Damir Doma - Paris Fashion Week A/W 2010-2011 with Nia B - Day 2

Photo by Giovanni Giannoni

This was my first Paris runway show ever! I was so excited to have been invited to the Damir Doma show. The guests were stylish and unique, so I figured from the looks of the crowd, that the Damir event would be the same.

The opening of the show was a bit creepy, I must admit. As the strange haunting music began to play, the models began walking down the runway like they were in a trance. Their make-up was muted, the skin was dewy and pale, and the eye shadow was slightly smoky, making them appear sinister and angelic at the same time.

At first, while witnessing this unusual stage production, all I could do was think about the movie called, “Children of The Corn!” lol However, after getting over the initial scare of the beginnings, I was able to look past the darkness and see the work that went into making these unique cloths. The minimalist design, which loosely draped over the silhouettes of each model, was absolutely incredible. The mix of woven knits, sheers fabrics and cotton blends in black and shades of grays complemented the designer’s edgy garments, as well as gave the collection an over all conservative feel.

Used as an accessory, the hats worn by the models were a pleasant surprise. Each one made a strong statement of individuality, while the rest of the stylish esthetic had a clear order attached to it. As simple as these designs may have looked at first, each piece was artistically created with brilliance and incredible tailoring!

Thanks to Damir Doma, I have a new love for this type of fashion, which I will surely incorporate into my fall wardrobe…especially the hoddies!

Tc,

Nia B

Barbara Bui - Paris Fashion Week A/W 2010-2011 with Nia B - Day 3

Photos from New York online publication

The show, which I unofficially attended on Day 3, was the Barbara Bui show. I wasn’t even supposed to be there, but it just so happened that on this particular day, some students and I we were viewing a location for our senior fashion show, which was the same venue where the Barbara Bui runway show was taking place. How lucky was that? I even ran into a couple of editors from Dubai's Harper’s Bazaar Arabia magazine. What a coincidence!

Unfortunately, I did not stay for entire show because I had to run to another fashion event across town, but from what I did see, the clothes were phenomenal! I absolutely loved the leather garments and the thigh-high leather boots are to die for! I am not sure if I could ever where these clothes in Dubai because it’s not cold enough to do so, but I can definitely wear them in Paris! lol

Located above, are a few of my favorite items from the RTW A/W 2010 Barbara Bui collection, and a slide show for you to view of the entire collection. Enjoy, and let me know what you think by leaving your appreciated comments. xoxo

Nia B

Dubai Fashion Week A/W 2010 Emerging Talent Winners

Photo of the DFW Advisory Board Memebers and the Emerging Talent Winners

Photos by Imani

SPLASH Emerging Talent WINNERS ANNOUNCED

THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG DESIGNERS

Khalid Alhajri - Studio Kalid (Saudi Arabia)

Moza Al Mazrou – Gmaash (Emarati)

Banan Al Ryalat - Banan Al Ryalat (Jordanian)

Bisma Ahmed - B’ZMA (Pakistani)

My management team was present to witness these talented designers being chosen to display their designs at Dubai Fashion Week A/W 2010. There were initially 29 entries, which was reduced to fourteen finalists and only four were chosen to participate in the  runway show! It was a nail biting experience, but the judges, from the DFW advisory board, made it look easy. I can’t wait to see what these four designers will bring to DFW this season.

Congratulations and Good luck!

Fashion Designer Contest

If you love fashion and design, and think that you were “Born to Be” the next big thing in the fashion world, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t enter this exciting contest! Maybelline and DAS are not only giving the lucky winner $10,000 to jumpstart their fashion career, but the winner will also get a chance to intern for the UAE label, DAS. How phenomenal is that! I wish I could enter, but my drawing skills are a bit nonexistent…LOL.

Good luck to you all, who decide to enter. I look forward to wearing one of your fabulous creations some day! xoxo

Apply at www.maybellineborntobe.com  from March 15th, 2010

Burberry 3D A/W 2010 Runway Show Live in Dubai!

My Personal E-Invitation

Dubai Audience

Paris Audience

Actor Kate Hudson

Mary Kate Olsen

It is not everyday, that I get to attend a historical event. I am referring to the most spectacular event this year in Dubai thus far, which was the Burberry Prorsum Autumn Winter 2010 Women swear Show in 3D, broadcast on February 24th, 2010 at the Address Hotel, Dubai Mall.. It was a sight to see. I attended in Paris, while my management team was present at the show in Dubai, with all the other socialites and fashionistas from around the world.

I don’t think any of us have ever seen anything like it. The exclusive Dubai venue, attended by over 350 A-list guests, was fabulous! Before the event began, we were all handed Burberry cases with 3D glasses inside, then lead to a very stylish room and waited in anticipation for the Burberry Women’s Wear A/W “Live” in 3D show to begin. When lights went dim and the screen lit up, all faces were mesmerized by the models walking down the runway in the most fabulous clothing, as though they were really in the room with us! It was surreal.

The global fashion show, which physically took place at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, was attended by over 1000 guests including celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Kristen Stewart, and Mary Kate Olsen, to name a few. The 3D Burberry simulcast was custom designed by Christopher Bailey and held at five simultaneous private screening rooms around the world, which included Paris, New York, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles live from London…and Dubai’s It Girl was there to witness it all!

I can’t wait for the next Burberry event. What will they come-up with next?

Thanks to the Dubai organizers, RR&Co, and Burberry for making this an event to remember for a lifetime!

And... don't forget to let me know what you think about the new Burberry Prorsum Colletion A/W 2010.

xoxo

JYK launches one-stop shop for Fashionistas in 2010

Local fashion designer Juhi Yasmeen Khan unveiled her flagship designer boutique on February 21st, 2010, JYK. Located in Al Mina Road, the boutique features nine established and upcoming designers, including Celebrity designer labels such as Shahid Afridi, Salma Khan, Sanskriti, Najibah Pandor, Mariam Al Mazro, Homa Qamar, Anam Sohail, Aartivijay Gupta and Ayesha Shiraz.

Bringing the best of the fashion world to one convenient location, the JYK boutique offers customers everything from ready-to-wear garments such as tunics, evening and cocktail dresses, to Indian and Pakistani ethnic wear for ladies and menin addition to local Abayas, Jalabiyas and select designer accessories. Shahid Afridi’s collection will be his first foray into the Gulf and is bound to be a hit with his loyal fans and followers.

The boutique will officially be open to the public on Saturday February 27th 2010, so don’t miss out on shopping at Dubai’s newest fashion venue, JYK!

Story Book Woods Women-Topshop Unique and Charles Anastase A/W 2010 at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week designers are showing some very interesting creations this season. Themes like Fantasy, Grecian Goddess, Avatar, Schoolgirl, and Goth Queen can all be identified in this years A/W 2010 London catwalk shows. So, there is no surprise that Topshop Unique, along with designer Charles Anastase, followed in a stage theme of the “Story Book Woods Woman,” living during the time of global warming. In this runway fable, the models wore layers of oversized knits and coats, colorful skirts, and animal head dresses, which covered the top of styled matted hair.

Beyond all of the dramatic staging of a forest like environment and the strange appearance of the models─the clothing was fabulous! I loved the long leather swing vests, the thick thigh-high knitted socks, and the plethora of heavy wool coats, sweaters and jackets that came down the runway. However, my absolute favorite item from this line was the strapless leather dress! I will definitely add a couple of pieces from this youthful collection to my winter wardrobe. I think Charles Anastase has done a fabulous job, and I can’t wait for what Topshop Unique will come up with next season.

Tell'm I told you!

Nia B

xoxo

Fashion Relief for Haiti-New York Fashion Week Fall 2010

 On February 12, designers, models, celebraties and tons of sponsors came together to rock the runway in New York City, this Fall 2010 season, bringing awareness and raising money for relief efforts in Haiti. I wish we could do something like this in Dubai, UAE.

It's not too late to give to those less fortunate. Every little bit helps, so help the people of Haiti by donating to your charity of choice. xoxo

Today's Male Fashion Icons: My Picks

Model, Tyson Beckford

Singer, Justin Timberlake

Singer, Trey Songs

Footballer/Model, David Beckham

Singer/Songwriter, Robin Thicke

Rapper, T.I.

Actor, Ed Westwick

Rapper, Lupe Fiasco

Rapper, Common

US President, Barack Obama

I find that men are sometimes overlooked when it comes to style recognition. In fact, most of the famous world designers are male; however the demand for fashion belongs primarily to woman. With that said, I decided it was high time, that I choose a small group of men who I think are stylish, unique and influential. One thing is for sure, these guys have earned their right to be called the style icons of today!

Let me know what you think! Did I leave anyone out that you think should have made my list? I would love to hear what you have to say, so leave a comment!

Last Minute Valentine Day Buys, "Loving More Than One": An Article about Shoes!

Heart Sandal by designer Troy Burch in magenta. http://www.troyburch.com/

Charlotte Olympia’s Cage Open Toe Ankle Boots. http://www.charlotteolympia.com/

Lanvin’s Red Suede and Patent Leather Pump. http://www.luisaviaroma.com/

Alexander McQueen’s Titanic Ballerina Pump. (prototype only/not in stores yet!)

Christian Louboutin’s Greissimo Mule 140 Suede Lipstick 8712.

Saks Fifth Avenue, Burjuman Mall, +971 4 3635663/Harvey Nichols, The Mall of the Emirates, + 971 4 409 8888

Christian Louboutin’s Miss ChaCha 120 Crepe De Chine in Red 365.

Saks Fifth Avenue, Burjuman Mall, +971 4 3635663/Harvey Nichols, The Mall of the Emirates, + 971 4 409 8888

Loving More Than One
Written by Nia B

          There is no doubt, no confusion and no apologies for what I am about to tell you. I am in love with more than one! How can I choose between them, when they are so dear to me? They make me feel beautiful and confident, and when I see them, I fall in love all over again, as thought it was the very first time. Honestly, I can not have one without the other because together they complete me. I am obsessed, and my passion is clear…I LOVE SHOES!

          My love for shoes began when I was about three years old. As a child, I remember sitting in the shoe department amongst the sea of shoe boxes that covered the ground watching my mother, along with the other ladies, trying on and fighting over the current season collections. Through all the people, the noise and the strong smell of perfume, I will never forget how mesmerized I was by the expression on a woman’s face, when she found that perfect pair of shoes! From that day on, I knew that I too would eventually take part in female ritual of shoe shopping.

          Today, I continue to track and shop for the latest shoe trends that are seen on the runways of fashion weeks held around the world. That said, this is the perfect month to tell you all about some of the Spring/Summer 2010 shoe collections that I have fallen head over heals for! With Valentines Day approaching, you will be sure to want some of these footie delights in pinks and reds. Did I forget to mention that pink is my favorite color?

          Let’s start with the sweetest Heart Sandal by designer Troy Burch in magenta. I adore this shoe for its quaint appeal; the gold grommets adorn the stacked leather hearts, which make this distinctive sandal very attractive. They will look very cute on any foot.

          Now, if you prefer a hot platform, then I suggest you get in line to buy designer Charlotte Olympia’s Cage Open Toe Ankle Boots. The pink metallic 140mm inch heel alone will turn heads, not to mention the wide leather cutout straps, which makes this attractive shoe to die for this season!

          For those of you who love pumps as much as I do, then you will certainly fall in with Lanvin’s Red Suede and Patent Leather Pump. These beautiful shoes are stylish and luxurious in design. You will command the room when you walk in wearing these fabulous shoes.

         I love wearing shoes that make a statement. If you are like me, then you will include Alexander McQueen’s Titanic Ballerina Pump to your wish. These fantastic steel heel platforms, in light pink leather, are ahead of its time and make the ultimate fashion statement.

          Last but not least…Christian Louboutin has some of the sexiest shoes on earth! For those of you who like it HOT, why not try a pair of his sulty red stilettos! He is the master of the moment in shoe design, so if you can afford to get a pair of his fabulous creations, then by all means, DO BUY!

          There you have it! It is up to you if you want them all, some or none. Just know that you can love more than one. Until the next confession of obsessions…Tell’m I told you!

Tc,

Dubai’s It Girl!

PS:  Please share your thoughts about this article.  If enough of you like it, I will write more articles (in addition to my regular blog entries), periodically for your enjoyment.