Category: Jewellery, Fashion, Fragrance & Beauty

Ford – It’s that time of the year when all is pink

Leave a comment

My favourite warriors in Pink symbol

October is here and this is the time when Ford’s Warriors in Pink® emerge in full force to honour breast cancer survivors who have demonstrated strength and courage in their battle. Although my car or my bag often features the ‘Warriors in Pink’ items most times in the year, this month in particular we get up, close and personal with the new collection of Warriors  in Pink collection of apparel and accessories at www.fordcares.com

Breast cancer is more than a disease as it’s about people and families, whose lives are forever changed by a diagnosis. And Ford Motor Company works relentlessly every year to raise awareness and funds in the fight against breast cancer through a unique programme called “Warriors in Pink®”. Powered by Ford, the initiative is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness across the globe. The campaign recognises the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. Warriors in Pink embodies hope, strength and courage and is about women and men finding strength within themselves,  their inner warrior, especially at a time they need it most.

I first met Sue Nigoghossian who works for Ford last year and find her an incredibly dynamic individual who passionately talks about the cause since. She mentioned to me recently how her company played a pivotal role in encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them that early detection saves lives. In the Middle East, the disease is the number one cause of death in women and relatively low awareness rates means that women are often diagnosed with cancer at advanced stages.

I personally find Ford’s CSR work great. Recently I had a henna tattoo done reflecting 2 of the 12 Warriors in Pink symbols of hope, strength and unity in the fight against breast cancer on my hands just before a trip to Bahrain. Reaching there, I learnt of a young girl being diagnosed so I introduced her to ‘Warriors of Pink’ and gave her the scarf I had as a reminder that she had support around her.

As Sue mentions, women in our region have used henna in body art since ancient times, so it is a source of inspiration to her team at Ford to see women using henna to make such a bold statement, in a way that only our region can, in support of breast cancer awareness. The symbols are versatile, some are worn to honor those that have passed away as a result of the disease, others show a sense of solidarity and standing strong with breast cancer survivors, others to mark a commitment to life and survival in the face of the disease.

Doctors recommend that since older women are more likely to develop the disease, once women reach the age of 40, they should have an annual mammogram, in addition to monthly self-examinations.  Women under the age of 40 are advised to self-examine every three months. People concerned about any abnormalities should contact their doctor immediately.

As its October, take time to go on-line at www.fordcares.com, with 100 per cent of net proceeds from the collection goes into research of breast cancer and related support initiatives. Watch Ford Middle East’s ‘Are you a Warrior in Pink’ video to learn more about the henna campaign on www.youtube.com/fordmiddleast and www.facebook.com/FordMiddleEast. To buy the Warriors in Pink collection on-line visit www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.

Another favourite symbol I use when I have a henna tattoo

Having a ValleyDez moment

Leave a comment

Some really cool pieces in the new collection

One of my favourite places for retail therapy is ValleyDez and they are now introducing a new set of collections from Fall 2012 collections to their Boutiques.

The fall collection this season reveals a new take on military. Prints and bold blocks of colours are still strong. Floral for fall is smaller in scale and leaning towards liberty, and is seen in a retro mix with lace. Knit tweeds and shawls are big, as well as fur accents and baroque embroidery. There’s also a lot of black leather or all-white which means there will definitely be something for everyone.

The accessories have the two extremes and feature many tribal designs, statement jewellery pieces, and dramatic epaulettes to take any top or jacket to the next level. On the other hand, clean simple pieces are also making an understated statement which is normally what I look for these days.

As for me, in honour of Maxim’s heritage, I reckon I will look into the military look. Just the vision makes me excited as I reckon it will be a weird contrast to what I am normally used to. 

Porsche Drivers Selection :)

Leave a comment

Stylish!

I am clearly car crazy these days….my energy has to go into something and since most people, events and things around me bore me to death, being in cars gives me that extra oomph that not much else does….at least cars are easy to control and they are functional fun machines. I like machines…all sorts and shapes!

Anyway, being a car fanatic means my fascination extends to accessories for cars or anything remotely related to cars…I go a step further and get clothes, accessories etc related to car brands….the Porsche and Ferrari retail department can vouch for this. But my current muse is the Porsche Drivers selection.

Porsche has recently launched the new Porsche Driver’s selection which features sporty fashion items and exclusive accessories which bring the Porsche feeling to every aspect of your lifestyle even when not on the roads.

The collection ranges across various categories and includes, clothes, fashion accessories, luggage, sunglasses, watches, etc.

Get a sneak peek from the pictures below….drive fashionably!

Porsche Race track

Can have a bit of Porsche on your desk too…me like!

Porsche Sport

My shoe fetish goes one level Up!

Leave a comment

I can do some serious damage to someone with those spikes

I love the detail and can’t wait to get my hands on these

Despite being a shoe collector, I have to date never been loyal to one brand when it comes to my shoe fetish….my mobile shoe rack in my car, the huge shoe storage space under my 4 poster bed, the walk in shoe closet at the entrance to my villa or my usual shoe shelves give evidence that I have very diverse eclectic or maybe even eccentric taste when it comes to shoes and boots and no brand has so far impressed me enough to be a loyal fan….although Michael Kors has come very close.

So for me to blog about shoes is a new thing despite being an authority on what works and what doesn’t (for the record, none of my Jimmy Choos have impressed me so far so no matter how famous the brand is, i would not touch it again). It is therefore unusual that I thought of writing about a pair of shoes I have not even tried yet but have been bowled over by their Industrial and bold designs. I’m talking about the AW12 collection from Vince Camuto.

The shoes in this collection reflect an air of bold fierceness. Since I am slowly venturing into the fierce fashion zone (my way of trying to appear strong and firm), I cant wait to try these out….if you have tried this brand before, let me know what your thoughts are….i hope they are as comfortable and gorgeous as they look in the pictures. I certainly don’t want a repeat of the Jimmy Choo experience. My feet ache just thinking about it!

I’m in love again -With Phantom Venus

Leave a comment

How beautiful is this :):):)


 Its awesome to always fall in love…that exhilarating feeling one gets and the best things one can fall in love with are of the non-breathing ilk ….no clutter, no heartbreak, no expectations…man, I could go on.

So when I called Alaa to tell him I am in love again, he naturally sighed with an OMG until I told him it was related to his latest note to us about the Rolls-Royce team’s new surprise, Phantom Venus – a one-of-a-kind motor car inspired by the legend of the Queen of Sheba.

Revered without parallel in Middle Eastern cultures, the story of Balqis, Queen of Sheba has been celebrated in a car that embodies the beauty and grace, intrinsic to the Queen’s legacy. Conceived, designed and crafted by the Bespoke team at the Home of Rolls-Royce in England, Phantom Series II Venus is adorned in ethereal White Pearl exterior, completed by Oak Burr veneer and Forest Fall leather – creating a luxurious interior ambiance without peer.

Hand-painted twin-coachline, finished with gold crown emblem, exclusive to Phantom Venus, elegantly illustrates a story that has been weaved through dynasties and mythology alike.

Geoff from Rolls Royce is naturally delighted tobe able to present a car here that so elegantly celebrates an incredible part of Middle Eastern folklore.

Perfectly complimenting the theme of the motor car, luxury goods house Asprey has created an exquisitely crafted handbag stitched in Seashell, finished in Forest Fall and White Pearl and embellished with the crown emblem. This exclusive piece perfectly encapsulates the story of a woman who ruled as both king and queen with authority and poise.

I’m actually not sure if I love the car more or the bag…. Not too bothered as they both give equal amounts of visual and mental pleasure to this diva!

Loving the new Sacoor Brothers AW12 Ladies Dresses

Leave a comment

 

Nice 🙂


 Inspired by young NJD, I am becoming a fan of Sacoor Brothers more each day….beyond my fascination for polo, I now find myself planning to venture into the dreaded Dubai Mall and face the parking and exit woes just to pick out some office dresses.

The gorgeous brothers are celebrating the arrival of cooler weather with colours and fabric to match so diva can step out in style with their elegantly tailored dresses perfect for a formal day or a night out on the town.

For the uninitiated, the international fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Portugal started as a dream of 4 brothers who intended to give the world of fashion refinement, elegance, quality and design. I’ve met all of them on a number of occasions and respect their aim to bring quality clothing to the region….NJD adores their polo range and she looks über cool in their clothes.

Along with their fashion line for men, ladies and boys, the brand is also well-known to have dressed personalities from the world of fashion, cinema and television….plus NJD of course who is their unofficial brand ambassador/advocate.

Ferrari Red Power

1 Comment

 

The masculine packaging that totally suits the fragrance

There is a new scent in town….this one combines my love for cars and passion for fragrances into one: The Ferrari Red Power perfume.

The complex scent imbues the soul of the Prancing Horse, appealing to confident connoisseurs with timeless taste…. I love the clean masculine edges of the bottle. Must learn to study the male species the way I was studying the bottle a little earlier 😉

Ferrari, the famous purveyor of Italian supercar heritage, has in fact launched Red Power – it is a new masculine fragrance encompassing the Prancing Horse’s affiliation with performance, excellence, and sheer adrenaline. It kind of reminded me of someone who has similar qualities.

The cost (125 ml) was 270 AED which is not much for a Ferrari fragrance…I recall paying more for the last one I got so its good value for money….enjoy!

Velvet Amethysts and Spinels from ROGER DUBUIS

1 Comment

 

Stunning….love the amethysts

Being a hard-core Pisces means I am always in love with all things amethyst… I sleep next to a cluster of raw amethysts beautifully set on a dark wood shaped like South Africa and lodged in a  base in case in a dodgy moment I knock it off. Combine that with being a watch lover who comes across a most beautiful black watch with splashes of amethyst and you have an ecstatic Fijian chick on your hands. Well….more than just a traditional watch manufacture, ROGER DUBUIS has created a watch that appeals to this diva’s discerning taste. Note that I am currently going through a watch phase and loving the dark classic pieces that are so lush – to watch and feel.

The Genevan watchmaker has taken its inspiration from four different and distinctive worlds from which it has created a universe in which exuberance takes pride of place and creativity reigns supreme… I mean it. The Velvet Amethysts and Spinels watch from the ROGER DUBUIS is infused with the spirit of rock and roll. Playing on the different tones of light and shade, it exhibits a kaleidoscope of colours that are both deep and strong. Amethysts and spinels are intertwined like a Byzantine mosaic on the 36 mm titanium and DLC case. Different materials and precious stones create a dazzling mixture of colours to produce a mystical array of reflected tones in this model…the result is awesome and the piece stunning.

What makes the aura of a watch? Its charisma, its mechanism, its appearance? The Velvet Amethysts and Spinels watch combines all of these advantages: it has everything it takes to please. At the forefront of its qualities is its ability to capture both the light and observers’ attention. An absolute icon of glamour, it struts its stuff on the new Fine Watchmaking scene with a combination of elegance and mystery. The spirit of the Genevan watchmaker infuses every detail of this model produced in a limited edition of 188 pieces. On its dial, numerals and appliques darkened by DLC give the aesthetic trompe-l’oeil impression of being in relief. In the foreground, a black brushed centre-dial reveals the brand name ROGER DUBUIS, while the black brushed sunray effect exterior contrasts with the purple of the elongated Roman numerals.

A game of hide-and-seek between the tones of light and shade soon commences, highlighted by the bright colouring of the deeply-tinted bracelet. On the bezel, the amethysts invite us to follow their dazzling dance of light. Veritable bubbles of ethereal light, shining with a thousand lights to pierce the mysteries of the depths! Their glittering covers the entire watch right up to the surface of the blackened titanium case. Here the stones play with time, and the horns are set with attachments that merge with the bracelet to wrap the watch around the wrist. Precious links between the case and the bracelet, these attachments reflect a daring design and are a signature feature of the Velvet Collection, reminding us that at the heart of this watch beats a Fine Watchmaking calibre: the RD 821 automatic mechanical movement. A manufacture movement designed, developed and produced in-house.

The femininity and jewellery spirit of this watch are also emphasised by the white gold model set with diamonds. One hundred diamonds are set into the case and the buckle of this watch (approx. 1.77 carats), matched by a silvered dial decorated with black Roman numerals and a strap in black satin-finished fabric….it looks super sexy and reminded me of my diamond encrusted GENEVE that I have not worn in over a year!

Like all models produced by ROGER DUBUIS, the Velvet models also comply with all the latest requirements for the “Poinçon de Genève”. This mark of quality, issued by the Canton of Geneva to a small number of manufacturers, represents an official guarantee that the watch and its functions operate correctly. It also certifies that its mechanical watch movement is made by hand, assembled and regulated in Geneva and that it complies with the strict requirements laid down for the watch manufacture. Roger Dubuis is the only watch Manufacture to produce 100% of its movements in accordance with the criteria of the “Poinçon de Genève”.

The best part of coming across this was that it prompted me to go looking for my diamond encrusted black GENEVE which was my very first luxury watch 11 years ago….finding it was oh so sentimental this week, I have the good people at ROGER DUBUIS to thank for as my first watch brought back loads of beautiful memories like the birth of my daughter, my first published poem in an International anthology and the time when I spent staring at the watch waiting nervously for Paul Gazza to turn up for a TIME OUT interview on Masters Football with legends from the UK. I can just see other Pisces in love with Amethysts plus people with discerning taste creating beautiful memories with the Velvet Amethyst and Spinels watch.

NEW DOUBLE HEART BEAT BLACK BEAUTY

Leave a comment

Gorgeous…my favourite piece from Frederique Constant

It is no doubt that Frederique Constant Black Beauty is the most exciting addition to Frederique Constant’s bestselling Double Heart Beat Collection. As a watch fanatic, I totally relate to the deep black mother of pearl dial but I know most of my friends will however salivate over the many diamonds of the Black Beauty.

The original design of this range, that is two intertwined hearts forming an aperture in the dial revealing the ‘heart beat’ of the movement- makes the Frederique Constant Double Heart Beat more than just a watch. These fine timepieces have been developed with passion to reflect the values and aspirations of today’s woman (like moi). Frederique Constant’s Double Heart Beat watches are created with precision design and assembled by hand, allowing for a high quality timepiece each and every time.

When I buy a watch, perceived value is important but the real quality, consistency, craftsmanship ultimately is the main attraction….its just the way this brand thinks. I like the idea of being able to go corporate with my Mont Blanc, wild with my Roberto Cavalli snake watch in mother of pearl or when I feel uninspired, I go for the boring looking white metallic GC that looks like everything else in the market except that its white…big deal! But hey….there is no accounting for taste and sometimes one just isn’t in the mood. However, moods can be changed if there are ultra special pieces that totally give you that extra bit of endorphin kick, making you smile and I believe that the pieces from Frederique Constant have that edge.

As always I like brands that are passionate about charity….. What is nice is that US$50 from each watch sold in the Double Heart Beat Collection is donated to charities related to the heart and children. Hence the slogan for this collection is “Assembled by hand to touch your heart”.

For people who don’t know watches or don’t know the Frederique Constant brand, the first thing to learn is that they really are on the top position amongst leading makers of Swiss luxury watches. In 1994, Frederique Constant developed its first Heart Beat watch to show the mechanical nature of these Frederique Constant watches. Heart Beat watches have an aperture at the position of the balance wheel to show that the movement of the watch is mechanical.

Early in the 1990’s, automatic mechanical watches were slowly making their return to the market after the quartz crisis of the 1970-1980’s. Typically, the exterior of such mechanical watches looks similar to quartz watches except that the second hand moves continuously. On quartz watches, the second hand makes 60 steps per minute.  It’s an interesting lesson on how it all works and I am so glad that Frederique Constant considered it important to show the difference between mechanical and quartz watches….it helps uninitiated people like us learn a bit about the back-end of how these beautiful pieces work.

In a mechanical watch, the balance wheel beats 28’800 times per hour. The balance wheel rotates clockwise and counter-clockwise on its axes in a large ruby jewel. Its rotation is controlled by the hairspring, which constantly coils and uncoils, and can be seen through the open eye of the Heart Beat watches…i can never do justice in explaining how this works and how awesome these watches are. I suggest you check Frederique Constant pieces out yourselves!

Irresistible Designs of Walid Atallah

Leave a comment

An evening with Walid Atallah

I reckon we are super lucky to live in a city that has amazing fashion designers and Walid Attalah has to be one the leading ones not just regionally but Internationally. Afterall he is internationally known for his exquisite evening and bridal designs, and for his skillful use of diamonds, precious stones and Swarovski crystals – remember that beautiful wedding dress worth U.S. $ 1.2 million that created waves in the fashion industry (I think that’s when I first really noticed his work).

We are both born in 1973 so I totally admire the fact that Walid has reached so much higher success than I could ever do and love listening to him about his journey to where he is in the fashion scene today as inspiration. Thanks to Ashraf and his impromtu coffee timings, I got to spend an evening early last week with Walid for a tour of his shop and got a sneak peek on what’s coming next and what drives him creatively for his awesome collections.

Walid was born in Beirut in an affectionate family who were inspired by beauty and style. He naturally followed his heart, studied fashion designing and graduated from University of Chicago. I was fortunate to watch him work as he flitted through his base in Dubai looking, touching and contemplating his designs in progress. Walid chose Dubai to launch his fashion-design career using fascinating designs mixing the charm of the East with the West. He was the first designer to add diamonds in his collection – every woman desires his outfits, which makes his final ensemble very irresistible.

Today Walid has made his mark in the to fashion capitals of the world by introducing numerous collections of dozens of memorable fashion pieces at his shows which have been a success throughout the Arab world, Italy and France, where he received the International Design Excellence Award of the Association of French Fashion Designers. He has made two appearances at the Couture Fashion Week in New York two years in a row with a favorable and enthusiastic response from the audience and peers in the fashion industry. He has also done shows in London and Toronto that he is very proud of.

While walking around looking at his gowns, I also discovered that Walid has his own line of luxury jewelry made of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, blue pearls from the sea and Tahiti, and fine watches. Not only that, this talented and versatile designer has also launched a Ready-to-wear line called “W”, which includes jeans and tops for women in fashion and modern today.

It was also interesting to see beautiful shoes as I walked around looking at Walid Atallah’s dresses and he tells us how after the shoes and jewellery, his next venture will be to do a perfume. Naturally his passion for always spending time sketching as a hobby has paid off. Initially he was designing dresses for his sister, including once making a dress for her from a blanket and then did costumes for theatrical productions at school. He knew he had made the right choice when he felt immense joy after seeing the end product of his dress made out of diamonds and emeralds.

Walid who is married with one daughter and two sons is delighted that his daughter is showing an interest in the fashion design industry. He feels more inspired now to continue his expansion plans to other Emirates as well as Qatar, Saudi and Oman. And although Walid feels he has become more moderate with his designs, its only because he wants to concentrate more on the creation of originals which reflect different types of femininity. He is inspired by beauty, by dreams, flowers, nature, gold, birds and other elements of nature and he feels the variety is reflected in his new collections.

My first introduction to Walid and his beautiful wife was at a fashion show that Walid specifically worked on for Mercedes-Benz. Since then, he has done various unique shows, all very commendable with Rolls Royce, which I thoroughly enjoyed in Abu Dhabi and with LG and Philips. To make the optimum use of his time, Walid likes to focus on work during his most productive and creative hours. If this comes at 5am, then he will get up and sketch instead of keeping to the usual working hours…. I am a strong believer in this way of working after talking to so many successful people in the creative industry.

Walid hopes now to continue to expand his business with more branches in UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Libya and is looking at other vibrant markets….I know he will make it happen!