Nokia N9 (Gadgets I Like)

As a designer, I appreciate a good design, and as I mentioned before, I got a thing for a good product or industrial design, whether its a building, a car or in this case a mobile phone.

N9 Trio Colors
Magenta, Cyan and Key Black

For close to 2 months now I have been using Nokia’s N9 mobile phone, and the more I use it, the more I fall in love with it.

This blog post is definitely not another review of the N9, as I’m positive that professional reviewers and enthusiasts of the brand already covered all aspects of this device, myself I will only cover it from my own perspective and how it relates to me.

1st Impression

When I was first introduced to the N9 by a Nokia representative before the launch date, I thought she was showing me a dummy phone with a bright screen, I actually remember trying to ‘peel’ off the icons because they looked so vivid, I couldn’t believe it was real, then I was informed about the Nokia ClearBlack screen, which makes the color so bright as the black in the screen is actually black.

Free Your Sight

At the N9 launch event held few months back, I enjoyed Marko Ahtisaari (VP of Design at Nokia) analogy when he mentioned that the industrial design concept behind the N9 (and later Nokia Lumia 800) was to free your sight, yes you heard it right, by introducing the Swipe menus, you know the outcome and there’s no room for guessing, you can swipe and look at life not the phone.

The way you organically swipe, is a true experience, edge to edge swiping, keeping everything easy when you multitask, it is liberating.

The design on the N9 is streamlined in a way you feel like it belongs to your hand, and Nokia realized that fact and they already recycled the design or shared it for that fact with another flagship device, their first Windows Mobile, the Lumia 800.

Marko Ahtisaari
Marko Ahtisaari and Aiisha

In my line of work, I have to be connected, and I am updating my status as long as I’m awake, and I have two trusted devices for that, the N9 is one of them. Those who know me, they know that we have in our little household all the latest and greatest devices, and yet I chose the N9, some suggested negatively that the Operating System (MeeGo) is and will only be available on the N9, and that reaffirm that this is why I should keep using the N9, because of its uniqueness and exclusivity, the OS is so intuitive and easy to use, it is a muscle car engine on a beautiful an elegant chassis, plus it is the last Nokia phone from the N-Series.

Aiisha & Nokia

Myself and Nokia we go far back, we partnered few times with my fashion line, but that’s not the only reason why I stay loyal to the brand, I have trusted Nokia since I started using mobile phones, and this never failed me, and that’s why I decided to have my first Mobile App released on Nokia Store.

Even though many would argue, but I like my music on the N9, because I enjoy the freedom of adding music without syncing with my PC, freedom is vital in design.

I like my N9 because it keeps me in the know with its alerts, I like it because it takes beautiful photos, I like it for the free navigation software, I like it for Angry Birds, I like it for its NFC capabilities (pairing with Play 360° Speakers), I like it for many other reasons but most of all, because it goes well with my Furla Candy bag.

Furla Candy Bag & Nokia N9

Nokia and Furla integrated

Magnificent N9 ad featuring Fan Bingbing

Join me in a Live Tweet Chat

3D Fashion ShowOn Thursday, 3rd November, Ariel will be hosting its first ever ‘Tweet Chat with Aiisha Ramadan’. Ariel and I brought you the Middle Easts’s first 3D fashion show to life and now, we’ll meet you all on Twitter.

I will be available on the official Arial Arabia twitter account (@ArielArabia) and (@aiisharamadan) from 6pm – 7pm to answer any questions you have about the fashion industry, fashion trends and what to look out for. You know me, you can ask me about anything you like, in this Live Chat, it has to revolve around fashion.

Prepare your questions and let’s tweet…

The first ever 3D Virtual Fashion Show

A couple of months back, Procter & Gamble approached me for the first of its kind event in the world. The unique first EVER 3D Virtual Fashion Show to showcase a capsule from my upcoming collection “Le Pouvoir de la Poudre – The Power of Powder” as part of the main event star: Ariel 3D! Note that my collection’s name had already been set a while before this opportunity knocked my door as it was inspired by powder tones and the Côte d’Azur reflecting romantic yet powerful cuts.

I immediately said Yes! The hard part was keeping it a secret, but I did!

June Ambrose & Aiisha Ramadan

With Ariel goes deeper to make 3D history being the theme and inspired by the 3D revolution, Ariel is bringing real 3D innovation to the world of Fabrics and Fashion. Ariel scientists have used patented 3D tools and technology to gain a deeper understanding into fabrics, fibers, and stains, and have now developed a new deep cleaning formula; that penetrates deep into the layers to extract stains.

More than 150 people from more than 27 countries, most of them press and some celebrities such as Boy Abunda and Manish Malhotra, came together to be a part of Ariel’s global launch event. The event has already been mentioned in Forbes Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily.

With Ariel being pioneers in their own field, they extended their leadership to the first ever 3D Virtual Fashion Show produced by local company AIR, showcasing few pieces from my Couture collection and hosted by Hollywood celebrity stylist June Ambrose, who flew in from New York to be part of this special event wearing an AIISHA orange dress from the Love Affair collection. Everything in the fashion show was virtual and animated from the catwalk, to the models and myself greeting people on the runway, as well as the virtual kisses and rose petals, which took the viewers by surprise. These elements created depth and excitement.

June Ambrose and Aiisha Ramadan

Colorful 3D Glasses

Another highlight of the event was the 3D Projection Mapping of Ariel in collaboration with LG portraying the ‘Deepest Cleaning Test’ on a large building in a construction site in downtown Dubai produced by Muse Amsterdam. The “Deep Cleaning Test” stained the building with life-like forces of nature and pollution, then “cleaned” it like new.

I only work with brands I believe in. To prove how effective this new technology is, I accidentally got my jersey silk powder pink dress smudged with some Teriyaki sauce and black marks spread out (in the middle of the event) . Naturally I freaked out, but it was caught on camera how I got them off using Ariel 3D Microboosters! The product worked like a charm cleaning the stains preserving my delicate garment.

Many would wonder why Ariel collaborated with a Couture brand? Its simple. Even Couture needs to be cleaned and I choose to take the matters by hand!

 

The AIISHA collection presented at this fashion show will be officially launched in October in the UAE and in other parts of the world. Stay tuned as this is the dearest collection to my heart!

 

AIR, P&G and H&K - Some of many brains behind the event

 

I’d like to thank everybody who worked on this event and topping the list: P&G for their continuous support, H&K for a great opportunity, AIR for their first ever 3D production in the Middle East and June Ambrose for changing my life in a matter of few days.

More coverage of this unique event, including the video, soon.

 

Aiisha and Evian – Live Young and Give Back..

Like I mentioned before, Evian initiated a Live Younger campaign in Dubai following their most watched Ad video (Over 22 million viewers till this post date)  on You Tube (Evian Roller Babies)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs

Evian asked Dubai’s top designers to recreate the Evian Live Younger T-Shirt, and it was showcased at the Dubai Fashion Week that recently took place and auctioned the T-Shirts for the benefit of Dubai Cares, whose project for 2010 is to secure clean drinking water for children in schools globally.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to the show where my T-shirt was the show’s opener but I heard that mine was the favorite of many as it incorporated the Aiisha’s favorite elements, sexy romance, ruffles and powder tones. Other designers did some really cool job as well.

Evian Live Young

Evian Live Young Campaign

Auction was held at the trendy Carbon 12 Gallery in Al-Quoz

Aiisha's Evian Live Young T-Shirt on DFW 2010 Catwalk

Aiisha Evian T-Shirt @ the auction

My start with Valerie Campbell

In 2006, Valerie Campbell was the first lady residing outside the UAE to ever wear one of our dresses. The dress was auctioned for the benefit of a breast cancer hostpital in Cologne, Germany, via Christies.

Valerie Campbell, best known for her elegance and motherhood of Naomi Campbell, is like her daughter and son Pierre, a model, a balle dancer and a designer who worked in Italy for a while. She herself is a survivale of breast cancer and it amazes me how beautiful and strong she remains.

When Ms. Valerie wore the dress, she said and I quote “I will never forget the name Aiisha”. Her son Pierre assured her that “this is the most beautiful color she’d ever worn”.

Valerie Campbell & Suhaila Sinn wearing Aiisha Ramadan

To be able to give back to the society and to raise awareness is one of the most challenging things one could ever do as cliche as this may sound. I post this because this year is a lot about giving back. Its about time..

Viva Beauty Awards

The other day I was at the Viva Beauty Awards and even though non of the awards directly relates to me, but I felt the heart beats of the competitors so loud that they could explode from excitement or disappointment. Luckily for my team P&G, they ended up with the below awards:

  • Best Straightener 2010: Braun Satin Hair
  • Best Electric Hair Remover 2010: Braun Silk-Épil
  • Best Daytime Fragrance 2010: Gucci Flora
  • Ultimate Beauty Product 2010: Olay Regenerist

The last award, as per the host, was voted for by thousands of readers. It is the award of the year.. and my favorite part was seeing Monica Shina walking back and forth to collect her awards wearing an Aiisha dress from the Love Affair collection. Strangers and friends kept approaching her telling her how great she looked. That I think, is the best part of my job.

Monica Shina from P&G wearing Aiisha Ramadan

WIN with Aiisha Ramadan and Camay!!

What I haven’t told you until now is that Camay and I worked on a beautiful project together, very recently. I was asked to design 5 dresses reflecting the personality of Camay’s five new fragrances; Dejour, Crème Delice, Passion, Parfum and Pink. Each of these scents addresses a certain mood that each of us, women, go through sometimes during the same day!

Dejour

Dejour

Dejour is what reminds me of a fresh breath of air.. a practical morning scent. With that, came an off white satin silk jumper with a cowl neck on the back and a beaded bow on a skin color tulle.

Crème Delice

Crème Delice

Crème Delice is my very favorite! Its smells like vanilla and berries.. its about indulging yourself. For that, I created a lavender chiffon silk dress draped like a Roman goddess CRYSTALLIZED™ – by Swarovski Elements.

Passion

Passion

Passion is sensual and mysterious. I had to select a plum purple dress with a diamond resemblance on the neckline.

Parfum

Parfum

Parfum almost always reminds me of some Princess living in a palace with all of her antique and expensive surrounds. Its vintage! The dress, already won in another competition, was about a fully beaded and CRYSTALLIZED™ –  by Swarovski Elements white/ pink bolero with a gathered tulle skirt. It was a modern look for a vintage spirit.

Pink

Pink

Pink says it all. Young, trendy, fun loving gal! Out of that, came my favorite just above the knee dress made of light salmon/ baby pink dress with CRYSTALLIZED™ –  by Swarovski Elements Ruffles and a bow on the neckline. Just like the rest of the dresses, it was made with great care but is indeed the closest to my heart.

Hellwafashion is running a competition this month that gives you the chance to win this dress – it’s a UK 10.

All you have to do is to visit: http://www.hellwafashion.com/ send photos of yourself in either “your favorite fun piece” or “wearing something pink” to reflect the Pink’s spirit, and tell them why you love your outfit.

For Terms & Conditions, please visit: http://bit.ly/YKTGr

Keep an eye on my blog for another competition coming soon, that will give you the chance to win one of my lovely dresses.

Hint: De-construct the dress by wearing a waisted jacket and boots. You may also add to it a belt. Be creative!

De-constructed Pink

De-constructed Pink

Ahlan! Hot 100 – 2010

Ahlan! Hot 100: Style Icons

Ahlan! Hot 100: Style Icons

The most talked about annual evening in the UAE, is certainly one that I always like to come back to. For the 3rd year, I fall within the Style Icons amongst other incredible people who are an inspiration for others.  For me, the entire day is dedicated for this event. I wake up around noon, have a light breakfast, answer few emails, try on the dress I’ve selected one more time (for assurance) – pick the appropriate shoes and accessories to go with it, and then head out of home. Straight to the Hair, manicure and pedicure. Since I chose the one-shoulder white feather dress from my Love Affair collection, I wanted to go bold with the shoes and nail polish color. So I went for my favorite bright color: Neon Fuchsia.

Arriving at the Ahlan! Hot 100 red carpet I was greeted with the beautiful hostesses wearing my knee length one shoulder dresses created especially for the HP Mini Laptops all in white satin silk, with an HP beaded logo using CRYSTALLIZED™ -  Swarovski Elements on the bow.

Photos and interviews all the way till you reach the heart of the event, which took place at The Address Montgomerie Dubai. The best part of the event was meeting up with some fabulous people, some of whom I haven’t seen in years!

On a side note, for the 2nd time, I was selected as one of the Best Dressed for the evening. Not bad for a fashion designer!

Best Dress

Selected as one of the Best Dressed

Thank you Ahlan! for the selection and the fabulous event, you really know how to throw a party.

The Ahlan! Hot 100 Supplement is Free with Ahlan! Magazine and Masala this week, pick up your copy today, plus you can read more about the event on AhlanLive.com and http://www.ahlanlive.com/hot-100-people-style-icons

Updates (Beirut, Dubai)

Gemayzé

Gemayzé

I did take a long time to update my blog, during which, I visited Lebanon.

Apart from the great Spring weather and incredible food we had during the visit, Aiisha Fashion line is selling in Beirut now.

The prestigious Le Balcon des Créateurs, located in Gemayzé Street and at ABC Achrafieh (Lebanese Corner) is carrying a selective line by Aiisha. This is a big step for my label in reaching a more diverse, sophisticated crowd.

ABC Website

ABC Website

If you’re in Beirut, residing or visiting, give Le Balcon des Créateurs a visit, not only to see my collection, but to enjoy this unique shopping experience.

Le Balcon des Créateurs

Le Balcon des Créateurs

 

And talking about experiences, Studio 8 had its opening on the 3rd of May in Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.

Studio8, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai

Studio8, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai

Aiisha designs are now proudly part of Studio 8 Boutique.

May 2009 – Dubai, UAE: Studio 8 is now open in Dubai. Bringing together some of the most respected names in design from Asia and the Middle East. Studio 8 is an emporium of style and sophistication. Manish Malhotra from India, Priya Kataaria Puri from Kuwait, Hatem Alakeel from Saudi Arabia, HSY from Pakistan, as well as Dubai-based Lebanese designers Souhad Acouri and Aiisha Ramadan are all showcasing their latest collections at the glamourous store on Jumeirah Beach Road.

Studio8

Aiisha @ Studio8

Next time you’re driving down Jumeirah Road, stop and visit Studio8 Boutique, just opposite Mercato entrance.

Dubai Fashion Week Part 2

 

DFW Studio 8 Invitation

DFW Studio 8 Invitation

Press Release – Dubai Fashion Week – April 2009

 Aiisha showcased her new collection in the Studio 8 fashion show at this year’s Dubai Fashion Week.  In an exhilarating and vibrant display of creative brilliance, Aiisha pushed the boundaries and scaled new heights of fashion individualism. Evoking the spirit of Dubai and her fresh, pristine mood, Aiisha combined striking colours, flowing designs and an effervescent energy to create a big splash for her Resort  Autumn/Winter 09-10 collection.

aiisha_1_resized

Fuchsia mini dress with an opened back. This opening dress was a show stopper!

The Aiisha collection is evolving and becoming more defined which in turn reflects her personality and creativity as a designer.  Aiisha is extremely excited about this new phase of her design career and feels passionately that it will strike a chord with fashion lovers and resonate deeply within people that are looking for unique, fresh concepts and styles

img_4294_resized

One of my favorites, Fuchsia Kaftan with a killer beaded back

“The best part of creativity is experimenting and for me, going from Earthy tones to striking ones was an unprecedented move” says Aiisha. Keeping in spirit, the collection will also be more haute couture.

img_4338_resized

Lemon Yellow Kaftan

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Lemon Yellow Kaftan (Back)

The new Aiisha collection will headline many various events, combine with special occasions and showcase exclusively at new and trendy fashion outlets.

aiisha_3_resized

Poison green layered short dress

Straight after the Studio 8 show at Dubai Fashion Week, Aiisha’s collection will be available at the International Multi brand store Studio 8 which is owned by Sara Belhasa.

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Yellow Flower Dress

 

Stockists also include:

March 2009 – Chocolate & Pickles – Wafi (already available)

April 2009 – Le Balcon des Creatures – Beirut (Lebanon)

May 2009 – Soiree, Al Wasl Road

May 2009 – Aura B – online