Fashion Forward Season 1: Starch Foundation

24 Friday May 2013

Posted by in FASHION, Reports

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Starch Foundation at Fashion Forward

STARCH Foundation richly contributed to the success of Dubai’s Fashion Forward in its first season. Kayrouz was one of the key panel speakers as he conducted a discussion on”Emerging Talent in the Middle East.”

Rabih Kayrouz at Fashion Forward

{Rabih Kayrouz during his panel talk}

Founded by the internationally acclaimed Rabih Kayrouz, Tala Hajjar, and in collaboration with Solidere, STARCH is a non-profit foundation that helps emerging young designers with exceptional talent to get into the spotlight. Cloud of Lace will soon be addressing this promising initiative in details.

This year, participating STARCH designers were Celine Der Torossian, who is the designer behind the label Azade, Bashar Assaf and Hussein Bazaza.

Even though each of the designers has a different approach, all of their designs gave a modern aesthetic impression. Azade’s style was distinguished by slashed pieces, whereas Hussein Bazaza fearlessly showcased an exotic array of prints in a single piece, and Bashar Assaf used safe and elegant cuts all through.

From cute floral details and elegant wide legged pants, to thigh-high split evening skirts, we could not choose a favorite! But here are some pieces we think were the highlight of the STARCH show…

STARCH at FFWD S1

STARCH at FFWD S1STARCH at FFWD S1

 

- Images are via Fashion Forward & Starch Foundation

Fashion Forward’s First Season

30 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Report

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Fashion Forward invitation Cards

In its first season, Dubai’s Fashion Forward managed to bring together great names in the Middle Eastern fashion industry. Industry influencers, retail buyers, academic heads and fashion decision-makers, fashion designers, as well as around 12,000 visitors, they all flocked to Madinat Jumeirah from 26-29 April for Fashion Forward’s First Season.

The visitors enjoyed exclusive workshops, panel discussions, and 18 catwalk presentations of emerging and established designers across three locations throughout the four day program, in addition to fun social events and shopping at several amazing pop-up shops that were created for the occasion.

Rabih Kayrouz at Fashion Forward

{Rabih Kayrouz conducting a panel discussion}

Season one closed with an exclusive formal lunch with celebrated designer Reem Acra, as Fashion Forward’s guest of honor. She was discovered herself by a fashion editor while studying at the American University of Beirut!

With this much success on its first season, we just can’t wait to see what Fashion Forward’s Season Two will unfold in October 2013!

The following posts on cloud of Lace will feature our reviews on the designers who have participated in this season’s shows. Looking forwards to reading your comments! :)

- Images are a courtesy of Fashion Forward.

New Beginnings…

29 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Editorials

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , ,

Cloud of Lace Logo

 

 

 

 

{… Every cloud has a lace lining}

Cloud of Lace has been a spontaneous demure journey for me so far. Its way was always quiet, never depicted, yet was fully ignited with the passion of each and every little detail it conveys to the world… On its first year live, this blog’s fame was viral, purely organic, and came solely from the appreciation of the lovely niche of readers it has gained along its subtle way.

The next step for Cloud of Lace is to emit all that vivacious energy it has yet been keeping from the world. This blog will turn into a brand name, an online boutique, and an editorial where exclusive, unsurpassed, unique, visionary, plush, elegant minimalists like us will be honored.

All what we can share right now is our gratitude for you, our followers, readers and visitors from across the planet. Each comment, like, and mere visit was sincerely heart-warming, and we hope we can repay you back by giving you the most thrilling features you will ever see out of this part of the world.

We can’t wait to start this journey, and we will be more than thrilled to have you on board! Please note that we would love to hear your input and feedback on what do you like/expect to see next…

Best,

Hiba

 

Lace Lust: Marchesa Jumpsuit

31 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

This Black Swan’s star made it clear that she’s a no ‘pointe-shoes‘ kind of a girl, however, she managed to rock this Marchesa lace jumpsuit like no other top model would! My Lace Lust for now was spotted on Mila Kunis in WMagazine‘s online editorial, and I completely fell for it!
It’s often true that too much of the same thing in one outfit is just… Too much. But this rich deep V bodice, with volumous Victorian shoulders, how it’s gathered high on the waist, and then complemented with just the right amount of delicate -yet rich- transparency on the legs… Makes it a dream lace outfit! Don’t you agree?
Marchesa’s silk lace jumpsuit. Lanvin shoes.
By Lynn Hirschberg
Photographs by Craig McDean
Styled by Alex White
March 2011

Beirut’s Jewelry Design Week

17 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Places

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Jewelry Design Week was set to celebrate Beirut’s unique position in the
world of jewelry design, showcasing emerging and established artists and craftsmen, that were selected for their individuality and innovation.

Organized by Artheum creative space, Beirut Jewelry Design Week took place from March 8th till the 16th. However, it aspires at being an annual event that will offer to the public the opportunity to explore the current and evolving vitality of contemporary jewelry design in Lebanon, and shed light on its growth and development.

Since the fair places great importance on supporting new design talents, I’m hoping it would be another destination for independent jewelry designers in Lebanon and the region to voice-out their talents, and for the public to discover those behind the beautiful creations exhibited.

{From the JDW fair}

 

{from the JDW fair}

Designed by Alda C

{Designed by Alda C}

{Purrl by Rania Kassem}

{Purrl by Rania Kassem}

{Designed by Randa Khalil Raad}

{Designed by Randa Khalil Raad}

{Designed by Tylda Ghosn}

{Designed by Tylda Ghosn}

{Orlaloi by Nayla Saab}

{Orlaloi by Nayla Saab}

{Designed by Naji Mouzannar}

{Designed by Naji Mouzannar}

Photos are a courtesy of Artheum.

Covering Zobaida Akkari’s Debut Photo-shoot

17 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Editorials

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Cloud of Lace has not only been a space for me to voice out to the world my passions for all those wonderful little things around me, it has also been a portal where I’ve met a lot of wonderful people, of whom I’m extremely excited to showcase for you! Today I was thrilled to cover Zobaida Akkari‘s photo-shoot of her debut collection… That is, her very first, ever!

Beirut’s weather was perfectly costume-made for a photo-shoot: Sunny with just the right amount of clouds, cool windy breeze, and clear air. The chosen locale was an urban seaside open space.

By 11am, Zobaida was so nervous, had minimal sleep and no breakfast (which was resolved by some take-away croissants), her car was stuffed with all the combinations of outfits the model has to wear, and was still reviewing last-minute changes! But the best part was that despite the nervousness secondary to her debuting her first pieces, this energetic designer kept her fun-spirit and wit all along, making her crew comfortable, and the whole shooting day a very fun experience!

Zobaida Akkari for Cloud of Lace

She ought to be modeling her own pieces ;)

Her items consist of creatively distinguished blazers and shirts. The combination of their design, colors and fabric, made each item a signature piece.

I’ll be introducing this promising upcoming fashion designer, her line, style and future plans at an interview post, and will leave you now to behind-the-scenes images featuring her very first photo-shoot :)

It wasn't easy to pose because of the winds

It wasn’t easy to pose because of the winds.

Zobaida Akkari for Cloud of Lace

Zobaida Akkari for Cloud of Lace

Zobaida Akkari for Cloud of Lace

& look who we've met during the day!

& look who we’ve met during the day!

DSC_0301

Oh, & did I mention that Miss Akkari has an impressive collection of Louboutins? I know you’ll love her! ;)

A beautiful compilation of a couple of blazers & a Loubs

A compilation of two beautiful blazers & a Loubs

At-Home Remedies: Hair’s Protein Shake

10 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in BEAUTY

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Illustration by HariTHanD

Illustration by HariTHanD

As we all know, our hair is made up of proteins, which makes it so fragile if over-exposed to sun, chemicals, styling and pollution… My hair has had its own ups & downs, but I’ve always managed to keep it healthy, shiny and strong by repairing it with an array of masks. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions on how do I manage to keep my hair as rich in volume and healthy as it is, even though I brush it on a daily basis. So here’s the secret, a fine old recipe: Hair’s protein shake. It makes wonders- literally!

For a long hair, you’ll need:

- 3 egg yolks, discard the whites

- 200 g of mayonnaise

- 1 medium-sized avocado

Method:

  1. Mash the avocado in a bowel,
  2. Add the egg yolks, mix thoroughly
  3. Add the mayonnaise, and mix until smooth
  4. Apply this home-made conditioner from roots to ends, then
  5. Wrap your head in a plastic wrap, and
  6. Place a hot towel on top of it.

Leave for 30 minutes then rinse the hair with cool water.

The result: By feeding your damaged hair over its favorite food, it becomes volumous, super-shiny and silky. All these scream ‘HEALTHY!’

This post’s beautiful illustration is by HariTHanD.

Beirut Art Beat

08 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by in Places

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

beirut Art Beat

On March 18th, Dubai will be hosting another fab event, Beirut Art Beat! The three-days exhibition will feature pioneering Lebanese designers from different fields: Jewelry, clothing, decor, photography, and painting.

Beirut Art Beat will be open to the public, so mark your calendars you people of Dubai and neighboring cities! Other than getting to view and purchase marvelous pieces of Lebanese art, there will be opportunities to take part in a variety of exciting activities, like lectures and talks being held by the designers themselves. An arts and crafts workshop will also be held on Thursday 21st, which welcomes the whole family to participate!

Check out Beirut Art Beat‘s Facebook page for the list of participating Lebanese Designers, and event’s schedule.

 

Middle East’s Fashion Forward

24 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by in Places

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

, , , , , ,

Fashion Forward

In April this year, Dubai will host Fashion Forward (FFWD), a four-day-long event that will showcase the work of fourteen + more ready-to-wear, couture, menswear and bridal designers from the region. The goal is to create a platform to showcase regional designers, educate, as well as exchange ideas to further develop the business infrastructure of the fashion industry in the Middle East.

The Middle East is emerging as a breeding ground for talented artists who are celebrating their Middle East heritage with global influences. FFWD is an entirely new concept that was created after carefully studying the needs of the region’s fashion sector – the need for a trade body, the need for an initiative to collaborate with the academic movement around fashion, the need to showcase and recognize local designers, and the need for a platform which encourages learning about the business of fashion. In April 26-29 2013, the inaugural launch of Fashion Forward will take place at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

There will be a lot of fashion excitement! It will showcase the largest collection of designs; couture and prêt collections from established designers in the region. It will be the very first time that these celebrated designers showcasing under one roof! And to name a few designers, I’m excited to tell you that Dina Jsr, Ronald Abdala and Zayan Ghandour, the three well-acclaimed Lebanese designers, are also going to showcase their prêt-a-porter and evening wear collections at the FFWD!

Complementing the catwalk calendar, several forums and panel discussions will be hosted, featuring global experts on relevant fashion topics. FFWD will have fashion galleries and installations, a series of pop-up stores, VIP lounges and fashion cafes. It will also have special events and parties with fashionistas in full attendance!

Cloud of Lace will be more than delighted to cover the event in full details, follow along!

Xoxo,

Hiba

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,284 other followers