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Dubai’s Wafi Mall hosted the emirate’s biggest-ever private fashion show yesterday (Tuesday, June 29, 2010), with 150 models strutting the creative designs of French Fashion University Esmod – Dubai’s local and international students to an audience of more than 1,000 people. The fashion show served as the highlight of the graduation ceremony of the University’s ‘Made in UAE’ designers.

The event featured the collections of students receiving the Esmod French Diploma equivalent to a University BA Degree accredited in France by CNCP and Esmod International Fashion University Group. The young designers are Esmod Dubai second ‘Made in UAE’ batch of graduates.

A panel of prominent fashion figures judged the mix of international collections and oriental-style fashion in a major logistical undertaking that involved 150 models, 108 dresses, 26 make-up artists, 10 hairdressers and a 25-metre runway. They assessed how effectively three years of studies and creative development were translated to the stage. Judges included Patrick Lavoix, former Art Director - Maison DIOR Paris; Mary NINO, Esmod Paris President Representative; Milena De Liechenstein, Haute Couture Director, Maison Scherrer Paris; Khulood Bin Thani, Contributing Editor – HellwaFashion.com; and Claudine Degryse, Fashion Design Program Coordinator- Esmod International. Alain Azouaou, the French Ambassador to the UAE, attended as a special guest.

The best graduating designers were honoured during the awards ceremony. In the Ready To Wear category, Monia Manel Kahoul (Canada) won the Pattern Making Award and Aanchal Jaggi (India) won the Fashion Design Award. In the Haute Couture – New Couture category, Olga Nurek (Russia) won the Pattern Making Award while Rima Zanoun (Canada) won the Fashion Design Award. In the  Stage and Movie Costume category, Elmira Borubaeva (Kyrgyzstan) won the Pattern Making Award and the Fashion Design Award. Olga Nurek also bagged the Jury Award.

Other graduating students were Madeyya Saif Almazroei (UAE), Karam Mouelhi (Tunisia), Marina Qureshi (UK), Adele El Helou (Lebanon), Romy-Lee Ferreira (South Africa), Angkana Pinichkusolchit (Thailand) Anaam Baig (India), Despoina Tounta (Greece), Firras Alwahabi (Australia).

Dr. Ayoub Kasim, Managing Director, Education Cluster TECOM Investments, said, “I would like to congratulate the graduating batch of our academic partners, French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai. We are confident that the students will go on to carve a name for themselves as they embark on their respective careers in this industry, which offers plenty of opportunities for people with the right talent and skills. Dubai International Academic City caters to a wide spectrum of educational needs, including fashion education, which is part of our efforts to help address diverse industry needs and give young people the necessary skills and platform to shape their future. We are supported in this mission by institutions such as Esmod that play a key role in grooming a well-informed talent pool for the region’s fashion industry.”

Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder, French Fashion University Esmod Dubai, said: “Our ‘Made in UAE’ extravaganza just gets bigger and better each year, reflecting the region’s growing fashion movement and Esmod’s key role in nurturing young talents and future practitioners. The quality of judges and the commitment of our sponsors also indicate that the show has become an important fixture in the local and regional fashion scene. We are very proud of how our students continue to impress us with their creativity, skill and passion through this event.”

Canella Hostal, instructor at Esmod Dubai acted as the Show Manager of this year’s edition of ‘Made in UAE’. Esmod Dubai would also like to thank major supporters such as Wafi Mall, Air France, Pixi, By Terry, Anna De Leon, Nomada, Hia, Unfair, Pashion, DMTV, Russian Emirates, UNI, and Liveworkexplore.

French Fashion University Esmod Dubai is the leading fashion University in the Middle East and is an affiliate of the oldest and most prominent institution associated with international fashion education. Its students come from 55 different countries, with over 40 per cent comprising UAE and GCC nationals.

Currently on the set in Germany for production of the show, Furne One says, “I am proud to be back in Germany again and working alongside Heidi Klum for this season’s Germany’s Next Top Model. It is an amazing experience to be here and to see my latest collection being filmed for TV. This year’s contestants are stunning and I feel privileged to have the chance to dress them.”

Furne One began his relationship with Heidi Klum and “Germany’s Next Top Model” when Heidi Klum spotted his designs on his website. He has since returned to the show season after season. This latest production sees contestants wearing designs from his autumn/winter 2010 collection, which was a huge hit at Dubai Fashion Week in March 2010.

Click on this link to see Furne One’s designs on “Germany’s Next Top Model”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xJZlv8JXDU. Also check out the Amato website for further information and images: www.amatohautecouture.com.

Dubai, UAE, 16 June 2010: Does your Dad commit the fashion crime of wearing his jeans up around his waist or still wear his sandals with socks? Help him update his wardrobe and bring him into the twenty-first century with a stylish new t-shirt or accessory for Father’s Day on June 20th.

To help decide what is key for updating a Dad’s wardrobe on a budget, United Colors of Benetton have created five simple and inexpensive ways to freshen up his look:

1. Wear more colour
This doesn’t need to be head-to-toe colour; a brightly coloured t-shirt is a great way to instantly update his wardrobe, and will liven up otherwise dull, neutral tones

2. Don’t be afraid of patterns
Keep his outfits looking fresh and summery with checks or stripes. If your Dad is scared to go it alone, slowly ease him into it with a patterned shirt or t-shirt under a sweater

3. Seek out an accessory
A simple scarf, funky bag or a really cool belt with a big buckle can make a boring pair of jeans and a shirt come alive, and is an inexpensive way to update his look while still making a fashion statement.

4. Funky Footwear
Footwear completes an outfit and fashionable sandals or funky flip-flops really makes a huge difference – and tired, tatty shoes should always be left at home

5. Classic pieces never age
If in doubt, he can never go wrong with a simple white shirt, v-neck sweater or a great-fitting pair of jeans

“Men sometimes get stuck in a fashion rut, wearing what they feel comfortable in and not really thinking about style or the impression their outfits are giving to the rest of the world”, says Ajai Dayal, Head of Retail and Marketing for Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, of which Benetton is a member.

“Our families know us the best and with Father’s Day approaching, it is a great excuse for sons and daughters to make sure their dad’s wardrobes are no longer a fashion embarrassment! Benetton has a great range of menswear clothes and accessories to suit everyone’s budget, so there is sure to be something that would make the perfect present.”

This special 25% discount is valid only on Sunday 20 June 2010 at all Benetton’s six stores across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It is valid on any non-sale items from the Benetton’s menswear, womenswear and childrenwear collections. Benetton’s menswear collection is available exclusively at The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates stores. 

Follow the latest news and receive stylish tips and advice from Benetton via Facebook ‘Benetton UAE’ and Twitter ‘benettonuae’.

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.

Nurturing young fashion talent will be the key if the Arab world aims to mark its presence on the world fashion stage, noted French Fashion University Esmod – Dubai. The comment comes as Esmod Dubai announces the launch of a specialised summer course titled ‘How to launch your own fashion brand’ that specifically targets inspiring fashion enthusiasts, brand custodians, independent fashion designers, and fashion business initiators and owners.

Fashion minds are undermined in the region. Young Arab designers aspire to achieve global recognition equivalent to their European counterparts and other established fashion hubs. Several highly-talented Arab-origin designers such as Elie Saab, Rami Al Ali, Robert Abi Nader, Abed Mahfouz and Walid Attalah are already excelling around the world with their fusion of modern and Arabic-inspired elements. The first-ever all-Arab fashion event held in Europe last year, which was held under the theme ‘Arabian Fashion World,’ underlined the importance of Arabic fashion through the impressive collections of five acclaimed Arab designers from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and Jordan.
 
The six-week intensive course launched by Esmod Dubai begins on August 1, 2010 and covers topics such as market study, target market identification, branding, fashion marketing, competitor assessment, marketing and business plan formulation, budgeting, media planning, supplier and partner evaluation, strategising, cost management, pricing, launch strategies and publicity.              
    
Commenting on the launch of the new course, Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder of the French Fashion University Esmod - Dubai, said: “Almost all students of fashion aspire to launch their own label at some point in their career. While being a highly skilled fashion designer is one thing, to be able to successfully launch your own brand requires a whole different set of skills, and this is precisely what our new course aims to address.”

“As expected in a course of this nature, the focus will primarily be on the business and marketing aspects of fashion. The comprehensive six-week course will have a mix of theoretical and practical sessions, including case studies, to ensure that the students get an in-depth understanding of the various facets of the fashion business,” she added.  

To those registering before June 20, 2010, Esmod is offering a 25 per cent discount on the already affordable course fee. The last date for enrollment is July 15, 2010. The course will be conducted four days a week from Sunday to Wednesday, with the following timing options: 10:00am to 1:00pm or 7:00pm to 10:00pm.

“If launching your own fashion label has been a long cherished dream, we are here to help you turn this dream into reality. Launching your own fashion brand can be exciting, challenging and rewarding, and everyday could be a learning process. Students would realise that there are some skills that only a specialised marketing course can offer and this is the premise on which the ‘How to launch your fashion brand’ course is formulated. The key nevertheless is to believe in yourself and give it the best you have,” concluded Hostal.   
 
Esmod is the oldest fashion university in the world. Esmod Dubai opened in 2006 and currently has around 200 students from 50 different nationalities. Esmod Dubai offers 3-year Diploma Degree programs, short programs that are open to the public, and customized short courses for professionals. The university recently announced the appointment of Christophe Beaufays, Designer and Creative Assistant of world-renowned French haute couture fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, as the university’s new Associate Artistic & Creative Director. Also, the university recently hosted renowned French fashion designer Alain Germain, who engaged the students in a unique project that involved the creation of dresses inspired by illustrious 20th century artists.

17th May 2010 – Dubai UAE: The region’s largest dance event, Dubai Dance Festival is set to kick off from 3rd to 4th June 2010 at The First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah  and will  mark the 3rd Annual dance festivities in Dubai. The event, the biggest of its kind in the region celebrates different styles of dance and will showcase the best of young talent from Dubai and from around the world with performers expected to travel to participate in this exhibition. The Dubai Dance festival will showcase over 25 different workshops including salsa, belly dancing, hip hop, African Dance, Brazilian Samba and Tango to name a few. The workshops will cater to all levels of dance and bring the best instructors from regional and international dance schools, giving participants the opportunity to experience the different rhythms and styles of dance. The Dubai Dance festival 2010 will feature dance workshops, performances, parties amongst other exciting events at venues around Dubai.

The highlight of the Dubai Dance Festival is the musical show “Believe Me I’m a Dancer”, a story from the back streets of Brooklyn to the bright lights of Broadway; one man’s journey from janitor to superstar. As a boy, Tito’s dream was to become a famous dancer.  Laughed at in his neighbourhood, disrespected at work he auditioned for everything and anything -desperate for someone to see the talent he held inside.  Working as a janitor in a theatre on Broadway he would spend his nights watching all the shows - drawn to the electric atmosphere and excitement of a life in the spotlight. Even though the future looked bleak, through gritted teeth Tito didn’t give up, refused to give in and dedicated his life to pursuing his dream. Ten years later Tito has made it – he achieved everything he ever wanted and has the fame and recognition he always wanted but something inside drives Tito to return to the place where it all began. Believe Me I’m a Dancer - A story about dreams and what happens if we have the courage to pursue them.

Top show director Mr. Eric Lalta and international choreographers Farid Ferchach and Nuno Furtado are expected to join the Dubai Dance Festival and produce the 3-day show collaborating with local dancers to put together a magnificent event.

“The Dubai Dance Festival was created by those with a passion and love for dance; it sets a stage for dancers to share experiences with fellow dancers from all other the world. The festival is in its 3rd year now and every year we witness the growth in participation and technical dancers enroll in this festival. This has been a great success for us as we develop the show more and add new elements to the program” said Mr. Ahmed Abdallah, Founder and Organizer, Dubai Dance Festival.  

Dubai Dance Festival is a unique multi arts event that attracts some of the most reputable dance companies, classical dance academies, youth orchestras, bands and musical ensembles and is designed to bring enthusiasm and life to the region’s growing dance scene. The festival is also a catalyst for creative activity and artistic collaborations between the UAE and the rest of the world that is supported by an education program, with new ideas and visions to the fore. The Dubai Dance festival also gives up and coming performers the opportunities to perform theatre performances, giving everybody a chance to experience the magic of dance. With dance workshops, performances, parties and a huge expo of everything dance, the Dubai Dance Festival promises to be a celebration of Dubai’s best in dance!

Tickets for Dubai Dance Festival are now on sale on www.timeoutdubai.com; and www.boxoffcieme.com ; for more information please contact: Chris on 050 2777475

Budding fashion designers in the Middle East now have an exclusive opportunity to learn from one of the best in the fashion business as the French Fashion University Esmod Dubai, the leading fashion school in the region, recently announced an agreement that will make Christophe Beaufays, Designer and Creative Assistant of world-renowned French haute couture fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, as Esmod Dubai’s new Associate Artistic & Creative Director. Mr Beaufays will be mainly responsible for establishing the university’s creative direction and ensuring that the creations of Esmod Dubai students are in tune with international fashion trends.

Mr. Beaufays, being part of world renowned designer Jean Paul Gaultier’s success, will also perform a host of other creative duties at Esmod Dubai, including art direction of the university’s fashion shows; providing creative guidelines to students; developing their creativity and skills in style and model-making; working with teachers to achieve the director’s creative and quality objectives; as well as preparing students to become fashion leaders of the Middle East fashion industry. Jean Paul Gaultier is behind some of the most iconic fashion creations of the last ten years – Madonna’s infamous cone-bra for her ‘Blond Ambition’ Tour, Luc Besson’s ‘The Fifth Element’ costumes, and wardrobes of Marilyn Manson and Kylie Minogue to name just a few.

Commenting on his move to Dubai, Christophe Beaufays said: “Dubai has been acclaimed as the fashion hub of the Middle East and it gives me great pleasure to be associated with and be part of Dubai’s continuing transformation into becoming a force to reckon with in the global fashion industry. I have a personal interest in the culture of this region and teaming up with Esmod Dubai, which is the leader in the fashion education domain in the Middle East, was only natural. I have actually been fascinated by the dynamism and vision of Esmod Dubai directors, and having discussed my ideas with them we have identified areas where we can enhance the learning experience and contribute to the creative development of the students. We are definitely moving in the right direction and I am sure that this collaboration will help produce a new generation of high-fashion luminaries from the Middle East.”

Tamara Hostal, Director and Founder, French Fashion University Esmod Dubai, said: “It has been our primary objective to continue to refine and enhance our specialised fashion courses and this is reaffirmed by the arrival of multi-awarded Christophe Beaufays as Esmod Dubai’s Associate Artistic & Creative Director. Mr. Beaufays, who has been working in Paris with Gaultier, one of the most daring and influential designers of our times, has extensive experience not only as a professional fashion designer, but also as a lecturer in prestigious fashion schools at Parsons School of Design in New York and at the IFPME School in Liège, Belgium, and also as a jury member of exclusive shows and exhibitions. Being both a successful fashion designer and an educator makes him an invaluable addition to Esmod Dubai’s distinguished team of fashion professors and consultants.”

“Moreover, the fact that Christophe Beaufays joins Esmod Dubai while continuing to be Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Creative Assistant, contributing in the creation of Gaultier’s globally acclaimed haute couture collections, makes this move all the more significant for us. To my knowledge, Esmod Dubai students are the only ones having the chance to develop their skills on a daily basis with a designer from a true avant garde brand in the fashion industry,” she added.

As Designer and Creative Assistant, Mr. Beaufays works directly with Gaultier in concept development, research and creations for haute couture collections; styling, fittings; and all kinds of experimentations on fabrics effects, volumes, draping and vintage shopping among others.

Mr. Beaufays’s duties at Esmod Dubai include serving as program coordinator, infusing students with leading fashion trends, mentoring first and second year students, and monitoring their progress and achievements, while also being in charge of the third-year students’ final collections. Beaufays will also offer consultancy services to leading local fashion houses.

Esmod Dubai has been renowned for producing quality students, including Moza al Mazrou, who won the Splash Award last month and showcased her first collection during the Dubai Fashion Week. Al Mazrou studied fashion design and pattern drafting at Esmod Dubai. Since its inception in 2006, Esmod Dubai has been accommodating a steadily growing number of students in its mission to capitalise on the region’s booming fashion industry and the steady drift of the Middle Eastern consumer towards haute couture. The Dubai campus now embraces students from 47 different countries, of which over 40 per cent are GCC nationals and UAE locals

Dubai, 11 May 2010: ‘O’ Boutique in Jumeirah, a preferred destination for trendy apparels, accessories and furniture in Dubai, recently celebrated its first anniversary with a unique fusion of fashion and art. Top designers in the region added splendour to the celebrations displaying their exquisite creations in front of  fashion lovers from all over the UAE.

‘O’ Boutique is the brainchild of Omar Bin Khediya, an Emirati. The store is supported by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME development, The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, a part of the Department of Economic Development.

“The past one year is proof enough that the ‘O’ Concept has excited fashion enthusiasts and many award-winning designers in the UAE. Today’s fashion show is a tribute to them and it brings together some of the most sought after names from the world of design and fashion,” Omar Bin Khediya said as he celebrated the anniversary with his friends and well-wishers.

“The support of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development has been a major source of inspiration and strength for us ever since ‘O’ Concept was born,” he added.

Designers and brands that participated in the show included NZ - Fine Jewelry and Accessories by Noal Zaher and Camiceria by Razan Al Masri and Pamtastik, Pam Oushal and Nanagai, Silvana Zindovic, Zari & Silk, S & M Al Ketbi, Mimi

Vegas, and Sandie Rushforth (Unique Statement chairs), a British designer who has lived in the Middle East for the past 15 years.

Celebrity favourites such as Locman Italy, creator of trendy wrist watches worn by the likes of Sharon Stone, David Beckham, Paris Hilton and Elton John, was also part of the ‘O’ Boutique anniversary fashion showcase. Polkadot Cat by Rana Jamshed, +9714 by A Al Qamzi, Love is Heaven lingerie line and Abbys bags and accessories complemented the women’s range on display. 

The Keims range of hair care products, which claims to use water from the  thermal baths of Salies de Bearn in France, design furniture from Maybe design and Eliff as well as art décor from Glow Skies, ‘Light a Moment’, and Whatever It Takes is a unique un profitable artwork campaign launched by 21st Century Leaders Foundation which gathered 660 leaders: royalty, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, business leaders, actors, musicians, artists, fashion designers, sportsmen and writers.

‘O’ Boutique is one of the contributors to Whatever It Takes, through selling fashion and artwork products of the campaign and distribute the profits to the charities listed within this ambitious initiative. 

The event was sponsored by Tony and Guy, the reputed international salon chain with outlets in Dubai, and Make up for Ever. 

‘Today’s show styled by designed by the internationally renowned stylist Aleksandra Pop-Damkova. The letter O in ‘O’ boutique stands for infinity, reflecting continuous success and achievement; it is also the first letter of Omar’s name. The boutique was designed by British-Iranian designer Pam Oushal.

Omar is now planning to launch his brand internationally following its remarkable success in Dubai. “I would like to remind our young business leaders that innovation is the only way for success and distinction in their projects. Our innovations will help the community and bring tremendous goodwill and strength to our initiatives.”

Dubai, UAE; May 5, 2010: The Picturehouse, a dedicated venue for critically acclaimed arthouse film at Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall, will exclusively showcase the Algerian film Mascarades for two weeks from June 3-16, 2010. The film, which marked its GCC premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) 2008, is being brought to a wider audience in collaboration with DIFF.

Mascarades won the Muhr Arab Award and FIPRESCI prize for Best Film at DIFF 2008. Mohamed Bouchaid, a key cast member of the film, went on to win the Most Promising Young Actor at the French annual Lumiere Awards in 2009.

The exclusive screening of Mascarades at The Picturehouse, distributed by Founoon Film Distribution, follows a strategic partnership announced last year between DIFF and Reel Cinemas to screen a selection of films that have won critical and audience acclaim. Mascarades is the first film selected as part of the distribution support initiative.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Retail, which owns and manages Reel Cinemas at The Dubai Mall, said the exclusive screening of Mascarades at The Picturehouse marks the emergence of a new wave in film appreciation in the UAE.

“Reel Cinemas opened The Picturehouse, a concept that is unique to the UAE, with the single-minded objective of giving the movie-loving audience in the region broader access to critically acclaimed arthouse films. Our partnership with DIFF will further enable us to bring a strong roster of powerful movies to a wider audience, and thus help to build a culture of excellence in cinema in the Gulf region.”

DIFF Artistic Director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the exclusive screening of Mascarades at The Picturehouse is a testament to the success of DIFF in showcasing its films to the wider public.

“Encouraging cinema appreciation and promoting regional talent are two key objectives of the festival. By facilitating the distribution of acclaimed movies to the Dubai audience, we are further contributing to the awareness of quality movies among the audience here. A powerful story narrated in a unique style, Mascarades highlights the evolution of regional filmmaking talent.”

Mascarades is the story of Mounir (played by the director Lyes Salem himself), who lives with his family in the heart of the Algerian Aures. An arrogant man, he has only one dream: to finally be appreciated by his fellow citizens. He adores his sister Rym, who falls asleep anywhere and whom the village is convinced will end up a spinster.

One evening, Mounir returns from the town, and announces that he’s found a rich suitor. And the organisation for the ceremony begins but without a bridegroom. The romantic comedy, which also brought into focus life in Algerian villages, has earned admiration from critics around the world. 

Lyes Salem is a versatile actor and director, having proved his mettle in theatre, television and films. His films include Lhasa and the award-winning Jean-Fares.

The 22-screen Reel Cinemas is the largest cineplex in Dubai and has introduced several innovative cinema concepts to the region including The Picturehouse and the luxurious Platinum Movie Suites. The cinema features the latest audio-visual technologies known as THX and has an elegant Hollywood Chic design concept.

World-renowned fashion designer Giorgio Armani has selected the French Fashion University Esmod in Dubai as partner for an upcoming fashion show that will mark the opening of the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa on April 27, 2010. The Italian designer will be mentoring 25 students from Esmod who will dress the participating catwalk models with Armani creations.

Armani chose the French Fashion University Esmod Dubai for its regional and global reputation, exceptional commitment to fashion, the high quality of the works of its students, and the overall dynamism of the region’s fashion scene. On top of that, trust has been a major factor that influenced Armani’s decision to choose Esmod Dubai as it takes a great deal of responsibility, professionalism and accuracy to  perform this kind of task in such a high profile event. Since its 2006 launch in Dubai Academic City the institution has lived up to its status as the only French fashion university fully dedicated to professional fashion education in the Middle East.

“The University and its students are delighted to collaborate with one of the world’s top fashion designers on such an important fashion show. This very memorable partnership supports our focus on creating development programs that expose our students to local and international opportunities. We are proud to work closely with Armani,” said Tamara Hostal, Founder and Director, French Fashion University Esmod Dubai.

Armani Hotel Dubai is the first of a series of hotels to be developed by Armani Hotels and Resorts. Giorgio Armani will personally design the content, design and style of the new hospitality facility. Armani is the head of Giorgio Armani S.p.A., one of the world’s leading fashion and lifestyle design houses. The company manages 5,000 employees, 13 factories, and a direct network of 500 exclusive retail stores in 46 countries worldwide.

French Fashion University Esmod in Dubai is one of 21 fashion schools under the umbrella of Esmod International Fashion University Group, the world’s first and oldest fashion design school. Esmod Dubai offers a 3-year diploma program equivalent to a BA degree, publicly-accessible short programs and customized short courses in make-up and fashion.