the dials are legible and colourful. Waterproof to 150 metres, the brushed steel case of the new Fastrider chronograph is entirely matte finished and accentuated by the strong contrast created between the matte black ceramic bezel and the push pieces and crown with matte black PVD treatment. It holds a self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours, providing a calendar function with rapid corrector which may be read through an aperture positioned at 4.30.

The brand dedicates its autumn collection to Sonia Delaunay, an exponent of the avant-garde in the 1900 who dedicated her art to the study and analysis of colour. Graphics, decorations and fashion are fused to create a new patchwork formed by fabrics with a geometric cut, which the artist called “simultaneous tailoring”. Quis Quis interprets the artist with mutually opposing shades. Here the influence of painting on fashion is through straight and simple shapes but with geometric compositions which enhance chromatism. Fuchsia, purple, cornflower blue, red, and green are the chromatic palette of the collection and can also be found in the accessories in lenci cloth, berets, diadems and small bags.

SHOP TALK / 101 FALL IN LOVE WITH FREYA A new sleek and slouchy Hobo has arrived at Mulberry. The Freya embodies casual, contemporary elegance. Designed as much for practical comfort as for irresistible appeal, the Freya has an equestrian-inspired top handle that fits easily over the shoulder or rests in the crook of the arm. The smaller size option also features a detachable easy-to-wear shoulder strap. Beautifully constructed to hang with an elegant slouch, the Freya is made from soft and supple calf leather in the new season colour palette of classic black, romantic rose petal, timeless taupe, and cool steel blue.

STREET FASHION Reservedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Street line is a clever concept in which utilitarian fashion meets a creative style that oozes character. The artistic mood of the collection is expressed in the latest ad campaign entitled 'Raw Beauty' in which the rawness is noticeable, especially in the selection of fabrics and the simple colour palette. A lot of earthy tones, greys, browns, ochre, and rust make an appearance, along with natural shades of ivory, olive, black, and a drop of Bordeaux. Rawness is also expressed in the lineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s details and embellishments. Geometrical Navajo prints, fringing and layered outfits are reminiscent of the clothing worn by North American tribes or the traditional style of the native South Americans. The Peruvian/Bolivian vibe of the campaign is provided by the unusual location of the shoot. Magnificent foggy mountains act as a backdrop for the ethnic outfits and add a sense of mystery to the photos. The collection is now available in the Gulf Mall.

102 \ SHOP TALK

PULL&BEAR BLACK LABEL Pull&Bear Black Label, which is aimed at the brand’s most cosmopolitan and mature male clientele, is launching its campaign for the new season, going for a sophisticated look with designs that are clean, cutting edge and urban. The Swedish photographer Andreas Larsson returns as head photographer for the collection. Through Larsson’s lens, model Isaac Carew is immortalised in a series of simple black and white images taken in Holborn, central London, where the play of light produces natural and modern photographs. Special qualities such as the cuts and finishes of the wool coats and extra-long bomber jackets stand out, while pants include baggy cut-off chinos, along with regular and skinny fit jeans. Among the season’s new items are oversized and extra-long designs, drop-seam fabrics, materials such as cool wool fabrics and clothing with detachable features.

SHOW STOPPERS

OTT Autumn Winter 2015 Available at Eclipse boutique, The Pearl-Qatar.

SHOW STOPPERS

OTT Autumn Winter 2015 Available at Eclipse boutique, The Pearl-Qatar.

SHOW STOPPERS

OTT Autumn Winter 2015 Available at Eclipse boutique, The Pearl-Qatar.

SHOW STOPPERS

OTT Autumn Winter 2015 Available at Eclipse boutique, The Pearl-Qatar.