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.
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 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.
And here I’m not talking about one of the 7 deadly sins, except some from my brother and my husband.
I hold my HP ENVY 15 and feel like I’m floating fashionably with technology. Its a piece of art esthetically bundled with powerful features. For me, this is premium 10 steps up.
In my line of work, I tend to rely a lot on computing even though I’m no technical person, but I know what it is like to have a user-friendly computer that can handle all sorts of programs I have to feed it from Adobe Photoshop to iTunes and the list goes on and on.
HP ENVY
Product and industrial designs attract me so much and that is something I earned from my husband, and relates a lot to fashion design. Like most women, I have 2 sides, more like moods. One that is vintage and warm; the other is industrial and minimalistic. When it comes to the Envy, its a sexy industrial piece! What brings the unisex appeal to it is the fact that the colors and the simplicity of it is so male’ish, yet, its elegance and the subtle floral drawings made by tiny pixels, give it the female thumbs up. Its minimal and compliments the fashion sense.
The beauty of a well crafted electronic device extends to its external components, and I have to say, I have never experienced such speed and stability in any PC I tried over the years.
I will not go through this laptop specifications, you can read that elsewhere, again I have to say 64bit computing coupled with an i7 Intel processor and fully functional 8 Gigabytes of RAM is what make this machine a super car of computing.
The ENVY is a great example of when a form follow function, but in this case I say beautiful form follows super functional design.
If you have been visiting this blog using your iPhone or Android powered Smartphones, you would know that the blog is optimized for mobile since its birth, and now its iPad ready as well.
With the introduction of a great OVI App Wizard from Nokia, Aiisha’s Blog is now a mobile app on Nokia OVI. If you use a Nokia device, go to your OVI store and download the application (Most latest Nokia Phones) or the widget (Nokia X6 / N97 /Mini) and stay updated. The application keeps you up-to-date on the blog news and Aiisha’s twitter feeds @aiisharamadan, with videos and pictures. http://tiny.cc/z08ik
Aiisha on OVI store has been a great success with more than 2000 downloads in 7 days, that’s a lot of brand exposure in a little time, Nokia really did a great job simplifying App development to gain wider audience in no time, this practice can be improved as well.
We will improve our mobile presence soon releasing a full fledged iPhone application as well, with more features.
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.
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!
For the past two days, my domain was hit by a series of hacks all originating from a one domain (Kintiskton LLC), which resulted in installing a malicious code on my site that makes Google detects it as a malware site
Our Blog been hit
We restored our site from a backup and we changed passwords and such as a preventive measure, we appologise for the inconvenience that it might have caused any of you, I hate hackers, they are real bad people.
HP chose me to be the Middle East spokesperson of their fashion related products and notebooks, specifically the Vivienne Tam digital clutch. This is a great opportunity for me where, for the second time, I was chosen to represent technology within my fashion field. A concept of harmony and marriage between Fashion and Technology.
However, some magazines mistakenly published that I was the designer of the VT notebook and mouse, which is not true. Im only the spokesperson of the VT digital clutch.
I have been using the VT Digital Clutch Netbook, and will update you soon about this experience.
I was thrilled and privilaged to be selected for the 2nd year running, as an Ahlan! Hot 100 in the UAE. My category is Style Icons.
The event honoring the Hot 100 was held at the Westin Dubai Minah Seyahi, and the flower dress I wore to the event made by Aiisha, was also selected as one of the organizers favorite.
Flower Dress by Aiisha, Digital Clutch by HP, Photo: Layalina
If you use a Nokia device, go to your OVI store and download the application (Most latest Nokia Phones) or the widget (Nokia X6 / N97 /Mini) and stay updated. The application keeps you up-to-date on the blog news and 
