U Magazine April

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UTRENDS feature

the Runway REBELS

By YASMIN HARAKE

With highly anticipated runway shows happening across the fashion capitals of the world, it’s not only the catwalk that is being watched with cool eyes and tough judgement. Sitting amongst a blur of high heels, oversized shades and lust-worthy handbags, fashion’s elite are taking their seats on the front row and they aren’t going to leave without a fight.

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eware the glare of fashion’s very own royals. The ice King and Queen of couture, Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour are the modern day wax seals of approval on any designer’s front row. With their sharp signature hairstyles and equally cutting opinions, these two are a fashion force to be reckoned with. Both of them have caused a stir in their own ways, with Wintour causing outrage amongst animal rights activists for promoting fur whilst others have attacked her for using Vogue to encourage elitist views of femininity.

Lagerfeld himself has been at the centre of the fur debate, and he somehow managed to singlehandedly cause an international furor for branding English singer Adele as “a little too fat.” Beneath their dark sunglasses and scathing comments, it is almost impossible to deny that there is an ongoing passion and dedication to the world of fashion within them - even if it does cause a stir every now and then.

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eena Abdulaziz is royalty for more reasons than one – the obvious being her marriage to Prince Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud – but her elegant style and exquisite taste make her a Princess in her own right. Commanding two exclusive (and members only, might we add) boutiques in Riyadh and Doha, she is known for stocking only the most reputable labels of the fashion world, such as Maison Martin Margiela and Veronique Branquinho. She backed many of London’s new labels from day one, showing support for the likes of Erdem and Mary Katrantzou before they had established themselves in the world of fashion.

Princess Deena is a stylish modern-day representation of East meets West, with the Arabian culture inspiring her exquisite taste in Western designers and trends. Sama and Haya Abu Khadra pack a real style punch. First spotted in Paris by photographer Scott Schuman, the Palestinian twins have gone on to steal the show on the streets outside Fashion Week. Following in the steps of their fashionista mother, the twins have put their fashion feet forward and are definitely ones to watch. Studying Fine Art and Film at the University of South California in Los Angeles, the girls share everything from their Twitter account to their university major - and no doubt their wardrobes.

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e’re a little bit in love with Mira Duma here in the U office at the moment. More than once we’ve caught ourselves discussing her eyecatching outfits and unstoppable style, and hey – here we are doing it again. The former editor of Harper’s Bazaar Russia and founder of Buro24/7 is making a big fashion statement in her home country and the rest of the world. With an astonishing one million Instagram followers, Mira’s life as a wife, mother and style sensation is one that resonates with many women from around the world. Ulyana Sergeenko is known for her Soviet-inspired style. She was dubbed a member of ‘The Russian Mafia’ by fashion bloggers before going on to collaborate with various designers. She was not credited for much of her work, and so she created her own eponymous fashion label in 2012. Her first couture collection was a juxtaposition of inspiration from the Russian military, fairytales and even literature.

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ith an impressive CV that reads ‘Editor-at-Large’ and ‘Creative Consultant’ for Vogue Japan and an astounding 4,000 pairs of shoes to her name, Anna Dello Russo has definitely earned a secure spot within fashion’s elite. Nobody does street style like Anna, with her eccentric outfits turning heads and widening eyes wherever she goes. According to The Coveteur, Anna goes by a list of front row rules, including “only wearing an outfit once, always wearing good shoes” and “don’t wear sunglasses unless you’re a VIP.” Another Vogue Editor with head-turning style is Carine Roitfeld. Her style is chic and minimalistic, and she is often seen wearing a statement piece, like a classic beige trench coat or knee-high leather boots. Carine took her first steps into the fashion industry at the age of eighteen, when she was model scouted on the streets of Paris by a British photographer’s assistant. After being in front of the camera, she chose to go behind the scenes, becoming a writer and then a stylist for French Elle. In 2010 and after ten years, Carine resigned from her position at Vogue Paris to focus on more personal projects. Her name can be found on many best-dressed lists, which perfectly illustrates how understated style often comes out on top.

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UTRENDS special

fruit

PUNCH Creative Design ZAH R A B AS MA Styling TAMAR A MAH D I

Take a bite of this season’s mouthwatering accessories and amp up your wardrobe with a different kind of fivea-day. Bright colors and geometric patterns inspired by your favourite fruits make for a fun alternative to your classic heels and staple clutch, so here are our top picks that look good enough to eat.

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Sarah’s Bag ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK UP YOUR DOSE OF VITAMIN C WITH THIS JUICY ORANGE CLUTCH, COMPLETE WITH TROPICAL L E AV E S A N D B E A D E D E M B E L L I S H M E N T.

A [PINE] APPLE A DAY

Sophia Webster

PRINTED PINEAPPLES AND A SPLASH OF COLOR GIVE THESE S T R A P P Y S A N D A L S A M I S C H I E V O U S T W I S T, W H I L S T T H E C H U N K Y H E E L M A K E S T H E S E S H O E S H A R D T O S AY N O T O .

ONE IN A MELON

Charlotte Olympia

DIR TY DANCING’S SWEETHEAR T KNEW A THING OR TWO ABOUT FASHION, SO IT SEEMS. THANKS TO THIS DELICIOUS CLUTCH, YOU TOO CAN C A R R Y A WA T E R M E L O N .

GO BANANAS

Sophia Webster W I T H S C A L L O P S T R A P S , A H E AV E N LY R U B B E R S O L E A N D EMBROIDERED BANANAS, THESE STYLISH SANDALS ARE THE P E R F E C T C O M P A N I O N S F O R A WA L K I N T H E S P R I N G S U N S H I N E .