Dubai's It Girl 2009 Holiday "Must-Have" Picks Features-Kanzi!

Hello everyone! The holiday season is upon us, and now is the time to shop for that perfect holiday frock! Over the next few weeks, I will be featuring my picks of “Must Have” holiday clothing/items from local designers in and around the UAE. The UAE/Gulf is filled with so many talented designers, and it’s time that the rest of the world be introduced to these fabulous talented designers that we know and love…don’t you think!

*Please note: The order of my picks does not reflect any preference of any kind. All featured designers are all fabulous and deserve to be on the Dubai’s It Girl “Must-Have” holiday list!

First Featured Designer on the Dubai’s It Girl “Must-Have” List is…Kanzi!

If you love wearing abayas or jalabiyas, then you will definitely love the creations by Kanzi.
Established in 2008 by Sheikha Amal Al Maktoum and Raghda Taryam, Kanzi, designs exclusive abayas, jalabiyas, evening wear and custom made wedding dresses. Meaning “my treasure” in Arabic, Kanzi symbolizes style and luxury. This highly successful brand was setup under Ruwad, a government entity that supports young businesses in the emirate of Sharjah.

On November 25, 2009, Kanzi showcased two beautiful shimmering Swarovski encrusted designs at the exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue’s ‘Snowflake Spectacular’ event.

The stunning royal blue jalabiya is made of chiffon and silk, boasting various shades of Swarovski crystals from light sapphire to silver satin. The exquisite abaya is made from a blend of silks, featuring complete crystallized shoulders of different shades and shapes of Swarovski crystals, including cosmic and galactic oval. Unique black leggings, also encrusted with different shapes of crystal, complete the look of the abaya.

Their collection is currently stocked at the Kanzi boutique, Sharjah, and Saks 5th Avenue Dubai and Bahrain.

For Kanzi purchase enquires or details please contact:
Kanzi Boutique
Catherine Teodoro
Email: info@kanziboutique.com
Telephone: 06-5441118
Fax: 06-5441119

Dolce & Gabbana's New Make-up Line & Legendary Make-up Artist Pat McGrath Comes to Paris Gallary, Dubai Mall

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Italian designer duo Dolce & Gabbana’s luxury make-up line at Paris Gallery, Dubai Mall. It was simply magic! I absolutely loved the different colors of eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, and nail lacquers. They also have a range of twelve different color foundations (wet or dry) to match the skin tone of any woman! The names of the products were also brilliantly labeled, with eyeshadows called "Guilty" or "Elegance" and lipsticks named "Drama" and "Devil." And did you know that the Dolce & Gabbana make-up line launched "only" in four countries/six locations around the world, and Dubai is one of them?!...and I dare not forget to mention that the line's packaging has pure metal gold! WOW!

This was definitely one of the best experience of the year thus far for me, as I also had the pleasure of meeting the #1 make-up artist in the world, Miss Pat McGrath (Above is a photo of me and Ms. McGrath chit-chatting.) I have been a fan of hers since the age of twelve! Pat McGrath, who has worked at the Dolce & Gabbana shows for more then 10 years, was instrumental in the development of the line, as she assisted Dolce & Gabbana with the creation of this luxurious make-up.

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana‘s inspiration for this new venture is the modern 1050’s Hollywood starlet-glamorous and sensual, always with a confident and provocative edge. Without a doubt, they brought a fresh idea to the “make-up” table and have taken the definition of luxury cosmetics to a new level. EXTRODINARY!

http://www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com/

I needed to smile, so I called on Betsey Johnson's S/S 2010 Collection

After a Dooms Day movie, a death of a supermodel, and bad Chinese food, I needed a pick-me-up to make me smile…so, I went back in Fashion Week time and found Betsey Johnson’s 2010 spring runway collection, which was held at The Plaza Hotel (NYC) this past September.

I absolutely love her work! Any girl can wear her clothes, plus they are fun, feminine and beautiful! How can you “not” feel good about yourself when wearing a Betsey Johnson creation? I only own one of her dresses, however I plan on adding more to my closet very soon! Anyway, the collection really gives me hope that there are still some things you can smile about, and there is still come originality in life! Thanks Betsey…I’ll love you forever!

Victoria Casal Couture Boutique Opening & Hello Kitty's 35th Birthday!

Well, 35 years of Hello Kitty’s on-going success is a testament to how special the “Kitty” is herself, and now Victoria Casal has teamed up with this most famous feline to bring Dubai a fabulous collection of items for everyone! I know you will love the boutique, so drop by and visit…and don’t for get to take a little “Hello Kitty” gift home for yourself or for someone special!

R.I.P. Daul Kim

1989-2009

"Korean model Daul Kim, 20, was found dead in Paris this morning, NY Mag's The Cut reports. Her cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but sources told the magazine she had committed suicide." So Sad!

We still don't know why this beautiful supermodel is dead, however we will remember her for all the beauty she brought to this world while alive. Suiside is never the answer...there is always a solution to every problem, but we will never really know "why" if this is the truth in Daul's case. She will be greatly missed!

Some of the last Blog thoughts of Daul:
"how can you be smart
when its love
i already accepted that i relate to nothing
past is heavy but past is past and
i can only try to understand
egoism
too much self importance
perhaps
luxury of time
perhaps just series of bad events which were only beautiful
the irony
the facade we put on
penetrating time.
but not egoism.
it is relative but different.
i just know
the more i gain
the more lonely it is
but when people grow together
its something that is not easy but is nice
and that is something,
relative.
staying relative is hard
staying honest is hard
i know i'm like a ghost
i have nothing
but myself
and potential, to me is the question of will
thats why i am present to you"
posted by daul at 7:34 AM November 5th 2009

Emirates Woman of The Year Awards 2009!

I had a wonderful time at the Emirates Woman of the Year Awards ceremony last night. Here are a few pictures of the event and congrats to all the award winners. The winners were selected by Emirates Woman readers through a new online voting system, which represent the UAE’s most inspirational female talents from artists to visionaries, achievers to humanitarians. I will be posting some interviews I did with two of the nominees shortly. This was a great event, and I am so happy that women are being recognized in Dubai for their efforts. Thank you so much...Emirates Woman Magazine!

The winners of the Emirates Woman of the Year Awards 2009 are:
Emirates Woman of the Year 2009
Maria Conceicao - The Wings of Dhaka
The Achievers – Business Category (Sponsored by Philips Consumer Lifestyle)
Farah Foustok - The First Lady of Finance
Artists – Art and Culture (Sponsored by The London Centre for Aesthetic Surgery)
Sarah Belhasa - The Fashion Entrepreneur
Humanitarians – Charity (Sponsored by House of Portier)
Maria Conceicao - The Wings of Dhaka
Visionaries – Lifestyle (Sponsored by bareface)
Padma Coram – The Entertaining Philanthropist
ADCB ‘Ambition Award’
Emma Cresswell
www.emirateswoman.ae/awards

LANVIN-Harper's Bazaar Fortnight of Fashion

This was an event sponsored by Harper's Bazaar Magazine, which was part of their "Fortnight of Fashion Month", held in October at Dubai Mall . Lanvin, a clothing line I love, opened their doors to the fashionable people of Dubai to view the latest season of designs. It was wonderful to see all the men and women's line on models walking around the store, and the fashion show was lovely.

If you haven't visited the Lanvin store at Dubai Mall, then you really should run down there and take a look before everything is gone! I will be waiting with bated breath for next season's collection to hit Dubai! I Heart LANVIN!

Amanda Wakeley - Designer Clothes Collections - Ready To Wear

Recently, I received an email from the Amanda Wakeley Ecommerce Team announcing the launch of the new Amanda Wakeley Estore. After visiting the Estore and looking at Amanda Wakeley’s ready-to-wear line, the Bridal line and the Jewelry collection, I was totally amazed by the craftsmanship of the jewelry designs and the use of rich fabrics to make these incredible clothes and bridal gowns! I loved, loved, loved the fitted tweed jacquard coat and the hand knitted dress from the F/W 2009 collection. These modern pieces are so fabulously chic- I will definitely be wearing both when I go to Paris in January!

Now that the Estore has launched, anyone can go online to shop and buy Amanda Wakeley’s collection of ready-to-wear clothing, classic bridal gowns and exquisite jewelry. Also, rumor has it, that Amada Wakeley will be collaborating with a highly coveted, young, footwear designer in the near future…exciting stuff, so look out for that! I have also included a video of the London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010 runway show, so that you can have a sneak peek of what will be coming to the online store very soon! Enjoy, and don’t forget to visit Amada Wakeley’s brilliant new Estore!

Amanda Wakeley - Designer Clothes Collections - Ready To Wear

Nina Ricci Event!

All Photos by Nia B, "Dubai's It girl"

Nina Ricci is now featuring its S/S 2010 collection at DIFC, Villa Moda. I had the privilege of attending the runway show for the Spring/Summer 2010 seasons début in Dubai, on November 9th, 2009. The designs were very nostalgic with the light colors, soft fabrics, lace and feminine ruffles. The shoes were unbelievably beautiful, and everyone seemed to love them! I had too many favorites to pick from…I just hope I can add a Nina Ricci design to my closet collect before it all sells out!

I also wanted to mention that my new friend Rene, who was one of the runway models, looked absolutely fabulous! This runway show was the crème de la crème of runways shows this year…stunning models, beautiful atmosphere, beautiful people and Nina Ricci…what more could you ask for! Well done!

Manny Librodo Workshop With 77 Street Productions

Above: Photo by Mariyah of 77 Street Productions

My photos: Names of photographers listed underneath

Make up was done by Anna De Leon of 77 Street Productions

Couture: Rocky Gathercole

First of all, I want to thank the girls from 77 Street Production, Anna, Cristina and Mariyah, who always think of me for modeling jobs and events They are the most talented women in Dubai! I also want to thank Mr. Manny Librodo (professional photographer extraordinaire) for choosing me to be part of his amazing workshop...I was honored, and I hope to work with him again. Thirdly, I like to give a big kiss to the other models, Abby and Alessia, who also took part in the t photo shoot. Last but not least, I would like to thank all the photographers who attended this workshop...they are wonderful, and I wish them much success!