A Taste of Tomorrow

'Moroccan Holiday' by Steven Meisel

2012-01-03T19:08:00.000-05:00

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

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

2012-01-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

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

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

2012-01-02T11:24:00.000-05:00

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

DARMAKI: The Middle East's Own Luxury Footwear Brand

2011-06-29T08:53:00.002-04:00

The Middle East has yet another gem to add to its crown, it's very own homegrown luxury footwear designer! UK- based Sultan Al Darmaki, the Emirati designer behind the luxury footwear couturier, DARMAKI, combines cultural and artistic influences to create one of a kind designs. DARMAKI incorporates culture, high-end materials, superior Italian manufacturing, and attention to detail to create luxury footwear that makes the line a unique and viable contender in the international designer footwear market.

Sultan Al Darmaki follows the philosophy of Andre Perugia in believing that a woman's personality is revealed in her shoes. That being said, the ideal DARMAKI woman is elegant, sophisticated, and not afraid to experiment with her style. Each shoe in the collection exudes its own character that caters to a different type of woman. DARMAKI also expresses the creativity of the designer who uses different motifs, including Arabesque, while not sacrificing the femininity and sexiness of the shoes. To find out more about DARMAKI's A/W 2011 collection, check out the site here.

In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:

NazCannon: Emirati Style Avant-Garde

2011-06-28T01:47:00.002-04:00

While in Dubai this past month I got the chance to take a look at the Spring/Summer 2011 collection of Emirati designer Nasser Mohammed Al Midfa, the driving force behind the menswear label NazCannon. I was simply blown away by the edginess of the pieces in the collection. It is not everyday that you see edgy and avant-garde fashion coming out of the label obsessed Emirates, but NazCannon breaks the mold by breathing fresh air into not only the Emirati menswear fashion scene, but also the international menswear fashion scene. His use of a range of silhouettes and dramatic draping techniques goes against the grain of many menswear designers who choose a more tailored and staid look for their collections. NazCannon's look is part punk, part chic, part rock n roll, and all original. I especially like the androgynous nature of many of the pieces as they would look equally as sexy on a girl as on a boy. If you want to check out all of NazCannon's looks, head to the boutique Bullets & Butterflies at the Mercato Mall in Dubai where his collection is sold exclusively. In the meantime, check out some of my favorites from his SS '11 Lookbook!!

Reemami S/S 2011: Color At the Fairground

2011-04-19T13:45:00.000-04:00

As a fervent color-o-holic, any collection that makes extensive use of bold colors while not making their designs look clownish or kitschy is a winner for me. Reemami, a Dubai based fashion line owned and designed by Reema Al Banna, is one such label that I'm now in love with. Born and raised in Dubai with a background in graphic design, Reema is not afraid to use bold playful colors and designs that can be statement pieces for any girl. Her designs are for the young at heart who like to have fun with their wardrobe and don't take life too seriously.

These ethos are echoed in the campaign shots for Reemami which are shot at a fairground. How much more playful can you get?! The shoot really shows off the color and lifestyle of the ideal Reemami girl. Love, love love!

Erdem Spring/Summer 2011: What Spring Means To Me

2011-03-31T11:24:00.000-04:00

I am still in denial that it is cold outside here in New York City and am already looking forward to having picnics in Central Park, outdoor seating at restaurants, beautiful people, and blossoming flowers. Turkish-Canadian designer Erdem Moralioglu's Spring/Summer 2011 collection helps with that denial by providing me the release I need from the cold weather with a beautiful collection that embodies exactly what spring means to me. His pieces are light, playful, and exude springtime in every way from the lace embroidery down to the colorful flower prints. So while spring is taking its time getting to the city, I'll look at pictures of spring and Erdem's collection to get me through the harsh weather. Snow tomorrow? No big deal.

Check it:

Rouge Couture Spring/Summer 2011 at Dubai Fashion Week

2011-03-27T10:30:00.001-04:00

I recently came across the collection of abayas and jalabiyas by Rouge Couture that was shown at Dubai Fashion Week. The label is designed by best friends Sara Al Madani from the UAE and Apple Wang from China. The collection is a perfect example of when tradition meets modernity. The collection also brings together Arabian and Chinese design aspects to make each abaya a veritable and original work of art. I absolutely love the unique accents on each piece. One piece featured Alexander McQueen-esque skull bones that ran down the abaya while another had metal embellishments running down the lapel. The collection is perfect for those stylish women who still want to remain modest and each piece is free size so that different figures can feel comfortable in them. I absolutely love this collection because it makes the abaya super edgy and dare I say sexy?

Check my favorites:

To learn more, visit their site here.

I LOVE ASHI STUDIO

2011-03-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

I LOVE ASHI STUDIO! There are few designers that have entire collections that completely blow me away but every time I look at Mohammed Ashi's work, I am in complete and utter AWE. Each and every one of his designs are amazingly powerful and the craftmanship is impeccable. In my eyes, Ashi is the designer of the future. The Saudi designer's aesthetic is so delicate and playful and the way he plays with volume is remarkable. He does not shy away from being over the top yet his pieces remain ultra classy. I love his color aesthetic as well. The colors are light and understated which brings out the impeccable workmanship in the design of the outfit itself. I could seriously marvel at his designs all day if you let me! Bravo Ashi Studio!

And what's more, Mohammed just released his campaign video for his upcoming collection entitled "Creature of the Night"! Take a look:

But while we're waiting for his upcoming collection, feast your eyes on some of my favorite pieces from his Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Again, I can't stress how much I LOVE these designs!:

If you want to learn more about Ashi Studio, check out the site here

Palestyle: Palestinian Fashion With A Cause

2011-03-21T18:03:00.003-04:00

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

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

These are my favorites:

Hermes Fall 2011: Made for Muhajababes?!

2011-03-20T22:40:00.004-04:00

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

Omar Joseph Nasser-Khoury at The Mosaic Rooms

2011-03-08T11:09:00.004-05:00

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

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

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

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

For more information click here

Manish Arora: Color Me The Rainbow

2011-03-07T23:24:00.004-05:00

My favorite Indian designer, Manish Arora, wows me yet again with his A/W Fall 2011 collection. As a color-lover, it's great to see so much of it in a fall collection. And boy is it everywhere: in hair, in make-up, in shoes, and of course all over the clothes. Arora never shies away from injecting vibrant colors into anything he designs. I love the way he combines different textures as well. Furs run easily into satins, and structured, latticework-like designs run seamlessly into soft dresses. Every piece is outrageously unique but there is still a continuity throughout the collection. Arora is truly a visionary and this collection is a testament to that. And my favorite pieces are...:

Setareh Mohtarez: In a Galaxy Far Far Away

2011-03-07T08:20:00.004-05:00

I stumbled upon NYC based designer, Setareh Mohtarez's Brightness Dawn Collection the other day and was instantly mesmerized. Her designs are whimsical and full of fantasy and the way she works with shapes and volume is incredible. Each piece has an understandable place in the overall collection and, in my opinion, has an other-worldly character. The designs look simple but are very well constructed. I'm an instant fan! Are you? Check it!

Teatime Anyone?: Anna Dello Russo for Net-A-Porter

2011-03-05T00:29:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love the Mad Hatter theme of the fashion spread by Anna Dello Russo in the current issue of Net-a-Porter magazine. The Japanese Vogue editor has an eye for the over the top as can be seen in her own style choices. My favorite: The tea party hat!

Ellie Saab Spring 2011 Couture Collection

2011-03-04T14:19:00.004-05:00

Who can forget Mila Kunis' stunningly gorgeous Oscars red carpet look? But can you go wrong with wearing an Elie Saab creation? I think not! Elie Saab's vision is truly intriguing and his dresses are absolutely magnificent. This collection in particularly is so fairy-like with organza flowers strewn across sheer dresses, soft pastel colors, and beautifully flowing gowns. Elie Saab has definitely grown as a designer and it is apparent in this collection. Here are some of my favorites:

Tracklist: Yelle's Safari Disco Club/ Que Veux Tu

2011-03-04T13:42:00.003-05:00

Yelle's new single Safari Disco Club is an instant favorite for me. The beat is catchy and the video which is a compilation of Safari Disco Club and Que Veux Tu is quite quirky and well thought out. Check it!

Christian Louboutin for Men

2011-03-04T05:15:00.003-05:00

I am absolutely OBSESSED with the Christian Louboutin men's shoes that the models of Marlon Grobel's AW 11 collection were wearing. I've been eying the black studded rollerboy shoes for a while now but the gold shoes are just to die for! If I had the money, I'd buy them all. It's very rare that you find shoes for men that absolutely pop, but Louboutin succeeds in giving even his men's shoes a life of their own. These are on my birthday wishlist!

Lady Gaga: Born This Way

2011-02-28T15:39:00.002-05:00

Although I wasn't a fan of the song when it was first released, the video which was released today makes up for it 100%. The visuals and the kaleidoscope effects were well thought out and quite revolutionary in my opinion. The concept: incredible. Her body was also on point. Yes Lady Gaga, you have done it again! Check it

Olivia Palermo in DAS Abaya

2011-01-19T08:10:00.005-05:00

Now this is what I LOVE to see! Fashionista Olivia Palermo was the guest of honor at the HauteMuse magazine event in Doha, Qatar this past week. HauteMuse is a soon to be released fashion magazine by the same women who were the creators of the blogs HauteCouturista and Fashion The Blog, Fatma Al Thani and Noora Al Thani. While in Qatar, Olivia decided to sport the national dress, the abaya, designed by none other than my favorite abaya fashion label DAS. The abaya looked stunning on Palermo as seen in the picture above where she poses with Harper Bazaar Arabia's international fashion consultant Iman Pasha. Excellent choice!

Here are some pictures from the HauteMuse event in Doha, Qatar:

Kuwaiti fashionistas Sara and Afrah Bouhamra
Olivia and Shaima Al-Tamimi
Ahmed Alsayed and Carla Mallari, creators of the Qatari street style blog nomad*
Posing with one of the sisters behind DAS abayas, Hind Beljafla

Jenny and her Twins Model for Gucci

2010-12-05T12:10:00.003-05:00

Every time I walk by this Gucci ad on 69th and Broadway with Jennifer Lopez and her twin babies I always have to stop and admire how beautifully done it is. Jennifer Lopez is nothing but stunning and GOD what good genes these kids have because they look so adorable. It seems that Jennifer Lopez looks even better AFTER having kids than before. Is that possible?!

Her twins Max and Emme are sporting pieces from Gucci's Spring 2011 children's line and I can't get over the fact that they are better dressed than I am. But that's what you get when your mother is a superstar I guess. Yay for rich beautiful mothers with rich beautiful kids!

OTT: Keeping it Funky Fresh in Dubai

2010-12-04T09:20:00.003-05:00

Think color. Think funk. Think flashy. Think OTT. The UAE based Bespoke caftan brand OTT is for that eccentric girl that is willing to play with color and have fun with her fashion. OTT is designed by an Emirati designer who chooses to remain anonymous, adding mystery to the label. His designs speak for themselves though and OTT perfectly showcases the over-the-top and funky fabulousness that is Dubai. The brand is a blend of retro inspired caftans given flare with splashes of color, modern cuts, and amazing details. As soon as I saw one of these caftans I fell in love. The designs are so playful and definitely remind me of the glamorous Dubai girl that I so adore. Keep up with OTT through his blog here.

Jeremy Scott x Linda Farrow Cafgar Sunglasses

2010-12-03T18:21:00.002-05:00

Jeremy Scott teams up with Linda Farrow to produce these ancient Roman inspired Cafgar Sunglasses. The sides are flanked by gold olive branches and the front gives a more modern twist to 80's style sunglasses. If I don't see cool Pharrell-types wearing these on the streets of NYC, I'll be sad. They're available at RSVP Gallery.

Look of the Week: The Cocktail Party

2010-12-03T00:16:00.003-05:00

After much thought and a whole lot of patience, I'm proud to announce a new aspect of this blog. It is one thing to see collections from different designers and another to actually put together a great look using pieces from different collections. I've therefore decided to do the hard work for you. Each week (if my laziness doesn't get the better of me) I will make a fashion collage/moodboard showcasing designs from mostly Middle Eastern designers paired with elements from other Middle Eastern designers to produce a complete outfit. Each collage will have a theme and the names of the designers along with a brief description of the designer and the products will be put under the collage.

This week's theme is my favorite: the cocktail party!

Dress- BODYAMR Four Ways Dress

Cuffs- BODYAMR

Clutch- Dareen Hakim

Shoes- Azzedine Alaia

BODYAMR is the London based label of Omani-born Amr Ali, who launched BODYAMR in 2005. He designs beautiful womenswear and his collections are not new to London's Fashion Week.

Dareen Hakim is the Beirut-born, U.S. based designer behind the line of handbags that bears her name. The Arabic calligraphy and dramatic hues of her bags represent her Lebanese upbringing

Azzedine Alaia is the Tunisian-born courtier and shoe designer whose designs are world renown. His shoes and clothing designs have been worn by the world's most famous personalities including Michelle Obama and others.

Kage Cinema Collection

2010-12-02T11:47:00.004-05:00

Kage, a womenswear brand created by childhood friends Arwa Abdelhadi and Basma Abu Ghazaleh has produced yet another great collection after their successful launch in 2009. Based in Dubai, the designers describe their new Cinema Collection as a tribute to the style iconettes of the 1950s and 60s with a modern twist. The pair have matured in their designs but the collection still remains playful and fun. The structured tops with shoulder embellishing are particularly pleasing. I am also a fan of the boyfriend-like button down shirts that are given a feminine touch with beautifully done black cuffs. Kage puts a spin on the Little Black Dress (LBD) by creating their own version, entitled the Little Kage Dress. The collection keeps it simple and does not go overboard in details which is refreshing. I am also quite a fan of the ad campaign used for this collection. The images are flirtatious, sexy and sassy. Well done Kage and congratulations on your newest collection! The label can be found all over the Middle East including Boutique 1 in Dubai, Kitsch and Cream in Beirut, and Closet Candy in Kuwait.

Mjölk Homme Spring/Summer 2011

2010-12-01T12:46:00.004-05:00

I'm in love with the designs of Danish designer Lars Stoten who designs under the menswear label Mjölk.

For his Spring/Summer 2011 collection, he keeps the designs simple and clean cut but the creativity shows in the detail of the cut. I love his oversized shirts paired with more fitted pieces. I love his color choice as well because he effortlessly pairs muted colors with more vibrant ones. And I adore the sandals as they are hand cobbled. His work is genius and he recently just moved his work from Melbourne to New York. Check him out here: Mjolk

Look du Jour

2010-12-01T01:12:00.004-05:00

I love the structure and details of this jacket by Lebanese-born designer Dima Ayad. Check out her whole collection at S*uce boutique in Dubai or Cream in Beirut.

(click pictures for larger image)

Song of the Day/Week/Month: Kentphonik- Hiya Kaya (Rocco Deep Mix)

2010-11-23T17:08:00.002-05:00

Here's a nice loungy and deep house number that I've been humming for the past week. Enjoy!

Abed Mahfouz: Couture Fall/Winter 2010-2011

2010-11-11T23:54:00.005-05:00

Hats off to another great Lebanese designer! Lebanon native Abed Mahfouz, like many other Middle Eastern designers started off his career as a child surrounded by a family of tailors. He quickly learned from his sister how to design clothes and then began to expand into his own beautiful style of designing. We can see the payoff today in his Couture Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collection. The collection is diverse in style and color but cohesive in theme. The almost metallic-like look of some pieces is offset by the more free flowing and softer silhouettes of others. The attention to detail in the pleated pattern of the pieces is amazing as well. Each piece can be seen as a variation on that pleated theme. The juxtaposition of rigidly pleated pieces that are fashioned into a certain shape and the cascading drapery in other pieces that use softer fabric is perfect.

Mahfouz is not new to the international fashion game and has shown yearly at the fashion shows of Rome and recently showed at New York fashion week. Hopefully we'll see more of him around the world.

Here are some favorites from his Couture Fall/Winter 2010-2011 collection:

Achraf Amiri: Illustrator of the Underbelly

2010-11-10T07:11:00.003-05:00

In the Bio section of his blog, Achraf Amiri states "I am the hidden son of the Addams family." Looking at his haunting illustrations, one gets the feeling that he's right. The Belgian artist does not shy away from controversial themes and his not so subtle artistic critique of pop culture, fashion and other aspects of society are refreshing.

The 22 year old up and coming artist studied graphic design at Saint-Lukas University in Brussels. His illustrations however show a more unique and creative character. Amiri says he draws mostly from fashion but also from Art Nouveau, and old Flemish paintings. I absolutely love the dark humor behind his illustrations.

Following are a few favorites from his blog which can be viewed here:

Diwali Delights from Louis Vuitton!

2010-11-05T19:24:00.008-04:00

Happy Diwali everyone! Follow in Louis Vuitton's footsteps and celebrate the Festival of Lights in style this season. This year, the luxury brand created a magical re-editing of 40 pieces from its Spring/Summer 2010 and Fall/Winter 2010 collections using fabric from authentic vintage saris sourced from all over India. Louis Vuitton even went a step further by decorating its store windows with Diwali inspired decorations in collaboration with famous artist Rajeev Sethi. This unlikely pair showcases how traditional India can blend seamlessly with modern fashion rules.

The pieces from the Luis Vuitton Diwali collection are sure to wow guests at any Diwali celebration! Boisterously colored silk wonders are featured alongside more muted pieces creating a great range of color and style choices. And how better to promote these beautiful creations than by having Bollywood's own starlet, Priyanka Chopra, donning a piece from the collection on the cover of Vogue India's November issue! I say buy the magazine AND a piece from the collection while you're at it.

Think about the bank later:

Song of the Day: Stromae-Je Cours

2010-11-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

Stromae ALWAYS does it for me!

Bidoun Celebrates the New York Art Book Fair!

2010-11-04T11:52:00.004-04:00

Join Bidoun Magazine tonight as it celebrates the New York Art Book Fair! There will be music by Azizaman and Tim Dewitt.

Bidoun is a quarterly magazine that is dedicated to filling the gap of art and culture from the Middle East and its diaspora. For more information, visit their website: http://www.bidoun.org/

So come out tonight and support both art and the Middle East!

Thursday November 4, 9-12 Midnight
The Jane Hotel
113 Jane Street
New York
RSVP REQUIRED rsvp@bidoun.org

Sarah's Bag: Keeping Women and the Middle East Empowered

2010-08-19T11:56:00.006-04:00

While in Beirut I had the greatest pleasure of hearing Lebanese born Sarah Beydoun (pictured above) speak about her burgeoning company, Sarah's Bag. I thought the concept of the company was genius and the designs speak for themselves. Sarah's story begins at the Universite Saint Joseph where she wrote her thesis on female prostitution and women prisoners in Lebanon. Thus the idea of forming a company that would liberate encumbered women and fill her passion for fashion took form in her eponymous label, Sarah's Bag. This venture started as a rehabilitation program for women prisoners and struggling women in general whom Beydoun thought would benefit from learning a craft that would better their economic situation while teaching them valuable skills. The idea became more than a reality, but a huge success. Since Sarah started the business, it has grown exponentially and Sarah's Bag now participates in exhibitions all over the Arab world while still keeping shop in a beautiful building in Beirut's happening and cosmopolitan neighborhood of Gemmayze.

Once again we see an Arab designer that has not forgotten her roots but has mended them for today's discriminating consumer. Her bags give a reminder of old Lebanon and the Middle East while targeting a younger demographic that looks more to the West for their fashion choices. Icons such as the timeless Egyptian singer Umm Kalthoum and Lebanese superstar Sabah find their way onto beautifully made clutches and handbags while old-time bellydancers sashay along other bags. My favorites are definitely the Arabic calligraphy handbags that give just the right touch of the Orient and the Beirut street art clutches that represent Beirut's young beating heart perfectly with graffitti that looks exactly like the ones that mark the streets of Beirut.

To find out how you can snag your own bag visit her website: Sarah's Bag

One of the Arab world's most famous singers, Umm Kalthoum, makes an appearance on this clutch

Sarah Beydoun with the Lebanese Superstar Sabah and the bags dedicated to her

Manish Arora, the Indian Versace?

2010-08-18T08:15:00.005-04:00

On a recent trip to India, I frequently ran into a designer name that I was not aware of up until then, Manish Arora. His name was in just about every Indian fashion magazine I happened to pick up, from Vogue India to Masala Magazine. I quickly came to realize that Manish Arora symbolizes to India what Versace symbolizes to Italy, a homegrown fashion icon whose designs reach out to an international audience. I decided to see for myself just how great this designer was and I was blown out of the water by what I found. He is one of the most playful and versatile designers to come out of the Indian subcontinent and his use of color placates even the most color hungry rainbow monger. His color choice definitely comes from his Indian upbringing as this country does not shy away from bright beautiful colors that manifest themselves in rich textiles, festival and house decorations, and even food. His designs are also a very interesting mix of Indian and Western and he incorporates them into his work subtly and effortlessly. Arora is at home with both the mostly Indian cast of Lakme Fashion Week in India as well as the cutthroat international catwalks of London and Paris Fashion Week.

For his Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection, Arora delved into the whimsical with brightly colored wigs, bold and colorful patterns, and science fiction-like geometric designs. The Indian inspiration came in the form of peacock feather patterns on dresses and skirts, the almost blinding use of colors, and harem pants that have taken the fashion world by storm these days. Arora kept with the socks in heels trend that has recently been a hit in fashion circles and his heels are a sci-fi aficionado's dream. As a matter of fact, the whole collection screams 2100 instead of 2010. But Arora brings everything back to reality with 1920's inspired flapper dresses, one with a silver beaded top and peacock feather patterned bottom, a perfect mix of East and West. If you haven't already heard of Manish Arora, check him out: www.manisharora.ws/
Here are my favorites from the collection:

Amato by Furne One A/W 2010: These Deer Have Headlights of Their Own

2010-05-06T01:59:00.012-04:00

Although I wasn't much of a fan of the antlers (I thought it took away from the beauty of the collection) The AMATO Collection by Furne One blew me out of the water and was one of my favorite collections from Dubai Fashion Week. The attention to detail was impeccable and the design aesthetic was so unique. Each piece was coherent due to the Victorian-esque hips worked into each look which gave a womanly hourglass shape to the models. The colors were muted but accented with eye-catching designs and an array of playful textiles.

When interviewed by Nia B. of Dubai's It Girl Furne One said, "I was inspired by the movie Merlin, which is a story about King Author. My favorite characters in the movie were the Night in armor and Vivian, The day of the Water. During the Dark Ages, the clothes were very heavy and masculine. I decided to soften the collection by balancing the masculinity with fabrics, such as toile and organza, and I used a lot of pale soft shades to represent Fall/Winter. The caging process you see on my gowns is not difficult to construct. At the end of the day, it is all about getting the proportions right." This playful idea turned into a whimsical yet sophisticated collection. Bravo Furne One!

DAS Collection 2010: Black Never Looked So Good

2010-05-05T03:12:00.003-04:00

So I took a bit too long of a hiatus from the blogging world and didn't update on Dubai Fashion Week (mainly because it was a bit disappointing this year). But I'm back and ready to wow with a design label that never lets me down. DAS Collection's show for this Dubai Fashion Week was great and went along with their original theme of haute couture, modern abayas. This time around, they added nice accents such as big gold bows, black florals, and as always, amazing drapery. An Emirati women would feel like a million dollars going to an event in one of these, and most of the pieces are easily translatable across cultures.

Enjoy:

Dubai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2010

2010-03-31T02:59:00.004-04:00

Dubai Fashion Week is upon us! From April 3-7, the designers of the Arab world will come together to wow the runways of Dubai at the Godolphin Ballroom in Jumeira Emirates Tower. Designers to look out for are DAS Collection, Ekta Singh, Salma Khan and a host of others. Stay tuned for updates here!

That is SOOOO UNFAIR!

2010-03-26T02:55:00.002-04:00

Just picked up my copy of this month's issue of UNFAIR magazine and it is PURE GOLD! The editorials were to die for, the fashion was insane and I'm finally seeing an amazing representation of Middle Eastern fashion and fashion icons. The cover features an amazing bolero top from Qasimi whose work also is featured in a great spread inside the magazine. Please go out and get this magazine. If you're interested in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern fashion scene THIS IS FOR YOU!

Emirati Designer Naz Cannon Hits the Menswear Mark

2010-03-25T07:04:00.003-04:00

The Emirates have yet another designer to be proud of. UAE native Naz Cannon is new to the design game but his eye for fashion is well seasoned. In his menswear collection, he focuses on tops that are trendy and modern, using great fabrics and innovative draping. It's so hard to find a lot of creativity in menswear but Cannon's designs make up for that lack. Check out his website here.
These are my favorites:

Elie Saab Spring 2010 Haute Couture

2010-03-23T05:01:00.007-04:00

I was mesmerized by Elie Saab's Spring 2010 Haute Couture Collection. He chose smart, washed out pastels and steered away from his usually bold makeup choices and tedious updos, making the whole collection a little more simple than usual. The details of each piece were impeccable right from the petal coated short dresses to the trailing gowns. The atmosphere of the show evoked a more modern, young feel which ran in sync with what other designers were showing. The collection had 44 pieces in total with only about 4 different templates but Saab made sure that each dress had a life and purpose of its own. The use of lace in some of the pieces touched on the lingerie fad that was so popular last season. The drapery was to die for as was expected and I was really impressed by the variety of necklines shown as well.
Here are my favorite pieces from the collection:

Scene in Beirut...The Shirt

2010-03-22T05:17:00.002-04:00

I saw this shirt and I HAD to take a picture. It's light and perfect for spring and summer and the design detail is amazing. Her great attitude and simple accessories show it off to it's best potential.

Last Night in Beirut...La France à Gemmayzé

2010-03-18T13:27:00.007-04:00

This Tuesday, the French invaded Lebanon again and they left no man standing sober on the streets of Gemmayze. I've never seen Gemmayze so packed and I certainly had my wine and cheese worth of a good time. Merci France! Here are some party photos:

Thoroughly enjoying our wine and cheese :)

Beauties ready to party

No this is not a protest, this is a party. Vive Gemmayze!

DAS Collection Autumn/Winter 09

2010-03-15T11:37:00.004-04:00

The fashionable abaya? The concept is not new in the Gulf region where women run to buy the latest, most elaborate, and most expensive abayas they can afford. But two sisters are changing the game a little bit and are making abayas with a more Western touch to them. Reem and Hind Beljafla (pictured above), the founders of fashion label DAS Collecion are Emirati nationals with a flare for fashion. After Reem set out to make her own abayas for her and her sister to wear, people took a keen interest in her designs and she quickly realized that she could make her own business out of it. She was joined by her younger sister Hind and together they make abayas that adhere to the regulations of the traditional black garment but add a much more modern touch to them. Their inspiration comes from the time they spent between London and Dubai and also fashion shows in Milan and Paris. Their newest Autumn/Winter 09 collection shows off their talent very well, incorporating exquisite draping, great use of bold colors, and the most stunning fabrics. Hopefully their line will bring the abaya into the Western world so people worldwide can appreciate it.

Scene in Beirut...The Jacket

2010-02-21T13:57:00.003-05:00

What do you think about her jacket?

Scene in Beirut...Fashionable Mom

2010-02-20T11:36:00.003-05:00

I like to see mothers that haven't given up on themselves after raising kids. This beautiful mom was strutting down the streets of Downtown Beirut with such grace and poise that I had to stop her for a picture. Her look is so effortless but so well put together. Click for larger image.

Scene in Beirut...The Accessories

2010-02-18T17:59:00.004-05:00

Spotted in Beirut Souks: This woman took a simple dress and made it into something more. The scarf, patterened stockings, and belt add just the right touch without being too much. Click image for a larger view.

Scene in Beirut...Sophisticated Soukman

2010-02-17T17:11:00.010-05:00

I've decided to do something a little different and very exciting with this blog. I will be in Beirut, Lebanon until August and I've realized that the streets of the Middle East hold just as much style and sophistication as the rest of the world but unfortunately they have hardly been represented in world renowned street style blogs. This is why I have started a Middle Eastern street style aspect to my blog! The title for these street style posts will be "Scene in Beirut."

I'll be taking photos of the fashions I see on the streets of Beirut in particular and, hopefully, branching out later to other parts of the Middle East.

Beirutis, put on your best heels and head to the streets for a photo!

The picture above is of a sophisticated gentleman I found in Beirut Souks. His style is simple, preppy, and well put together. He's found the perfect fit of jeans for his body type as well! Click on the picture for a larger more detailed image.

Qasimi Spring 2010: If Lady Gaga Wears it, it MUST be good!

2010-01-14T11:24:00.005-05:00

Another Arab designer lands right on the mark! Maybe even past it! UAE designer Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the creative head behind the high end luxury label Qasimi, stuns with his Spring 2010 womenswear collection. “It’s based on Byzantine women who have been woken up from a crypt and hauled on to the catwalk” says Al Qasimi about the collection. And he sure did wake up some beautifully dressed women. The models strutted down the runway in armor-like gold encrusted boleros and flowing satin. For extra measure, Qasimi included ivory harem pants cum jodhpurs that would put all others to shame. The designer didn't shy away from bold colors either. He chose turquoise and tomato red. His architectural background showed in his preference for angular pieces and his drapery is inspiring.

Qasimi is new in the fashion game but his designs have already been worn by the likes of fashion maven Lady Gaga, who wore a Qasimi jacket in her performance of Just Dance at the V Festival in UK. He's also dressed it-girl Florence Welch. His career is definitely a promising one and it's great to see another designer from the Middle East blossom in the international fashion world.

Burberry Spring 2010: The Watson Two

2010-01-13T15:57:00.007-05:00

Emma Watson strikes again! And this time in the company of her gorgeous brother, Alex Watson! The duo share the limelight in Burberry's most recent campaign. Both Watsons are the perfect face for the British brand's campaign and they take stunning photos together. Shot by Mario Testino, the campaign also features George Craig, Matt Gilmour, and Max Hurd. Burberry's style as always stays classic with tailored trench coats, fitted suits, and bags that would make any woman drool. And if you're not drooling over the bags and clothes, drool over the models!

Designer Thobes?

2009-12-27T20:14:00.007-05:00

Above: Television Producer Tariq Edrees sporting Toby

I love it when designers take a traditional garment and make it glamorous. One brand, Toby, has done just that with its own unique take on the traditional men's garment of the Arab Gulf countries. For many men in the gulf countries, the thobe signifies a tie to their past that they are adamant about keeping. Many men take pride in wearing the traditional garment but for today's fashion conscious Arab youth, a little more sophistication and glamor is needed for them to sport the thobe proudly.

As the brainchild of Saudi Arabian designer Hatem Al Akeel, Toby prides itself on producing thobes that merge the traditional with contemporary fashion elements. Toby creates pieces that are palatable to both Eastern and Western tastes and provides an opportunity for Arab youth in the gulf countries to express their individuality while holding on to their sartorial legacy. I want to buy a thobe now!

The designer:
Toby:

Diana Haddad: Ya 3aibo

2009-11-20T17:23:00.003-05:00

I LOVE Diana Haddad's playfulness in this video! And I love that she does a full range of music, from khaleeji to dabke. Love her!
She's definitely one of the classier Arab female singers.

Can't Take it With You: Photographs of Muslims In America

2009-10-07T14:26:00.003-04:00

Take a journey with photographer Omar Mullick as he reveals his seven years of documenting Muslims in America at Gallery FCB. Mullick's work entitled "Can't Take It With You: Photographs of Muslims in America 2002-2009" is a culmination of the many road trips he took throughout America to document the lives of Muslims. The exhibit shows a cross-section of America that is rarely uncovered. From Sufi gatherings to veiled music producers, Mullick "unveils" the Islam that is not shown in today's post-9/11 news, where war and extremism are always attached to Muslims. The exhibit opens with a reception on October 8th at 6pm, and ends on November 5th. Come out and support Omar Mullick's work! I will be there tomorrow!
Gallery FCB is located at 16 W. 23rd St.

The First New York Kurdish Film Festival: Cinema Across Borders

2009-10-06T07:13:00.003-04:00

Save the date! The first ever Kurdish film festival in the U.S. will take place this October 21-25, 2009. The festival will showcase films and documentaries from the Kurdish Middle East as well as the Kurdish diaspora. This five day event will feature ten short films, a documentary, and eight feature films. It will also include discussions and a filmmaker's panel with respected Kurdish filmmakers from the Middle East and abroad. Through this festival, hopefully a better understanding of an often marginalized culture can be reached. It is time the Kurds had a voice!

All screenings will either take place at the NYU Cantor Film Center or the NYU Hagop Kevorkian Center. Visit the Arteeast website for more details and showtimes.

A Sliver of Social Change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2009-09-27T10:03:00.004-04:00

Saudi's first mixed sex university where women are free to dress as they please, and where they are able to drive? This seems like a definite step in the right direction for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Maybe it will be the precursor to a shift in the Saudi society's view of women and foreigners?

Saudi's deeply conservative society is looking to modernize, and I think King Abdullah's idea of a university being where change happens is a grand one because it is the young of today who initiate social change in society. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) will be one of the most modern in the world, boasting the world's fastest supercomputer, state of the art technology, and most importantly for Saudi Arabia, an environment that fosters equal opportunity for both males and females. We can only hope that more institutions like this one are set up in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A classroom at KAUST

The KAUST campus

And if the following video serves to show how gender and interracial relations are treated in this university, I am bubbling with happiness.

Joan Fàbregas Collection

2009-09-14T18:59:00.005-04:00

I was really pleased with Joan Fàbregas's collection at Barcelona's 080. Fàbregas stuck with basic black and white but played with a myriad of styles and silhouettes in his collection. It did not bore me for a second. There were a lot of sheer numbers in there that would be able to work in the Spring as well as probably the Fall and Winter. The designer moves on a range from simple to drastically detailed, but he maintains stability throughout the collection and the pieces mesh well together. My favorite is definitely the black overall-like piece in the picture above.

Photos via: Homo-neurotic

Givenchy Spring/Summer 2010

2009-09-13T21:01:00.000-04:00

The background music! Enough said.

Momo for Y-3 Limited Edition Sneakers

2009-09-06T20:05:00.002-04:00

I basically died over these kicks when I first saw them. They are a product of a collaboration between Momo the graffiti artist whose graffiti can be found all over Manhattan, and Y-3. The result is a heavily graffiti influenced hi-top that blows my mind with the use of geometry and color. The sneakers are limited edition and there will be 350 pairs selling for $380 each.

Iran Inside Out

2009-09-05T08:53:00.003-04:00

Today is the last day to catch the Iran Inside Out exhibit at the Chelsea Art Museum. I will be there as an added incentive. :)

Here is a description from the Chelsea Art Museum site:

The groundbreaking exhibition features 35 artists living and working in Iran alongside 21 others living in the Diaspora. The result is a multifarious portrait of 56 contemporary Iranian artists challenging the conventional perceptions of Iran and Iranian art.

In Iran Inside Out, 210 works comprising painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation come together, in a rare moment which allows visitors an intimate look into the people, both inside and outside a country that is more complex than images of veiled women, worn out calligraphy and what a handful of other emblematic images would suggest.

Curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, Iran Inside Out is an examination of the means through which a young generation of artists is reconciling the daily implications of cultural and geographical distances with the search for individual artistic expression. The exhibition offers an unexpected insight into the artistic energy of a culture that is constantly evolving as Iranians living both in and out of the country, come of age living and working in contentious societies. While half of these artists such as Vahid Sharifian, Barbad Golshiri, Farideh Lashai andJinoos Taghizadeh reside in Iran, the other half including artists such as Shirin Neshat, Shahram Entekhabi, Mitra Tabrizian and Shoja Azari has been interspersed in the Diaspora.

Iran Inside Out explores the process of deconstruction and reinvention of both, self and art that has resulted from this cultural schism, often swinging between openness and dialogue, or seclusion and separatism. Ironically, contrary to one’s expectations, the artists living abroad often draw more on their cultural heritage, while those on the inside focus more on issues of everyday life without much regard to what ‘the outside’ views as specifically Iranian references. Yet, within these disparities, one element stands strong: the recurrent references, sometimes ambiguous, at times emotional, often nostalgic and on occasion satirical and even tragic to Iran the country, Iran the past, the Iran which has been lost and that which could be found.

Moscow Stylin'

2009-09-03T16:48:00.003-04:00

via Face Hunter... I haven't seen a lot of street style photos from Moscow but if they're looking as cool as this guy, I love it already! I love pairing a jacket with shorts for a not so conventional look. And oh boy is that jacket amazing or what? And those shoes! I must get a pair like that. He is simply the epitome of calm, cool, and collected.

Nom de Guerre Fall/Winter 2009 Lookbook

2009-09-03T13:51:00.005-04:00

Nom De Guerre released a lookbook recently for their Fall/Winter 2009 campaign. The beautifully photographed pictures come complete with commentary to set the mood for the collection which seemingly gives off a stylish Russian guerrilla army vibe, accented by fur leg warmers, bullet rounds, and the traditional Russian ushanka (fur hat). This campaign features photographer Erik Swain and a diverse group of models including Tal Lee, Ali Mehrabian, Terry Murphy, Christopher Purpura, Jamil Ramirez, Egil Rostad, Michael Russo, and Michael John Whitaker. Those fur leg warmers NEED to be mine!

Enjoy:

The Look: Bow Tie Mania

2009-08-31T13:07:00.005-04:00

This fall, jump on the bandwagon and invest in a bow tie or two (0r 10). This cousin to the tie has seen a major comeback as more men and even women are starting to realize how sartorially pleasing they look. They are classy and can easily dress up a casual outfit for a night on the town or a day in the office. There are so many different varieties and patterns that you can never get bored with them and they certainly bring an old-world charm that is refreshing in todays uber-modern fashion world. Here are some suggestions to jump start your bow tie quest:

Yuzhny Bow Tie- Tone-on-tone silk jacquard paisley in a gorgeous shade of burgundy.

Terra Encantada Bow Tie- Purple, light blue, and tan swirling on deep green cotton.

British Rep Strip Bow Tie- Woven silk masterpieces that are ideally suited for striped tie connoisseurs who will settle for nothing less than the best.

Oliver Bow Tie- Light gold, brass, ivory, and bittersweet red circles scattered on navy silk saglia.

Blenheim Bow Tie- Named after Sir Winston Churchill's brithplace and inspired by his navy favorite, on silk twill.

All featured bow ties and descriptions can be found on Beau Ties Ltd.

Raf Simons redefines the Dr. Martens shoe for Fall 2009

2009-08-30T12:00:00.003-04:00

Dr. Martens has smartened up it's look by collaborating with Raf Simons to create some oh so amazing shoes. The shoes still have the classic Dr. Martens shape but now come in copper, gold, and silver metallic colors. I must admit that I am usually not a fan of Dr. Martens but this collection of shoes definitely has me eating my words. You can get these shoes at Oki-ni.

Cartoon Du Jour

2009-08-28T11:30:00.005-04:00

I stumbled upon this cartoon today. I think it aptly describes the situation between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. It is simply sad what is going on in this region. I don't want to go into my feelings on the Arab-Israeli conflict just yet. I want to hear from my readers. What are YOUR views and feelings? Please share your thoughts in the comment section!

Gucci Pour Homme fragrance: My New Love Affair

2009-08-27T20:19:00.006-04:00

It was love at first spritz, and I knew I had to take this one home. Of course I'm talking about my new fragrance purchase, Gucci Pour Homme. My lust for it became so unbearable that I couldn't help but sniff my hand all the way home (and I'm still doing so now). Pour Homme was realized by perfumer Michel Almairac in 2003 and he definitely outdid himself with this fragrance. It is robust and earthy. So robust that I could smell out the individual spices and scents used to make this mesmerizing concoction: the ginger, the papyrus wood, the amber, white pepper, pink bay, and even leather. When you first spray it, you are immediately hit with the strong ginger scent but that dies out quickly leaving way for the earthy wood, amber and leather aroma to linger on. The aroma is akin to that of cedar and it is VERY sweet smelling for a wood scent. It actually reminds me of the Nag Champa sandalwood incense so readily availabe in India and which I use exclusively as my incense of choice. Maybe that is part of the reason for my love affair.

As it is such a strong scent, one spritz can last the whole day without dying out, which makes this fragrance a great one as far as economics goes. The man best suited for this fragrance is equally as bold. The kind of a man that turns heads and draws attention when he walks into a room. The kind of man every man wants to be.

Throwback: Yiapanis for Arena Homme

2009-08-26T09:36:00.005-04:00

The fashionisto recently posted a throwback photo from the fall winter 2007 editorial for Arena Homme. It features model Simon Nessman, visionary stylist Panos Yiapanis and photography by Paolo Roversi. Yiapanis is such an amazing stylist and this eclectic outfit is proof of that. He's done some marvelous work for Givenchy, Vogue, and V Man as well.

Here are some of the other pics from the editorial. I love the preppy jock/military look of the outfits:

Photos via models.com

The September Issue

2009-08-25T20:05:00.007-04:00

The buzz this week among fashionistas in New York surrounds the release of the documentary feature film 'The September Issue' which is set to hit movie theaters in New York on August 28th and the rest of the U.S. on September 11th, just in time for the actual September issue of Vogue. The documentary takes viewers behind the closed doors of the fashion world where Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Anna Wintour is the reigning queen and her magazine is the bible. It also features something rarely seen: Anna Wintour without her emotion-masking sunglasses. This is a must see for all those aspiring fashionistas out there!

Christian Westphal Spring/Summer 2010 Preview

2009-08-25T16:42:00.005-04:00

Danish designer Christian Westphal will be showing a collection in Tokyo for the first time this October for Japan's Fashion Week. This feat is preceded by the designer's already impressive resume, as he has worked under the likes of John Galliano of Christian Dior, and Delphine Murat in the past. With his collection, Westphal seeks to tap into the imagination of a child with quirky pieces unbounded by shapes and practicality. If his preview is any indicator, viewers should expect an "imagination running wild" vibe with oversized and undersized jackets, asymmetrical vests, pants with built in cummerbunds, and mismatching galore. I'll definitely be looking forward to October. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the harem style pants with the "flying pockets" in the first picture!

Barneys Warehouse Sale

2009-08-25T11:32:00.006-04:00

Don't forget to check out the Barneys Warehouse Sale at 255 West 17th Street now through September 7th for 50-75% off designer duds. Also, if you open a Barneys credit card account, you can take an extra 10% off your purchases. So, you could potentially walk away with 85% off quality merchandise. I know I'll be there!

Rad By Rad Hourani: Holy Androgyny

2009-08-24T22:43:00.009-04:00

Newcomer Rad Hourani is no newcomer when it comes to designing signature pieces that clearly relate his design aesthetic. The four seasoned native of Jordan revels in the realm of androgyny and his new line 'Rad by Rad Hourani' is a stark testament to that. It features 15 unisex looks that offer designs that are similar to his high end collections but at lower prices and with more wearable material such as cotton and jersey in lieu of the black leather and cashmere he usually works his magic with. All his pieces are between $100 and $400 and include his signature slim fitting slashed pants (made of denim instead of strips of leather), relaxed graphic tees draped with asymmetric fabric, and heels for men. The designer takes great care to make sure his collections are seasonless and does not care for trends. This makes Hourani's collections a totally non-conforming, unbiased product of his creativity.

Hourani says " I started imagining clothes the same way I started creating images: with a sense of curiosity and innocence driven by my no-background background. No school. No teachers. No telly. No boundaries. No formatting, I like the idea of a world that we could live and shape by ourselves, only by observing. Each our own. My clothes have erupted from this world of mine. They are asexual, aseasonal, they come from no place, no time, no tradition, yet they could be home anywhere, anytime. They exude a sense of discreet chic, the essence of timeless style, drawn on a monochromatic and graphical canvas. Palette of blacks, touches of pure whites and intense reds. Sophisticated modern classics for anti-conformist individuals."

Once again, the drapery in this collection catches my eye. It is done so beautifully. At times drapery can be overdone, but Hourani (like many designers of Middle Eastern decent I have noticed) has an eye for this fine art. His clothing is designed to flow and though the pieces are very angular, the drapery lends a softer edge. The collection will be available in stores late November.

Below are pictures from his Fall/Winter 2009 high end collection:

Photos via Jak & Jil

Girls Who Like Boy's....Clothing

2009-08-21T09:51:00.007-04:00

Soon there will be a time when girls who like to wear boy's clothing on occasion will never have to dig into their boyfriend's closets again. But for now, there is Chloe Sevigny's Fall/Winter 2009 line for Opening Ceremony where unisex clothing is the name of the game. In these times, where the lines between male and female are as blurred as ever, Sevigny offers a line that compliments this phenomenon perfectly. All the pieces in her collection can be worn by both men and women, including trousers, blazers, jackets, button downs, and even some of the shoes. The clothes look equally as good on both sexes and somehow manages to compliment the curves of a woman and the broadness of a man.

Reporting from Jamaica

2009-08-20T09:38:00.004-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts over the next week as I am enjoying the sun, beach, food, people and culture of Jamaica! I'll be back with some quality posts next week. Stay tuned!!

Bag It Right Man

2009-08-17T20:59:00.005-04:00

With the acceptance of the manbag as the norm du jour, there are many options out there for the man about town who needs the right bag to compliment his look. Not every bag is made equally and it really takes a keen eye to find the most suitable bag for the occasion. Here are some of my suggestions on great looking holdall bags to hold all your "stuff".

Chris & Tibor for Juun J Leather Reversible Holdall: Reverses to an all over black silk design, and the adjustable straps and handle are removable.

Paul and Joe Two Tone Leather Holdall: One of my favorite bags. Sleek design with zip fronts and adjustable/removable across body straps.

Jas M.B Waxed Canvas and Leather Medium Shopper Bag

ASOS Brown Leather Holdall

ASOS Canvas Holdall

All items can be purchased at asos.com

Givenchy's Star-Studded Runway

2009-08-16T22:08:00.005-04:00

Stars graced the Givenchy Spring/ Summer 2010 runway, but not the human kind. Instead, literal metal stars studded everything from shirts to gladiators in this adventurous collection. Some pieces looked like Givenchy's designer Riccardo Tisci got a little too "stud happy" (case in point: the red plaid numbers), but overall the studding added a certain edginess to the collection. Tisci also did not relent with the trend Givenchy started two years ago: shorts over leggings. Almost all the pieces in the collection had a variation of the shorts over leggings theme. The designer also invested in the nouveau harem pant look so loved by today's designers by including many of them in his collection. He took a bold step by designing whole outfits with not so usual prints as well. Givenchy's man gladiators arrested my attention and I specifically enjoyed goggling at the white studded gladiators and the gold metallic ones too. Those are definitely the next step in the men's gladiator department. Some of the pieces gave a very chic North African inspired sporty vibe (think fashion boy going to the gym) complete with basketball style shorts over leggings, "Givenchy's hood", what looked like backwards baseball caps, and buff models. And boy did he pick some good looking models!

The Look: Farewell to Skinny Jeans?

2009-08-15T13:11:00.007-04:00

Is it time to man up and ditch the skinny jeans? Fall 2009 collections are saying yes. This fall, we may see the comeback of wide legged pants for guys. This may come as a relief for all those who despised the body-hugging, glued-on look that has become synonymous with cool hipsters and fashionistas alike.DSquared joined in on the wide legged comeback with their wide legged destroyed jeans and khakis. Even Dior Homme, the perennial purveyors of skinniness made a bold step in incorporating wide legged (almost harem style) pants in their Fall 2009 collection. A definite plus to this trend is the fact that wide legged pants can be worn by most any body type, whereas skinny or slim fit pants are more tailored toward skinny/slim men. So more men can join in on this trend without worrying about size issues.

The current recession can possibly be to blame for this comeback. Designers are trying to garner more customers, and by sticking to the basics and making their clothes more wearable for the regular sized man, they hope to achieve their goal. I'll definitely be buying some wider legged pants for the fall but I'm definitely holding on to my slim fits as well.

Highlights from the DSquared Fall 2009 Collection:

Highlights from the Dior Homme Fall 2009 Collection:

Photos via men.style.com

The Look: Going Native

2009-08-14T22:38:00.002-04:00

Photo via men.style.com

Although moccasins have been an ongoing trend for a couple of years now and have become fully fashionable, high end designers are just catching up with the times. But now shoppers can add Ralph Lauren, APC, along with other designers and retailers like Zara to their list of money-worthy moccasin makers. This fall has never been a better time to wear moccasins and to get a fashionable pair instead of one that looks like it was bought from a flea market. Keep in my mind: Less is more when it comes to fringe!

Both of these designs can be bought from asos.com

Sitar and Violin Duet

2009-08-14T21:45:00.004-04:00

In an attempt to expand my violin repertoire (which at the moment only really includes Western classical music), I am working on the violin part to this beautiful duet by Ravi Shankar. Unfortunately I could only find half of the song (basically the introduction) on youtube. The song becomes more fast paced after this introduction. I can't wait to have the whole song down!

The great Yehudi Menuhin is the mastermind behind the violin in this duet:

Zikrayat and Arabic Violin

2009-08-10T23:26:00.004-04:00

This is a performance by the amazing Arabic music group 'Zikrayat' who perform all over New York. What I love about them is that they are committed to playing music from the golden age of Egyptian and Lebanese film (the 50's-70's) which gives them the classical Arabic vibe I love. I haven't actually seen the movie 'Tamr Henna' which this performance is a reenactment of, but from watching this scene I definitely feel the need to run to the nearest Arabic movie store and buy out their classical film section!

Classical Egyptian films are such a contrast to modern Egyptian films, many of which do not have viable plots and have shoddy art direction. Films from Egypt's golden age just seem like more thought was put into them and in my opinion they are pure works of art. That is part of the reason why classical Egyptian films still have a voice today as opposed to many black and white American films that are dying out with time.

Zikrayat's musical director is violinist Sami Abu Shumays and I was actually so moved by his work that I've decided I want to take Arabic violin lessons with him at his studio! I am trained in western classical violin, so taking Arabic violin will definitely be a change because it is more based on improvisation, listening, and repeating than simply reading music. Shumays professes, "One of the things I love most about Arabic music is how subtle changes have a big effect on listeners.The slightest change in intonation on one note, or the smallest variation in an ornament, can sometimes make audiences shout out in ecstasy. And there is a dialogue between audience and performer, so that the more listners respond to the music, the more performers give (or hold back) what the audience wants, increasing their enjoyment by engaging them in the process of music-making. Arabic music is very rich in detail, rich in variety of intonation, rich in subtle differences in phrasing and expressivity..." I definitely agree, so wish me luck on my next musical journey! :)

Zikrayat at Alwan for the Arts in New York City; Left to Right: Nikolai Ruskin, Dimitri Mikelis, Tareq Abboushi, Bridget Robbins, and Sami Abu Shumays

Givenchy Couture Fall 2009: A Nod to the Middle East

2009-08-07T21:53:00.005-04:00

As an advocate for anything Middle Eastern I was very pleased to see Givenchy's overt hommage to the Middle East in his Fall 2009 couture collection. Models were adorned in heavy gold Bedouin style burkas and gaudy jewelery. Harem pants were the order of the day. They were black and sequined, gold threaded, and white, and were paired with a variety of different looks. Givenchy even incorporated the veil in a beautiful yet tongue in cheek way, draping it playfully over the head and torso but leaving the breasts viewable through sheer fabric. Morocco-inspired red designs decorated craftily structured tops as well. As the collection moved on, it gave way to a softer look wherein the last two pieces look as if they came straight from the elfish look circa 'Lord of the Rings' with an all white sheer full-body veil covering pure white harem pants on one and a dress on the other. The collection comes at an interesting time as well with President Sarkozy openly condemning the burka (the Afghan version, not the Bedouin version) in France. Maybe Givenchy was sending a message with this collection? What do you think?

My favorite pieces: The burkas!!!

Japan: The Most Innovative Design Capital?

2009-08-06T08:16:00.006-04:00

I continue to be amazed by Japanese architecture and interior design. I would even venture to say that Japan is home to some of the most innovative achitects and designers the world over. I think it stems from the Japanese infatuation with radical simplicity. Clean geometric shapes, simple modern colors, and minimalist decoration is at the paragon of Japanese design. That along with the need for space-saving buildings in one of the worlds most populated metropolises, Tokyo, combine to make for the most style and space conscious designs.

Origami inspired house in Tokyo. Space consciousness to the extreme.

An apartment building in Tokyo

The Japanese also have an eye for aesthetics and the beauty of the natural environment. So much so that gardens are popular inside the home and out. Nature is incorporated with the architecture as much as possible. Nature extends to natural light and many Japanese homes try to include natural light as much as possible through the unique placement of windows and through open areas in the home.

Shell houses in Japan that incorporate both light and nature

Nature is brought into the home with this indoor rock garden

Since the typical Japanese person is averse to clutter, measures are taken to alleviate the bother. Hidden drawers, trap doors, and multipurpose furniture are ways in which Japanese interior design handle this need for less clutter and more minimalism. This makes for very smart homes where a staircase can double as a bookshelf or a wall can become a bed. modern bedroom with minimalistic features
traditional mixes with modern in this living room space
"Reversible Destiny Lofts" in Tokyo

The Look: Bright Colored Suits

2009-08-05T22:20:00.006-04:00

I spotted these bright colored suits at Topman on a recent shopping trip and fell in love immediately. I'm always one to go for a classic look with a bold twist and these suits just did it for me. They are so cleverly tailored with a skinny suit jacket paired with slim fit trousers that are perfect for the modern dandy with a fun side. They are also versatile and can be worn up with a tailored fit button down or down with a simple tee. And they translate easily from the office to the lounge. I wish I could buy them in every color but for now, the purple one seems to be calling my name. I can't wait to see more people in these colors! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale

2009-08-05T12:39:00.002-04:00

I decided to check out the Alexander McQueen sale on West 18th to see what all the buzz was about. I felt like the selection wasn't really that great for men/I'm not too much of a McQueen fan but they did have some great shoes for 80% off! I didn't buy anything but I did eye a couple of shoes that they sadly didn't have in my size. The women's selection was great and it seemed like clothes were flying of the racks.

There were all types of people there as well: Stylists, models, deal-mongers, and just randoms from off the street. All in all it was a pretty successful sample sale. It was not too crowded and was organized to an extent. There was a long checkout line however due to broken registers but people were so happy with their 80% designer duds that it didn't seem to phase them. The sale is still going on, so if you want to get your McQueen fix then head on over!

These Alexander McQueen for Puma hightops were reduced to $57!!

Ties for $40 and Scarves for $100

The Look: Mono Lens Sunglasses

2009-08-04T01:12:00.006-04:00

It seems like a lot of people on the streets of New York are aspiring to be like Geordi LaForge from 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'.

Mono lenses are slowly taking over the city and as I walked down Broadway, I couldn't help but consider getting a pair after seeing dozens of people wearing them. I decided to wait it out and see where this trend goes but that shouldn't stop people who dig this trend from paying up for their mono lens look. I first saw the look from streetstyle photos of Jean-Paul Paula outside fashion shows and I thought only he could pull off a look so daring. But lo and behold, the rest of the world is following suit and dare I say I do enjoy looking at them in their sunglasses! I'm just not sure if I'm ready to don a pair yet.

Jean-Paul Paula in one of his daring outfits complete with signature mono lenses.

Martin Margiela Mono Lens Sunglasses

Beirut, Best Party City?

2009-07-30T22:54:00.004-04:00

So CNN is talking about Beirut as a party city? Should I be making a beeline to Beirut? YES! Can anyone expedite my trip?!?! I'd give you unconditional love in return :)

And maybe we can chill here...
or here...
or here!!

Shakira-'She Wolf' Official Video

2009-07-30T20:11:00.003-04:00

Shakira's new music video for her song "She Wolf" is fierce! Is it me or does she get sexier and sexier as she grows older. And more flexible! How she moves like that? God only knows. Damn girl.

Favorite scene: the cage scene.

Saudi Designer Dazzles With His Collection

2009-07-29T09:32:00.004-04:00

I was certainly in awe as I viewed the pieces from Saudi designer Mohammed Ashi's collection. Coming from ultra conservative Saudi Arabia, Ashi chose a different path from many men in his country and decided to go to fashion school. He then became a contestant on Future TV's Project Fashion, which he then proceeded to win. His fashion journey eventually landed one of his designs on the cover of Elle Oriental.

His collection flows and you can clearly see his inspiration eminating from each piece. His company’s press release states that it “is inspired by the gloomy and romantic image of a blind young boy whose inability to see the world around him, only enhances his ability to feel its powerful forces, the fable of both a simple child’s innocence and a complex look at faith and humanity. In an imaginary garden in black and white, full of followers and colors all too unfamiliar to the mind of a blind youth. All of these overwhelming images are translated into the Ashi collection, attempting to bring all of these unprecedented images to life through the use of luxurious and modern fabrics.”

The designer's pieces are subdued in color, but not in design. His aesthetic is impeccable as well as his attention to fine details. Ashi understands a woman's body and works accordingly, incorporating stunning drapery and rich textiles in the mix. You can see that he thinks of his designs as works of art and treats them as thus. The model is the canvas and everything from head to toe is carefully orchestrated to bring as much beauty to the final product as possible. I must say I think his designs are BRILLIANT!

photography: Vincent Sannier
make-up: Christian
hair styler: Romeo

Juergen Teller's Marc Jacob Ads

2009-07-28T08:02:00.002-04:00

I must admit I am not much of a fan of the new Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 ad campaign. Juergen Teller was the mind behind these raunchy pictures and I have to say that it's a little over the top for my taste and a little American Apparel kitsch as well. The model's look a bit too trashy and are definitely not shown in their best light. I also don't see how showing a model doubled over a scaffolding bar can sell a dress to the regular Marc Jacobs consumer. Maybe it would be enticing to hookers? I could see how Jacobs wanted to gain an edgier look with this ad campaign but I feel that Teller missed the mark completely, making the photos seem less edgy and more trash punk. It's a shame because the clothes themselves are beautiful.

'MTV Next' Arab American Style

2009-07-25T08:00:00.004-04:00

This video is an Arab style spoof of the show 'MTV Next' and it debuted at the 2nd Annual Arab American Comedy Show in Dearborn, MI (a.k.a Arab Central). The main character is Ali "Bulldog" Abdallah who brought even more laughs with his Arab style spoof of the show 'MTV Cribs'. Favorite quote from both shows: "EDIN-IN-OU!!" Watch and enjoy!

And for those of you that might be in Michigan this August, don't forget to check out the Arab American Comedy Show on August 14 and 15. For more information, visit their website here

Some Summer Color

2009-07-23T22:40:00.002-04:00

Garance works her magic again with this amazing shot! That top is to DIE FOR! And Viviana wears it with so much grace and playfulness, pairing it with beige short shorts, a green clutch, and those adorable heart shaped glasses. The top is from Micro Giovannini's spring collection. He is definitely a fan of draping and billowing arms as many of his pieces are draped impeccably with full voluminous sleeves. I suggest all stylish women pounce on his website to check him out.

Check out Garance's website as well!

Solange's New Look

2009-07-23T14:14:00.005-04:00

I feel bad that everyone is giving Solange Knowles slack for cutting off her brunette locks but I must agree with them. I personally am a fan of the natural crew cut look for ladies but for some reason it just doesn't fit her. Maybe it's the sunglasses?...

The Sartorialist Book

2009-07-21T11:07:00.003-04:00

Scott Schuman, the photographer and genius behind the world-famous blog 'The Sartorialist' now has a book to his name which is due to release on August 12, 2009. Schuman has become a household name in the fashion industry through his blog and has revolutionized photo blogging with his street-style photos from around the world. His shots have inspired some of my outfit choices as well.

With this book, The Sartorialist reveals some of his best works from the streets of New York, to Paris, to Florence, to Melbourne. He also includes prominent fashion figures as well. The book can be pre-ordered from Amazon now for $16.50.

Check out The Sartorialist blog here.

Manisha Koirala in 'Bombay'

2009-07-20T22:07:00.005-04:00

This song has been on my tongue the past week for some reason. I love Manisha Koirala. She's an often understated actress, but I love when she plays either demure or dramatic roles in movies. She always wears her emotions on her face and doesn't have to act too much to get her character across, which makes her roles seem more real and relatable.

This particular song 'Kehna Hi Kya' is from one of her more famous films 'Bombay' which revolves around the love between a Muslim girl (Koirala) and a Hindu man (Arvind Swamy) amid religious tension in Bombay. Their love survived the differences of religion, the Bombay Riots fueled by religious intolerance, and the disapproval of their family. Their heartwarming story shows that love does conquer all.

The Saudi Woman Through A Princess' Eyes

2009-07-20T01:29:00.005-04:00

When one thinks of a Princess, the usual suspect is one whose life is filled with glamour and jewels, maids and palaces, perfume and limousines. In her book 'Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia' Jean Sasson gives us just that, but with a Middle Eastern twist. This time stoning and drowning, forced marriage and secrets, mandatory veiling and rape are thrown into the mix.

This heartbreaking book is a look behind the mysteriously closed doors of Saudi Arabia's privileged class. It tells the story of the hardship the narrator, Princess Sultana, faced as she grew up in the harsh male-dominated environment of Saudi Arabia which is ruled by Muslim Sharia law coupled with Wahhabism- one of the strictest interpretations of Islam. This comes in sharp contrast with the tremendous amount of wealth flooding the country from oil and Saudi Arabia's subsequent "modernization" efforts.

In Princess Sultana's world, women are not allowed to be seen. They walk the streets cloaked in black and are not allowed to show their face or even too much of their ankle lest they get harassed and/or jailed. They are not allowed to drive, not allowed to speak out against their men, not allowed to leave the country without permission from a male guardian, not allowed to leave the house without a male... Basically they are not allowed to do ANYTHING outside the sphere of the home without a male. This renders them slaves to men who in contrast are allowed to do ANYTHING they want. In Princess Sultana's world, if a man rapes a woman, the woman becomes the scapegoat for being a "temptress" and is stoned to death. Fathers are allowed to kill their daughters for fornication or fancying a foreign man while men are allowed to marry non-Muslim women. Brothers are given free reign to terrorize their sisters as Sultana's brother did...

These stories are covered up by the tremendous money available to upper class Saudis where it is normal to have multiple palaces equipped with myriad maids and drivers, where a honeymoon can last four months and include trips to Italy, France, England, and Egypt, and where Rolexes and Porsches are commonplace.

I was in awe however, as I read that a girl was drowned in her own swimming pool by her father for talking and having relations with foreign men. What was even more disturbing was that rather than condemning the action taken by her father, the government looked favorably on him for restoring honor to his family. What honor is there in killing your own daughter?How can a country with so much wealth be a bastion for such antediluvian practices? What hope is there for women in a society that doesn't value them for anything more than child rearing?

The book brings to light the fact that though Saudi Arabia may be flourishing due to its oil wealth, there are still a multitude of problems plaguing it. With this book, Sultana is pleading with the public to witness the injustice taking place in Saudi Arabia toward women and do something about it.

I advise everyone to read 'Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia' and openly condemn the medieval practices being carried out in this self-proclaimed "modernized" country and in other countries across the globe where women are being treated as second class citizens.

Pyaar Kiya Tho Darna Kya?

2009-07-08T11:44:00.006-04:00

"Pyaar Kiya Tho Darna Kya?"... the famous song from the Hindi film classic 'Mughal-E-Azam' no longer has to be the theme song of gays in Delhi. The title of the song translates roughly to "What is there to fear when you have loved?" and it was sung by Anarkali who was a courtesan whose love for a prince was stiffled simply because of her place in society. It popped into my head this morning and as I was humming the tune, I got to thinking. This song is not just about the forbidden love between a courtesan and a prince. This song is about forbidden love universally.

It's lyrics capture the essence of the gay rights movement in India and how long and hard gays and their allies in India have fought for their love to not be seen as a forbidden one. Well their hard work has recently paid off because on Thursday July 2, 2009, a monumental decision was made by New Delhi's highest court. The court decriminalized homosexuality which had been illegal in India since 1861 when the British added a law known as Section 377 of India's penal code which prohibited "carnal intercourse against the order of nature between a man, woman, or animal."

First off I would like to digress and say that grouping gays and lesbians in the same category as beastiality is not only an insult, but a serious lack of judgement and understanding. But on to better things. Although the ruling was only for the city of Delhi, I predict that the legalization of homosexuality will spread to other parts of India as well. The stigma attached to homosexuality in India is cooling but this is mostly only happening in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai where there are gay pride parades and a long history of gay rights advocacy. Rural India still has a way to go, but with this tiny step of legalizing homosexuality, it opens the door for more education on not only gay rights but AIDS and safer sex as well.

I also appreciate the fact that Bollywood has taken steps to add gay themes and characters to its movies. Movies such as Dostana, which is about two men pretending to be gay to rent an apartment, may have silly plots but they do a whole world of good in addressing the taboo subject of homosexuality. It gets Indian movie-goers talking and hopefully learning something as well. Bollywood's acceptance of an open, cross-dressing homosexual, Bobby Darling, as a legitimate actor solidifies its support for gay rights.

India has come a long way from the days of Anarkali in 'Mughal-E-Azam' where even love between the different classes and castes was forbidden. It still has a long way to go, but there is hope in the horizon. One day however, 'Pyaar Kiya Tho Darna Kya?' will not be relatable as a theme song for gays, lesbians, and transgenders in India.

The music video for the beautifully rendered song 'Pyaar Kiya Tho Darna Kya'

The gay themed movie, 'Dostana'

Bobby Darling

Hijras (India's transgendered population) supporting the gay rights cause