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.
- Gorgeous Models at the Finale
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.
- ©Photo Joseph Basil 2009
- ©Photo Richard Martinez 2009
- ©Photo Rupert Chesman 2009
Videographers
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.
| No. | Song | Artist | |
| 01 | Ivyhouse | Saint Etienne | |
| 02 | Je Ne Sais Qui Fumer | Paris Combo | |
| 03 | Je M’amuse | Caravan Palace | |
| 04 | La Vie En Rose | Goldfinga | |
| 05 | Ain’t No Sunshine (Benny Blanco Remix) | Michael Jackson | |
| 06 | Poisson Rouge | Saint Privat | |
| 07 | Comme Un Hic | Jenifer | |
| 08 | Being Bad | Bitter:Sweet | |
| 09 | Drum Rhythm | Koop | |
| 10 | Sirènes de la Fête | Brazilian Girls | |
| 11 | Contact | Brigitte Bardot | |
| 12 | Hurt | Parov Stelar | |
| 13 | Decide Toi | Rouge Rouge | |
| 14 | Ou Est La Femme? | Louise Vertigo | |
| 15 | Fleur Blanche | Orsten | |
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FInale |
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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!
- Pace e Luce on site, hard at work
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..
- Makeup by Max Factor
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!!
- HP New Mini with Windows 7 Starter Edition
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.
- Goodie Bag
To complete the designer circle, Evian had their Jean-Paul Gaultier high end bottles at our Love Affair
- Evian on display at the event
My eternal partner.. Thank you for offering us the branding: made with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements
For me Swarovski is like the stars that shine in the dark sky. Thank you
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!
- Graziella Kamel (MC of the event)
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!
Show’s Finale – My favorite photo:
