Category: Jewellery, Fashion, Fragrance & Beauty

A. Lange & Söhne – New models seen in Dubai

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How gorgoeus are these novelty pieces from A. Lange Sohne

Most people know that I am not a morning person…. I don’t get up before 6am for love or for money but once in a while I do make an exception…..specially if its something as nice as having breakfast at Emirates Towers with like-minded people who love A. Lange & Sohne watches while enjoying an amazing view of Dubai from the top floor.

I was amongst a small group of about 15 people together with collectors discussing the love affair we have with our watches…. I never leave home without a watch and have one for every occasion…being a fashion rebel, I sometimes break the norm and come to work adorning my Roberto Cavalli snake watch in mother of pearl or go to an evening event wearing a Montblanc business watch with traditional black straps or a simple Salvador Dali that looks like it goes with anything….whose to say what works and sometimes being a rebel makes you stand out.

Anyway, following a successful launch at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) beginning of the year, A. Lange & Söhne’s new models have been on a tour across the Saxon luxury watch brand’s global boutiques. We were the first in the region to experience the latest highlights of Lange’s watchmaking artistry and I have to say it was super impressive.

The 2012 collection, an ideal expression of A. Lange & Söhne’s constant quest for perfection, was received with great enthusiasm during the Middle East premiere. Technical expertise combined with contemporary originality and an unmatched level of craftsmanship defines A. Lange & Söhne’s ever-lasting commitment: to build “the world’s finest watches”.

The central theme this year is the LANGE 1 watch family, headed by the Lange 1 Tourbillon PERPETUAL CALENDAR. With two large complications and a new type of instantaneously jumping month ring, it demonstrates once again the innovative potential of the manufactory. With a newly developed movement, the reworked GRAND LANGE 1 exhibits elegant proportions.

My favourite was a luminous LANGE 1 TIME ZONE in white gold which commends itself as the perfect travelling companion. The DATOGRAPH UP/DOWN illustrates that a timepiece widely considered perfect can still be improved. It has grown to 41 millimetres and incorporates an extended power reserve and a power-reserve indicator. Finally, the SAXONIA THIN, introduced last year, and with a height of just 5.9 millimetres the thinnest Lange watch, is now also available in white gold.

I must be one of very few women who shuns expensive yellow gold….and possibly the only one in my family who does not own any of the over designed yellow gold jewellery. I like white gold, diamonds and simplicity when it comes to my watches & jewellery so the new A. Lange & Sohne collection totally hits the spot. If you are big into watches, their new collection is awesome and a definite must see for enthusiasts and collectors.

You know a watch is precious when even the brand manager has to wear a white glove to try it out 🙂

“Collection Princesse Grace de Monaco” in Dubai

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My Blackberry camera does not do any justice to this piece

My visit to Dubai Mall got exciting one weekend recently seeing an exhibition as Montblanc paid tribute to the 20th Century’s Unforgettable Style Icon, (Princess Grace of Monaco of course) with a collection of precious, handcrafted jewellery, timepieces and writing instruments that is both feminine and timelessly elegant.

I am a huge fan of Montblanc already when it comes to watches, business card holders, pens, belts and diaries but I admit I never looked twice at their jewellery in the past. And every time I have entered a Mont Blanc shop, its because I needed inspiration to buy a gift for my guy friends….never for a woman and yet I have always walked out with something for me but just not jewellery. My best purchase there has to be a limited edition commemorative pen for a dear friend.

So it was different to see Montblanc in all their glory at the mall showing this new dazzling travelling collection which forms the centrepiece for a stunning commemorative exhibition of the late Princess. It was inspired by Princess Grace’s sophistication and her love of roses. Naturally Joe Nahhas of Montblanc was over the moon about hosting the special tribute collection in Dubai.  He was with Montblanc’s Creative Director Carlo Giordanetti who worked closely with Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, to design each piece of the tribute collection. Needless to say, every detail of the collection reflects Princess Grace’s alluring spirit, poise and glowing charm.

Giordenetti was beaming when he told us the idea for this collection was borne out of the Palace of Monaco when Montblanc writing instrument dedicated to Prince Rainier III was presented to Prince Albert with a special edition. He fell in love with it and told Mont Blanc to explore this idea further and create a tribute to his mother, Princess Grace, in the form of jewellery and watches.

Before she became Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco was already royalty in Hollywood. Known then as Grace Kelly, she shot to fame in the early 1950s and by 1955 won the Oscar for Best Actress at The Academy Awards and is remembered and revered for her sophistication, classic, otherworldly beauty and her inimitable style is effortless and timeless. Beyond the external image, her innate elegance and kindness touched every aspect of her life and work. This elegance shone through her on-screen talents, through her indefatigable charity work, her commitment to family and her never-ending support for emerging artistic talent. This spirit, compassion and style are now distilled into the Montblanc collection.

The exquisite and emotive lemotif linking all four collections is the classic pink rose, Princess Grace’s favourite flower – quintessentially feminine, an emblem of romance, passion and everlasting beauty. The rose petal, ravishingly romantic and evocatively emblematic is embodied throughout the collection in precious materials, gold, diamonds and petal-shaped sapphires of an exquisite pink. Each piece of the four collections, many of them one of a kind or limited editions – is hand-crafted to the highest standards for which Montblanc is internationally renowned.

Representing her life as a princess, the high jewellery line features diamonds and rose-pink sapphires, specially cut in a lusciously sensual drop-shape to capture the voluptuousness of the rose petal. The fine jewellery line truly reflects her lifestyle as a contemporary woman. In the two opulently casual fine jewellery collections – Petales de Rose and Petales Entrelaces motifs, openwork petal forms are outlined or paved in diamonds and echoed in soft pink gold, clustered together or interlaced to represent and celebrate the loving union between a couple, the mysterious, magical intimacy bonding a man and a woman.

The same drop-cut pink sapphire highlights the Montblanc writing instruments of the collection. With scattered diamonds, the pen clip and cap top were designed to mirror the curvaceous V-shaped neckline of a black velvet dress worn by the Princess in a celebrated photograph; one of Prince Albert II’s favourites of his beautiful mother. Quality and detailing – the hallmarks of the world-famous Montblanc pen are taken to a new level in this tribute series, featuring champagne coloured gold fittings, rubies cut in rhombus shapes taken from the Grimaldi coat-of-arms, and an 18 carat gold nib with a heart-shaped opening.

The all-encompassing collection of superlative timepieces, ranging from scintillating one-of-a-kind high jewellery watches to the everyday chic of stainless steel with diamonds, pays homage to the nobility of Princess Grace. The refined timepieces feature brilliant cut diamonds, pink sapphires and lustrous mother of pearl dials. Each piece is a ravishing masterpiece, bringing together the art of the watchmaker and jeweller together in a sublime harmony to forever personify the innate elegance of Princess Grace….well there is now another reason for the women of Dubai to make a beeline for Montblanc.

Carlo Giordanetti is super passionate about the designs inspired by Princess Grace

With Joe from Montblanc

An evening with Italian Master Roberto Coin and his exclusive jewellery parure

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Looking at the reptile inspired necklaces that Roberto sketched … similar to my watch 🙂

My evenings are certainly becoming exciting these days – I guess not being stuck to the computer in the evenings and accepting invitations is working out to be very interesting…. it’s time I started learning from strong individuals who make their own decisions and are fully dedicated to driving their organisations to success without any influences from others….and Roberto Coin’s strong creative mind is as good as one can get.

A friend who knows my taste in jewellery thought I would love Italian master jewellery designer Roberto Coin and his bespoke designs – she knew my snake watch in pearl white broke despite being a limited edition piece so she hoped seeing reptile inspired jewellery instead would wow me and perhaps convert me to Roberto Coin. It did and now I wish I had spent the dough on Roberto Coin jewellery rather than the ill-fated watch which I hope one day I can wear again.

Anyway, Roberto and his sweet gorgeous wife were in Dubai to launch the exquisite one-of-a-kind jewellery parure to mark the opening of his new boutique in the Mall of the Emirates. The signature set, which consists of a matched collar, bracelet, earrings and ring, was unveiled during a preview which I was super lucky to sight on the first night and in the presence of Roberto who is sweetness and light personified.

The special parure, which is part of the Mauresque Collection, is made up of a 3.21 ct collar set with 60 individual diamonds, a 6 ct bracelet with 110 stones, earrings set with a total of 22 stones and a 1.03 ct ring studded with a total of 20 diamonds. The four pieces will be on display in the new boutique, which was officially opened by Roberto Coin, together with the Italian Ambassador to the UAE – H.E. Dr. Giorgio Starace, Anan Fakhreddin, CEO of Damas Jewellery and Raj Sahai among other senior members of Damas management.

Roberto’s jewellery is revered around the world and is known for producing the most beautiful, intricately crafted artisan pieces. The company was born in 1977 in the Italian city of Vicenza, which is famous for its fine jewellery, initially manufacturing on behalf of some of the world’s most prestigious jewellers, before Roberto Coin decided to relaunch as a brand in 1996.

Not many people know this but Roberto has an inborn curiosity and desire to know the world beyond his own borders which drove him to attend a hotel management school. The hotel atmosphere, crossroad par excellence of cultures and people, fascinated him. After a first diploma at Montecatini he went on to complete his apprenticeship in Switzerland, where he obtained the Hotel Management Diploma in Lausanne.

At the age of 18 he moved to Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency, where at the age of 24 he already owned The Duke of Richmond, an old renowned hotel in St. Peter Port, the island’s capital. During his career, he came in contact with some of the main figures of the international jet set, each of whom left behind an impression, a style, a lesson. Some of them left a deep impression, like Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who taught him by example, the value of social responsibility and a sense of responsibility for those less fortunate.

At 32 Roberto decided to return to Italy and turn a new page in his life. He brought with him a wealth of experience matured in the spheres of PR, style and the pursuit of quality. He had developed a great sensitivity for “beauty”, in the objective sense of the term, so he decided to turn to a new entrepreneurial adventure. His selection fell on the world of fashion, particularly on jewellery, accessories par excellence.

He approached this culture with a great will to learn, comparing himself with the major international entrepreneurs, who enabled him to get to know the thousand facets of the sector. Soon Roberto Coin decided to start a production line of his own, which he offered to major jewellery brands. In 1996 he created a company name bearing his own name with his creativity manifesting itself in every imaginable form and together with concepts of uniqueness, excellence and social responsibility, the brand became internationally recognized.

Roberto signs every single jewel with a small ruby set on the inside. A special caring detail reserved to the woman who will wear his jewels, in observance of an ancient belief, according to which the gem has the power of promoting a long life, blessed with health and happiness. Beyond the success of his creations, Roberto is also a member of the Board of Directors of the WDC, which collaborated with UN to create the Kimberly Process. He is also a member of the Diamond Bourse of Dubai.

Roberto lives in Vicenza now. He is married to Pilar Cabo, who assists him in managing the company’s marketing division. Together they have a son, Kevin, who is busy studying, while Roberto’s adult children, Carlo and Paola, are involved in the family business. You can see his strength lies both in his creativity, his family and friends….people can learn a lot from his example.

The time spent with Roberto was short but very insightful. We talked about technology, phones and how we should switch off to relax for periods – I’m definitely following his gem about taking time out, letting go and being with like-minded people. I’ve seen people going downhill because of the company they keep with no desire to do great things intellectually – We should always strive to be influenced by contemporary thinkers who are vibrant and energetic.

That’s why we need more creative and inspirational corporate leaders and role models like Roberto Coin in the world to make it an interesting and happy place to live in.

Candid moment with Roberto Coin

Listening intently to Roberto

Going to be beautiful In and Out

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Love their logo…my Blackberry camera does not do justice to it

Like most women, Island girl is always in search of remedies, products that keep the exotic skin in top form….after all there is only so much magic that FIJI water can do to one’s gorgeousness and well-being + juicing every morning is nice but cumbersome and these days I struggle to find time for at least one Moroccan bath a month.

Help is at hand though in the form of In&Out  as I am told by a few friends around town who are raving how the revolutionary new treatment from this latest Swiss skin care and wellness brand is redefining how you celebrate your beauty. Regardless of age or skin type, In&Out adopts an innovative and intelligent approach that promotes the balance of beauty and wellness both inside and out….how you may ask?

Lucky for me I met the man behind the brand at the In&Out counter who graciously spent some time explaining how he and his wife decided to combine cosmetics, skin care and supplements together to ensure the skin was taken care at all levels. They combined powerful active ingredients made up of essential oil concentrates and food supplements of pure plant extracts, that work in extraordinary synergy with the science of cosmetology so that their treatments deliver triple action results that delay the skin’s aging process, keeps intact the body’s inner health, and stimulates the body’s natural defenses.

For people who have an exotic colour like me, the In & Out Brightening Treatment range helps slow down the melanin production process which can result from a host of external, internal and natural factors such as stress, sun exposure and time.  This reduces the causes and effects of pigmentation from inside and out, while gently brightening and evening the outer skin tone.  There was something for every skin type and I’m sure you can find out more….i was more interested selfishly to find out what works for me.

In & Out is manufactured out of Innovative Biotechnologies Laboratories in Switzerland with a strong collaboration with the University of Ferrara in Italy, renowned for its Research & Development of new skin care technologies. In & Out integrates the latest technologies and ingredients for efficient, innovative skin care and wellness treatments but I like the aromatherapy element most. Any smell that makes me feel like I am in a spa environment makes me feel calm and mellow right away – not that I’m hyper or high-strung normally (no comments to this one please)

In & Out is awesome – I found them in Paris Gallery, Festival City, Dubai….hidden away but it was a worthwhile find as I’m done with superficial skin care.

Will Shay Rouge be my new scent

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Shay Rouge – packaged in RED, just the way Island girl likes it!

I’ve always been attracted to strong sensual scents and at this point may have the most number of YSL’s Champagne or Yvresse as its better known in the Middle East when I found out it was not going to be forever produced like the Chanel No. 5 type classics.

So when Emirati Perfume house Anfasic Dokhoon created Shay Rouge, its new limited edition scent for exclusive sale at Galleries Lafayette, I made a beeline to test it because I was told it was a scent I would like – a ‘strong’ perfume with subtle notes…that’s exactly how I would describe it.

Shay Rouge is a fragrance that embraces Galleries Lafayette’s elegance as well as Anfasic Dohkoon’s mastery of oriental perfumery. The iconic Anfasic Dokhoon purple bottle, which treasures creations by Emirati scent designer Mohamed Hilal, is exceptionally presented in rich red, paying homage to Galleries Lafayette’s identity and to the scarlet scent that combines an orchestra of cherry, rose, osmanthus and ‘oud.’

The former Emirates Airlines pilot who changed his career in pursuit of his passion for scents is highly regarded for his refined creations. The fragrance exhibits a rich cherry top note, enhanced by a glowing heart of romantic roses and exotic osmanthus that finally surrenders to the warmth and sensuality of the ‘oud’ base note.

The ‘oud’ element certainly reflects the cultural heritage of Arabia that crosses boundaries – When I go home to Fiji Islands, the male family members expect me to take some form of oud for them with me and that’s the one thing they appreciate truly from Arabia that they can’t get easily in Fiji.

The fragrance’s name pays homage to the dual influences of Arabian prestige and French glamour. Rouge is French for red, but also ‘lipstick’ in both French and casual Arabic, while Shay™ means ‘wow’ in Emirati dialect. The scent of a ‘wow red lipstick’ is the inspiration of striking beauty, elegance and femininity, which is the effect that this fragrance will diffuse around its wearer.

Anfasic Dokhoon brings to life a world of scents created by Emirati conceptualist Mohamed Hilal and Italian co-founder Olimpia T. Mascolo that embodies Arabian scents with the simplicity of style and minimalism….try it and see what you think?

Rami Al Ali makes an impact with his 2012 collection

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One of Rami's new designs

Once again on my way heading home from work last week I stopped for coffee at Rami Al Ali’s Atelier to see his new outfits as well as the Bridal Collection 2012. No…I’m not getting married but this hot mama likes to look at clothes and Rami’s designs are so timeless that one gets inspired by his unique touches to every dress he makes even if it happens to be the bridal collection. I reckon there were numerous elements in every bridal piece that would look awesome in an evening dress while totally rocking the fashion scene as a wedding ensemble that is so very Ramilicious.

Of course apart from the clothes, it is a delight to chat with Rami who I find is one of the most insightful designers of all times – no matter what topic you come up with, Rami contributes the most profound thoughts on each of them. I guess it’s also his worldly insights or sixth sense that makes him create the best dresses for his clients – its as if he can sense their character, ethos and what they are all about and what would go with their body, personality and what have you that makes each woman a uniquely beautiful individual.

Elegance is the key to this year’s line by Rami, with each and every dress created as a portrait of modern beauty – sophisticated and breathtaking. Flowing lengths of A-line cuts give a romantic appeal to the collection, whilst voluminous puffed skirts create a whimsical allure, for the bride who wants to make an impact. Architectural structure is ever-present throughout the line, giving each piece a strong character, whilst a daring array of exposed necklines and bare shoulders are contrasted against more modest designs of full-length lace sleeves.

Full attention is granted to the bride with a refreshing palette of off-white, and light and pearly variations of beige, to ensure all skin tones are complimented and flattered. The line is kept rich and luxurious with a strong presence of satin and tafta fabrics, with embellishments tactically placed to create new shapes and forms within each style. Every dress within the collection is uniquely crafted using innovative methods of fabric manipulation, creating new and inspiring textures and depths.

If I didn’t have to dash to Valleydez that evening to hang out with fashion experts Dipesh & Ayman, I reckon I would have just sat and taken in Rami’s creations all evening….they were pure eye candy and once again I left his Atelier half heartedly. If you ever are on Al Wasl Road and have some fashion sense, Rami Al Ali’s designs are worth stopping for to get a dose of some creative style injection.

Oh Tiffany!

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Me loving Tiffany 1837 Interlocking circles necklace in Rubedo metal and silver

My daughter and I always share jewellery pieces but after Tiffany launched world-renowned designer Paloma Picasso’s collection of Paloma’s Venezia, we find ourselves fighting over our favourite pieces and being drawn to Tiffany shops every time we are in a mall. Currently I wear a piece from Tiffany’s Rubedo collection and as much as Tash loves the piece I have from Paloma’s collection, she constantly wants to exchange and wear both Paloma & Rubedo – partly because Rubedo is so much fun to play with during those deep thoughtful moments. (I have a lot of these moments being an intense Pisces)

When it comes to Paloma, I’m always fascinated by people and particularly artists  so naturally I delved further into what inspires the youngest daughter of the famous artist of all times and if Pablo Picasso’s talent is reflected in Paloma’s creativity – I’m just so thrilled to own one of her pieces after seeing her work.

A lifelong traveller, Paloma has incorporated the art and culture of many exotic places in her work. Having visited Venice from the time she was a teenager, she developed a particular fascination for the city’s canals and bridges, palazzos and great public squares. With her unerring eye for design, she interprets the city’s beauty and historical legacy in jewellery of four distinct themes and a piece I have of hers as a result is absolutely beautiful.

Although Paloma’s Venezia was launched last year, it’s still available in Tiffany & Co.’s  in Dubai – I guess it’s because her designs are timeless. Having said that, Tiffany’s new collection, Rubedo, launched in honour of the company’s 175th anniversary is equally awesome.

I’m told that in the medieval philosophy of alchemy, Rubedo was the title of the very highest achievement, when matter and spirit fused to create something of rare beauty. I love my Rubedo pendant as it marries the richness of gold, the brilliance of silver and the warmth of copper – I reckon that’s why little diva keeps wanting to take it off my neck every time to wear it.

Among the luminous creations of Rubedo is an elongated cuff that crisply incorporates the hallmark at the cuff’s edge. A similarly contoured ring carries the Tiffany legacy with equal grace. Tiffany designers also contrast the warmth of Rubedo with sterling silver in a pendant and necklace of interlocking circles of great movement and dimension. (How cool does that look around my neck)

Tiffany 1837 Rubedo jewellery designs inscribed with the signature of founder Charles Lewis Tiffany are available exclusively during 2012, in celebration of Tiffany’s anniversary year. I’m so excited to have one of the Rubedo pieces – little diva (NJD) keeps asking me if she’s inheriting my collection of Tiffany’s awesome pieces but I’ll let her sweat a bit before I part with my awesome Rubedo.

Paloma in Venice - How gorgeous is she....as beautiful as her awesome designs

Love this heaps

After Paloma’s magical pieces and the playful and fun Rubedo pieces, I certainly can’t wait to see what Tiffany launches next – I’m sure it will be just as awesome.

Way to go Spectronix

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Instant Tightening Serum...one of the many superb products from Spectronix

I met recently with an incredible young entrepreneur in the B2B beauty business and he left me inspired on how he expanded his business and is now bringing in some super new products into Dubai.

Owner of Spectronix, S.L. Paul runs an outfit that is dedicated to bringing the latest medical technologies to the Middle East from some of the best companies in Europe, the United States and S. Korea to deliver superior services in the beauty industry. I’ve used some of the machines he supplies to my regular spa so I have him to thank for my porcelain looking soft hair free skin.

Spectronix makes its mark in the UAE by introducing a latest and innovative beauty related technology almost very month. One treatment which Spectronix has brought to this region is called “secret”. Secret reveals The secret to get rid of Pigmentation, Acne scars, wrinkles & Scars while experiencing Skin tightening, Rejuvenation, pore reduction, stretch marks improvement. I have not tried this yet but can’t wait and am looking to find a clinic that features this treatment.

What I have tried before is a painless, less downtime laser treatment call Depilight. Unwanted hair has been a pain for me – diva does not like time-consuming Waxing, threading, electrolysis stuff with long repeated sessions. Depilight hair reduction technology has been awesome for me and I have forward thinking entrepreneurs like Paul to thank for bringing it to Dubai

Spectronix also introduces now the “Complete Skin Repair Renewal Rejuvenation Kit” commonly called as SR3 using stem cell, nano technologies for the first time in Cosmetic Aesthetics. If you are suffering from acne scars, dull skin, pigmentation, wrinkles, stretch marks etc… SR3 is the thing you need to ask for, next time you walk in to your Dermatologist’s office.

And Although I find bald men incredibly sexy, most people I meet want hair on their heads or like to go for treatments that help their hair grow. SPECTRONIX has also introduced walk-in, walk-out hair transplant with its latest device S.A.F.E.R Hair Transplant robot, automating the hair transplant procedure. Paul was gushing about this treatment so I’m assuming he has had amazing feedback from clients. S.A.F.E.R.  I am told is a machine-enhanced, minimally-invasive (no-scalpel/no-stitch) hair transplant surgery that benefits patients with better results, lower cost, less discomfort, faster recovery and no linear scars.

Paul, who is a qualified engineer as well naturally gets hands on with all the products he gets and talked about many other new innovations in the industry like medical make up, skin rejuvenation, skin tightening serums, bionix, mesotherapy etc. My favourite I know is going to be the machine that stimulates abdominal muscles equal to 300 crunches – diva likes this.

I hope I meet Paul again as he is like a walking encyclopedia on what’s hot and what’s not in the beauty industry and if I am to keep my exotic island look vibrant and healthy, Paul is the guy to hang out with more.

Moonlight & Roses with Sacoor Brothers

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With Derek Khan - Dubai's very own fashion icon

I reckon with hand on heart, we can say and agree that the Dubai World Cup is the most celebrated event in this city no matter which next big thing comes to town temporarily. This year was no different – celebrations started a week ahead and my favourite venue (Armani Hotel) was the place selected by the Sacoor Brothers for their pre World Cup party. For the uninitiated, Sacoor Brothers, is a leading international fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Portugal and they certainly brought the excitement and glamour of the races to Dubai an evening earlier by hosting their first Moonlight & Roses party on the eve of the World Cup.

Held at Oasi, the Moonlight & Roses themed party stayed true to the much admired Sacoor Brothers style and refinement with over 400 elegantly dressed guests treated to an evening of romance and sophistication as twinkling candles glistened in the moonlight and revellers danced under the stars. For guests in search of a hint or two of their favourite fashion brand and its unique customer service, Sacoor Brothers did not disappoint, models were beautifully dressed in the new spring / summer 2012 collection and guests honoured with deliciously refreshing bespoke cocktails.

As Moez says, ‘Dubai is a city filled with people who appreciate fine fashion and enjoy good company and bringing the Sacoor Brothers Party to the region was a natural choice.”….I first met Moez with his brothers early last year and at that time the brand was just getting known in Dubai….today Sacoor Brothers has 9 stores in the UAE and 10 stores in the GCC. Its no surprise they have made their mark here as their clothes are awesome….NJD will vouch for that.

Although my daughter is a bigger fan than I am of the Sacoor Brothers clothes, I have to say even I loved what I saw a few nights ago at Armani….I’m just glad NJD was not with me or else I would have had to take her shopping and the last thing I need right now is to have my credit card smoking because of little diva.

Although the next World Cup is a while away, its worth checking out the new collection at Sacoor Brothers….enjoy!

NJD in her favourite Sacoor Brothers shirt at a Polo tournament

Love the Sacoor Brothers logo...clearly I'm still not totally ready for this trend of taking pics as you enter every event in town

Firdaws Fashion Show with Her Highness Medni Kadyrova

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Last Saturday night I was a guest of The First Lady of the Chechen Republic, H.H. Medni Kadyrova, owner and founder of Firdaws Fashion House who is known internationally for her inner as well as outer beauty. 

 

The cool set up for the Fashion Show at Royal Mirage

H.H. Medni Kadyrova is a patron in the fashion world and believes in the importance of relentlessly polishing her own skills and those of all talented designers as the owner of the Firdaws Fashion House. She gets involved in the creativity process of the fascinating Firdaws collections from the onset – conception and designing – all the way through to the final touches including presenting breathtaking collections of art, which reflect the true Chechen spirit and style.

Thanks to my dear friend Thoraya Al Awadhi, I was able to experience first hand the fashion show at the Royal Mirage in the presence of H.H.Medni Kadirova, high level diplomats, celebrities and designers from the region including the renowned designers Zuhair Murad and Walid Atallah. My favourite evening dress is by Zuhair Murad so I was kicking myself for not wearing that for this show as he would have been super proud of seeing his designs being worn for an event like this…and he is so nice and down to earth like Walid Attalah – absolutely adore him and his gorgeous wife.

The were unique masterpieces of evening gowns and dresses for all occasions designed in traditional yet modern Islamic motives showcased on the catwalk, celebrating the beauty and elegance of Arab women in an array of beautiful classical pastel colours.

The designs are hand made from the finest silk and chiffon fabrics, and decorated with semi precious stones and beads. The collection combined the precious Chechen traditions and culture with the elegance of modern Haute Couture, to appeal to the region’s highly sophisticated and elegant women. Two magnificent performances by Vainakh, the national dance ensemble and Mezhieva, a national singer of the Chechen Republic, entertained the audience adding a touch of the rich Chechen culture to the event.

The First Lady of Chechnya is also known for her generous support and continuous efforts  in  supporting mothers and children living in the Chechen Republic through the “Akhmad-Hadji Kadyrov Regional Non-Governmental Foundation”…another great personality doing CSR and she is to watch out for on the global fashion scene.

To wrap up this wonderful and colorful show, the famous and renowned Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, wowed the audience with her astonishing voice, while celebrating the success of the inspiring Firdaws Fashion Show….i enjoyed the show but I wish it was Amr Diab performing instead of Najwa Karam…maybe I’m just very biased in my choice of music.

One of the designs