Matthew Williamson and Azza Fahmy get bejewelled
2014 May 30. | Szerző: shannon
You wouldn’t normally associate Egyptian jewellery designer Azza Fahmy with British designer Matthew Williamson. But in the world of fashion, where strange bedfellows can sometimes make great business and creative sense, theirs is a match-up that’s already creating quite the buzz.
The pair recently launched their second jewellery collaboration in Dubai, coming off a successful first line launched in September last year.
“I guess the stars just aligned,” smiles Williamson, pointing to a necklace featuring a strand of stars, one of the items in the 21-piece fine jewellery collection. “We were approached by Azza’s team about a year and half ago and it was an easy decision because of what she does. I loved her skill and her expertise in a field I know little about. So it was nice to move out of my comfort zone and advise and bring my spirit to the collection.”
Created to complement Williamson’s fall-winter 2014 collection, the Azza Fahmy x Matthew Williamson range is sold exclusively at Bloomingdale’s Dubai.
The second collection, says the Manchester-born designer, is “much more thought through from start to finish.”
“This collection was about making something specific that would work with our collaboration,” he says. “So I looked at 70s interiors. I came across these beautiful black and white pictures, which looked like it could still be cool today, and in the middle of the lounge there was this tapestry rug with stars and I decided to make the clothes imagining who the woman was that lived in that home and curating the wardrobe for her. The next stage was the jewellery.”
Fahmy, a Hollywood red-carpet favourite, is no stranger to designer collaborations, having worked with Welsh designer Julien Macdonald and London label Preen. Williamson’s aesthetic of bright colours, electric prints and laid-back hippy chic was the perfect starting point for a new collection, she says.
“They showed me his work and how he designs his clothes and prints and I thought ‘this man who takes care of all this and all this research must be good,” she says. “For me it’s all about mixing the past and the future. I am very connected to culture but I’ve always tried to make things contemporary… take from the past and make it alive and wearable.
“For instance, inside some of the stars, you will find filigree work,” she explains, referring to the delicate metalwork popular in Asian jewellery-making. “It’s about successfully bridging those two worlds.”
Fahmy, who opened her first boutique in Cairo in 1981, credits her daughter Amina, who’s now the creative director, for helping keep her namesake fine jewellery brand in relevance.
“She completely changed my perspective about jewellery. How, for instance, to put these contemporary pieces and mix them with culture and art,” she says. But it was Fahmy’s rich catalogue of heritage-inspired work that caught Williamson’s attention.
“With this collection, what we were keen to do was take all that history and the craftsmanship and the skill that Azza knows so well and infuse it with something that she might not usually do,” he says.
Both designers have a strong following in the Middle East, a direct result of their creative inspirations: Williamson is known for his strong Asian references while Fahmy, who trained in the Egyptian way of making jewels, has found her fame spread beyond the Arab world.
Dubai is the perfect setting for their collaboration to blossom, they say.
“It is now the centre of fashion in the Arab world. A lot of people coming from everywhere and it makes sense for us,” says Fahmy.
“It’s a logical place for both of us. It’s the middle of the world isn’t it?” echoes Williamson.
Though non-committal on a third collection, the pair say designer collaborations need to be always properly thought through.
“You make a calculated decision, and you take each one as it comes,” says Williamson. “Sometimes it’s for purely creative reasons, sometimes it’s creative and financial and sometimes it’s the media buzz. Or it could be a mix of all three. You want there to be a sense of every perspective.
“We got something two days ago but it didn’t make sense to me. It’s was a fantastic deal but it makes no sense to collaborate with somebody that we have no synergy with.”
Known for his famous friends, the British designer says that while celebrity endorsements help, it’s not something he or his label actively pursues.
“I don’t work with [celebrities] in a way that it’s a controlled thing. And I don’t pay,” he says. “For me it’s more of a friendship thing with a girl. If it’s the right girl, the right dress, at the right place and the right time, it will work. And when it does, it’s a great brand endorsement.
“But for me it’s always been about personal interaction. I can’t compete with those big brands that have divisions and go ‘who we dressing next?’. We are a cottage industry. So we have to rely on our personal connections. Like Sienna Miller, she’s my best friend so it’s a very organic and personal process.”
Designers have had to become good business people, says Williamson, whose eponymous label has a number of flagship stores including one in Dubai.
“I had to have some understanding [of business]. I like to know,” he says. “But my favourite thing is when someone wears my pieces. I love the beginning of what I do and I love the end. To see it on someone.”
“I’m a really bad business woman,” Fahmy chimes in, laughing. “We have people to take care of that. I’d like to stick to the artistic things.”
pink prom dresses | http://www.kissydress.co.uk/prom-dresses-under-100
The Rights And Responsibilities Of Every Wedding Guest
2014 May 28. | Szerző: shannon
There is a lot of wedding etiquette for a wedding guest to keep track of, and so many wedding guest missteps are the result of guests simply not knowing better. (We cringe when we think of how long it took us to send back RSVPs in our younger years!) To help you survive wedding season, we’ve put together a list of the rights and responsibilities every wedding guest (and engaged couple!) should know.
You have the responsibility to…
Send in your RSVP by the date requested. It’s so simple, but a surprising amount of guests don’t do this, meaning the couple has to track people down for RSVPs. The invitation typically includes a stamped envelope for the RSVP card, so there’s no excuse for not dropping it in the mail as soon as you know whether you’ll be able to make it.
Actually show up if you RSVP “yes.” The couple has to give a head count to the caterer several days before the wedding, and they are charged for your plate whether or not you actually show up. If you’ve already sent in your RSVP and something comes up, give the couple a call or send them an email to let them know; there may be still time for them to change the count.
Arrive at the ceremony on time. A late guest is a distraction for the couple and the other guests — and just might ruin a meaningful moment. If you arrive late, listen at the door for a song or a break in the action, and then sneak in quietly.
Adhere to any dress codes mentioned on the invitation or wedding website. If the dress code says “semi-formal,” don’t wear jeans. And yes, the old rule of not wearing white to a wedding is still in effect.
Not bring anyone to the wedding who wasn’t specifically invited. Unsure if your guest was invited or not? Here’s how you can tell: if the invitation is only addressed to you, and there’s no mention of “and guest,” then your guest is not invited. Similarly, if the invitation’s inner and outer envelopes are both addressed to “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” your children are most likely not invited.
Silence your phone during the ceremony. This should go without saying, but no one should hear a phone vibrating or ringing as he or she says “I do.” If you’re worried about not being able to take a call from your baby-sitter, let him or her know your phone will be off from, say, 3:00-3:30, and to send a text if it’s an emergency. If you notice an urgent text during the ceremony, you can step outside to return the call.
Respect the couple’s wishes with regard to taking photos/sharing photos on social media. If the couple is having an unplugged wedding or has asked that you not put any photos of them on social media, you should respect that.
You have the right to…
Expect a wedding invitation if you receive a save the date. This is pretty standard etiquette, so you can politely ask the couple about it if the wedding date is nearing and you haven’t received an invite yet.
RSVP “no” if you can’t or don’t want to attend. The couple will understand…trust us.
Call or email the couple if you need clarification on any aspect of the wedding. If you’re confused about the plus-one situation or the dress code, feel free to shoot them an email to get answers.
Send a gift after the wedding or not send a gift at all. That’s correct: a gift is not the price of admission at a wedding. And you can send one for up to a year after the wedding; if it’s been several months and now you feel awkward, make it an extra-special holiday gift.
Expect a timely thank you note for any gifts you give. Give them a little time after the wedding to breathe, but if you haven’t received one after a few months, it’s totally fine to ask the couple if they received your gift.
Take advantage of the open bar. As long as you don’t get belligerent or make an embarrassing speech, feel free to let loose.
Bust a move on the dance floor. Couples love when it seems like everyone is having a good time at their wedding, so they’ll appreciate it if you’re the first one on the dance floor and the last one to leave it.
prom dresses | http://www.kissydress.co.uk/backless-prom-dresses
Latest jewellery trends at the Grove Communication press day
2014 May 21. | Szerző: shannon
The 13th May was a truly sparkling day for all fashion and jewellery lovers, as Grove Communication held their A/W 2014 press day. At the agency’s press day we got to see all the beautiful sparkling accessories of the season. Some of the brands represented were Cred Jewellery, Victoria Tryon, Bouton, Buckley London and Atwood and Sawyer.
Award-winning ethical jewellery label Cred Jewellery has introduced its Festival collection, just in time for the festival season. The pieces feature bohemian feather pendants, which is continuously in trend after Coachella this year, hard rock style skull ‘n’ bone charms and more romantic styles, also. Our favourites are the pastel-coloured friendship bracelets to seal those once in a lifetime moments.
Another stand-out at the press day was London-based jewellery brand Buckley London. The costume and fashion jewellery brand’s latest Acorn collection symbolises prosperity, youthfulness and power, all in the iconic symbol of the acorn. The pieces are a great addition to the season’s ever-growing pastel trend and make sure to bring a hint of playfulness into any outfit. The cheerful motif can be found on trendy leather bracelets, stylish rose gold necklaces and elegant drop earrings. Other pieces to look out for from Buckley London were the eternally elegant “Evie” bracelet and charm.
What Happened to Kendall Jenner’s Hair at the Met Gala? We Have Some Theories
2014 May 6. | Szerző: shannon
A funny thing happened on the way to the Met Gala… in Kendall Jenner’s case, a hair catastrophe. Jenner has had quite an absurd few months in terms of her fashionable endeavors, from her couture modeling debut at Marc Jacobs to a once-in-a-lifetime walk at the Chanel supermarket. In addition, her questionable choices at Coachella landed her firmly on the fashion infamy list. The young member of the Kardashian clan posted a gorgeous Instagram selfie earlier this evening, depicting the model wearing a streamlined strapless gown and a lightly waved coif. It appeared the the world was in for a shockingly chic Kendall Jenner fashion moment. But somewhere between her hotel suite and the Met Gala red carpet, her hair went from fabulous to frightening. Though the hairstyle looked voluminous in Jenner’s selfie, by her Met Ball entrance, it looked windblown and messy in the worst possible way. What possibly could have created such a disastrous change? Here are our theories.
1. Dad Bruce decided that Kendall’s ‘do wasn’t quite right and attacked her hair with a brush as she ran out the door.
2. Kendall got into a tussle with Kim over her gown, as everyone knows Mrs. Kanye West must be the fairest of them all.
3. Anna Wintour discovered that Kendall had somehow procured an invitation to the event and ordered security to prevent her from entering.
short one shoulder bridesmaid dresses
4. As the little Kardashian clan member was exiting the limo, paparazzi clambering for a photo somehow tripped the bewildered reality star.
5. A wayward bird noticed Kendall’s gravity-defying ‘do and mistook it for a nest.
kissydress prom dresses under 100
7. A fervent fashionista who was offended by Kendall’s Coachella style flub attempted to ruffle Jenner’s feathers…so to speak.
We may never know what happened to Kendall or why her hair looks so mussed, but we certainly hope she has a serious chat with her hairstylist after the Ball.
Fashion: The world wakes up to globetrotter glam
2014 May 2. | Szerző: shannon
It’s always worth paying attention to Chanel shows. Nobody has their antenna attuned to the moment quite like creative designer Karl Lagerfeld.
Take the brand’s spring 2014 show: recognising the prominence of art fairs such as Frieze and Basel, Lagerfeld transformed Paris’s Grand Palais into an art installation, displaying fashion as an art form in its own right.
The brand’s AW14 show was just as suggestive. A giant globe was erected in the middle of the venue, covered with flags showing where Chanel has stores. But rather than simply demonstrating the label’s reach, the set also reflected a wider movement in fashion.
With emerging economies in South America and Africa, combined with the continued rise of Asia, designers are looking to all corners of the world for inspiration. And, thankfully, the global traveller aesthetic has come a long way since the days of simple khaki jackets, stereotypical African prints and the styles you’ll only dig out on holiday.
Dior set the new mood with its AW13 couture show. The world of couture is inextricably linked with Paris but designer Raf Simons made it his mission to show just how global it is.
The line-up ran like the parade at an Olympics opening ceremony. We had Russian-style embroidered dresses, striking Masai jewellery, sari-type dresses, bold colours and draping that spoke of Africa and a hint of American sportswear thrown in for good measure.
Even proudly Italian label Missoni got swept up in the new mood for spring, with an Africa-by-way-of-Mexico feel. Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci departed from the fun Disney characters and fantastical motifs of seasons past in favour of a more ethnic aesthetic with dusty desert tones on über-wearable African draping and Kimono-style tuxedos.
But jumping on board doesn’t mean going OTT. Donna Karan’s spring show demonstrated how easy the trend can look. Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has been a firm fixture in her collections and her spring line is brimming with nomadic pieces such as languid scarf dresses, chunky low-slung leather belts and woodwork accessories, all in earthy tones.
Ottoman Hands is the perfect way to go, jewellery-wise. The brand, which is now available in Topshop, ranges from rustic arm cuffs to bold rings, all in a similar colour palette. Contemporary label Baukjen offers a more subtle take on the trend. The transformed label has draped dresses and separates that are also classic enough to last into next season.
California-based designer Raquel Allegra has long mastered the global traveller look. Her spring collection manages to make tie-dye sophisticated rather than gap-year chic.
For more of a statement, take styling cues from Valentino, which, unsurprisingly, is a decorative affair full of long black lace gowns embellished with brightly coloured details and dramatic heavily embroidered fringed capes.
Even Peter Dundas went to town with exotic bold-coloured embroidery, giving Pucci’s signature minis a new lease of life with intricate, bold-coloured embroidery.
On the high street, Zara’s beaded crop top is a good bet and Asos Africa’s Nigeria-inspired collection is full of statement prints that are ideal for dressing up basics. The charm of embracing this end of the spectrum is that you’re not faced with the ‘what do I wear with this?’ question because the trick is to keep everything else simple.
This Innovative Nail Wand Could Improve Your At-Home Manicure Skillz
2014 April 29. | Szerző: shannon
Nail polish has come a long way over the last several years, with brands introducing countless new finishes, scents, bottle shapes and methods of application. But one thing that’s rarely fiddled with is the actual brush, or wand, itself.
Well, polish brand Julep decided it was time to change that by releasing the “Plié Wand,” a magnetic, swiveling attachment that connects easily to any Julep nail color cap. The idea is that the flexible handle makes it easier to control while giving yourself an at-home manicure — particularly when using your non-dominant hand.
It’s definitely an interesting concept, and one I was eager to test out. I connected the cap, tilted the top at an angle, and began a-brushing. So did it help me perfect my stroke? Here’s my review:
Using the Plié Wand with my right hand (the dominant one, though something about that just sounds icky) was a lot less awkward that I expected. I guess I ended up gripping it more like a pen than a normal brush, and it didn’t feel weird at all — though I was a bit tempted to grip the bottom like I normally would.
When it came to using the wand with my left hand, I didn’t necessarily find that the different angle option was beneficial. Painting with your opposite hand is just hard. There’s no real way around that. Plus, I paint my nails fairly frequently, so I kind of have the technique down. But for a less experienced manicurist, I imagine the wand would make polish application easier. (Lauren, who doesn’t paint her nails often, held the wand like a chop stick when she tried it, and said it made her non-dominant hand less shaky when applying the polish.)
The one major detriment I noticed with the Plié Wand is that, when you’re not actively painting, the wand itself (which is quite a bit longer and therefore, heavier than your average wand) makes the bottle top-heavy and more prone to falling over. But as long as you make sure to screw the cap on securely between coats, that shouldn’t really be an issue.
In short, I think the people over there at Julep are onto something. This product could appeal to those who don’t feel confident enough in their skills to paint their own nails with a regular wand. But whether it’ll catch on with the notoriously fickle — and capable — #nailart community is left to be seen.
How to Shop for Vintage Fashion Like a Pro: Arden Wohl Shares Tips from NYC
2014 April 25. | Szerző: shannon
There’s no shortage of well-dressed women in the world, but the ones who continuously catch our eye seem to have mastered the art of mixing vintage and secondhand pieces with current high street and designer labels. Each day this week, we’ll ask one of them to share her tips and tricks—from where to find the best Thai silk fisherman pants to how to avoid looking like a period actor. Today, Arden Wohl, the New York–based designer and filmmaker, shares her love of dresses and loud prints.
What are your favorite vintage stores or flea markets?
Of course Resurrection Vintage in Nolita and Southpaw Vintage in Midtown. I also love the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show held at the Metropolitan Pavilion every year. My friend Rachel Zabar always has a fantastic stand there and I once bought an amazing Todd Oldham dress from his first collection!
What’s your favorite vintage find?
A polka dot Marimekko dress I bought at Sasparilla Vintage in Miami.
Do you have any strategies when it comes to vintage shopping?
I look for color and anything vintage Moschino! For me, it’s all about print.
Do you collect anything?
I am always looking for dresses–that is my main goal when vintage shopping. There’s so much energy in a dress. I love imagining where it’s been worn, who’s worn it, and what kind of person they were.
How do you avoid looking like you’re wearing a costume?
I always look costume-y and I think that’s fashion. I believe that I wear the dress and find the dress that I can overpower rather than the other way around.
What label or era are you constantly hunting for?
I am a seventies and eighties and early nineties girl. I do also love a lot of earlier stuff but I find that they tend to be very delicate and hard to wear. I do love Geminola and all of the amazing older fabrics that Lorraine Kirke works with there.
What are you willing to splurge on?
Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ossie Clark, and Vivienne Westwood!
What’s on your current vintage wish list?
A wild, long Halston disco gown from the seventies!
La Fressange brings Paris chic to Japanese label
2014 April 22. | Szerző: shannon
Paris fashion has been on the back foot recently with Tom Ford championing British eccentricity in London and Saint Laurent’s Hedi Slimane leading a style renaissance in Los Angeles.
Cue ex-supermodel Ines de La Fressange with a collection restating the case for her own personal brand of classic Parisian chic.
The one-time muse of Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld whose book on how to dress like a real Parisian was a best-seller has just completed a collaboration with Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo that had shoppers queuing in the rain in Tokyo.
Belted shirt and wrap dresses, versatile shirts and narrow trousers accessorised with caps and spotted scarves for spring/summer 2014 were snapped up in minutes when they went on sale in the Japanese capital last month with some items already sold out online.
De La Fressange and Uniqlo creative director Naoki Takizawa said they knew each other only by reputation before they embarked on their collaboration but quickly discovered they shared very similar tastes.
Since taking the helm at Uniqlo in 2012, Takizawa, a protege and long-time collaborator of Japanese designer Issey Miyake, has overseen a transformation of the utilitarian brand with an injection of luxurious but simple fashion with mass appeal.
“It was fun because after ten minutes we were friends and wanted to work together,” said De La Fressange, 56, a firm enthusiast of mixing and matching high-fashion with low-cost basics, in an interview in Paris.
“We both came from the luxury and creative world and we wanted more or less the same kind of things. I had the impression that he was showing me the fabrics and things I wanted to have before I even said it,” she said.
kissydress bridesmaid dresses | kissydress prom dresses under 100
They shared an admiration not just for Miyake but also other Japanese designers such Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo, which made working together “very easy”, she said.
De La Fressange famously set out her personal style philosophy in her 2010 book La Parisienne.
‘Everything is possible’
The daughter of a French aristocrat and Argentinian model, the 1980s Chanel couture model advised readers to mix styles, experiment with new labels and men’s clothing and invest in a good trenchcoat, blazer and little black dress.
Her “don’ts” included steering clear of bling, coordinating shoes and bags, and fur for anyone over 50 wanting to avoid the “wrinkled trophy wife” look.
Translated into at least 17 languages and with the English title Parisian Chic, the book has sold over a million copies worldwide.
Uniqlo global marketing chief Jorgen Andersson said De La Fressange, who is a brand ambassador for L’Oreal and recently returned to her eponymous label, was an inspiration for his brand’s customers.
“She has a great sense of taste. She has that magic that every woman wants,” he said.
“How do you put pieces together? Because that’s really what fashion is all about, not buying everything from one brand but picking up things and mixing it with what you already have in your wardrobe to create an appealing look.”
Little known outside Japan only a decade ago, the Uniqlo brand created by Tadashi Yanai, one of Japan’s richest men, has in recent years pursued an aggressive international expansion strategy.
As well as stores all over Asia, it now has outlets worldwide in cities such as New York, Paris, London and Moscow.
In another highly publicity-conscious collaboration this year, it has teamed up with US musician Pharrell Williams to produce a range of T-shirts and caps due to go on sale from mid-April.
De La Fressange and Takizawa, meanwhile, have also completed a second collection for autumn/winter 2014/15 and no one is ruling out a third.
“Everything is possible,” she said.
Pakistani fashion gala finale pays ode to women empowerment
2014 April 14. | Szerző: shannon
In a country where women are still finding it tough to enjoy full freedom in the way they dress up, showcasing at PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2014 a collection that pays an ode to “women empowerment” was a bold step. Designer Hassan Sheheryar Yasin feels that it is a step to give back to the country that has nurtured him and given him so much.
In the spirit of his 20th year motto, Hassan Sheheryar Yasin showcased a collection titled “Sher” under his label HSY which was in homage to and in support of, women empowerment.
As part of the initiative, Team HSY collaborated with the Anjuman-e-Khuddam-e-Rasul Allah (AKRA), a renowned voluntary organisation in Shergarh, Okara district, which is working towards improving education and poverty alleviation.
There are nearly 4,000 students in AKRA’s 30 schools in and around Shergarh, more than half of whom are girls. AKRA also runs a teacher training centre in Shergarh and employs most of the graduates in its schools.
HSY draws from the strength of AKRA, with a project called “Sher”, named in homage to the village Shergarh itself.
“The initiative looks at giving back to the country that nurtured me. It also seeks to empower specifically the women of the village Shergarh, through employment opportunities and highlighting the work of their female artisans through the embroideries, embellishments and detailing found on HSY’s collection at the fashion gala,” said the designer.
“The initiative’s focus is not on charitable donations alone but on giving long term and sustainable working and educational opportunities to underprivileged women by empowering them with the skill and resources to earn independently,” he added.
HSY is best known for combining contemporary silhouettes with the traditional techniques of old and this is what one witnessed at the show’s finale. The designs were not only wearable but also very modern and elegant in approach.
The collection featured both men’s wear and women’s wear in luxurious fabrics including pure chiffons, silks, and georgettes paired with indigenous embroideries fashioned by the female artisans of the village Shergarh.
Diverse colour palette inspired by earthy colours naturally observed in the rural environment, particularly in Shergarh, dominated the line. The colour of wood, water, pure indigo, beige, chilli red and turmeric yellow were prominently featured in the collection.
Some of the key trends that were highlighted with the brand’s collection included looser silhouettes, varying options of short and long hemlines, indigenous embroideries and summer jackets.
All in all it was a finale that was the mix of contemporary meets class with some cause involved in it.
Alia Bhatt In Kenneth Cole Short Dress
2014 June 4. | Szerző: shannon
Alia Bhatt was seen in a monochrome dress by designer Kenneth Cole. The actress who loves to look different and unique was spotted in this lovely number for a talk show that will be aired on July 14. Alia Bhatt in this short dress looked just amazing. Recently, we saw Alia Bhatt in one of her upcoming movie promotions where she had a nasty wardrobe malfunction. The young and bubbly actress showed off her white knickers through a sheer patiala pant when Varun Dhawan lifted her leaving her embarrassed.
prom dresses uk
Alia Bhatt in this Kenneth Cole allex, fit and flare short dress looked chic and pretty. What we liked most about the short dress worn by Alia Bhatt was the flare at the hemline which matched her nature. The bodice of Alia Bhatt’s dress was designed in such a way that it hid her tummy (though she has a flat toned tummy). It was sleeveless, showing off her flawless skin and her perfect complexion.
To make this look all the more interesting, Alia Bhatt’s Kenneth Cole monochrome dress was paired up with Kenneth Cole silver pointed heels. The shoes were of a perfect match with her dress and we are glad she did not opt for a black pair as it would not have given out this contrast in colours. The Dior earrings were indeed an eye-catcher with the Kenneth Cole flared dress Alia Bhatt wore. She completed the monochrome look with an Atelier Mon ring on her index finger. With little accessories to go with the Kenneth Cole black dress worn by Alia Bhatt, it was a perfect look she gave us of herself. Her hairstyle too was plain as her soft brown beach curls lay gently over her shoulders at all times. Do you like Alia Bhatt look in Kenneth Cole’s monochrome short flared dress or you prefer to see her in Indian attires?
http://www.kissydress.co.uk/black-prom-dresses
Oldal ajánlása emailben
X