Posts Tagged ‘Dubai Fashion Week’

Golden Days of DFW: Aiisha and NOKIA (Retrospective)

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

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/pd3uj and http://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

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.

Watch highlights from the fashion show below:

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.

A Barbie® Story

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

It all started with a phone call, and I was jumping with joy.

Barbie is celebrating her 50th birthday and I was invited with other designers to sketch some designs to dress her up for the occasion. Mattel assigned a panel of judges to meet and choose the designs they deem fit for Barbie. I have to admit, I didn’t spare a minute, I was sketching designs without counting, ended up with 25 or more, but I only submitted 16 to the panel, which to my surprise they chose 3 of my sketches to be produced and and go on the catwalk.

Barbie and I

Barbie and I

As some of you might know, I am in the midst of preparing of my own fashion show in collaboration with Victoria Casal Jewellery and participation from Manolo Blahnik shoes and its taking most of my time, I don’t even have time to update this blog, but I found the time to produce 3 pieces :)

On the 29th of October, 2009 the designs found their way to this year’s Dubai Fashion Week Grand Finale, the Barbie Fashion Show.

DFW Invite, Barbie Booklet

DFW Invite, Barbie Booklet

Total of 26 designers from the region paid tribute to Barbie, a true fashion icon, I would like to share 2 of my designs with you.

My favorite Barbie Dress

My favorite Barbie Dress

Messages of Love, Peace, Virtue, Freedom, Beauty, Hope, Happiness

Messages of Love, Peace, Virtue, Freedom, Beauty, Hope, Happiness

50 years young, and Barbie is still look stunning.

Barbie Candy Girl

Barbie Candy Girl

Check out this week edition of Grazia Magazine for an exclusive chance to win one of my Barbie Designs.

Grazia Magazine

Grazia Magazine