Dubai:  – The countdown to the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show on Thursday, 15 December, 2011 is well under way. Just days remain for ladies to obtain invitations for one of the most eagerly awaited fashion events in Dubai; organised by Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment. This event has been sponsored by Gargash Enterprises and Malaysian Tourism; and supported by Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics, Ghraoui Chocolates and L’Officiel magazine.

The fashion show – which is a pioneering campaign aimed at promoting young emerging Emirati designers and advancing their careers through extensive media exposure and introductions to key local & international clientele – will debut the mini-collections of three talented Emirati designers for the first time. They are Sumayyah Al Suwaidi (Jalabiyas collection), Maryam Selaich (Abayas collection), Medeyya Al Mazrouei (Haute Couture and Ready-to-Wear collection). Each designer was selected based on their high level of creativity, marketability, workmanship, fabric suitability and overall appeal.

Moreover, Darmaki – luxurious footwear couture brand created by Emirati national Sultan Al Darmaki – will open the evening with their first-ever fashion show in Dubai. Darmaki combines artistic and cultural influences with the excellence of superior Italian manufacturing. Its signature is truly inspirational designs, a wide range of exquisite materials and painstaking attention to detail. Darmaki’s most significant achievement to date is the acquisition of one of it debut designs by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London to be housed as part of its permanent collection of significant footwear through the ages.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club said, “Dubai Ladies Club decided to launch The Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show as a valuable platform for local talents to increase their exposure. As the fourth installment of this event commences, we hope that once again this runway event will bring with it an introduction of designers to the forefront of the worldwide fashion scene, a sharing of press contacts and discussions on how to develop their careers.”

Each year, aspiring Emirati designers are nominated to rise to the challenge of conceiving ‘The Next Big Trend’ in Khaleeji fashion. The show is divided into four categories – Abayas, Jalabiyas, Haute Couture & Ready-to-Wear  - to go on to debut their collections at the Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show on Thursday, 15th December, 2011.

The Oriental Red Carpet Fashion Show has been a launch pad for a number of distinguished local fashion designers such as Hessa Al Falasi, Hanadi Badu, Moza Al Mazrou, Halima Al Sayegh, Mariam Al Mazrou, Fatima Al Hashimi, Athija Al Mazroui, Reem Beljafla, Fatima Al Qassimi and Fatima Al Tunaiji, who have gone on to accomplish even greater things.

Focussing on Emirati women’s overall development, Dubai Ladies Club has consistently promoted Emirati talents through a number of educational and career-oriented professional programmes to open avenues for women to channelize their strengths and contribute effectively to the social and economic progress of the UAE.

The show will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday, 15 December, 2011 in the Al Mahara Ballroom, Dubai Ladies Club. Each person attending the event will win surprise gifts at the end of the show. If you would like to receive an invitation, please contact Dubai Ladies Club, T: +971 4 349 9922, F: +971 4 349 9965, E: eventsteam@dubailadiesclub.com.

The grand finale of the “Get Ready to Party” Vero Moda’s global competition on Facebook has created history of sorts amongst the young Fashionistas in the UAE.

In one incredible evening, the Vero Moda store in The Dubai Mall rewarded Aline Lahoud, the UAE winner of “Get Ready to Party” and three of her friends with an absolute make over. As a prize she received an entire fashionable outfit from the latest party collection, while her friends were all rewarded with 50% off on the outfits they chose for the special evening.

Participants from Europe, Canada and the UAE took part in the global competition that was held simultaneously in different countries. Keeping in line with the launch of Vero Moda’s latest Party Campaign that screamed out its spirit “DRESS UP FOR THE LOVE OF IT”, the competition included answering of a key question followed by the participant’s choice of a Vero Moda store location to attend the “Get Ready to Party” event. Best of all, they could choose up to ten best friends to accompany them on the final day.

On the 9th of December, the winner and her friends walked into the Vero Moda store in The Dubai Mall for a total transformation before they left the store all glamorous and ready to party like never before.

They were all stylishly received with welcome drinks, shiny hats, masks, blow horns and light snacks. The party music that filled the store added to the fashionable ambience. The Vero Moda’s ‘in-store’ stylists soon took charge to offer the latest styling and fashion tips. Finally the girls underwent a complete makeover as Basma Masri, a professional makeup artist from B. Beautiful, added the finishing touches getting the girls ready for their big night out.

Alexa Chung appointed the new face for the brand

The cooler months are in, making way for the whirlwind party season. It is indeed the time update the wardrobe with the latest in fashion. Focusing on the universal love of young fashionable ladies to dress up stylishly for parties, Vero Moda launches the vibrant ‘Party Campaign’ featuring the hottest party attire of the season. Along with the new line up, Vero Moda also introduces style icon Alexa Chung as the new face of the brand.
 
The highly talented and fashionable cool 28-year old model, DJ and TV presenter, embodies qualities which inspire fashion conscious women all over the world. Her creativity, fashion sense and a talent for making individual styles work for her are keys to her presence on the best dressed list of international fashion communities. Signed to be the face of VERO MODA, the collaboration will hit the shops and streets all over the world from November 2011 to July 2012, making Alexa Chung the star of four VERO MODA campaigns.

Vero Moda’s new Party Campaign screams out its spirit “DRESS UP FOR THE LOVE OF IT” ushering in the glamorous colors of the season. In comes a multitude of party fashion statements in cool colors like Midnight Blue, Harvest Gold, Cerise, Gray Morn, Black, Latte and Vineyard Red.

All set for a magnificent launch on 8th November 2011, the all new Party Campaign will complement the latest party trends with Bright Zingy Colors; warm rich grenadine tones; the new 60’s, polka dots; modern color block look; glamorous vintage details; timeless star quality; high neck-lines and the chic High-low hemlines.

Alexa Chung appointed the new face for the brand

The cooler months are in, making way for the whirlwind party season. It is indeed the time update the wardrobe with the latest in fashion. Focusing on the universal love of young fashionable ladies to dress up stylishly for parties, Vero Moda launches the vibrant ‘Party Campaign’ featuring the hottest party attire of the season. Along with the new line up, Vero Moda also introduces style icon Alexa Chung as the new face of the brand.
 
The highly talented and fashionable cool 28-year old model, DJ and TV presenter, embodies qualities which inspire fashion conscious women all over the world. Her creativity, fashion sense and a talent for making individual styles work for her are keys to her presence on the best dressed list of international fashion communities. Signed to be the face of VERO MODA, the collaboration will hit the shops and streets all over the world from November 2011 to July 2012, making Alexa Chung the star of four VERO MODA campaigns.

Vero Moda’s new Party Campaign screams out its spirit “DRESS UP FOR THE LOVE OF IT” ushering in the glamorous colors of the season. In comes a multitude of party fashion statements in cool colors like Midnight Blue, Harvest Gold, Cerise, Gray Morn, Black, Latte and Vineyard Red.

All set for a magnificent launch on 8th November 2011, the all new Party Campaign will complement the latest party trends with Bright Zingy Colors; warm rich grenadine tones; the new 60’s, polka dots; modern color block look; glamorous vintage details; timeless star quality; high neck-lines and the chic High-low hemlines.

22 November, 2011

Amid an eager audience of fashion lovers and enthusiasts, young Emirati fashion designer Madeyya Al Mazrouei launched her Autumn/Winter Collection for 2011-2012 during the closing ceremony of the Berlin-Dubai Festival, recently held, at the Kempinski Hotel in Palm Jumeirah. Her new and exquisite line of fashion dazzled the crowd with its simple yet sophisticated pieces.

Models walked the runway in Mazrouei’s unique designs, with every masterpiece highlighting the genuine beauty and feminine charms of women. White was the predominant color on the catwalk, commingling the warmth of Arab culture with Western classicalism to suit the practical side of women. Mazrouei’s collection combined simplicity with elegance and sophistication with boldness, ably addressing the unique fashion sense of modern and high-profile Arab women.

A young and promising group of elite Emirati and German designers also participated in the Festival, grabbing the opportunity to introduce new ideas and themes and in the process strengthening their relations within a single event. The participation of Madeyya Mazrouei demonstrated the receptiveness and multicultural exchange between the Emirati and German people, unifying the two cultures through the world of fashion design.

The talented Emirati designer’s first step towards promoting her designs in the Gulf and throughout the rest of world was when she accepted an offer to display her own collection and innovations at a fashion boutique in Kuwait within less than two months. She later managed to open her own boutique in Jumeirah to showcase her latest designs.

The Goethe-Institut German Language Center recently organized the Second Berlin-Dubai Festival to ‘Explore Fashion and Creative Industry in Berlin and Dubai,’ focusing this year’s edition on fashion’s influence on culture and society.

Earlier this year Madeyya Al Mazrouei obtained a degree in fashion design from Esmod University. Throughout her studies she participated in several fashion shows organized by the Goethe-Institut. She was recently selected along with other lucky designers to participate in the Berlin-Dubai Festival. The contingent travelled to Berlin to get better acquainted with and benefit from the exchange of expertise with German fashion designers.

UAE, Dubai : Two of UAE boutique Mumbai Se’s most popular labels showcased their SS12 collections at Dubai Fashion Week, and impressed the fashion audience once again at the highly-anticipated event.  

Ekta Singh’s stunning catwalk show took place on Thursday (20 October) followed by UAE design duo Meher & Riddhima yesterday evening (Saturday 22 October).

Mumbai Se combines Indian fusion fashion with western influences and these two design labels, Ekta Singh and Meher & Riddhima, showcased their striking SS12 collections for the first time thanks to Mumbai Se.   

The talented designer, Ekta Singh, has been inspired by the Rubik’s Cube for her new collection, where the interplay of the cubes forming a colour parade has been reflected in her outfits. Ekta used colour block and solid brights in contrasting colours for the opening sequence of designs, which was followed by a series of feminine pieces using varying subtle shades right through to monochrome evening dresses.

Already a firm favourite among Dubai’s fashion elite, Meher Mirchandani and Riddhima Whabi were inspired by Claude Monet for their new collection. They used a refined and subtle colour palette of sky blue, peach, lilac and yellow to form the base to the collection, and red and purple to make dramatic statements on a number of designs.

Dubai Fashion Week (DFW) is a ‘By Invitation Only’ fashion trade event aimed at bringing together major advocates of the fashion design industry. It has positioned itself as the definitive destination in the Middle East for fashion designers to showcase their seasonal collections with the focus on building relationships, opportunities and growing the industry.

(Dubai, United Arab Emirates)  – Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim, a leader in family fashion, beauty, food and home ware, today announced the launch of M&S Man & Woman, brand new ranges of fashion-rich and feature-rich clothing that appeal to all age groups and tastes.

Wholly contemporary, both M&S Woman and M&S Man have broad appeal thanks to confident pieces that provide myriad options for casual and formal occasions and feature a diversity of colours, fabrics, prints and contemporary silhouettes. A rich saturated palette works alongside vivid primary tones: deep teal greens, purples and greys are key, while strong blacks and blues are used to maximise the impact of simply shaped outerwear. Patterned and textured knits are also at the centre of the ranges.

The M&S Man & Woman ranges incorporate a number of innovative features that make looking stylish effortless. These include totally machine washable cashmere, a dress with patented technology that sculpts and smoothes in the right places, and machine washable suits for men.

Ms Zainab Al Mahry, Regional Marketing Manager Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim said, “M&S Woman and M&S Man are at the heart of Marks & Spencer. These are the pieces you can depend on to look and feel great. Stylish and versatile, you know you’ll find inspiring outfit ideas every time. Basically, it’s about the clothes you love, made in a way you trust – and all great value too. Inspiring yet dependable, M&S Man and M&S Woman encapsulate everything that keeps our customers coming back to Marks & Spencer.”

M&S Man & Woman will be available in all Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim stores across the Middle East from Thursday 6 October, with availability of some pieces limited to selected stores only.

Dubai, UAE: It is the season of fashion, fun and celebrity-spotting at The Dubai Mall this October. The world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination is rolling out one of the city’s most vibrant and versatile fashion fiestas with its three-week promotion, ‘Stylista,’ focused on fashion, beauty and indulgence, from October 4 to 22, 2011.

The excitement gets better for shoppers with the opportunity to take part in a Stylista raffle draw to win weekly prizes of trips for two to London for five days/nights including 1st class tickets and hotel accommodation.

Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “Stylista is one of the largest of its kind fashion promotions that bring together the world’s leading haute couture brands. The exciting blend of fashion shows and raffle draws add further excitement to our visitors, who will be assured of a truly delightful lifestyle experience over three weeks. Already described as the hub for the newest fashion, The Dubai Mall is focused on setting new benchmarks in in-mall entertainment and shopping as highlighted by Stylista.”

‘Stylista’ integrates the best in fashion retail with entertainment and raffle draws to provide mall visitors a truly delightful shopping experience. To add verve to the promotion, several of the mall’s retailers will host fashion shows at the Fashion Avenue Catwalk showcasing the latest styles and trends.

Among the retailers who will host colourful fashion shows include Bloomingdales, the anchor store of The Dubai Mall bringing its ‘New York, New York’ event; Symphony, presenting ‘The Face of Symphony;’ Massimo Dutti Kids, which will present the new MDK collection; Baby Shop, which will host its ‘Search for a Star’ competition to identify the store’s new face; as well as the latest fashion displays by Throttleman and Splash.

A range of celebrities – international and regional – are expected to visit the mall in the coming weeks. Headlining the celebrity attendance will be model and actress Kim Kardashian, who will meet and greet lucky winners of a social media promotion as part of the opening of the first ‘Millions of Milkshakes’ store in the region at The Dubai Mall.

Mall visitors can also spot British fashion designer Jeremy Hackett, who is expected to visit the mall for the opening of the ‘Hackett’ store. International make-up artists and stylists of Make-up Forever will lend their best touches to Arab celebrities at special in-mall events, while a first of its kind ‘Stylista Photo Exhibition’ will feature portraits of style icons such as Sophia Loren and Jackie Onassis, among others.

The Spanish fashion designer and founder of the eponymous footwear Manolo Blahnik will display his sketches on A0 size canvases, which are sure to delight footwear fashion enthusiasts. The newly opened Virgin Megastore will host a festival until October 7, while the Grand Atrium will host the A Lange & Sohne and Zenith watch exhibitions. Sephora will showcase the best in make-up and beauty at a special pavilion at Star Atrium.

To enter the Stylista raffle draw, customers only have to spend AED 300 at any participating outlet. On validating the receipt at any Guest Service Desk, they receive a ‘Shop & Win’ raffle coupon. The draws will be made every week by the concerned authorities.

Offering high-end as well as high street fashion choices, The Dubai Mall celebrates haute couture with more than 70 signature stores in its dedicated Fashion Avenue, covering an area of 440,000 sq ft. Bloomingdale’s, America’s leading department store, and Galeries Lafayette, France’s leading lifestyle retailer are the anchor stores. This marks the first time both retailers are opening stores in the Middle East region.

The Dubai Mall, the must-visit retail and leisure destination in the city, features over 1,200 retail stores and 160 F&B outlets. Leisure attractions at the mall include Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; SEGA Republic, the largest of its kind indoor theme park in the Middle East; KidZania®, a unique children’s edutainment destination; and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas.

UAE, Dubai, 25 September 2011: This Autumn / Winter season, Dubai is one of the few fashion capitals where you can wear sparkles and shimmers, eye-catching prints and embellishments – without covering up with a coat!

The new Autumn / Winter collection from Mumbai Se, the UAE-based boutique that combines Indian fusion fashion with western influences, is bursting with hues of royal blue, rich smoky purple, hot pink, emerald green and vintage-inspired nudes from over 30 contemporary UAE and Indian designers.

Collections from the much-loved Meher and Riddhima, Hemant & Nandita, Ekta Singh, Reynu Tandon, Cherie D and ‘Geisha’ by Paras & Shalini to name but a few, are joined by lots of new, up-and-coming designers including, Abhijeet Khanna, Bhanuni, ‘Horn Ok Please’ by Sabina Singh, Nalanda Bhandari and Shashank & Prajwal, who are pushing fashion boundaries with their innovative collections available for the first time at Mumbai Se.

“Our designers are inspired by everything on their travels, from modern art and styles they see on the streets, to nature, living creatures and moments in history,” says Poonam Chauhan, Brand Manager for Mumbai Se. “This variety of inspiration is key for our brand, as our customers look for modern silhouettes, sophisticated and experimental pieces and relish having access to modern designers that challenge the status-quo of mainstream fashion.” 

“I spend a lot of time travelling in the UAE and India personally hand-picking each style that is available at Mumbai Se, and I work with the designers to ensure we truly reflect what our customers are looking for,” adds Poonam Chauhan.

The Mumbai Se Autumn / Winter collection is now available in all stores across the UAE, including outlets at The Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Marina Mall, Burjuman Shopping Centre and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall.

Hind Beljafla.

Visitors to Index Textiles this October are set to be inspired with a live fashion event created especially for the occasion. Alongside the beautiful stands showcasing the latest trends and collections in fabrics and textiles, wall & window coverings, soft furnishings and designer rugs, ‘Les Collection Exclusives’ fashion show will be running live on the show floor, at this year’s Index.

This one of a kind event and a first for the MENA region is being exclusively designed in partnership with award winning Emirati fashion brand DAS collection.

DAS collection, the label launched by Emirati sisters Reem & Hind Beljafla in Dubai, is a celebration of the traditional fused with cutting edge design. The award winning business women launched the label in 2008 in Dubai, where it has since created a buzz globally in the world of fashion. DAS collection have shown their collections at Dubai Fashion Week, Fashion Arabia Expo, The Luxury Fair in London, Middle East Fashion Days by Who’s Next & Premiere Classe Paris and Cultural Week in some of the UAE embassies and around the world. With a stunning boutique in Dubai, and listed in world famous Harrods in London, Das Collection’s designs are for the discerning woman with her eye firmly on international trends.

As the exclusive creative partner for the live fashion show ‘Les Collections Exclusives’ DAS collection will be in equally prestigious company as they will be creating their collection from Rubelli, Designer’s Guild, Nobilis’ and Duralee’s luxurious collections of home textiles.

Each of these four sponsors bring years of heritage and expertise, coupled with stunning designs across a range of textiles including silk, brocade and velvets. DAS collection will create a bespoke collection of cutting edge Abaya’s and gowns that will make for a stunning couture show with twist, a spectacular fusion of western luxury home textiles , and the style and elegance of Middle East design.

Reem Beljafla, Managing partner at DAS collection explains why she is excited to be working with Index Textiles on this special project.

“As an interior design graduate, it is very exciting to be working with these brilliant textile designers on ‘Les Collections Exclusives’. Without the paradigm of an individual’s imagination created and used in textile, fashion designs would only be one dimensional,” she added.

‘Les Collections Exclusives’ fashion show is running live during Index Textiles, located in hall 8 at Index International design exhibition, October 22nd - 25th hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre.