WHITE!

I have become a Contributing Fashion Editor/Writer for "WHITE", an online bridal magazine that features everything from bridal beauty tips, to fashion, to destinations, etc, and is based out of Dubai. I'm elated to be a part of such a sensational site. If you have a moment, read my first article;))

http://www.whiteme.net/magazine/2010/09/how-to-become-a-timeless-bride/

I'd love to get your feedback!

Creativity & Originality!

Just a thought that has been on my mind forever, and even more so recently:

"Creativity is when you make something out of nothing.....many take that something and try embellishing it without creating something new along the way.....The truth is, they don't realize that it lacks originality, and they lack creativity!"--Me.

Lost Journey.....VN FOLD Magazine!

Lost Journey!

Yesssssssssss!!!!
A superb editorial is finally out on VN Fold magazine. Shot in New York by the brilliant Kristiina Wilson, grooming by Andy Starkweater, model Xoan from DNA Models, and styling by yours truly. This is the 3rd issue of the magazine and the theme was about being close to nature......I just loved how the whole story came together......with Kristiina's choice of location and photographic angles, Xoan's strong looks with his beard and darting green eyes, Andy's vagabond like grooming, and the overall wardrobe selection (might be getting a little modest here!!).....I'm just very thrilled about it!
Enjoy it!

http://www.vnfold.com/fashion/178

What I'm upto next week??

For the next five days starting on Sunday next week, I'll be styling a shoot and video for Emirates airlines. We will be shooting aboard the A-380 craft, focusing on the different classes, amenities, and passengers. A team made up of 4 different photographers plus their assistants, 3 wardrobe stylists plus 2 assistants, 2 make-up and hairstylists plus one assistant, 3 production people plus an assistant, and 43 different models that were cast from ordinary people (ranging from ages 4 through 40's), 3 different creative directors, and 8 Emirates airlines staff members.......should be quite a challenge filled with lots of excitement.....looking forward to it!

Last week.....

I see.....

Bubble Wrap Couture

And more to come on that note;))

Psssssstttttttt......

A glimpse;)

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl - Bang Bang Bang

I can't get this track off my head....it's like crack!! I love it....and Q-tip is unbelievable in it, always been a fan of his. Styling is 80's with an edge of millenia of course! I remember learning this song "Je te plumerai" at pre-school. Great remix by Mark Ronson & The Business International!

Sponsored shoot: Van Cleef and Arpels + Chloe for Haya MBC Magazine!

What a great birthday present!!!

Worked on a fabulous shoot for Van Cleef & Arpels and Chloe....styled together! It was for Haya MBC Magazine. And the best part, it was art directed by me!!! I was very happy to work closely with the PR and marketing reps here in the Middle East, and to use their recent collection pieces in an outstanding editorial.

One of my fav's

A shot on the screen

Shot in the Cigar room at the Address Hotel Marina in Dubai, this place gave a dramatic feel to the story. It's dark, old English countryside setting, brought about the strong colors of camels, tans, and dark olives of the recent Chloe fall 2010 collection, paired up with the ravishing signature diamond clovers and floral jewelry of Van Cleef & Arpels. Did I mention that their long clover necklace cost AED 400,000 (equivalent to 108,902.80 USD)??

Clover Necklace from VC&A

Militza from Bareface

We shot with the stunning Militza from Bareface....a tall and stunning Serbian beauty. Hair was done by the talented Tonee Robeiro, makeup by the awesome Zahra Kadom (I love working with her!), and story was once again shot by lighting fanatic Hussain Jian. Editorial is due to be published on the 2nd of September!

Happy Birthday.....To me:))

Another year....33, and I'm ecstatic! The best is yet to come......

Sizzle the summer...The booker's blog @ Bareface!

Just wrote a great article for the summer's new trends @ my agency's blog. Check it out:

http://thebookersblog.wordpress.com/2010/07/27/sizzle-this-summer/

Hoping to write more for them....and for myself:))

Product/Still Life Styling.

I just recently got into Product/Still Life styling. I did do small time projects of this sort in the past, but now I'm doing them for magazines, and I'm just loving how my imagination is taking me on many fun adventures with this. Here are a few that I did and have recently been published in Haya MBC magazine in Dubai, shot by photographer Hussain Jian. Watch this space and more to come on my site!

A slacker's excuse!!!!

Yes, I've disappeared from the face of this blog for almost 8 months. Any particular reason? Well besides being a slacker when it comes to blogging, I've been trying to adjust to my new surroundings which has kept me busy......but the good news is: I've worked on so many exciting shoots, and I am now based between Dubai and New York. I'm collaborating with lots of talented people, magazines, advertising clients, and good causes. Keep a look out for all the great and wonderful things coming up. Until then, I promise I won't be a slacker again;)) Xx

Oil of Olay-White Radiance Cream Campaign.

Today, I worked on an ad campaign for Oil of Olay-White Radiance Cream, a client for Saatchi & Saatchi. It was an exciting projected, booked by my agency in Dubai, Bareface. The model, Sara Powell (repped by Next Models New York, and Modelwerk Hamburg), was flown in from Germany. The team was comprised of the talented Dennie Pasion from Bareface, who did hair + makeup, and photography was by Alexa Singer, also from Bareface and just flew in from Cape Town for the project, and who by the way was a top South African model in the 80's featured on the covers of Vogue 16 times back then. Assistant photographer was Jay Jayendran, and Bareface producer Gemma Beecher. Campaign shot to follow soon:)

Alexa Singer

Model: Sara Powell

Team at work!

Angular Muliebrity--Edition by Georges Chakra...

Need I say more.....This gentleman ( yes, because he really is one) just knows true womanhood, his RTW collection was just spectacular and genuinely elegant. He played around with angles and shapes, and was not afraid to use colors and jewels, and in the most unexpected way.

Once again, I attended the show with my fabulous girl Allia.....managed to score another front row seat;) I just love the luck this season...LOL! The show was a full house, with celebrities from Jill Zarin, Alex McCord, and Simon Van Kempen of the Real Houswives of New York as well as Miss Jay Alexander of America's Next Top Model. I really enjoyed this show, one of my favorites. He had magnificently tall models who were literally gliding in front of us in fuscia's, lime greens, blacks, silvers, and yellows. The gowns just moved freely and beautifully....the girls wore them well.

After the show we made it backstage so we could say hello to Mr. Chakra and congratulate him, he was a lovely man. I also had to meet with his PR rep, Zeina, who had sent me a thoughtful email several months ago thanking me for getting one of Georges' pieces on actress Kelly Carlson for the cover of ROUGE Magazine. She was very nice and thanked us all for the support, also mentioned that if I ever made it to Paris during Haute Couture Week, that I would have an invite waiting.....I know for a fact that I will take her up on that soon ;)

Well done to my fellow Middle Eastern designer....I give you plaudits!

Fashion Week: Yigal Azrouel....

Day 2 and I made it to the Yigal Azrouel's show, which was scheduled to start @ 11am. I am pretty much beat, but wouldn't miss the show for the world!!

Overall synopsis.....I thought Yigal's collection was fresh and quite cutting-edge. He brought out something different in hipster fashion, making it more state of the art chic and with panache. Models trotted up and down the runway to modern Indie music, thus creating some sort of vicissitude. He is definitely going some place with this concept and I look forward to seeing more of it in his upcoming collections.

Fashion Week: PORTS 1961 and Fashion's Night Out!!!

What a night!!!!
Started off my day by attending the PORTS 1961 runway show to view their Spring/Summer 2010 collection along with my girls, Julia and Allia. I was so happy to score front row seats right by where the models were coming out from.....woohoo!


Anyway, we arrived and checked in with the invitations ( which were so cool, they were actual fans!). As I was about to go in, ran in to Tony ( PR Director of PORTS 1961) who welcomed all of us with open arms. The runway room (inside the tent) was huge and furnished all in black....I'm usually used to seeing the traditional all white, but this was nice. The catwalk was projected with images of zen like pebbles, plants, and mini waterfalls.....it was breathtaking. Lights were dimmed, music started with an Asian themed beat, lights came back on.....and models were making their way. The collection was GORGEOUS.....I just wanted to see more. Colors of baby pinks, off whites, light grays, corals, and hints of browns and blacks here and there. The silhouettes were feminine with high empire waists wrapped around with obi-like belts, their signature harem pants, origami-like spring coats, and candy-like wedges....OMG, Tia Cibani (PORTS 1961 Designer/Creative Director) went all out. The whole collection was a Japanese version of Jackie Onassis....something I'm sure Michelle Obama would rock beautifully!!

Of course, after the show, I made my way backstage to congratulate Tia and take a few pictures. I then joined Julia and some friends for a night out around the town. This is the first season where Vogue's Anna Wintour, the CFDA, and NYC and Co. created Fashion's Night Out.....A night where they invited all fashion retailers across the city and its boroughs to have their store open late and welcome all of New York to be a part of the fashion scene ( hence boosting up sales!--smart smart!!). So, we've made our way from 5th avenue through downtown meatpacking.....and boy, was it fun. From Salvatore Ferragamo, to Dior ( where we had just missed Charlize Theron by minutes!!) and Chanel, Barneys ( where all the major designers were spotted: Kate Rodarte, Narcisco Rodriguez, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Waris Ahluwalia), celebs were everywhere, DJ's spinning at most stores, free drinks and h'orderves......Everyone owned the city that night and there was no stopping us:))

Ended the night at Spice Market, where we all had our last meal for the evening ( full of a lot of laughs and jokes) and I made my way back home.... It was a fabulous night full of great networking and pleasures. It is past 1AM now and I am about to hit the sack and wake up in a few hours for tomorrows show(s)....Bonne Nuit!

New Season-Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S 2010

Here it is once again, that time of year when everyone in this glam industry is at a frenzy. From designers to models to photographers.....just everyone getting that boost of adrenaline rush....woohooo! It's my favorite times of the year......The NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010!!

I have received my invites for some of the best shows, and thanks to some friends in the industry whom I have done amazing work with, and who haven't forgotten to RSVP for me in other Fashion Week Events. This is when we all go out, have a good time, and network away. Look out for my next few posts with pictures and videos from the runway and backstage, or follow me on twitter.

Ahhhhh.....I just love Fashion Week, and I know it loves me back;))

ROUGE Magazine Interview-July August 2009

So finally, my interview with ROUGE Magazine-Bulgaria has been published in the July/August issue. I got back from Miami, and Julia sends me a text message telling me about it, then she emailed it to me.....I was super excited!!! It features a few of my works, and of course, a little bit about me. Since it is in Bulgarian, I have taken the time to put the translation for you. Enjoy!


R: You styled the shoot with Kelly Carlson for ROUGE. Tell us more about it. I know that you had to transfer the clothes from New York to LA.
D: Well, the photographer who I work with on a regular basis, Julia Pogodina, contacted me about whether I would be interested in doing a gig with Kelly Carlson for ROUGE Magazine, and I jumped to the opportunity—great chances like this don’t come by everyday. It was quite an adventure after that-once the concept was established, it was all about contacting several designer showrooms and their PR’s to get access to clothes and accessories, bringing them back to my place and sorting them out, then packing them. I had a huge suitcase full of beautiful clothes, 3 gowns that I had carried in my hand, and a small bag full of accessories. It was a big risk transporting them that way, because with all the content, the suitcase was worth $50,000. So, I was praying everything got there safely.
R:What was your impression from Kelly? Is she really so beautiful? How did you choose the clothes for her?
D: I thought that Kelly was gorgeous. She has been in the business for a longtime, so she knew exactly what type of looks work for her. Once I walked her through what I had envisioned her in, she was able to see where I was coming from. I chose clothes that were related to the concept-- which was the everyday life of a Hollywood celebrity staying at a hotel. The pictures were going to be movie-like frames with moody vibes and rich backgrounds like a poolside, a suite, a bar/restaurant; so overall I went with my gut feeling of what I thought would look great on her.
R: How does a stylist choose a dress for a model they don’t know personally and have seen them only in the magazines?
D: For the most part, that is how it usually works, we Stylists don’t know the models personally and usually we meet them on set, during castings or backstage of runway shows for the first time, unless we’ve worked with them in the past. There’s usually a concept that is given by the Art Director or Photographer, which is then passed down to everyone in the team, and that includes the Wardrobe Stylist, Hairstylist and Make-up Artist. We look at reference pictures and discuss the idea in depth making sure that it has been embellished on enough. We also take a look at the portfolio images of the chosen model(s), whether she/he has been in several magazines and we have not met before, sizes are given before hand to the Stylist who then shops around with visions of the looks and makes the necessary adjustments a while before the date of the shoot or on set.
R: Tell us more about your childhood. You were born in Sudan and grew up in the United Arab Emirates. Why did you decide to become a stylist?
D: I had a great childhood. Yes, I was born in Khartoum in The Sudan and I moved to the UAE when I was one year old and spent over seventeen years of my life there. My parents are both Eritrean and they provided my siblings and I a very diverse upbringing among many different people. We traveled a lot, studied in international schools, and spoke different languages. I was exposed to the arts at a very young age, music and dancing was very common at my home, since both my parents believed that it brought happiness among us. My father introduced me to Fashion. He loved clothes and knew so much about many designers like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. He was actually our personal Stylist at home, especially my Mother’s. He enjoyed shopping for her (and all of us) it was his favorite pastime and used to take me along with him. I remember being a little six year old visiting all these massive boutiques and he would place me on one of their armchairs, pulling out all the clothes in front of me, showing me the details on how well everything was made, and how to put great looks together. I was always blown away at how good he was at that and how beautiful everything looked. So much for that six year old who didn’t know she would take those memorable moments and make something of them—that is why I became a Stylist.
R: You have studied in England. Why did you move to New York and stay there?
D: I did part of my studies in the UK. It was actually my Parents decision to have me moved to the USA, although I wanted so much to stay in Europe. Being an American Citizen, they thought that it would be easier to pursue my studies without worrying about high and unnecessary expenses. So I first moved twelve years ago to Virginia, and then about 3 years later moved to New York City to become part of this challenging yet glamorous industry.
R: Tell us more about the profession of a stylist? What don’t people know about it?
D: The job of a Stylist is a challenging one. It entails so much planning, organizing, communicating, setting and taking overall responsibility for the major part of the shoot or the runway show. What people don’t know is how much we put into a project, they think Styling is all about making someone look good or enhancing their style, however it takes a lot to pull all of that together. You have to do thorough research through history books, movies, old tear sheets and magazines to grasp a concept. You also have to be outspoken and fearless and can get a hold of anyone in the industry, bearing in mind that your request can be rejected….Nevertheless you can still pick up and move on to the next contact. Most of all, everyone in the shoot is solely relying on you, so if you can’t bring all the looks together or get any clothes, then the whole project falls apart pretty much— we are the problem solvers. Sometimes, we can be the Art Directors too, figuring out the whole storyline of an editorial and what look we’re trying to pull off. Overall, it is a very intense profession and requires focus—with styling, you need an eye that can see beyond the norm, so you either have it or you don’t.
R: Are there any common rules in styling that you always follow – like combining colors for example?
D: I personally don’t tend to follow rules, I just do what I feel looks good. However, we Stylists have our basics and the main one is “Never to over style”.
R: You take expensive clothes and jewelry for the photo sessions. Do you use guards to keep them safe? Isn’t there any danger to be stolen?
D: It all depends on the project. For example, when I worked at the Dubai Fashion Week, because it was such a big event with so many models and several people backstage, there were guards watching the jewelry and they were put on the models minutes before they were about to hit the runway. If it is at a shoot, I usually keep the jewels with me in a bag and pull them out when I need them—if the production is bigger, then I sometimes give the responsibility to one of my most trusted assistants—like I said, it always depends on the type of work.
R: And which was the most expensive dress you took for photo shoots?
D: I feel that I have used jewels that were a lot more expensive than gowns. For a recent shoot I have used a Tourmaline set by Helen Yarmak that was worth $150,000.00 As far as a dress is concerned, Walid Atallah gown that was worth $45,000 where he used precious stones as embellishments—this was during a runway show at the Dubai Fashion Week.
R: How much time does it take to collect all the necessary clothes for a photo session? Has it ever happen to you to search for a particular dress but not find it? What do you do then?
D: It usually takes me a week to ten days—once again it depends on the size and type of project. It has happened plenty of times where I haven’t been able to find an item of clothing that I really wanted—and in such instances, I always figure out an alternative plan way ahead of time or at that particular moment. You have to be quick at solving problems.
R: If you have to style a Hollywood movie – what would it be? Sex and the City or something else?
D: Ideally, I prefer movies where I can get creative; something futuristic like Aeonflux or The Fifth Element where I have to create the look from scratch. I also don’t mind periodic movies like Pride & Prejudice or Dangerous Liaisons cause it would entail research and recreating once again. Movies like Sex and the City would be a lot of fun to style, it would be pulling clothes and putting looks together that are off the runway and that is what I usually do already. I always look for challenges and diversity.
R: What kind of emotions can a woman express through her clothes?
D: A woman can express all sorts of emotions by the way she dresses. Clothing emotions define our image, and a woman’s style is influenced by how connected she is to her own beautiful self, and her ability to reflect her inner beauty through her outer beauty in the way she dresses. It is always important to know how to dress your own unique self in whatever mood you’re in.
R: You have traveled the world. Can you point some differences between the style of women in Europe, America, Africa and the Arabian countries?
D: There are so many similarities yet differences always exist. Let me start with women in the Arabian countries, just like all women in the world, they are very beautiful and they tend to dress modestly but very elegant—they believe that you don’t need to reveal too much to be considered sexy, however, some can dress forward too. African women are all about the colors and vibrancy of prints and extravagant silhouettes--they are all about looking good, feeling good and sharing it with the world. In America, for the most part, I feel that it’s all about poise --women here are true believers of finding that element of abundance through fresh and confident styles. With European women on the other hand, they are all about the dash, the dress to kill and the ostentatious look but you can also find the traditional bourgeois. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you come from; it’s all about the style that makes you feel good about yourself.
R: Where in the world do the most stylish women live?
D: Stylish women can live anywhere in the world, however, if you’re asking me where I think Fashion speaks its loudest…Then I would say that it’s London—People there are just so amazing when it comes to expressing their own style.
R: Have you ever styled men? Is it more difficult or easier?
D: Yes I have, and I thoroughly enjoy it. It’s actually just as hard or easy as women. Once again, it all depends on the intensity of the concept.
R: Can a dress totally transform a woman? Can it change her completely?
D: Of course it can. A perfect dress or look can reflect a woman’s mindset and inner beauty. As far as changing her completely, I feel that any woman will remain true to her inner self regardless of what she puts on.
R: Are there any rules in combining the dress with the accessories and which is the accessory that every woman should have in her wardrobe?
D: I think that every woman should have great belts in their wardrobe, it always complements/elevates a look. With rules of combining dresses with accessories, minimizing is the key, so do not over accessorize.
R: What rules should a woman follow if she is overweight?
D: I believe that style is for every woman regardless of her size or weight, so anyone should find their strongest feature and accentuate it.
R: When you work for a photo session the collaboration with the photographer is very important. How do you succeed to make a successful team and find a common view about the project?
D: Through constant communication, contribution, persistence, and trust. Everyone will be aware of what’s going on and nobody comes to the shoot feeling lost. It’s all about good teamwork, maintaining a clear perspective of goals to be accomplished and an optimistic approach towards challenges. That is the way success will be inevitable.
R: Which are your favorite fashion brands and designers?
D: Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, Comme Des Garçons, Alexander Mcqueen, Sandra Buckland, I have so many.
R: Tell us more about the fashion trends for the spring of 2009?
D: There are several…Asymmetrical dresses and blouses; White, Lemon Yellows, Chartreuse and Fuscia are definitely the fresh colors; High waists in many silhouettes; Pantsuits and Shortsuits; See-through/Sheer fabrics; Harem pants (which I totally love), and of course the ruffle and bows.
R: Can you describe the most beautiful dress you have ever seen?
D: That would be really hard. I love clothes and I’ve seen, worked and worn so many beautiful dresses. The one that’s in my head right now is something that my mum wore when I was younger— a vintage piece by now, a beautiful black with emerald green Escada cocktail dress that I’m happy to say I am now a proud owner of.
R: Tell us more about your own designs. I have read that you have started in 2005 and that you are inspired by the street fashion.
D: Well, I did start a line back in 2005. It was a line of ravishing tank tops that were inspired by the periodic era of the 18th century combined with the underground street styles. I then went on to create a whole collection about a year later and that was inspired by a mix of combat sports with the street styles once again. I was invited to showcase my collection at the Dubai Fashion Week, however I didn’t feel I was ready yet. As much as I love designing, I think that I will share that part of me with everyone when the time is right. There is so much I want to do—but I need to keep in mind that it’s all about taking small steps.
R: Are you a rebel yourself? What is the craziest thing you have ever done in your life?
D: In many ways I am. I have taken so many risks without thought, just following my heart always. The biggest risk I took was withdrawing from a major of Business Law in University to pursue my studies in fashion; and then leaving the comfortable life in Virginia with close family to move to the daring city of New York. Later on, after finding a good design job at a corporate office with stable salary, I left that as well to focus on my styling. My parents didn’t know what to make out of my sudden and extreme decisions-- As my father always told me “You are always swimming against the tide!!” And honestly, I do not regret any of my choices because they have made me who I am today, and it makes life more exciting I guess.
R: Tell us more about your daily routine? What time do you wake up, what do you usually do during the day?
D: I usually wake up very early, around 7am. The first thing I do is check my blackberry for important emails, then get up and shower, probably go for a run if I’m up for it and the weather is accommodating, come back and eat. I then sit in front of the computer and answer emails, if I have shoots lined up, I’ll be contacting PR reps for designers and make appointments to head into showrooms and make the necessary pulls. I also like to look up editorials online, photographers I may want to shoot with, and different talents I could possibly work with and contact them all. Pretty busy days, but I also never forget that quality of life is also important, so I keep in touch with my family and friends.
R: Is there a celebrity whose style you like?
D: One of my all time icons is Edie Sedgwick—Andy Warhol’s muse from the sixties. She has been my favorite as far as style figures are concerned. I also really like Sienna Miller (British Actress), Marion Cotillard (French Actress) and Agyness Deyn (English Top Model).
R: Do you know anything about Bulgaria? What would you wish for our Bulgarian readers?
D: I was hoping you’d ask me this question. I actually do know of Bulgaria. I have been there when I was seven years old with my parents and my sister and some family and friends. It was a big trip for us and I really enjoyed it. I have been to Sofia and Varna (stayed at the Grand Varna Hotel), Sana Beach…I had a great time and have so many pictures. I would love to go back again now as an adult and as a Stylist, I would love to do some great work out there, and continue a growing relationship with ROUGE Magazine. For the Bulgarian readers, I wish them to have an enriched experience from reading materials either in print or online that will allow them an opportunity to experience the rich cultures other parts of the world has to offer in terms of art, music, fashion, and literature. And I hope that my work will offer that to them.

My Day!!!

It's my birthday!!!

The shoot--Last Day!

We woke up super early, 5am and got ready. Our model got there a little after 6am and we set to work. What was missing was some light, so we waited for our sunrise, which was a little after 7am.

The first 3 looks were shot in South Beach right next to our hotel. Bright color bathing suits with some chunky jewelry. The concept was to portray a sexy, alluring, and saturated swimwear shot by the water. The waves were harsh in the morning and I could see how they were pushing away at Julia, Anetta, and Amanda.....yet they were still able to pull it off.

The remaining looks were shot @ Key Biscayne where we were able to achieve more of a glamorous and exciting story by the rocks, the bricks, the dunes, and the challenging palm tree. For this shoot, I pulled from Caffe, Jantzen, Pono, Ports 1961, Oliver Peoples and many more. We achieved what we wanted, a warm, tropic and spicy story......and its something I can't wait to share with you all!

Anyway, we were done by 11am, and we headed back to our hotel but made a quick stop at "La Sandwicherie" where we enjoyed some great sandwiches and smoothies. We headed back to the hotel just in time to pack, while Julia and Anetta enjoyed their last moments by the beach.

After checking out, I met with my Englishman friend for a late lunch at The Raleigh Hotel. It was great, I had a wonderful time. I must admit, I really love this hotel, there is this beautiful British East India feel of energy that exists there. The hotel has a beautiful garden where the restaurant is, a lobby with iconic photographs on the wall and a dreamy like poolside. I was very inspired and it was definitely the right way to spend my last few moments in Miami.....