Fashion shoot

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a fashion shoot?  I just found a fabulous video on The Spiral Notebook of a shoot that they have done for Bare Essentials.  It shows everything, make up, uncomfortable positions the photographer has to get into, the waiting around...  You have to go to the end of the homepage, but it is worth it. Love it.

The final editorial doesn't appear to be working.  I have emailed them to ask when the link is up.  I will post that again too.

Enjoy.

I want...

I want one of these!  Balmain call these arm candy and I can't agree more...

Balmain Fairy Arabesque Gold

With prices starting at 1580AED, these watches can be found in Rivoli.  Which one would you choose?

Balmain Fairy Arabesque - Rose Gold

Balmain Fairy Arabesque Rose Gold and Silver

Balmain Fairy Arabesque Silver

Bringing Fashion and Food Together

Canella Hostal

My two favourite things are being brought together in one night in the Tribeca Night Market that will feature ESMOD Dubai.

For those of you already au-fait with the night market, the market already has a big fashion and art element, but the inclusion of Esmod Dubai, will take this to a different level.  To be held on Wednesday 10th February, Tribeca Kitchen & Bar will be hosting the first ‘Tribeca Night Market’ of 2016, with ESMOD Dubai showcasing exciting and innovative collections of trendy designs and prints from young and upcoming designers.  Some of the designers featured include Faten Fashion, Kourosh Fashion Design and Canella Hostal Couture amongst others.

ESMOD Dubai supports fashion students after graduation through their Fashion Incubator Program. The incubator was established in line with ESMOD’s corporate social responsibility agenda to provide a unique and highly visible talent incubator to showcase emerging GCC designer brands and their collections.

TUMI TO TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS

Being An F1 lover and a lover of fashion, I was interested to learn about TUMI announcing today its new sponsorship of The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team.

TUMI, which provides its customers with beautiful and world-class business and travel products designed to uncomplicate and upgrade all aspects of their life on the move, will become an Official Supplier to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS, providing the team exclusively with TUMI premium Tegra-Lite® and Alpha 2 products among other exceptional TUMI travel collections. MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and TUMI share a strong passion of being founded upon the same key principles of design excellence, outstanding technological innovation and superior functionality.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport stated, “We are very pleased to announce our new partnership with TUMI and welcome them to the team as an Official Supplier just as the Formula One track action begins again with the first pre-season test taking place in Spain next week. The demands of travelling around the globe to 20 Grands Prix locations require a premium travel product, and we are delighted that the team will benefit from TUMI’s expertise in design excellence, innovation and functionality.”

Nico Rosberg

Chief Executive Officer and President of TUMI, Jerome Griffith, added: “TUMI is delighted and proud to be a partner of the MERCEDES PETRONAS Formula One Team and look forward to evolving our relationship over the coming years.  The unity between our two companies embodies the sophistication, creativity and innovative design which characterizes both brands.  As leaders in our respective fields, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS and TUMI create a powerful synergy that expresses our shared dedication for outstanding performance. We anticipate with enthusiasm the team’s continued success and a rewarding experience together.”

Even better though were the photos that came with it... Got to love Nico Rosberg!

Loving the Longchamp

When the new press release for Longchamp landed in my inbox, I couldn’t help but gasp.  The monochrome madness, with Alexa Chung looking utterly stunning was available for all to see… Then you notice the bag.

Part of the PARIS ROCKS collection, the washed out lambskin is said to give their classic cross the body a ‘slightly relaxed touch’ and more metal detailing.

Earlier on in the month, we were told how Jeremy Scott has redesigned the La Pilage to bring a more masculine, edgy feel.  It appears that for Autumn 2015, the Longchamp classics are getting rebellious.

TUMI Appoints New Creative Director

TUMI has appointed New York designer Michael Petry as its new Creative Director.

Mr. Petry has been recognised throughout the industry as one of the most talented young Creative Directors and leaders,with a proven track record of commercial and creative success.

“I’m thrilled to be joining TUMI’s team of innovators, who have been redefining the luxury travel space for over 40 years,” said Petry.   “I look forward to continuing this  legacy and appreciation of TUMI’s beautiful, technical products, with exciting new introductions and styles in the upcoming collections.”
 
Mr. Petry succeeds TUMI’s current consulting Creative Director, George Esquivel.

The news of the new appointment arrives just as they relaunch their Alpha Bravo range with modifications.

Even in this heat wool matters…

SUKETDHIR and Taller Marmo were today announced as the menswear and womenswear winners respectively, of the 2015/16 International Woolmark Prize India, Pakistan and the Middle East regional final, at an awards event held at the Manzil hotel, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
 

A judging panel comprising of Nez Gebreel, CEO, Dubai Design & Fashion Council; Osman Yousefzada, Designer; Bridget Cosgrave, Fashion and Buying Director, Boutique 1; Louise Nichol, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia; Melissa Grace, The Woolmark Company; Che Kurrien, Editor, GQ India and Alison Tay, Editor-in-Chief, Grazia Middle East, selected SUKETDHIR as the menswear winner and Taller Marmo as the winner for the womenswear category.

Nez Gebreel, CEO of Dubai Design and Fashion Council commented, “As the official supporters of the regional prize, the Dubai Design and Fashion Council team was excited to work alongside the International Woolmark Company; an entity renowned for investing in young emerging talent and opening doors for designers not only in their respective local markets, but also across the globe.  More importantly, this is a prize that educates and supports designers throughout the design process in its entirety, aligning with the council’s mandate to nurture emerging talent so they have an opportunity to flourish.  I was extremely impressed with the creativity of the finalists and how they incorporated Merino wool into their designs; the designers have created pieces which truly demonstrate the wealth of talent we have in this region.”

SUKETDHIR impressed the judges with his unique merino fabric developments and hand woven techniques which he presented passionately; representing the region brilliantly while UAE based Taller Marmo showed a truly exciting collection with a very international perspective.

Menswear category winner SUKETDHIR said, “I am extremely proud to have received this accolade from such a prestigious institution, particularly when taking into account all the amazing designers that have come before me. I am so grateful to The Woolmark Company for creating this wonderful platform to support designers.”

Womenswear winners Yago and Ricardo behind Taller Marmo said “To be honoured with such an award, from such a distinguished jury, is overwhelming. Now, we are looking towards the international Womenswear final in New York; truly excited to see what lies ahead as a result of this opportunity.”

Chosen from amongst the 11 most promising talents in India, Pakistan and the Middle East fashion design, both winners gain a financial contribution of AED 136,112, plus the opportunity to represent India, Pakistan and the Middle East and compete in the prestigious international final.  The final for menswear will be held in Florence in January 2016, and the womenswear final will be held in New York in February 2016.

For the next six to seven months, the winning designers will be required to develop a capsule collection in Merino wool, to be showcased at one of two extraordinary events that will highlight the six menswear finalists and six womenswear finalists selected from across the globe.

The finalists will compete for the coveted International Woolmark Prize, the winners being awarded an additional AED 272,224, and the opportunity to be stocked in the most important retailers of the world, including Harvey Nichols (London), 10 Corso Como (Milan, Beijing and Shanghai), Matchesfashion.com (online), Mytheresa.com (online), Saks Fifth Avenue (NYC), Joyce (China), Boutique 1 (UAE) and David Jones (Australia).

The Woolmark Company Managing Director Stuart McCullough explains, “The International Woolmark Prize is our commitment to educating the next generation of fashion industry leaders about the extraordinary potential of Merino wool, and we congratulate SUKETDHIR and Taller Marmo on their win.  With the number of countries represented the largest yet, the International Woolmark Prize is a truly global celebration of emerging talent and most importantly provides the winning designers with a unique opportunity for commercial success on a global scale.”

Dubai is committed to the underpinning itself as a global fashion hub, as Stefan Viard, General Manager, Vida Hotels and Resorts explains, “We are delighted to have hosted the regional final of the 2015/16 International Woolmark Prize, which celebrates the newest talent in high-end fashion and design.  As one of the first international fashion events to be held in our property, in the central location of Manzil Downtown Dubai, its unmatched architecture and elegant features are a perfect fit to this high-calibre design event.  We will continue to extend our support to such initiatives that further underline Dubai as a global fashion hub.”

Illamasqua TO BE ALIVE collection

This summer Illamasqua has turned to their blue side as they delve into the spirit of colour, seeking the force of feeling and emotion through make-up, in particular creating a ‘blue movement’ in this season’s collection.

Admittedly, it is quite a shock initially - especially for someone who is rapidly approaching middle age, or at least feels like they are - when they see shocking blue lipstick, but on closer analysis I must admit, in my (slightly) younger years, I would have loved it; The Palette in Spirit does have beautiful shades of blue that I would wear now, albeit toned down slightly to the pictures sent to me with their Illamasqua's models.  Alternatively blue nail varnish... Well I have been wearing that for years.  In fact, the Prismatic nail varnish is actually a more mature version of the electric blue I ask my manicurist for.

“Blue is the colour of pure mind, healing clarity and stillness that gives way to movement and spirit, the authentic self and true gesture,” said Alex Box.  “To celebrate this movement, we here at Illamasqua have launched a collection dedicated to blue, portraying the beauty and clarity of its vivid, alive connotations”.

picture from www.reallyree.com

New PALETTE in SPIRIT

The new pallet in Spirit provides four colour-intense eye shadows including cream and powder finishes with Powder Eye Shadows in Cascade (ultraviolet light), Inspire (rich true blue) and Refine (intense midnight blue) combined with Shimmer Cream Eye Shadow in Awaken (delicate ice blue).   These can be worn alone for a simple touch of blue or blended to create a deep, azure/sapphire smoke.

New GLAMORE LIPSTICK in VENDETTA

This new colour intense, rich cobalt blue lipstick is enriched with moisturising Vitamin E.  Glamore Lipstick in Vendetta provides a long-lasting satin finish in a smooth, hydrating formula that glides onto lips without compromising on colour pay off.  It is the ultimate electric blue statement.

New SHINE LIPGLOSS in IRIDESCE

The newest lipgloss formulation to the Illamasqua range, this shine effect reflecting formula can be used on its own or with lipstick to enhance colour and add definition.  Iridesce’s light texture also glides onto lips and provides an ultra-shine veil without a tacky finish.

New NAIL VARNISH IN PRISMATIC

An optical opalescent, this two-tone effect Nail Varnish provides a long-lasting finish in a chip resistant formula.  Apply two coats of this dimensional aqua tone colour for a perfect, professional finish.

diptyque LES EAUX collection launch

Hot off the press - This month diptyque launches the floral and citrusy Les Eaux collection.  Going from freshness to playful scents, these new fragrances will appeal to many different moods, perfect for those feeling like me right now!

- Citrus collection -

les hespéridés

L’EAU DE L’EAU spicy citrus

A spicy freshness to stir the senses

A citrus scent that evokes all the transparency of L’Eau, the first of diptyque’s fragrant waters, created in 1968.

• Italian Green Mandarin, Florida Grapefruit, Petitgrain from Paraguay

• Clove Leaves, Ceylon Cinnamon Bark, Egyptian Geranium, Orange Blossom

• Lao Benzoin, Venezuelan Tonka Bean, Indonesian Patchouli

L’EAU DES HESPERIDES - aromatic citrus

A playful, zesty scent with a green, contrasting freshness

Slightly provocative, it invites the frisson of a forbidden garden.

• Bitter Orange from the Ivory Coast, Italian Mandarin and Lemon, Red Thyme, African Rosemary

• Crinkle-leafed Spearmint, Peppermint

• Immortelle Flower, Georgy Wood (warm, woody, cedar-y note), White Musks

L’EAU DE TAROCCO - fruity citrus

A fruity fragrance that’s sweet yet vibrant and spicy

It carries the exhilarating scent of the Mediterranean in winter, the freshness of fruit just plucked from the tree, plump and ripe.

• Sweet Italian Tarocco Orange, Florida Orange, Grapefruit

• Saffron, Ginger Extract, Cinnamon, Curcuma Extract, Bulgarian Rose, Orange Blossom

• Cedar Wood, Somali Frankincense, White Musk

- Floral collection -

Les Florales

EAU ROSE

Its olfactory composition is designed to celebrate the multiple aromas of the flower in its natural state, as it blossoms over time. The top note, a sharp, fresh surge of bergamot and blackcurrant, gives the rose a lively, even piquant, freshness. The middle notes contain a majestic rose, both discreet and powerful, unveiling all its force through a subtle combination of two roses: the Centifolia rose (or Rose de Mai) and the Damask rose. The base notes evoke a rose warmed by the sun, almost at dusk, when its floral richness exudes sensual, balmy, more intense tones.

 

EAU DE LAVANDE

Eau de Lavande, examines the subtlety of lavender, a small flower that turns the fields of the South of France bright blue. Designed like an eau de toilette, that can be used liberally on yourself or to share, these compositions have many sides to them, just like the purest of fragrances. The raw materials are rigorously selected, and the blend is sophisticated: the emotion remains intact, it is the fragrance we recognize from nature.

EAU MOHELI

Ylang-Ylang, a flower known for its intensely sweet scent, grows on Mohéli, one of the smallest islands in Comoros. This archipelago’s diverse population is a mixture of African, Indian and Arabian cultures.

The island’s rich heritage, coveys the story of one-way crossings and long haul voyages on the Southern Seas. The climate and the light on Mohéli gives the island an exotic, escapist ambience in which visitors feel like they are at the end of the world. In the heart of this tropical Eden, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the luxuriant vegetation – orchids, coconut trees, palm trees and clove trees – the ylang-ylang blooms.

GERANIUM ODORATA

Geranium Odorata now takes us into clusters of the crimson-colored flowers whose springtime blossoming in gardens and on balconies announces the arrival of a joyful, sunny season. The geranium is both a masculine and feminine flower, sharing some scents with the rose. It is bright, fresh, crisp and diverse. At diptyque it is now the special object of our attention, reflecting our taste for simplicity with an added dash of mischief. Many artists have also taken it as a model, an amicable, everyday companion.

 

diptyque LES EAUX fragrance collection

- Floral collection -

Eau de Lavande EDT 100 ml – 395 AED and Roll-on 20 ml – 195 AED

Eau Moheli EDT 100 ml – 410 AED and Roll-on 20 ml – 210 AED

Eau Rose EDT 100 ml – 410 AED & Roll-on 20 ml– 210 AED

Geranium Odorata EDT 100 ml– 395 AED & Roll-on 20 ml– 195 AED

- Citrus collection -

L’Eau de L’Eau EDT 100 ml– 475 AED

L’Eau des Hesperides EDT 100 ml– 335 AED

L’Eau de Tarocco EDT 100 ml– 410 AED

Available at:

Dubai

diptyque Store, The Dubai Mall +971 4 3308423

Abu Dhabi

Areej store, Marina Mall +9712 6815662

Laura Mercier launches new Flawless Contouring Palette

Laura Mercier has only gone and done it again with a newly launched, exclusive Contouring Palette that brings Laura’s artistry techniques to life with ease. Through her artisan lens and years of working as a professional makeup artist, Laura has carefully chosen these neutral shades in a darker range that help sculpt the face.

Laura’s Contouring Palette is designed to define and highlight your features with 5 unique crèmes:

3 Neutral brown matte crèmes – for shading

2 Crème highlighters (light and dark) – for light reflection

Known for her specialty of creating the flawless face, Laura Mercier is a world-renowned makeup artist and creator of Laura Mercier Cosmetics, Skincare, Body & Bath, and Fragrance. As the personal makeup artist to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Madonna, Susan Sarandon, Isabella Rosellini, Brooke Shields, Ellen Barkin, Celine Dion, Meg Ryan, Ashley Judd, Meryl Streep, Julia Ormond, Juliette Binoche, and as a contributor to cover designs and editorial shoots, Laura Mercier creates looks that are both flawless and accentuate one’s natural beauty.   “I am so excited to share this incredible art with you. The key to everyday contouring is to be discrete, so let’s have some fun and play with light to enhance, sculpt and shadow,” said Mercier.

The extraordinary cream formula is more blendable than typical contouring powders, allowing for a natural, flawless, fool-proof application every time. This beautiful contouring kit includes Laura’s step-by-step tutorial guide and quick fix tips.

It is available at Areej stores.

Paul Marciano Announces His Successor As Guess, Inc. CEO

Paul Marciano, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Guess, Inc. (NYSE: GES), announced today that Victor Herrero will be his successor and new CEO of Guess, Inc. in August 2015. Paul Marciano will replace Maurice Marciano as Executive Chairman of the Board and will continue serving as Chief Creative Officer. Maurice Marciano will remain a director, and has been named Chairman Emeritus by the Board of Directors.

Victor Herrero joins GUESS with over twenty years of global experience spanning Europe and Asia. Victor served as the Head of Asia Pacific for Inditex Group, the world's largest fashion retailer with brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Bershka, and Stradivarius. In the past 10 years, Victor was responsible for building Inditex's multi-billion dollar business in Asia.

Victor Herrero, CEO, Guess

Victor has been with Inditex for the past twelve years after he started his career with them in Europe. Prior to Inditex, Victor was a management consultant working for Arthur Andersen in Asia. Victor has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from ESCP in Paris, France and has a Bachelor's of Law Degree from the University of Zaragoza in Spain.

Paul Marciano commented, "Maurice and I have been working with the Board for over a year now to select the right candidate to be my successor as Chief Executive Officer of Guess. The most important criteria in our view are the understanding of our brand, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, the complexity of our business being in over 90 countries with more than 25 categories of products, and having a deep understanding of the changing environment of the retail world. We believe that Victor is the perfect top executive because, in addition to his entrepreneurial spirit, he has unparalleled experience in building a large business in Asia, he has a deep understanding of the current world of retail, and he is extremely knowledgeable in best in class sourcing and supply chain."

Victor Herrero commented, "I am excited at the opportunity to work with Paul, Maurice, and the team at Guess who are at the forefront of more than 90 markets worldwide. It's a pivotal time for Guess, and I look forward to joining a group that is poised to continue as an innovative leader in the fashion industry. I am particularly thrilled to have the opportunity to use my background and to contribute my skills in order to unlock a tremendous amount of value for our shareholders."

PGM Group board appoints John Hooks as CEO which includes being on the Board of La Perla

John Hooks, CEO, Pacific Global Management

Pacific Global Management (PGM), the holding company which controls La Perla - the luxury lingerie and fashion company - and Elite World  - the global leader in the model agency business operating under the brands Elite, The Society NY and Women Management NY and Paris - has appointed John Hooks, one of the most successful executives in the luxury fashion business, as its CEO.

Mr. Hooks will also be nominated Executive Chairman of Elite World and will join, as a Director, the Board of La Perla.

In the last couple of years, following the acquisition of La Perla and Women Management NY and Paris and the sale of Gold Typhoon, PGM has developed into a fast-growing Group focused on luxury and fashion, with expected revenues of over 300 million Euro in 2015 and a high growth rate predicted for the future.

Mr. Hooks will contribute with his experience and proven record, working in a team with Stefania Valenti, CEO of Elite World, who will continue to lead the development of the model management business which she has successfully turned around since her appointment in 2012 – as well as with Silvio Scaglia, Executive Chairman of La Perla.

In particular, John and Stefania will lead the development of the Group into opportunities adjacent to the model agency business, such as licensing, marketing, and the leveraging of the very significant social reach managed by the Group.

Silvio Scaglia, as Shareholder and Chairman of PGM, warmly welcomes John as a strategic addition to a very successful team which, with him on board, is now ready to lead a larger and increasingly complex Group through its ambitious plans for the future.

Mr. John Hooks’ Biography

John Hooks has been in the luxury fashion industry for over 35 years and has held positions in some of the sector's most influential apparel companies.

After graduating from Oxford University in 1978, he entered the fashion industry through Gruppo Finanziario Tessile S.p.A. (GFT) in Turin, Italy, holding a variety of positions, managing licenses for brands such as Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin, Claude Montana, Emmanuel Ungaro and Valentino.

From 1988 to 1994, based in Hong Kong, he was responsible for the establishment of GFT's regional subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia as well as in mainland China (in 1988, the first major foreign fashion company to establish a presence in that country).

From 1995 to 2000 he was Commercial and Retail Director of Jil Sander A.G. in Hamburg, Germany.

In 2000, Mr. Hooks was recruited by Giorgio Armani S.p.A. as Group Commercial and Marketing Director, considerably expanding the company's global wholesale and retail network. In October 2009 he was appointed Deputy Chairman of the Giorgio Armani Group.

From 2011 to 2014 he was Group President of Ralph Lauren Europe and the Middle East.

Mr. Hooks has been a Non Executive Director of Manchester United plc since November, 2012 and is on the board of Miroglio Fashion s.r.l.