Fashion Forward Express: Take 5 with Harper Bazaar’s Editor in Chief, Louise Nichol

Since moving to the Middle East in 2005, Louise Nichol has helmed the region’s two leading fashion publications: Grazia Middle East and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia. Louise, 34, has over 13 years experience as a journalist, starting her career on UK fashion industry publication Drapers in London. Currently editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, over the course of her career Louise has interviewed the likes of Karl Lagerfeld, Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford and Kim Kardashian.

1.       Who is your current favorite local designer and why?

From an entirely personal perspective there are two locally-based designers whose pieces I have hanging in my wardrobe: Ayesha Depala and Madiyah Al Sharqi. For me, they produce the most commercially compelling collections. I only wish I had the lifestyle to accommodate pieces by some of the region’s talented eveningwear designers!

2.       what are your 3 wardrobe essentials as a new mum?

Anita nursing bras (from Figleaves.com), cotton T-shirts (I like James Perse) and my Anya Hindmarch ‘Oakley’ nappy bag.

3.       How important is it to have a platform like Fashion Forward in the region?

It is always important to nurture and foster young talent, but it is vital to do so within the context of creating viable design businesses. This is what Fashion Forward has recognised, with its mix of educational talks and panel discussions alongside the catwalk shows. I like the acknowledgement of driving forward towards a sustainable design industry rather than launching yet another Dubai Fashion Week, without a credible industry behind it. We’re not there yet, but with initiatives like Fashion Forward, we will be soon.

4.       As a blogger who focuses on conservative stylish/trendy fashion.  We have stylish icons like Sheikha Moza and Dsaaks (Indonesian Blogger) to look to for conservative fashion inspiration.  Conservative/modest fashion is an untapped niche in a region where women are mostly covered or dress modestly.  What is your view on the importance on tapping into this market?

We photograph a wide mix of women who live in the region, many of whom are covered to varying degrees. We would like to photograph more, but often cultural restrictions prevent us from doing so. I feel passionately about bringing Middle Eastern women into the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia wherever possible. Ultimately we are an international title, with responsibilities to international advertisers, but our heartbeat is most definitely local.

5.       If you could visit any decade which would it be and why?

The 2030s would be cool. My daughter will be 18-years-old in 2030 and the world will be a different place by then. I’d love to get a head start so I can prepare her!

Fashion Forward Express: Take 5 with Designer Dima Ayad

 Dubai-based Dima Ayad, is a young Lebanese fashion designer. She established her eponymous label in April 2010. Her clothes, which have been featured on the pages of ELLE Arabia, Grazia Middle East, OK!, Hello! and Ahlan!, are a celebration of the female form. Her Autumn Winter 2011 collection was shown off-schedule at London Fashion Week, which led to her nomination as Best Regional Designer at the Grazia Middle East Style Awards 2011, designing a capsule Prom collection for Saks Fifth Avenue and a Ramadan AbayaCollection for Harvey Nichols Dubai.

Fashion Forward Photo Diary Day 3

 How to Start Your Own Fashion Label: London College of Fashion (Toby Meadows) 

The last day of Fashion Forward and I got to attend some great shows; Tresors Sauvages, Amira Haroon, Zayan the Label, Amato and Ayesha Depala.  It was a fun fashion filled 3 days and am so glad I got to attend the very first one.  I am looking forward to the next one later this year in October, it can only get better!  

Fashion Forward Express: Take 5 with Designer Lama El Moatassem of Toujouri

In September 2009, fashion designer, Lama El-Moatassem, launches Toujouri’s first collection, after studying at London’s Central St Martins, London College of Fashion and working for international design houses such as Chloe.

Aesthetic interpretations of travel and culture, vintage textiles, embroideries, brocades and modern design inspire her.

Fashion Forward Photo Diary Day 2

Middle Eastern Fashion: An Identity in the Making- Panel Discussion

I was off to a fresh start at Day 2 of Fashion Forward and was ready for as much fashion dosage as I could get! It was hard to limit myself to a few number of shows and panel discussions as I had baby duty as well, but better some than none at all eh! I go to attend the Middle Eastern Fashion: Identity in the Making panel discussion which was very interesting and they tapped on to a lot of interesting points.  I wish I got the chance to bring up the point of modest/conservative fashion for the majority of women in our region; next time.

Fashion Forward Express: Take 5 with Designer Zayan Ghandour

Zayan Ghandour was born in Beirut, Lebanon. She began designing limited edition one-off T-shirts while writing for the Daily Star newspaper (an affiliate of the Herald Tribune), before moving to Dubai in 2000 and retailing at one of the most prominent multi-brand boutiques.

Fashion Forward Photo Diary Day 1

 Fashion Forward kicked off to a great start! The buzz and the excitement was felt by everyone.  It was a whole three days of fashion frenzy and I loved every minute of it.  I landed on the day it started so I didn’t get to attend the earlier shows and had to settle my little bubba in before heading to the event.  I missed Emperor 1688 because I was a couple of minutes late, but that gave me the chance to explore the venue and be prepared for the next day. The line up for the Essa show was crazy and although it got off to a late start it was a great a show!  I have to say though the highlight of the night was getting to meet the ever so sweet and down to earth Blogger Ascia.   I  was very impressed with the whole set up and kudos to those who worked soo hard getting the whole event up and running! By far this event can compete with any international fashion event; and it will only get better. Am looking forward to Fashion Forwad later this year in October.  There are loads of pics to come for the following days so stay tuned for Fashion Forward Photo Diary Day 2 and 3. 

Afternoon Tea at Trousseau

April has been quite a busy month with lots of traveling, which means a lot of blogging catching up to do.  Earlier this month we (@BahrainBloggers) were invited by the owner of Trousseau to have afternoon tea, scones and cake at the delightful store tucked away in Al Aali mall.  Walking into the shop you are greeted with a beautiful aroma of candles, french perfume and music .  Whether you’re a new bride, looking to furnish your home, looking for a gift or just love pretty things you will adore Trousseau and all it has to offer.  They stock gorgeous luxurious linen which are ideal for hospital stays when baby is born.  Owner Nancy and daughter Fadia Al Zain have  given Trousseau that personal touch and are in tune with the needs of their customers.  Everything in the store is handpicked and has a beautiful story behind the products.  Even the candles are all vegetable based with lead free wicks for a non toxic ambience in your home.  You can be sure to see Nancy there when you visit and be greeted with her warm southern hospitality.  Within the store is a little quaint tea room that serves an assortment of teas, coffees and absolutely delicious mouth watering cakes, scones and sandwiches.  A great little quiet place to catch up with friends and treat yourself to some affordable luxury.

For more on Trousseau you can find them

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/trousseau.bahrain

Twitter/Instagram: @Trousseau_bh

ASOS Picks- Abstract, Bold & Beautiful

ASOS Maxi Dress With 70′s Cape Neck Detail

ASOS Trousers with Elastic Waistband in Abstract Print

ASOS Maxi T-Shirt Dress With Lace Overlay

ASOS Trousers in Spot Print with Contrast Panel

Vila Bleach Spot Denim Shirt

River Island Drape Trouser In Moroccan Print

Breathable Nailpolish!

We all love to have pretty polished nails but deep down we all know they can’t be great for the nails or the constant exposure to the manicurists.  Wojciech Inglot, founder of Inglot Cosmetics was a chemist and entrepreneur who tried to come up with a more nontoxic alternative to traditional nail polish.  Little did he realize he tapped on to a whole new market unintentionally.  Sadly Inglot passed away end of Feb to truly see the magnitude reaction his invention has stirred.  Inglot created a breathable polish that allows air and moisture to reach the nail bed.  His product uses a polymer similar to contact lenses, which allows the nails to breathe.  The nail polish is known as O2M ( Oxygen & Moisture).   This is super exciting news for us muslim women who would love to wear nailpolish but avoid doing so due to water not reaching the nail bed at times of wudhu (ablution).  Ablution is something muslim women do five times a day before praying.  This is a healthy, non toxic breathable solution that has tapped into a massive niche in the beauty industry! Muslim women started grabbing these off the shelves in November when Islamic scholar Mustafa Umar decided to research whether the product was consistent with Islamic law. He wrote about the way he tested the O2M polish on his blog.

This is what he wrote:

One of my students decided to perform a test to see whether or not water actually seeped through when using the Inglot O2M nail polish. As a test case, she applied standard pink nail polish and purple O2M on a coffee filter and allowed both to dry. She then placed another coffee filter below the painted one, squeezed two drops of water over the polish, and applied some pressure with her finger. After about ten seconds it was clear that the water was prevented from seeping through [even to the back side of the first filter] on the standard polish but clearly went through the O2M and even wet the second filter. This is sufficient to show that the claims made by the manufacturer are correct and water does indeed permeate through to the nail. 

How exciting is this!!! (happy dance).. Below are the colours available, the image on the right are the summer 2013 colours.

Now all I have to do is get my hands on them and stock up!!