Stuck in New York Couture!

Featured Photographer Extraordinaire

Erwin Olaf

"New York Times Couture"

When I first came across these photos I was completely blown away. I knew there was something special about this photographer. Each photo was stunning and the graphic effects were very creative and ingenious! Just take a look for yourselves below:

Couture Gowns: 1.GIVENCHY  2.CHANEL 3.LACROIX  4.GAULTIER  5.DIOR  6.VALENTINO  7.VERSACE   8.ARMANI

About Edwin Olaf:

Born in Hilversum in the Netherlands in 1959, Erwin Olaf lives and works in Amsterdam since the early 80's. His current studio is situated in a former church hall. Over the years many of Olaf's work have provoked controversy. Not surprisingly, this ability to attract attention has seen his work embraced by the advertising world, resulting in commercials for Lavazza, BMW, Microsoft and Nintendo among many others. Lately Erwin is frequently shooting in commission for magazines such as The New York Times Magazine, The Sunday Times Magazine, Elle and Citizen K.

In 1999 his worldwide campaign for Diesel Jeans won him the coveted Silver Lion at the Festival for Advertising in Cannes. He was awarded the same prize two years later for his imagery produced for Heineken. Among numerous other international art and media prizes, in 2006 he was awarded Photographer of the Year in the International Color Awards. In 2007 Kunstbeeld magazine chose him Artist of the Year of the Netherlands. Recently he received a Lucie Award for his entire oeuvre.

(Biography courtesy of www.erwinolaf.com)

What do you think of Edwin Olaf's work? Would you like to see more of his fabulous photos?  I think he is one of the most cutting edge photographers of the 21st century.  If you agree or disagree, or would like to share with me the name of your favorite photographer?  You know I always love to read what you have to say, so leave a comment and don't forget to

"Tell'm I told you!"

Tc,

Nia B

Dubai's It Girl!

Stiletto Wars

  CHOO  vs  LOUBOUTIN

Who will be crowned the $300 billion dollar  winner of the luxury goods industry's shoe category in the Gulf? With that kind of profit at stake, it's no wonder the world's two most famous shoe designers are battling it out to be the top seller in the Gulf region. I must admit that I am head over heels for Jimmy Choo shoe creations, but I absolutely go gaga for a pair of Louboutins. Who would you choose to be the winner of the stiletto battle?

The Classic Black Sandal

1. Jimmy Choo: The Black Leather sandal's design is sleek and modern.  

2. Christian Louboutin:  I can't help but love this patent leather sandal with the CL signature red sole!

The Ancle Lace Sandal

1. Jimmy Choo:  I love the metallic touch of purple in this Jimmy Choo lace sandal. 

2. Christian Louboutin: The Louboutin Ankle Lace snake skin sandal is to die for!

The Slingback

1. Jimmy Choo                   2.Christian Louboutin

It is hard to choose between these to silver slingback designs. I love them both, but do prefer the height on the Louboutin sling back.

The Ankle Boot

1. Jimmy Choo: The JC wax suede ankle boot is brilliantly designed with the silver buckles and zipper.

2. Christian Louboutin: This platform caged ankle boot is chic, sexy and perfect to wear in Dubai for the Fall.

The Wedge Espadrille

1. Jimmy Choo:  I love this wedge so much!  It is so cute and girly.

2. Christian Louboutin: Great shoe for the spring /summer season...right?!

The Flat

1. Jimmy Choo: This whimsical flat is sweet and edgy at the same time. Love it!
2. Christian Louboutin: Metallic’s are so popular this season, and you can't go wrong with silver!

Now it's your chance to choose.  Who is your favorite...Choo or Louboutin?  Cast your votes by leaving me a comment, and don't forget to
"Tell'm I told you!"

Tc,
Nia B
Dubai's It Girl!

Bag Lady

What Kind of "Bag Lady" Are YOU!

Play Video while looking and reading this post! It's fun!

Erykah Badu Video "Bag Lady"

Expensive Bag Lady (Hermes Exclusive Birkin Crocodile Bag 2010)

Soho Boho Bag Lady (Kooba 2010)

Wild and Loose Bag Lady (Gucci 2010)

Simple Bag Lady (Chanel Spring 2010)

The Statement Bag Lady (Alexander McQueen 2010)

Blind Mishmash Bag Lady (Versace Spring 2010)

“I’ll try anything once!” Bag Lady (LV Spring 2010)

Classic with an edge Bag Lady (Chloe 2010)

Low Maintenance Bag Lady (Marni Small Crepe over the Shoulder Bag 2010)

“My life is an open book.” Bag Lady (Alexander Wang PVC and Leather Bag 2010)

Hippie Dippy Bag Lady (Marc Jacobs Spring 2010)

When it comes to designer handbags, the 2010 spring and fall seasons brings us a little bit of everything! No matter what your taste, with these seasons’ collections of unique bags, I’m sure you can find something that suits your style and your wallet. We may not agree on the taste or style of these designer handbags, but which ever “Bag Lady” category may you fall into, the only thing that matters is if you love what you wear. It would be a boring world if we all had the same exact taste, right? I am a Statement/edgy/Hobo Handbag kind of girl, but I do love the classic design of the Chanel bag. I am not sure what that says about me, but it’s my style and I am sticking to it…that is until the next season. lol

What type of bag lady are you? Do you have a favorite handbag designer? Let me know your thoughts by leaving me a comment. I always love to read what you have to say.

Until the next post…Don’t forget to

“Tell’m I told you!”

Tc,

Nia B

Dubai’s It Girl

And then there was GRACE!

Grace Jones...Supermodel, Actress, Songstress, Trend Setter...LEDGEND!

Grace Jones is absolutely stunning! As muse to Andy Warhol, Grace Jones took the New York modeling and fashion world by storm in the 1970’s. To be honest I had never heard of her until my mother mentioned that Lady Gaga's fashion style had a resemblance to the way grace Jones dressed back in the day. This comparison sparked my interest, and I decided to do some research on Miss Jones.

I guess it can be said that she was the "Gaga" of the 70's and 80', but I think she was more than that. Miss Jones was definitely before her time, with her androgynous look, her outrageous over the top sultry outfits and her "flat top" hair cut. I was surprised to find out, that she played a villain/lover role in the Bond movie A View to Kill...yes...before Hally Berry was a bond girl! This Jamaica born supermodel also topped the Billboard charts with singles from several albums; she won an MTV Video Award for best female video, and starred in numerous movies. Grace Jones is a fashion legend in her own right! If you take a look at her photos, you will understand why. Enjoy.

Check out her gloves in this interview below. Fabulous!

An Interview with Johnny carson 1985

Video: Grace Jones "Slave to the Rhythm" 1985

Ladies and Gentlemen, there you have it...The One and Only GRACE JONES!

"Tell'm I told You!

Tc,

Nia B

Dubai's It Girl!

The New Hippie: Me, Lamis and Kage

Definition of a Hippie

Someone who rejects the established culture; advocates extreme liberalism in politics and lifestyle.

If fashion could be defined by one word, that word would be “liberating.” The New Hippie look is definitely a testament to the liberal style in which we all express ourselves today by wearing what makes us feel good. Although this style is no longer a fashion statement of rebellion, it does continue to maintain the ideal behind the freedom of outward expression. The New Hippie style is definitely on the polar side of formal wear, however it can be dressed up or down, depending on what accessories is pair with it.

My Hippie Style

Scarf: The Gap/ T-Shirt: Zara/Shorts and tights: Forever 21

Model: Nia B/Photographer: Martin Von Den Driesch

T-shirt: Berskha/vest: Zara/ Check Pants Top Shop
Model: Nia B/Photographer: Martin Von Den Driesch

Short sleeve hoodie: Stradivarious/Black shorts Calvin Klein/Shoes:Nine West

Model: Nia B/Photographer: Martin Von Den Driesch

Everything is from Dragon Mart in Dubai/hat was borrowed from actress/model Daisy Reyez

Model: Nia B/Photographer: Chris Cumberlin

My Fashion Designer Picks 

Lamis Khamis 2010 Collection

Lamis Khamis is stocked at all Tiger Lily outlets across the UAE

KAGE Collection S/S2010

The main KAGE collection can now be found at Boutique 1 in Dubai, the trendy Kitsch boutique in Beirut, The Art of Living in Riyadh and online at www.boutique1.com and www.notjustalabel.com/KAGE. KAGE’s Tanks and Tees

collection can be found at O’de Rose and Boom and Mellow in Dubai and online at www.aura-b.com.

The New Hippie look is very youthful and free, and I love dressing in outfits which reflect this style. What is your definition of the New Hippie style?

Comment away and don’t forget to

“Tell’m I told you!

Tc,
Nia B
Dubai’s It Girl