I have the pleasure to announce that our AIISHA S/S 2012 Couture collection Le Pouvoir De La Poudre will be presented in Paris for buyers to view from the 20th January until the 15th of February. The presentation coincides with the Paris Fashion Week as I’ll be there not only to meet buyers, but also to watch my favorite fashion shows like Elie Saab, Stephane Roland and George Hobeika.
Viewing our collection is by appointment only. Kindly contact us for appointments.
This collection has participated in the latest edition of New Zealand’s Next Top Model, Ariel 3D fashion show that was hosted by June Ambrose, and will soon appear in a campaign that I can’t wait to share with the whole world. Check out more designs from our collection. Its romantic bold and simply beautiful.
I had the pleasure to be invited to the Kazakhstan Fashion Week and without any hesitation I accepted the invitation. For one, women from Kazakhstan are some of the most beautiful ones in the world who adore fashion and actually appreciate it. Secondly, after consideration, we accepted the invitation especially that Kazakhstan is becoming a fashion destination. Finally, I wanted to try a place that not many people have tried. I like to be a pioneer in discovering places hungry for creativity and art. My expectations were exceeded a million times. The professionalism and reception that my team and I were welcomed with were beyond any experience I have ever had. The passion that everybody showed to the Kazakhstan Fashion Week, from the organizers, to the models to our personal assistants was by all measures something I will cherish for life and learn from everyday.
I showcased my latest collection Le Pouvoir de la Poudre, the dearest collection to my heart by far for the first time in full officially at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week. This collection is essentially inspired by powder visions I saw on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Tones that I breathed in the air of Paris. In short, I put my heart in this collection and whether you like it or not, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the work I put in it. Did I mention that it snowed for the first time on the day of my fashion show? About a month earlier than anticipated..
We had a 3-day-exhibition where we met with buyers, a press conference and my show was the second day’s Finale.
For my show, I had a casting for nearly 200 professional models, of which I chose 24 gorgeous girls that represented a variety of looks. I presented about 35 looks leaving out some of the structured pieces, which I will post separately.
AIISHA at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
AIISHA at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
AIISHA at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
AIISHA at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
AIISHA at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
The music my husband chose, left people talking about it. Here’s the full list:
The part I mostly enjoyed was the choreography. I placed about 5 white lounge chairs on the beginning of the rectangular shaped 63 meters catwalk and had each model who didn’t have to change her outfit sit at or stand by the chair. By the end of the show, I had a perfect vision of princesses or mermaids, whatever you wanna call them, shaping the most perfect tableau. I swear that as I was doing my turn with Tunisian super model Faten and as I was approaching the girls seated as choreographed, I felt a thrill from the perfect vision I saw.
AIISHA Finale at the Kazakhstan Fashion Week
This was my tableau, these were my girls so proud of wearing my collection, looking so perfect in every way.
My show had about 700 people turn up, people who didn’t know me, but they came to see what a UAE based designer would bring to the table. I heard the clapping throughout the show and I saw the excitement on people’s faces as I walked the runway barefoot to greet them. In short, it was a success!
I want to thank the entire team of the Kazakhstan Fashion Week and the great city of Almaty for making this a memorable experience to us.
In Dubai, this collection is Exclusively stocked at FROST boutique in Palmstrip Center, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai – UAE.
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.
I always say yes to under water themed photo shoots. With Zahrat Al Khaleej and one of my favorite models Dima, it was a very successful photo shoot and I instantly fell in love with the results.
Thank you Zahrat Al Khaleej.
Zahrat Al Khaleej featuring Aiisha Ramadan design
Zahrat Al Khaleej featuring Aiisha Ramadan design
Zahrat Al Khaleej featuring Aiisha Ramadan design
All above items are available at Studio8, Jumeirah, Dubai.
This is one of our latest UAE coverage from Style Arabia that took place on the set of the beautiful Media Rotana Terrace. I truly loved the photoshoot as I’ve had the pleasure of working again with one of my favorite (and youngest models) Sophia. In the below photo, Sophia wears a chiffon silk dove grey dress with Italian lace and CRYSTALLIZED™ – by Swarovski Elements . When I have to be in a photo, I choose one of few characters. Mostly, I go for the crazy spontaneous woman! That, as well as I wanted Sophia to look like a robotic butterfly.
Arabia Style Coverage
Below are also few photos that Style Arabia, an ITP Publication, has taken during the photoshoot. They were too beautiful not to share with the world.
Courtesy of ITP Publications for Style Arabia
Courtesy of ITP Publication for Style Arabia
Courtesy of ITP Publication for Style Arabia
What a beautiful photo.. joy, innocence, beauty all together in one photograph.. By the way, these photos are untouched (they have not gone under any photoshop work).
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)
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 Campaign
Auction was held at the trendy Carbon 12 Gallery in Al-Quoz
Aiisha's Evian Live Young T-Shirt on DFW 2010 Catwalk
Yesterday was the last day at the DFW for the season. I haven’t been part of the DFW for a couple of years as it was time for change; however, my T-Shirt design was the opener at the Evian Fashion show where 15 designers participated in benefit for Dubai Cares Charity Foundation. I will post a separate thread for that with photos.
This year, the DFW happens to go under fire as the fashionistas have had enough. If you go back in my blog, you’ll find 2 posts (about a year old) addressing the issues that should be taken into consideration when trying to elevate the standards of the DFW: http://tiny.cc/pd3ujandhttp://tiny.cc/z4mb5
This is when I remembered the good times, the golden ones, when my first mega collaboration was with Nokia where the show was strong because of the theme and the designs, Nokia’s presence, PR and continuing efforts in taking the show around the Middle East (Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Pakistan).
Prism Geometric Mini Dress
My entire collection was inspired by the Nokia Prism 7900 handset. It was one of Nokia’s first fashion attempts in the region and it was carried out with me during the Dubai Fashion Week in 2007. As mentioned before, the collection then toured the Gulf and Middle East and it was a great success. Later the same year, I was invited to be the pioneer designer of the Super Nova collection at the La Destination Design de Nokia – Marrakech. That too was a beautiful experience.
In terms of the designs, they were inspired by the Prism’s geometric shapes, elegance, black basic colors and from the 42 built in colors that reflect on the phone’s keypad, I chose purple, blue, silver and rainbow.
Going back to the DFW, I’ve said enough.. a year ago and much more to the press all along. Now, I sit and watch hoping for progress. Until then, my collaborations will keep going on and my private fashion shows will stay.. private.
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!
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.
Cupid, Valentine just got sexier! This Valentine’s Day, fabulous couture designer and Dubai’s very own Aiisha Ramadan will launch her limited edition casual line of clothing exclusively for Galeries Lafayette. The collection seeks inspiration from all that we love about love itself!
After such a great success that the Love Affair collection has achieved at the Galeries Lafayette, we come back again, now with a Valentine Special Collection for 2 weeks from the 1st Feb till the 14th Feb.
Our new line is designed for the confidant but romantic woman who isn’t afraid to express her emotions on her apparel. This is where we used Black, White and Red to express a confident women, but with hearts CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elementsto unveil the more romantic side of every woman.
Within the collection you’ll find a range of lingerie/ swimsuits, Ornamented Necklaces, T-Shirts, Tops, Jersey Dresses, Jumpers, Cocktail and Evening Dress to maintain the Aiisha signature style. Prices range from 160 – 2900 Dhs!
The collection is both limited and affordable, a rare combination. Check it out and have a Happy Valentine’s
This by far is the longest post that this site has so far, and its there to thank every individual who has provided us with support and has been a part of this great success. So I list them at no particular order.
A Love Affair
Production
Stefan Cebula, an amazing human being. You look at him and you realize that everything will be alright. Building the stage on ice, hanging himself from the rooftop, taking care of every (production) aspect was never an easy job. Stef has produced Valentino shows and The World Summit in Johannesburg among many others. He is the best!
Stefan Cebula
Among many others, Vartan Kelechian was a true positive vibe for me. Everytime I felt the world crashing around me, he assured me it will all be fine and it was!
Jihad Mawed is the man behind my logo. I paid 5 companies for a proper logo and I ended up using none. Instead I used the one from my childhood friend. He’s a true artist and a very dear brother. Along with my husband, Jihad also designed the Love Affair backdrop, which I think was sensational
A Love Affair Backdrop
Lights
Liz Berry, What can you say about a (Super Lady) who has produced the lights for London Fashion Week and Robbie Williams concerts? She’s a Super Lady!!
Models
Carole B, Hana Nitsche, Alexandra, Zeljka, Cole, Ying, Maja and Sophia from Bareface, Kate and Nicole from LMM, Dima, Anastasia, Katryna, Katsyarina, Rene and Anna. Everybody spoke of their beauty and grace. They really made me proud and were gorgeous! Unlike other models, they were all lovely, patient and simply professional.
A powerful opera singer who’s full of passion and has previously opened at Twickenham for 80,000 people. He was sensational!
Andrew Amdur (Tenor)
Natasha Alexandra Kemball
A graceful figure skater, who started the evening off with twirls and elegant moves, using the soaring voice of Opera Singer – Andrew Amdur for inspiration. It was so passionate and truly brought me tears.
Natasha Alexandra Kemball
Photographers
All the photographers stood side by side to document every breath we took, every move the models took and every shine of Victoria Casal pieces. Joseph Bassil was their leader and his photos speak for themselves.
All 4 Media. These guys got me speechless everytime I saw them around me either filming or solving a problem or simply reassuring us that everything is gonna be alright. They were true soldiers. The filming was conducted in HD and transfered on the massive 20meter x 10meter screen at Dubai Mall. Thank you, Roland, Raymond and all the incredible staff.
Music
Thanks to my incredible husband, we truly brought Paris to Dubai for the night. The mix was sensational.. I listen to it almost everyday and never get enough of it – Because we truly worked on it from our hearts. Please visit the links to taste the music.
What an pleasure to have met this legend. With his beautiful fuchsia shoes, both Victoria and myself were honored and so glad to have met Manolo. The 3 of us shared 2 photoshoots (exclusive for Harper’s Bazaar and Zahrat Al Khaleej magazines). It’s great as it makes the lady wearing Manolo’s feel like a princess, but also meeting the lovely legend behind it, is thrilling. Truly, to have Victoria and Manolo on my sides was a dream I never thought would come true!
Manolo Blahnik, Victoria Casal and Aiisha
Our stylist Noni, a passionate lady so eager to become a professional stylist, I tell her thank you for your dedication and your precision. I couldn’t have done it without you.
The models looked like they went out of the 60’s Vogue (I quote from the Khaleej Times). Steve from Pace e Luce Al Manzel – Burj Dubai Downtown – made me and Victoria look like 60’s divas for our clip. We simply looked sexy. Put the same look on the naturally perfect models and tell me what you think! The entire team of Pace e Luce blew us away by their work.. Thank you guys! If you know great hair professionals, Pace e Luce will always be on the top of your list!
When it comes to Max Factor (part of Procter & Gamble), I can’t help but think: Family. P&G and their PR company MS&L have supported me from my early beginnings and we remain loyal to each other. Not only are they professionals, but also friendly and easy going. When it comes to mastering Max Factor, Samira Olfat is my favorite makeup artist. She has worked with the best companies and designers from Galliano to Christian Lacroix to Aiisha and Victoria Casal! Max Factor had their iconic Lipfinity in its 6 shades worn to stay on the lips. I don’t know of any woman who has tried them and not felt grateful for this invention..
As you know, I’m the spokesperson for the HP Fashion Products, including the Vivienne Tam netbook. To continue what we have started, HP supported us with their latest pink edition, which simply happens to be divine!!
Another supporter from Procter & Gamble. Camay, the luxurious soap brand, has 5 exquisite variants for every woman: Dejour, Crème Delice, Passion, Parfum, and Pink. I have designed 5 dresses that reflect each of the Camay 5 scents. Each of them appeals to a mood / character that every woman may embrace. In each character, I see myself. We’ll cover that soon in a different post.
Did you know that Sweet Stuff made a special Aiisha and Love Affair Cup Cake editions for the fashion show? Not only that, but these cup cakes are being sold in their store on Jumeirah for a month after the show. I’m really flattered!
Sweet Stuff / Aiisha Cupcakes
Graziella Kamel
Its a true honor to have had Graziella as our MC. Graziella and I have worked on Dubai TV for a fashion styling program. I was always fond of Graziella’s ocean of talent. She was a sense of fashion that this region needs to nourish from. She’s multi-lingual and its simply sexy.. And she’s smart. Did I forget to mention how beautiful she really is? Hard luck for the men out there, she’s taken by a wonderful Ralph!
Danielle Wilson. For very long months, Danielle has worked so hard day and night and has always had faith in me. For that and much much more, I’m grateful. I couldn’t have done it without you..
Danielle Wilson with Aiisha and the Sweet Stuff at the event
My partner and my lover! Every member of Victoria Casal Paris to the Dubai branch made all the difference with their support. Thank you for making this Love Affair happen. I lived my dream with you..
Victoria Casal and Aiisha on the catwalk
Press
Every writer, reporter, journalist, blogger be it positive or negative (and it was truly positive), THANK YOU!
Press at the Love Affair
Our friends, family and the working team behind “Aiisha”.. thank you for your continuous support. I love you!
