Dubai, UAE, March 9, 2010 – Stand out from the crowd this spring with Giordano’s bright and vibrant polos; this season focuses on Polo Tees in a medley of colours and stripes to catch the essence of spring.

“The polo is a timeless fashion essential that suits everyone and any occasion. Giordano’s spring collection brings to the table a range polos available in bold, diverse colours, such as Barcelona Blue and Ribbon Red,  and revamped designs; ideal for the upcoming season,” said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director, Giordano ME

The men’s and women’s collection this spring focuses on a range of polos that were enhanced from an ordinary outfit into a more versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe. The polo tees range from bold stripes on vibrant backgrounds, subtle stripes on collars and sleeves and plain polos in striking colours. Any of these polos can easily be paired up with basic denims or khakis that generate a bright and bold spring look.

“Spring is the season to bloom, bursting with new and innovative thinking, and it is this essence that we captured in our spring collection. This inspired the use of simple concepts such as stripes and colour that when combined, creates a vibrant new look to the start of a new season,” concluded Chugani.

From golden necklaces to flat screen TVs, Dubai Shopping Festival is without a doubt theworld’s premier shopping event of the year.  Now in its 15th year, DSF 2010 promises to be one of the biggest and grandest in history!  As the festival kicks off, more details are starting to roll in as excitement spreads throughout the city.

It has been announced for instance, that DSF 2010 will be raffling off an incredible 80 cars and Dhs 3 million in cash over the festival period, running from January 28 to February 28.  More than 6,000 retail outlets and nearly 50 malls and shopping centers are estimated to be taking part in the exceptional promotions.  According to event organizers, over 150 international and regional events are being held in the UAE over this period, with activities concentrated in areas like Al Seef, Dhiyafah and Rigga.  Eager consumers are flying in from all corners of the world, and hotels are benefitting from the influx of tourists.

Around three million visitors attended DSF 2009, spending a collective total of nearly Dhs 10 billion!  Both of those numbers were positive gains compared to the year before, and there is no reason to expect a slowdown in 2010.

If you haven’t gone already, it’s time to take advantage of the best deals in the UAE!

He’s the world’s first billionaire athlete.  He’s won more awards and shattered more records than anyone in his field.  Even mentioning the sport brings to mind one iconic figure; golf is Tiger Woods.

Since he became engulfed in allegations of multiple extramarital affairs following a mysterious car accident outside his Florida home last November, the world has learned just how important Tiger is to golf, and his corporate sponsors.  Although projections vary, the scandal is estimated to have cost shareholders of companies endorsed by Tiger $5 billion to $12 billion in losses.

Sponsors who have dropped Woods include technology outsourcing and consulting firm Accenture, Procter & Gamble Co ’s shaving products maker Gillette (which dropped the golfer from its marketing), and telecommunications giant AT&T. However, Tiger’s biggest and longest sponsor Nike has said they are standing by the golfer as he hits the rough.  Luxury watchmaker Tag Heuer has gone back and forth with Tiger but has yet to officially drop him.

Besides being the hottest scandal in recent sporting history, the Tiger Woods incident is also a great case study for those in the world of marketing.  It has provoked us to reflect on the value—and risk—involved in building brands around a single person or idea.  His brand of video games alone has earned millions for EA Sports and his personal piggybank.  This has been the ultimate crisis point for Tiger as a brand and an athlete.  His indefinite departure from the sport was an honorable thing to do given the nature of the scandal; his very own crisis management strategy.  Has this saved Tiger from further scrutiny?  Was he able to save face by giving up his love of golf in order to resolve his character flaws?  Like his sponsors, some people say that his actions are unforgivable, while others are standing by their iconic role model figure.

Not even a month after the scandal, Tiger was voted Athlete of the Decade by Associated Press, and he’s graced the cover of countless magazines and journals.  Sports biggest brand may have suffered the greatest blow of his career, but the brand of Tiger Woods is far from expired.

Muslim fashion industry worth more than USD 96 billion

The Arab fashion industry is set to further broaden its global appeal following years of steady acceptance and the growing support of top fashion icons, according to French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai, the leading fashion institution in the Middle East.

The international Muslim fashion industry is estimated to be worth more than USD 96 billion, assuming that 50 per cent of the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims each spend at least USD 120 a year on modest clothing. Consumers in Non-Islamic fashion-conscious countries, such as France and the UK, with higher purchasing power are willing to spend more than USD 600 a year on high-end clothing. In the UK alone there are more than 1.5 million Muslims, so the market for Muslim fashion could be worth somewhere between USD 90 to 150 million a year. At this rate, the 16 million Muslims in the European Union represent a potential clothing market valued at around USD 960 million to 1.5 billion a year.

Some Arabic style outfits can sell for as much as USD 10,000 and yet remain in high demand due to the robust economies of key markets such as the United Arab Emirates. A Dubai-based company in fact sells abayas costing between USD 1,500 to 10,000. A client that spends at least USD 6,500 or more is given the privilege of acquiring a copyright for her personal abaya design.

“We can see Arabian styles steadily influencing European street fashion, which proves the potential of this emerging niche. Aside from making abayas decorated with crystal beads, pearls, embroidery, satin flowers, and other colorful adornments, designers are also introducing dramatic new styles, fabrics, and colors to Islamic dresses. For instance, a British designer offers an outfit which combines a hooded abaya with a matching niqab, or face veil, in eye-catching pink over a salwar, or loose pants, printed with an ornate English floral motif as part of her Imaan Collections. High-end designers such as Hermes and Gucci are also trying to break into the Muslim market with scarves and other products,” said Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder of Esmod Dubai.

Celebrity designers such as Christian Lacroix have been integrating Arabic styles into their wardrobes as they are intrigued by the emphasis given to the design rather than the body. A new generation of highly-talented designers such as Elie Saab, Robert Abi Nader Abed Mahfouz, Walid Attalah, Essa from the UAE and others continue to impress the fashion world with their fusion of modern and Muslim-inspired elements into their ensembles. Their works reflect the transition from plain and simple Arabic designs to more sophisticated creations that extensively use embroidered elements.

The first-ever all-Arab fashion event held in Europe last year, which was staged at London’s InterContinental Hotel in Park Lane under the theme ‘Arabian Fashion World,’ affirmed the coming-of-age of Muslim fashion through the impressive collections of five acclaimed Arab designers from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Jordan. More than 400 guests joined the landmark show including Middle Eastern Royalty, Arab and international ambassadors, celebrities, fashion industry buyers, other VIPs and media. The event was fully supported by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce. Another event, the inaugural edition of the ‘Arabian Kids Fashion Show,’ will showcase the latest products and accessories for Arabian kids under one roof at the COEX Korea Exhibition Center this coming May 2010.

The French Fashion University Esmod in Dubai has been influential in honing the skills of aspiring Arab fashionistas. It is one of 21 fashion schools overseen by the renowned Esmod International Fashion University Group. The university offers various programs; a 3-year diploma program equivalent to a BA degree; publicly-accessible short programs and customized short courses in make-up and fashion.

Dubai, UAE, February 2010: International brand United Colors of Benetton is still on the hunt for 20 new faces to be flown to New York to be part of their Autumn/Winter 2010 campaign.

It’s a chance for the stylish people of the UAE to join the rest of the world and show Benetton what makes their style unique, show off their true individuality and celebrate their creativity as part of the ‘My Time’ campaign.

To be in with a chance of winning, budding-models need to upload their photographs or a 60 second video onto the Benetton website www.benetton.com and click on the link to ‘My Time’. The more photos you add the more chance you have of winning. Once your images are uploaded, visitors can vote for you to be in the 100 shortlist.

Entries have been flooding in already with over 5,600 from 180 countries and 215,000 visits to the website – but people need to hurry, voting for the 100 to be shortlisted closes on 16th March, with the 20 lucky winners announced on 18th March.

“We’re looking for something different, something unconventional, something surprising, something real. It’s not just how you look but how you are. We want to keep the individuality of the winners as it is so important in making this campaign different – really make this ‘your’ time and stand out from the crowd,” says Ajai Dayal, Head of Retail and Marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, of which Benetton is a member.

“This is an amazing chance for 20 individuals to become an international model for a world famous clothing brand and get to spend an unforgettable week in New York working with top fashion photographer Josh Olins – this really is an opportunity not to be missed!”

The 20 lucky winners will be selected by a jury comprising of Alessandro Benetton, Executive Deputy Chairman of the Benetton Group; world renowned fashion photographer Josh Olins and Casting Director Brice Compagnon and will be flown to New York and will get to model their very own style in the next Benetton campaign.

Follow the latest news on the fashion brand’s first ever Web Global Casting campaign via Facebook ‘It’s My Time – Benetton Global Casting Campaign’ and Twitter ‘benettoncasting’.
 
Further information and rules of the competition can be found on by visiting www.benetton.com

United Colors of Benetton stores are located in Dubai (Dubai Mall, Diera City Centre, Jumeirah Centre, Mall of the Emirates and Arabian Centre) and Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Mall.

Dubai, UAE, 23rd  February, 2010: La Martina, the renowned Argentinean fashion brand specialising in a wide array of world class polo fashion products, has announced its participation in the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) 2010 which will be held from 18 – 20 March at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Ayman Hanbali, Marketing Manager, La Martina said: “We are looking at leveraging at Dubai’s growing position as a leading equine hub, especially in relation to the opening of the world-class Meydan Racecourse, and interacting with visitors at the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) 2010.”

Hanbali added: “Running alongside the $4m Arabian Horse Championships, we are confident that the DIHF show will display best of breed equine products and we are happy to be part of that. La Martina products have earned loyalty and a wide appeal across the globe, including the Gulf region in general and the UAE in particular. We are certain that we will have successful participation at it.”

At the show, La Martina’s range of professional polo products includes the knee pads, which are especially designed to protect the knees and prevent the rider’s leg from slipping. Also, La Martina will launch a new set of boots, which are manufactured from original animal leather to give an extraordinary feel and absorb shocks, as well as its top-class saddles that reduce the pressure on a horse’s back.

La Martina made its Middle East debut by opening a signature store at The Dubai Mall in 2009. This outlet offers the complete range of La Martina fashion products, including the famous polo fashion line.

Hanbali added: “La Martina first established a name for itself as a designer of leather goods and uniforms for polo players. Over the years, spurred by demand, the brand has diversified to add general fashion products for ladies, men and kids. Each product at La Martina is meticulously designed, produced and tested to ensure highest quality standards.”

La Martina aims to come closer to the region’s customers through the new outlet at The Dubai Mall which is spread over an area of 400 square meters and designed to reflect the La Martina international standards with an Arabian touch.

Hanbali added: “La Martina built its reputation on the quality of its products. People familiar with the equestrian world will at once realize that the company uses best processes, high quality materials and top expertise to stay as a global leader among companies that specialize in catering to the needs of professional and amateur horse riders.” 

Dubai, UAE; February 15, 2009: Products from the world leader in professional nail care, OPI, are now available at Merle Norman.

OPI is globally renowned for its nail lacquers – a brilliant, chip-resistant, professional formula in fashion-forward colours with clever shade names. A favourite of salon specialists and nail artists, OPI is available in most high end salons in the UAE through Nazih Group, the brand’s exclusive distributor in the country. For the first time OPI nail colours will be retailed in the UAE through an exclusive arrangement between Nazih Group and Merle Norman.

“There is a growing trend among women these days to purchase polishes for at-home use rather than spend money on salon manicures,” explains Mamta Thakkar, General Manager, Merle Norman. “Our agreement with Nazih Group will now allow customers to purchase the season’s must have OPI Nail Lacquers at Merle Norman Studio.”

Top-selling shades of OPI Nail Lacquer in addition to OPI Natural Base Coat, OPI Top Coat and OPI Expert Touch Polish Remover are available at Merle Norman Studio.

According to Mr. Ali Hachem from Nazih Group: “Our partnership with Merle Norman will make OPI nail polish more accessible to quality conscious customers who enjoy doing their own nails. Nail polish is an integral part of a perfectly groomed look and chipped nails is a problem for most women but with OPI’s long lasting nail colours that last for up to two weeks, this will not be a cause for concern.”

OPI’s palette of stunning reds, browns, pinks and other colours are perfect for any wardrobe or occasion. They suit natural and acrylic nails.

The products are currently available at Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio in Sharjah Mega Mall, Level 2. Four additional Merle Norman studios are due to open in UAE later this year and all of the outlets will stock OPI products.

Many predicted that the last decade would see the emergence and rise of Asian brands around the world.  These emerging economic powerhouses would change the balance of power from West to East.  This certainly happened in terms of manufacturing, but how has the Asian brand developed on the international stage?

In a recent study for the Financial Times, a number of international brands were profiled in order to map the international development of leading brands.  According to brand experts involved in the survey, brands once needed to dominate the US market to become globally recognized.  That has now changed as larger and larger markets are found in emerging economies like China.   Several food and drink brands from emerging markets were predicted to make an impact on the world stage, including China’s ChangYu, the country’s largest wine producer, and United Spirits, the largest spirits company in India.  Brands like Tata and Sony have already been a part of the international scene for some time.

The real question now is whether Asia products are “better” than their Western rivals?  Tata’s products are proven top of the line, which is why they are preferred the world over.  Japanese brands like Sony are unquestionable leaders in electronic consumer goods. 

Some people, like Joseph Baladi, CEO of BrandAsian, remains pessimistic about the opportunities for Asian brands on a global scale. “It’s arguably inappropriate to talk about Asian brands going to the next level - that is, international - when most fail to appeal to Asians within the region who continually demonstrate their preference for Western brands such as Apple’s iPhone, BMW or Nike.” 

Even if this is true, Asia’s hunger for Western brands doesn’t necessarily mean that Asian brands are not going international at the same time.  What are your feelings about the rise of Asian brands?  Where do you see the competition coming from in 2010?  Let us know at editor@pr2live.com.

*Quotes collected from sources at MediaAsia

The largest fashion event in the UAE capital welcomes host of new exhibitors

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 4th February 2010:  The UAE capital’s most prestigious bridal event is welcoming a range of new brands, products and services, offering brides-to-be and Abu Dhabi’s fashionistas a glamorous day of shopping and wedding planning.

From 10 to 13 February at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be an exclusive opportunity to buy luxury goods which are not usually available in the capital.

Joining respected wedding organisers such as Carnation, Dubai World Trade Centre and Al Khaleej Hospitality this year are AZURINE and Empire Events, wedding planners who can take the stress out of organising the ultimate family celebrations.

A collection of Italian jewellery designers are travelling from Europe to showcase the latest in sparkling gems and gold for the first time at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi.  Roberto Casarin SRL, Fabio Fanfani, Bruno Aristi, Maggio Teresa & Damianacos Damiano, IMVIDIA and Clio Pro Jewellery will be bringing thousands of dirhams of diamonds to Abu Dhabi, ideal for engagement rings and wedding bands.

Representing the ultimate in decadence, Asian company Prouna will be showcasing their new concept luxury chinaware, designed by an international team of renowned artists and ceramic engineers.  More than simple tableware, the collections feature sparkling crystals which embellish original and beautiful patterns on fine bone china. 

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With a bespoke store in Seoul, South Korea, the company’s exclusive presence at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be the only time brides-to-be can purchase the ultimate dining experience which blends Asian high culture with European tradition in a distinctive and contemporary style.

“Planning a wedding should be an exciting moment rather than a stressful one,” said Lucy Clarke, Exhibition Director for The Bride Show.  “The Bride Show Abu Dhabi offers brides-to-be ideas, tips and the latest trends in the wedding industry to help them prepare for the biggest day of their lives.”

Also new to The Bride Show Abu Dhabi this year are L’Oreal and Kerastase, coming together to offer women free use of the blow dry bar, giving them ideas for bridal hairstyles and chignons.  Furthermore, brides-to-be can find out about their exclusive wedding hair packages, which begin a month before the big day, offering a unique and tailor-made plan for colouring, treatments, cuts and products.

Well known Lebanese television presenter Claire Damaa is travelling to the UAE to launch her new line of luxury lingerie, Claire D.  A first for The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, the lingerie, which retails from 300dhs up to 7,500dhs, features straps of Tahitian pearls, which can also be used as a necklace and bracelet.

Brides-to-be looking for the ultimate luxurious petit detail to add to their wedding are advised to visit French haute couture chocolatier, Forrey & Galland, which is bringing their divine boutique store from Dubai Mall to Abu Dhabi for the first time. Forrey & Galland will tailor-make exquisite chocolates to suit every kind of wedding party.

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A host of one-of-a-kind prizes will be up for grabs for visitors during the four day fashion event, including a one carat diamond worth AED14,000, a honeymoon to Seoul for three nights, courtesy of Visit Korea, four bridal gift cards worth 1,500dhs from Silkor Laser Medical Centre, a year’s membership to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club worth 4,500dhs and vouchers from Paris Gallery.

Doors open at 2:30pm on Wednesday 10 February and the event is open until 10:30pm every night until Saturday 13 February.  Thursday 11 February is reserved for ladies only and children under 12 are not permitted.  Entry fee is 10dhs.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will be the first must-attend event for brides-to-be and fashion lovers in 2010, and will be followed by The Bride Show Dubai from 7 to 10 April 2010 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

To find out more about The Bride Show Abu Dhabi visit www.thebrideshow.com.

He’s the world’s first billionaire athlete.  He’s won more awards and shattered more records than anyone in his field.  Even mentioning the sport brings to mind one iconic figure; golf is Tiger Woods. Read the full story