New Year’s Fashion Resolutions // 2012 Reinvent Yourself

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” Coco Chanel

What better way to start a new year than to set your own fashion resolutions, or better yet apply your resolutions to your fashion. So this year bring that ambitious attitude to one thing that can easily be changed and dramatically change you in many ways, your fashion. Tired of the same old things in life, longing to take risks and be more adventurous? What better way to reinvent yourself than with a reinvented image. Are you up to the challenge? Reinvent yourself, and don’t let yourself be swept up with last year’s confetti!

Be more adventurous with your fashion, take risks!! Here are some resolutions I suggest… that will aim at the fashion but hopefully hit the heart. 

1. Out with the old, in with the new! Clean out your closet, drawers, and jewelry box. Look for clothes that don’t fit anymore. An overcrowded closet does not help you get ready in the morning. A closet is not meant for pieces that don’t fit or remind you of good times in the past, it’s meant for clothes that represent the present and herald a promising future. A closet represents a woman; don’t be overcrowded and disorganized! Donate unwanted clothing to make room. This way you will not only feel good about a fresh start, but also help those who need it. Meanwhile there will be more room for your closet’s new arrivals.
2. Accessorize! invest in a bold necklace that makes a statement or earrings that sparkle like the New Year. Don't forget the IT scarf! invest in an Hermes if you can, otherwise you have plenty of options such as Alexandre McQueen, Gucci, Carolina Herrera et...
3. Try a New Color.  Even just a pop of bold color layered under a dark cardigan or jacket or a colorful scarf can raise us out of the winter darks. 
4. Retouch! Try out a new make up style if you are not very happy with yours. If you admire the dark kohl or natural shades on others why don't you try it yourself and have it as your 2012 look! (if you don't really know how to apply your favorite make up, take a quick lesson, brands now are offering free or paid (professional) courses...
5. Hair Style! you are tired of the same old look, go for a change ask for your hairdresser advise, don;t forget to invest in a treatment plan to keep your hair healthy throughout 2012, we don't want anything that looks tired in 2012!
6. Stay on a budget! It is easy to get excited while shopping in a store but don’t forget that the price is just as important as the piece. It is possible to still get the latest trends on a budget. Dubai is on SALE NOW! Plan ahead: bring a list, look online and in magazines to figure out where to get a specific item at the best price or worth investment!

New style can create a new you; how you look can improve how you feel. This year challenge yourself to reinvent your own style.


Happy New Year Fashionistas... May all your big & smaller dreams come true in 2012!


❤Chantal 

Celebrities Worst Dressed 2011 // #3 Mad Men Star January Jones

Mad Men' star January Jones loves to push the boundaries of fashion, but this bright red peekaboo Versace gown takes things a little too far. Made entirely of flowy fringe with some dangerous cutouts, it's a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.

Celebrities Worst Dressed 2011 // #2 Halle Berry

It's hard to pick apart someone as perfect as Halle Berry, but that won't stop me from cutting down her Nina Ricci dress a bit. The flowy piece of material on the bottom can't hide how mini that dress really is. Luckily she had a tablecloth to cover her up a bit during the show.

Check my Blog for a Daily Update of the Worst Dressed celeb in 2011! 

Celebrities Worst Dressed 2011 // #1 Cheryl Cole

#1 Cheryl Cole
This horror undoubtedly ended Cole's American X Factor dream. And no wonder - I don't know where to begin. The too-long flares which make her look like she's gliding on the sidewalk; the lion's mane bouffant; the camel-toe, the colours... it's an all-round assault on the senses.

Check my Blog for a Daily Update of the Worst Dressed celeb in 2011! 

Celebrities Best styles in 2011

Celebrities Best styles in 2011 GlamsbyChantal Shortlist...


1- Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge in Jenny Packham 

2-Mila Kunis in Elie Saab 

3- Jennifer Lopez in Pucci dress & Louboutin Shoes (best ever by Loubi)

4- Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Antonio Berardi 

5- Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture ( tres Chic, cate looks radiant in this gown)

6- Nicki Minaj in Oscar de la Renta gown and McQueen Shoes ( forget the hair & everythg else focus on the dress!)

7- Madonna in Custom Vionett dress & MiuMiu sunnies 

8- Lady Gaga in Custom Chanel (Baneys Gaga Workshop launch ... Superb) 

9- Fan Bing Bing (chinese actress) in Elie Saab Couture

10 - Sarah Jessica Parker in Stella Mccatney

11- Jessica Biel in Giambattista Valli Couture

12- Blake Lively in Gucci

13- Anne Hathaway in Alexander McQueen dress, Christian Louboutin shoes and clutch

14- Diane Kruger in Prabal Gurung dress, Giuseppe Zanotti shoes

15- Michelle Obama in Doo-Ri Gown

16- Anja Rubik in Rodarte dress, Fendi coat, Zanotti shoes

17- Princess Charlene de Monaco in Christian Dior 

17- Kate Bosworth in Chanel

18- Gisel Bundchen in Alexander McQueen (best dress she's ever worn)

19- Keira Knightley in Mary Katrantzou (the style is sooo Keira, love it on her)

20- Victoria Beckham in her own design

Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai ; Shourouk's Glam Accessories

It’s all about vanity! A WOW factor  accessories collection with luxurious, decadent and glamorously kitsch baroque jewelry. When I first received a Shourouk neckless as a gift from BFF I was amazed by the details and colors, mix of bohemian and modern design, did not know a lot about the brand, but knew that  the designer was so special! now that i know; Shourouk is inspired by « les années folles » of Kiki de Montparnasse and Jacques Demy’s films. Since then her work has shifted from romantic designs to an entire dressing of contemporary accessories. Her work focused on embroidery combines contrasting materials like Swarovski crystals, metal sequins, silk and industrial materials to create hybrid pieces of vanity. Her pieces of couture are sold in some of the world’s leading retail boutiques in Paris, New York, London, Milan, Hong Kong.

Favorite of fashionable celebrities, her pieces have been featured in Sex and the City 2 and Beth Ditto, lead singer of The Gossip, hit the first row of Stella Mc Cartney’s show with the stunning Duchess W necklace, you can find the collection at Saks Fifth Avenue, Dubai.

Louis Vuitton's Spring Confections

Continuing the pretty and vaguely retro mood of his hit spring-summer collection for Louis Vuitton, artistic director Marc Jacobs had photographer Steven Meisel recreate a very girly, pink-curtained setting in a New York studio for the campaign, slated to break in February magazines worldwide. It features up-and-coming models Daria Strokous and Kati Nescher eyeing frozen, creamy delights, toting sheer Lockit bags or Speedy styles in powdery crocodile skin.

“It is all very soft and very sweet, yet at the same time very bold and very graphic,” stated Jacobs.

Barney’s NY & Lady Gaga // “Gaga Workshop”

Lady Gaga Opens Her Barneys Boutique in Custom Chanel!

It’s not everyday a girl has a section all of her own in Barneys New York, so to celebrate the opening of Gaga’s Workshop in Manhattan last night, Lady Gaga went all out, wearing a princess-like, one-of-a-kind Karl Lagerfeld creation.

The white tweed dress with black trim was made especially for the occasion, and featured Chanel pearls, camelias and bows.

While the dress was breathtaking, it’s Gaga’s Workshop that’s really something to see. The boutique, inside the Madison Avenue Barneys department store, is filled with whimsical gifts from candy (like a 2-lb. solid chocolate armadillo shoe) and hair bows made from hair to custom jewelry and leather jackets. There are snow globes, holiday ornaments, teacups, fake nails, plush Little Monsters, cookies, totes, T-shirts and everything in between at a variety of price points.

According to a Barneys, Gaga approved every item before the boutique’s opening, and her friend and stylist Nicola Formichetti was “instrumental” in the conception of the space. (Lady Gaga songs and holiday music even play as you shop!) As part of the agreement, 25 percent of all sales will benefit Gaga’s charitable organization, the Born This Way Foundation.

Have a look at the collection, my fave is the Fashionista Gift Set  & the Gem Moto Gloves, Party masks are amazing! here's the link!

http://www.barneys.com/GAGA%27S-HOLIDAY-WORKSHOP/GAGA_WORKSHOP,default,sc.html?gclid=CNmHwKjfia0CFcwMtAodo1x6lQ

Yves Saint Laurent - YSL Holiday 2011 Video

Sharing  the YSL Holiday 2011 Video! Tres CHYC! Indeed...

Manolo Blahník and the Tale of The Elves and the Shoemaker by Camilla Morton

"Once upon a time..." begins this ever-so stylish fairy tale. Written by Camilla Morton and illustrated by the celebrated cordwainer himself, 'Manolo Blahník and the Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker' is a beautiful re-imagining of the much-loved children's story. This inspiring book will make a fabulous gift for a fellow fashionista! 

Vera Wang Launches Men’s Tux

Between her signature bridal collection, her wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses and her bridal jewelry collection , Vera Wang already has an impressive hold on the wedding market.

But now, that one nuptial element that has yet to receive the designer’s stamp of approval, that would be the groom!  Wang is expected to announced a partnership with Men’s Wearhouse on a line of tuxedos—her first venture in the menswear market.

Am not sure how MALE it is to have a man in a Vera Wang outfit! Maybe we'll get used to it with time? hmmmm

Karl Lagerfeld's affordable line premieres

Karl Lagerfeld offered a peek into his new affordable clothing line at technology conference Le Web 2011. Lagerfeld discussed his exclusive line for online fashion boutique NetAPorter  while showing a short video clip to promote it.

Tom Cruise jumps from the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa & poses with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum

It is Tom Cruise's most scary jump since he sprang off Oprah Winfrey's sofa.
The hollywood star jumps from the tallest building in the world & Poses with great visionary  HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum on the Red carpet of Dubai International Film Festival. What could he ask for more !

I so admired the decision of Tom Cruise who chose NOT to use a stuntman to jump from the world's tallest building — but opted to do it HIMSELF for his new movie. have a look at the making of  from our stunning Burj!

Chanel // The Metiers d'Art Show // 2012 Pre-Fall Collection

At the Galerie Courbe in the Grand Palais in Paris, Karl Lagerfeld prsented the Chanel extravaganza, Indian-inspired fashion show as guests dined on opulent 'runway' feast fit for royalty.

The Metiers d'Art show, launched in 2003 as a homage to the label's workshop.

But the event was tinged with a touch of sadness as couturier Francois Lesage, head of the renowned embroidery atelier acquired by Chanel in 2002, died last week, aged 83. But as usual, the show must go on - and go on it did.

They dined using gold-plated cutlery and were served by waiters throughout the show - a far cry from the champagne and canapes usually served.

Models, adorned with accessories including head-jewellery and turbans - also for men - walked the epic runway sporting the 2012 pre-fall collection. 

Creative director Lagerfeld often looks abroad for inspiration & I love that ! as I strongly believe in Cultural Diffusion through fashion...you know that:)

Swarovski Elements Sense of Two عرض أزياء متميز// سواروفسكي

أقامت شركة سواروفسكي الشرق الأوسط عرض أزياء رائع ومعرضاً ألقيا الضوء على مجموعة من المصممين الموهوبين بالمنطقة في مجال الخياطة الراقية والإكسسوارات والمجوهرات التقليدية والملابس الرجالية ومستلزمات التصميم الداخلي. وأبرز "عرض ثنائي" الجانب الخلاق المزدوج لدى كل مصمم وقدرته على ابتكار قطع متميزة دخل في. 

تصميمها عناصر سواروفسكي و التي عرضت على منصات عروض الأزياء. وقد أقيم العرض في فندق أرماني بدبي 

! اليكم اختياراتي من التصاميم المميزة

Amato by Furne

Ezra

Michael Cinco

Dar Sara

SENSE OF TWO: a memorable fashion event for Dubai

Swarovski Middle East recently hosted a spectacular fashion show and exhibition highlighting the region’s most talented designers in haute couture, traditional, jewelery & accessories, menswear and interiors. The Sense of Two theme evoked designers’ dual creative sides to present dazzling avant-garde pieces, made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, for the catwalk fashion show. The event was held at the Armani Hotel, Dubai.

Check out my picks above!

Make Up by Make Up For Ever...

Black.Green.White & Red Fashion Week-End . UAE National Day 2011

Happy 40th Anniversary my beloved UAE!  Even fashion can get patriotic :)  with limited editions, color blocking and amazing jewels! The trendiest colors for the week-end were inspired by the Spirit of Union as well, the Union of black, green, white & Red... Some got ridiculously over the top and got banned! for example Puma who apologized to UAE consumers and ordered the removal of the controversial shoes that were designed with the colours of the national flag.
Couldn't help but mention the famous magnetic Pin that was slipping down all the time on the Abayas, Shirts & Thobes, I would ban the people who came up with this magslipping idea! Now Check out my picks!

Also I have to mention Andrew Osama Fathy's interpretation of the Google Logo that was chosen out of 20,000 entries from 30 schools! I love it.

Banned in the UK for being “irresponsible"

As reported, Hailee Steinfeld’s fall 2011 Miu Miu campaign, which depicted her sitting near a train track, was banned in the UK for being “irresponsible because it depicted a child in an unsafe location.”

Miu Miu Recent banned campaign

Looking at the history of ad campaigns in the UK market  I think that Miu Miu deserves an award for being socially responsible in comparison with the below... LOL! I mean come on where is the creative license? and why Miu Miu is being attacked? Have a look at the ads that ran in the UK and were more than welcome! and judge for yourself...

Facebook-Proof your Party Wear!

How to Make Sure Your Friends and Followers Never Have to "Like" the Same Look Twice You bust out your hot new dress and hit the party. The next morning, killer pics of you rockin’ your new look show up on Facebook. At first you’re stoked, but then it hits you -- does this mean you have to stash your new outfit in the back of your closet, toss it in the trash or donate it? No way! With a little reworking, you can replay your favorite pieces -- and your Facebook friends will never even know.It’s really about how creative you can be. That’s the only thing that should really limit you from playing it again and again.

Tips:

Make your wardrobe Facebook-Friendly? go for separates. They really allow you a lot of wardrobe mileage because you can wear them together, wear them apart -- and mix them up with other pieces,It’s really about how creative you can be. That’s the only thing that should really limit you from playing it again and again.

LBD is another way or Classics such as white boyfriend shirt in different styles, just accessorize them. Whether it’s a statement necklace, gorgeous earrings, scarf or bold cuffs, swapping out jewelry can turn an outfit into something completely different. You can also add a belt to your look, which will also cinch your waist, giving you a fabulous silhouette. An unusual pin, strategically placed, can draw the eye and win endless compliments.

Next, play with layers. Top it off with something like a denim jacket, classic or trendy blazer a faux fur vest maybe...

Beware of statement bold pieces, people tend to memorize them, I recommend going with ones that are a little bit toned down -- in colors like teal, black, wine or plum. You want something that’s not in your face like fuchsia or a yellow -- or silver sparkles.”Instead, save memorable pieces for a time when you're the star of the show.

You can also freshen things up by embellishing your basics. Replace boring buttons with more eye-catching ones. Spice up a classic trench coat by adding some edgy spikes, or use strips of sequins to take your leggings from plain staple pieces to the stars of your entire look.

You can even kind of make the piece look different in the way that you pose -- the angle, the side of the piece that you show toward the camera.

If you insist on wearing the same outfits again and again and post on facebook! you can use this excuse “For example, First Lady Michelle Obama, she repeats looks again and again -- and she’s the most photographed woman in the world.” :)

Now that you're Facebook Proofed! Go ahead & post as many pictures as you like;)

Michael Cinco “The Impalpable Reality”

What a divine vision. By the feel of his creations, the muse in question is probably floating far away facing the moon above us ! His designs are born from a dream one would never want to wake up every piece is masterfully executed, combining the most unimaginable shapes, colors  to create an artistic cultural playground where every tiny bit plays its role perfectly. 

While writing this article about Michael, I sincerely couldn't find the words to describe how much am in love with his designs; every time! Anticipating of course an avant-garde & a beyond any belief interpretation (after the sneak peek/ mood board) of the two different sides of his creative persona, SENSE OF TWO show by Swarosvki Elements end of this month… 
Meanwhile enjoy my exclusive interview with Michael Cinco one of the most talented Haute Couture designers and one of the most humble and fun person I’ve ever met ☺. An applause to the " Impalpable Dream" designer with a small note : keep on dreaming and transforming dreams into Impalpable Reality...   

Pls. Check out his full Collection also:  http://www.michaelcinco.com

Hysteria at Versace for H&M launch

With many shoppers having spent the night queuing on the pavements outside, there were scenes of hysteria as the eager crowds were finally let in to fill their arms with brightly printed garments from the shelves without even looking at the design or size... Some were pickin up all that they can see exceeding what they can carry!... fortunately the ambulances were on high alert!

In Dubai (There aren't many things which will have 200 people queuing patiently outside a store from 5am. Versace for H&M apparently will), shoppers reported H&M stores selling out of the entire collection in under 30 minutes - with many pieces arriving on eBay moments later. Smart ones (women) headed immediately after the women's collection was vanished in minutes to the Men's section & got superb "Unisex" pieces, some are even better than the Women designs!

After this huge success, even before the official launch looking at the amount of the celebs who supported the collaboration, the amazing campaign and outstanding collection it was very clear that  THE RISE AND RISE OF DONATELLA VERSACE was around the corner! 
(below Donatella arriving to the London H&M shop greeting the shoppers at the day of the launch)

Donatella Versace has yet again proven her business credentials by designing a Versace collection for H&M, immediately raising the profile of the family firm. The 56-year-old took over as chief designer of the Italian fashion label when her brother, Gianni, was killed on the doorstep of his Florida home in 1997. The company is one of the last truly family-owned fashion houses.

Donatella is Vice President of the Versace group and owns 20 per cent of the entire stock market assets of Versace.

Her brother, Santo Versace, owns 30 percent and Donatella's daughter Allegra Versace inherited 50 per cent of the company stock after the death of her uncle, Gianni. Allegra inherited $700 million on her eighteenth birthday and was also given Gianni's villa on Lake Como, and a large townhouse in Manhattan. While the family firm's reputation is no longer what it was at its peak in the Nineties, Donatella and Co. will hope that this collaboration will boost their reputation... and their revenue.


Versace for H&M - Official Commercial