Thursday, July 28, 2011

David Beckham on Victoria Beckham footsteps!

David Beckham follows in the footsteps of his designer wife Victoria. Together with H&M, the famous soccer player and style icon will make a bodywear range for men available to millions of fans globally.


The long-term alliance will allow David Beckham to produce and exclusively sell his new DAVID BECKHAM bodywear line in around 1800 H&M stores in 40 countries worldwide, with new products being created seasonally. The initial range will be launched to coincide with Valentine’s Day 2012 from February 2nd.
"Over the past year, I’ve been developing my Bodywear range with my team and I’m extremely positive about what we have designed and produced,” Beckham said. We say we are so positive about the ad campaign if David is modeling!

(the pictures above are from previous campaigns as Armani where david was modeling, not the H&M campaign, so image what more can be done for his own brand!)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Claudia Schiffer's Cashmere Collection Launched!

 “I wanted to make easy pieces that are practical yet chic,” says the model Claudia Schiffer

 “You know simple but well-cut dresses and tops that you can throw on with leggings and boots for the school run, and pair with a great pair of earrings or a cool cuff for dinner.’’ Comprised of chunky-knit jackets, dresses and buttery boyfriend sweaters, the collection (created in collaboration with the German knitwear label Iris von Arnim) ranges from about $400 to $1,600. The collection will be Available at Net a Porter and already instore a Harvey Nichols London & Exclusively at Boutique 1 in the Middle East!

Monday, July 25, 2011

العقيل المصمم السعودي لـ ثوبي ‎مقابلة شخصية وخاصة مع حاتم

  اسلوب لم نراه من قبل!  يمزج ما بين  التراث العربي والموضة المعاصرة، اناقة وابداع صفات تميز  تصاميم "ثوبي"  بكل صراحة ان اراد اي رجل ان يكون مميزاً فالعنوان واحد لا غير.
حاتم العقيلي ومحلات جدّة من تصميمه
من الصعب الاختيار  بين موجموعته المتنوعة ،الطراظ الرياضي، التوجهات والنزعات او الكلاسيكي التي تتميز بجودة النسج والتطريز.  و من الصعب ايضاً الاّ نحب المدع وراء كل هذه التصاميم حاتم العقيل المصمم السعودي  ذو الشخصية النابضة بالحيوية ، الثقة ر الابداع. اليكم مقابلة شخصية وخاصة مع حاتم 
 لنبدأ من السنين الأولى في مسيرتك: ماذا كانت أحلامك في الصغر؟ هل كانت هناك ضغوط من العائلة أو المجتمع أن تعمل في مجال 
تقليدي؟ هل كانت أحلامك دائماً عن الموضة؟
لقد أمضيت معظم طفولتي في آوروبا و الولايات المتحدة الأميركية وكنت دوماً أريد أن تكون الموضة جزء من حياتي ولكن لم أعرف مدى قدراتي 
بالتصميم حتى اتخذت القرار أن أطلق مجموعتي الخاصة من تصاميم الثوب.

    ما هو أكثر شيء تحبه في عملك؟
أحب القدرة على اعطاء الثقة بالنفس، كما أحب أنني أجعل كل ما أحلم به من تصاميم حقيقة
 كيف تصف مسيرتك المهنية حتى الآن؟
الحمد لله، لقد أنعم علي ربي في مشواري وحققت الكثير مما كنت أحلم به ، وهناك المزيد من المشاريع التي في بالي والتي أود أن  أحققها في مشواري.
 منذ ولادة ماركة "ثوبي" من حاتم العقيل، ماهي اللحظة التي لن تنساها؟
لن أنسى أبداً التصفيق الصاخب من قبل المدعوين والحماس علر وجوههم في عرض الأزياء الأول لي في أسبوع دبي للموضة. في هذه اللحظة شعرت بالفرحة والـحماس والبهجة.
 ماهي العقبات التي واجهتها في بداية مسيرتك وأنت تعيد تعريف تصميم الثوب؟
بصراحة، لم تكن هناك أي عقبات في بداياتي والمشاكل الصغيرة التي واجهتها كانت بالنسبة لي دافع في الخوض قدماً بمسيرتي وتصميمي على المثابرة. ان تغيير الفهم العام بتصاميم جديدة للثوب السعودي شيء لا يحصل بين ليلة وضحاها، لكني سعيد جداً أني قمت بما أحب.
 اليوم، ماذا يلهم حاتم؟
العائلة، الموسيقى، الشعر، الطبيعة، والفن.
 أنت معروف بتصاميمك الجريئة ! هل تشعر بأنك جريء جداً أم هل هناك المزيد من الإبداع لم تطلق عنانه بعد؟ 
هناك وجوه كثيرة لأسلوبي الخاص بالأزياء. وفي ماركة توبي من حاتم العقيل هناك المجموعة الكلاسيكية، المجموعة الرياضية والمجموعةالجريئة والتي تضم مجموعة ثوبي جونيور. هناك الكثير من المفاجئات التي ستكشف عن قريب والأجمل من توبي من حاتم العقيل آتي.  
 لا حدود في الأزياد، ونحن العرب متابعين لآخر صيحات الموضة وفي العديد من الأحيان، نكون الدافع الرئيسي في أخذ المصمم الى العالمية. هل العكس صحيح برأيك؟ هل ترى الغرب بتصاميم توبي كموضة مطلوبة وليس فقط كصيحة مؤقتة في المستقبل؟

في الحقيقة اني أرى هذا الاهتمام بتصاميمي من قبل زباذني الغربيين. لقت ماركة ثوبي من حاتم العقيل اهتمات واسع على البساط الأحمر في أوروبا وأميركا طموحي هو أن أرى توبي من حاتم العقيل ملبوساً من قبل رجال ذو ذوق رفيع في العالم أجمع  
ماهي مشاريعك القادمة؟
لدي الكثير من المفاجئات في المرحلة القادمة، فقريباً سأطلق مجموعة جونيور ومجموعة خاصة من القمصان.  
 ما هي النصائح التي توصي بها كل رجل وسيدة في الشرق الأوسط؟
نصيحتي هي أهمية أن يرتدو ما يناسبهم ويناسب أسلوبهم في الأزياء. بعض الموضة جميلة وممتعة ولكن لا يجب أخذ هذه الصيحات كأساس لتعريف أسلوب ذوقك في الملابس.  






مجوعة ثوبي موجودة في جدّة في محلات ثوبي و في دبي ساكس و لا فاييت

Up Close & Personal with Hatem Alakeel, Saudi Fashion Designer "Toby"

Breaking the norms, a truly remarkable talent that brings the Arabian heritage paired with an interesting exotic take on fashion promoting the unconventional yet sophisticated & trendy Thobes. Designed with luxury fabrics, exquisite detailing, and impeccable craftsmanship, the unique collection of Toby are of the kind one might wear when making a dramatic entrance.
There is so much to love in Toby’s collections, from classic, trend and home lines, also the Saudi designer behind the brand Hatem Alakeel; a gracious talent with a personality that infuses positivity and energy, confidence and creativity. Here’s my exclusive Up close and Personal interview with Hatem, he answers what haven't been asked before in all honesty and modesty! 
Hatem Alakeel picture & 2nd TOBY boutique in Jeddah designed by Hatem  


Let’s start from the early years. In your youth what were your dreams as a Saudi? Did you have any social/family pressures to specialize in the traditional career path? Did you always think that fashion was what you were going to do
I spent many of my earlier years in Europe and the United States. I always wanted to work in fashion but never realized my abilities as a designer till I started designing my own thobes.


What do you love the most about what you do?
The ability to give people more confidence and turning dreams into reality.
How would you describe your Journey until now?
Hamdillah, I have been blessed and have been able to accomplish a great deal of what I have aspired to do. However, that said, there is still so much more that I would like to accomplish.
Since the Birth of your label Toby by Hatem Alakeel, what has been your most memorable moment?
The applause I got on my 1st fashion during and at the end of the show at Dubai Fashion Week was enticing mixture of excitement, elation and exhilaration.
What obstacles did you face when you first started, having in mind that you re-interpreted the Arabic Thobe? 
There really were no obstacles and even the very few that have arisen only served to empower me and cement my resolve to work harder. Changing perception does not happen over night, however,  I'm happy that I took the chance and saw it through to fruition.
Today, What inspires Hatem?
Family, music, poetry,nature and art.




You are known for your avant garde style! Do you feel that you are so, or yet to unleash your creativity?
There are so many different sides to my personal style and my brand Toby by Hatem Alakeel from classic, sporty to avant garde including my my TJ Toby Junior Line. There still are many storiesk, designs and surprises that will reveal themselves so in essence the best is yet to come
In fashion there are no boundaries, we Arabs embraced all types of fashion and contributed in the stardom of international labels.. Is it vice versa in your opinion? Do you see Westerners wearing “Toby” as a fashion style not only a statement around the world in the future?
It has already started with many of my online Western customers. Toby by Hatem Alakeel has blossomed into quite the fashion statement on red carpets in Europe and the US. I hope to see Toby by Hatem Alakeel worn by fashion forward men all over the globe
Any breaking news ? 
There are many great & wonderful new surprises in store.  A new Junior Line will be launched and a line of shirts.







Any styling advice you would like to share to the Middle Eastern Men & Women?
Always wear what suits your own style. Trends are fun but they should not define what your style is about.

For Arabic Translation go to home
FYI: Toby is available in TOBY Jeddah boutiques, Saks and Lafayette in Dubai

GLAMOROUS PEOPLE....Dont Forget to visit


Friday, July 22, 2011

Sexy exercise!

Forget heels it's all about wheels! Roberto Cavalli is getting in on the action with a sporty collaboration of his own. The designer is launching a line of high-fashion (hello, animal print!) Ciclotte exercise bikes produced by Lamiflex S.p.A., set to hit Cavalli boutiques exclusively this month.Certain to make spinning infinitely more chic, the six stationary bike models which boast four gears with differentiated teeth to help build resistance, sport jaguar- and zebra-print effects, "the fashion house's symbolic colors" (read: fuchsia, gold, and silver) and also black carbon fiber that Lady Gaga can appreciate,It would be no suprise to see her and her back up dancers spinning on the Cavalli bikes during her next performance.

"Work, pleasure, exercise, and 'chilling out' co-exist in the same dimension of interior design, creating spaces where objects interact freely," It’s sure to be a conversation piece when guests come over. And because working up a sweat deserves its own sartorial nod, the Italian designer is also launching a workout clothing line, available at Cavalli points of sale around the world.
Now that's just the kind of gym motivation we need!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Everyone wants a Cross Bag! Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Lanvin...

All, I mean all of my friends are now shopping for the IT cross bag! Well I’ve been carrying cross bags forever and I can tell you for sure that it is the most stylish effortless accessory to almost all the outfits. I like it with a little dress or tank top and shorts and I have realized that the more the bag is high end the more it gives Chic-ness to anything you put on ! It is indeed the must-have summer bag that every Fashionista will be toting around this season.
The cross-body bag is not only fashionable, but serves a functional purpose. When wearing this bag your hands will be free to sift through racks of clothing while shopping, party freely, and give your shoulders a break! Also adding a pop of color to your wardrobe across a classic LBD or LWD.
My picks for this season in the picture below! In love with the Chanel timeless wallet on Chain, Dior both of them J'adore! and Balenciaga is a passe partout!

Tips: The strap and hardware on cross-body bags are very critical, choose the chain or strap cerefully  a longer one is always better, do not go for big cross bags (pas chic at all) I would say invest in a cross bag with gold or silver accents or chain. If you feel like getting more than one, get a neutral and a bold color ( I always receive compliments on my  flashy green Prada)  Wear your cross bag in 2 different styles, cross or shoulder, depending on the event!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Hermès, just has a different character. Point à la ligne!

What is it with Nomad inspiration this Season? Not that am bothered, I love the different interpretations from Armani to Hermes… Christophe Lemaire ( Hermes Creative Director) is doing very well, and I guess the collection will be a success in the GCC region as many of the designs are a Couture/ Fusion version of the Arabian Male Heritage with an essential and pure look of supreme and discrete luxury blended with minimalism and casual elegance, even if it wasn’t declared as official inspiration! 

No embellishment excess, but a deceptive simplicity that favours ease of movement in  enveloping volumes. Some exotic accents in textures and in flowing forms, refined burnouses or Abaya, atlas-inspired tunics, kurtas ( inspired by Afghani, Pakestani...Culture) in thick, compact wool, falconer poncho-style coats, coats sculpted by craftsmen in Mongolia - recall a certain elegant nomad style and suggest that for Hermès perhaps freedom is the true epitome of luxury…in the show Chris decided to stay away from showing the brand's famous Birkin and Kelly bags, or almost any bags for that matter, preferring to keep focus on the clothes. People who have attended the show felt the new Era of calm at Hermes in opposition to ex shows,Gaultier's circus-like shows. There were no live horses, or tennis matches. Just calm. 
So yes, let’s be calm, let’s envelope ourselves in a bit of cashmere made by Hermès and face the world with a stolen moment of inner peace.

FYI: There had been widespread speculation that LVMH, the world's largest luxury goods company may bid for Hermes. LVMH's denial was sparked by reports that a takeover bid was imminent. It already owns about 20% of the group."The LVMH group has absolutely no intention of making a bid for Hermes," a spokesman for the company said.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Lebanese Designers Shine in Paris Fashion Week!

When French Maison De Couture are increasingly unable to meet the demand of luxury clothing market, the Lebanese designers impress us a lot through their red carpet show. Givenchy has particularly introduced several Lebanese designers in the Fashion Week and privileged few such as Elie Saab, Basil Soda Georges, Chacra, Rabih Kayrouz. Participants also include Georges Hobeika & Dany Atrache all bring us wonderful shows.
My picks are below, I did not pick anything from Hobeika's Collection for this season, nothing interesting in my opinion! As for my fave this season, of course aside from Elie Saab (a special article was dedicated to his collection. Click here to view) is Dany Atrache!
Picks From Dany Atrache: An artist playing with Precious colors an refined embellished Silks! Outstanding
Picks From Basil Soda
Picks From Georges Chacra
Picks From Maison Rabih Kayrouz

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER for La Perla...

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER has launched his first ever swimwear collection for La Perla. The iconic designer first teamed up with the underwear label last year, and has just unveiled his second lingerie offering.

The swimwear line comprises a host of dramatic pieces, each carrying Gaultier's bold signature message of female empowerment. The collection features more wearable styles such an orange bandeau ruched two-piece to more statement looks, including bondage-inspired swimsuits and cut-out strapless one-pieces, with daring sheer panelling. Colours come in bright oranges, khaki, black and sunny blues. Body-con mini skirts featuring lattice tie detailing are offered in the way of cover-ups.
The collection will be available from Gaultier and La Perla stores from next January.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Chanel "The Boy/Girl Show in Paris"

Mademoiselle Chanel was destined for the boyish, straight-line tweeds that strode Lagerfeld’s runway for Chanel at the Grand Palais. Mr. Lagerfeld is rarely nostalgic, but this Autumn/Winter 2011 couture show, with its graphic black and white tweeds and exquisitely detailed evening clothes, seemed to have a narrative that took fashion back to the boy/girl thing.Or as the designer put it: “I like the idea of metamorphosis — a female evolution from boyish to woman.

”The result was a standoff between the compass and the ruler: the curvy woman with her rounded silhouette and the loose, mannish shape. Neither seemed exactly of the moment. And when fuchsia pink was inserted, it jarred with the gray elegy. Maybe because he no longer has his own line to express his graphic, linear vision, Mr. Lagerfeld brought that side of himself to Chanel. But the result was a show that did not entirely catch the poetry of nightfall as intended.
(The show, in fact, took place at 10:30 p.m. because Lagerfeld wanted the collection to be seen at night, would Coco Chanel have approved?)

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Elie Saab - Paris Fashion Week...& the fairytale continues!

Chances are you are going to fall in LOVE with this collection! Elie Saab Couture Paris Fashion Week  F/W 2011.

Elie Saab’s collections always leave me speechless for all of the right reasons. While almost the same thread of tuck waistlines and the scatter of beads and demure glamour was present in some of the designs which I personally consider The Saab signature, there was a lighter more easy tone to the entire collection. The Saab woman is like an angel: ethereal, light, evanescent, and innocent. The colors of this show were a mix of dusty shades: white, aquamarine, light blue, midnight blue (embellished tulle like a sky at midnight), bronze, powder and the fabric used velvet, tulle, organza, crystals, lace and chiffon.

The models with their loosely swept to the side chignons looked as though they were from another era of romantic modernism. And while some may tire of Saab’s similar collections, I must say not this season folks!!! Despite few fashion critics argument that the collection is too saccharine for a brief moment or two, for me it looks like as if a Nordic-inflected ice queen works for Saab, and I love her touch on everything!

This collection fairly screams not just red carpet, not just awards season, but OSCAR red carpet, loud and clear. We are definitely going to be seeing a lot of the gowns on the Hollywood's prom night! or more on Elissa ???

I can’t help but admire and applaud his talent.

Visit my Blog daily for more on Paris Fashion Week 2011.

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