Frontline Fashion Festiveness

With christmas almost upon us and address books being rooted out to send the traditional Hallmark “Happy Holidays” and “Merry Christmas” cards, Frontline Fashion have come up with a fantastic alternative. Aiming to benefit those who lost so much during the earthquake in Haiti, their creative e-cards are perfect for the holidays season. Once purchased you can send them to as many loved ones as you wish.

For only $10 all proceeds goes to their project in Haiti providing food for 70 meals to those who need it or alternatively it can buy 6 blocks of bricks for the orphanage project. With ACTS as their ground partner in Haiti, the funds are going directly to the cause and a great way to share the holiday cheer.

Classic with Colour are spending the evening sending ours! Happy Holidays!

Humanity is always in style.

www.frontlinef.com

Images courtesy of Frontline Fashion

Art of an Abaya

The art of an abaya is something that fascinates me. Appreciated on so many different levels from the religious and cultural symbolism to the empowerment, style and individuality that they give a woman, the contemporary and modern silhouettes have now created an industry in itself in the Middle East.

Each abaya designer has their own unique style and characteristics focusing on detail, accessories, trimmings or design. These are among some of our favourite contemporary Abaya designers.

SlouchyZ

SlouchyZ design abayas that embody traditional culture yet embrace the contemporary needs of a woman. With exquisite designs and attention to detail using the most luxurious fabrics, these abayas go beyond fashion but are more an art piece. They are so unique and eclectic and we love them!

www.slouchyz.com

 DAS Collection 

DAS Collection offers beautiful, elegant silhouettes with contemporary designs. Combining tradition with modern 21st century style, DAS Collection are loyal to their roots. With luxurious fabrics and rich colours, the detail amongst these abayas is exquisite.  

www.dascollection.com

Amal Murad

 Amal Murad designs are another contemporary take on the traditional garment. As one of the leading designers in the region, these abaya’s are enhanced by strong bright colours and a mixture of textiles from tulle to chiffon. They let women embrace individuality while respecting their roots.

   

Images courtesy of SlouchyZ, DAS Collection and Amal Murad

ethical muse

In a city of glamour, skyscrapers and designer led malls, ethical fashion brands are not something you might first associate with Dubai.

Founded in spring 2011 by Cathy Leibman and Christina Decker, ethical muse set a mission to design and source high quality, style-focused products that bring awareness of global social causes to the consumer with a conscience.

Christina Decker and Cathy Leibman

With a concept that allows skills and sustainability in an emerging country to be developed and supported in addition to supporting basic humanitarian needs, ethical muse aims to promote conscious consumerism while making a difference.

ethical muse ensures customers are shopping in a responsible fashion. With the pay it forward opportunity which is the pillar of this business, it ensures that customers purchase continues a demand for a product which as a result of the purchase, keeps the creator self-sustainable and working at his craft. In addition to maintaining employment for artisans in emerging countries, a percentage of the profits from customers purchases are donated towards supporting other social and global causes including Invisible Sisters and Masooli School .

ethical muse Koko Clutch

The Koko Clutch is one of the key pieces from the collection. With an international limited edition of 50 pieces, it is a truly remarkable piece using the most luxurious materials.

Christina Decker, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Cathy Leibman

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner received the first two pieces from the limited edition collection which is being designed and sold to create awareness for World Aids Day on December 1st.

Offering an extensive range of products to customers there is everything from stylish clutches to ipad covers, beach bags and clothes, all available on the online store very soon.

It is great to see Dubai has responsible fashion. Congratulations!

www.ethicalmuse.com

Images courtesy of ethical muse  

United Designers

Opened in October in Mirdif City Centre in Dubai, United Designers is a fashion collective concept based in Dubai offering an array of talent that is throughout in the region.

Similar to the Project 51 initiative that is going on in Dublin, United Designers showcases and supports designers in the UAE focusing on young, up and coming talent. Aiming to assist with the growth of fashion design in the UAE, the three pillars behind this concept are Identify, Support and Promote.

With an exclusive and limited selection of pieces from designers, there is everything from dresses and earrings to clutches and coats. Below is a list of the designer collective.

Gaiora

Rouge Couture

Anaya Collection

nawá

POCA & POCA

Maja Bacanin Jewelry

Queen of Spades

Dima Ayad Collection

De Hania Jewellery

Shrekahnth

Ponsot Pret a Porter

Meher & Riddhima

Homa Q Abayas

Maison Rana

Aras Jewellery

Montaigne

A. Nuaimi Designs

www.uniteddesigners.ae

Images courtesy of United Designers

 

A moment with…Khulood Al Thani

 

Khulood Al Thani backstage at “bint thani” during London Fashion Week

Khulood Al Thani is the talent behind the chic and feminine Emirati brand bint thani. With a stunning collection of pieces this season, Khulood gave us a wonderful insight into her world as the designer for bint thani.

What inspires you for your collections for “bint thani”?

“bint thani” collections are inspired from arts, culture, legendary style icons and fashion history. I do enjoy watching 60’s and 70’s movies, I like to read a lot about the fashion and how the fashion has been influenced due to the social, economical and political reasons in the old days, besides that I totally find visiting fashion exhibitions and museums around the world very important to enrich my knowledge.

What are your fashion goals for ‘bint thani’?

My goals for the “bint thani” as a global brand with international appeal, one of the steps that I have already taken is participating in A La Mode London Fashion Week to present my collection launch officially. As Khulood, I would like to support the growth of the fashion industry in the UAE, and that’s why I really enjoy supporting different fashion projects happening locally like the recent “Berlin Dubai Festival”, through this project I have got the chance to network with the evolving Berlin fashion scene and exchange thoughts and ideas. Besides that I support other projects like “Project Stylist” as a jury member, along with the wonderful team of Image Factor UAE.

How would you describe Dubai’s style/fashion?

Dubai has its own unique style, trendy and elegant, due to the fact that Dubai has real variety of options on the retail front from boutiques that hold local and international designers to stores from high-street to luxury brands and this is very important to encourage the styling aspect within the fashion industry.

How would you describe your own personal style?

I have really my own style since I was child, I always wanted to own unique pieces, being different was always a must in my list. I tend more to have a fashionable elegant yet trendy style.

Do you have a fashion mentor?

I’m a mentor of myself, I believe I have the ingredients of being in the fashion industry; I’m very much a self motivated, creative and people orintented person.  I left to Paris beginning of 2010 just to start my own fashionable experience. My adventurous spirit and belief in what I’m doing has awarded me being the first ever Emirati to graduate from ESMOD Paris with a Master in Fashion Management and Marketing and I’m so proud of that…  I’m sure the future is keeping lots of fashionable surprises ahead for me!

Who would you love to dress in ‘bint thani’?

Any women with kind and happy spirit!

And finally, what advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers in
Dubai and the region?

Believe in yourself, it’s important that you be equipped with the right education.

www.bintthani.com

Image is courtesy of Bint Thani