Fashion

Arwa Al Banawy: Making a Bold Fashion Statement

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2019

Yara K

In light of changes and modernity, comes to light talents that beautifully use these changes in creating meaningful art. One of these artists who took inspiration from the current changes in the Kingdom is the fashion designer Arwa Al Banawy.

Arwa Al Banawy was born in Saudi Arabia, spent years in Switzerland and is now based in Dubai. Her designs are known to have elaborate prints that are inspired from diverse sources that eventually make a one of a kind piece.

She has just recently launched her SS19 collection, and once again, her designs are making more than just a fashion statement. Seeing how the collection celebrates the recent women’s achievements in the Kingdom.

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Her inspiration came from the recent wave that is happening in the country, it reflects the beauty and power of the youth and how Saudi Arabia is now encouraging women and is working towards achieving gender equality.

The collection includes tailored suits, wide-legged pants and safari jackets, all in bold colors. The kind of cloth a fierce woman would wear, one who is confident and doesn’t fear change.

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The young designer started her fashion journey in her hometown Jeddah as a fashion and lifestyle blogger, then moved to Dubai in 2012, where she took a job in banking but still enrolled in fashion courses in the London College of Fashion. And that was when she realized that her true passion is designing, and three years later, she launched her debut collection in 2015 and has been blessing us with innovative designs ever since.

Another source of inspiration for her designs is travelling; seeing how she spent years moving between several spaces, she owes credit to traveling being a part of her passion for storytelling.

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Fashion

The First Middle East Fashion Week Is Coming To Dubai Next Week

Published

2 days ago

November 22, 2020

Yara K

The region’s biggest fashion even, the debut Middle East Fashion Week (MEFW) is set to land in Dubai next spring in 2021. The five-day event will feature more than 20 creatives in the fashion industry plus showrooms, fashion forums, awards, trunk shows, VIP lunches and galas.

The first edition will definitely be the highlight of the year and one of the most booming events of 2021. Antonio Rubel, the Founder and President of MEFW has been in the fashion scene for seven years and he’s the one behind nine fashion weeks held un Dubai, two in Beirut and, of course Riyadh Fashion Week.

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“The Middle East is the new fashion capital of the world, and we want to shout about it. MEFW will be a magnificent concoction of creativity, flair, talent and energy, showcasing fashion designers from around the world in one stunning location,” Rubel said. “We have been bringing fashion events to the region for more than seven years now, but this will be like nothing the Middle East has ever seen before.”

“Fashion is more than the unveiling of a finished look; it is a creative process. The Dubai Fashion Emporium will offer a front row seat behind the curtain; a permanent installation showcasing the gears as they turn from conception to catwalk. Dubai Fashion Emporium creates experiences that open the gateway to the world of fashion and brings outsiders in. We will be revealing exciting projects – who’s excited to know more! Stay tuned.” The website read.

Fashion

Check Out Mônot’s Latest Breathtaking Campaign at Al-Ula

Published

5 months ago

July 9, 2020

Yara K

The historical site Al-Ula just witnessed yet another splendid campaign and one of the most notable photo-shoots this year!

Lebanese-American designer Eli Mizrahi had a breathtaking photoshoot in Al-Ula last January for his fall collection with a remarkable cast of supermodels and creative team, made up of the industry’s most talented individuals ever.

Eli Mizrahi, the creative director of Mônot, enlisted some of his superstar model friends to star in their epic Fall campaign. Mizrahi personally reached out to Kate Moss, Jourdan Dunn, Candice Swanepoel, Alek Wek, Mariacarla Boscono, Amber Valetta, and Xiao We Ju to appear in the campaign, which was shot in 24 hours.

“I wanted to bring together a cast of amazing supermodels from all different backgrounds, ages, and ethnicity to underline the fact that Mônot is both an inclusive brand and one that wants to empower and celebrate women,” Mizrahi said.

“I just spoke to the models from the heart about my vision, as an emerging independent brand, and they were really receptive to what I had to say.” He added.

Shot entirely in Al Ula to feature its breathtaking scenery! Photography by the duo Luigi & Iango before the world went into lockdown Eli’s vision was brought to life within both a stunning series of images and beautifully shot video.

Luigi & Iango shot the campaign last January in Al Ula, luckily before the lockdown. Another major get was enlisting Carine Roitfeld to style the shoot and Georgi Sandev on board for makeup. “I still can’t believe we got it all done in just 24 hours!” Mizrahi says.

Fashion

Arab Fashion Week Goes Digital This Year

Published

6 months ago

May 31, 2020

Yara K

Arab Fashion Week (AFW) was scheduled to kick off in June but with the current situation, the industry is now introducing fashion week but in a whole different manner.

The Arab Fashion Week will be kicking off as planned but this year, it will be virtual this year as announced by the Arab Fashion Council and will take place online from June 24 to 26.

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“We are thrilled to be able to revolutionize the traditional calendar by adapting a new digital experience that best fits the global financial and digital trend. We consider this move as a victorious step to shape the future of the fashion system into a more consumer conscious platform and sustainable culture, ” Founder and CEO of Arab Fashion Council Jacob Abrian said.

Both the runways and panel discussions will air live on the official website of AFW, and viewers will be able to purchase their favorite items online as well.

Shoppers who wish to purchase items from a brick-and-mortar store will be able to buy the collection off the shelves at a dedicated pop-up in 1422 Concept Store at City Walk, Dubai.

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AFW follows the lead of the fashion weeks in London and Milan, which have also announced that they will be going digital and also take place online due to coronavirus restrictions.

While Key fashion events including the Met Gala and the final for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers have both been cancelled.

The three-day long fashion event will be streamed on the AFW website and also broadcasted live to hundreds of millions of viewers, both via the website and in partnership with leading social media platforms.

“Today, more than ever, the traditional fashion system is in dire need for revolution and innovation. . . What we cherish now, the way we perceive luxury and the way we engage with things is completely different with how it used to be when the current fashion system was last updated in the last century. COVID-19 . . . has been the key accelerator to lead decisions in reshaping the norms,” Chief Strategy Officer of the Arab Fashion Council Mohammed Aqra said.