Blogged: Nisha’s Flagship Store now open In Andalus Mall Jeddah

NL Nisha's flagship store in Andalus Mall Jeddah

Dear Readers,

I would like to share with a you a quick review of Nisha’s flagship store which has recently opened its doors in Andalus Mall, (first floor next to the pharmacy).

Nisha also (known as Nishat Linen in some countries) is an international textile manufacturer/retailer with numerous branches in Dubai, Canada, U.K and Qatar.

The company is targeting expat customers who would like to shop their native Eastern designs in Jeddah, and Saudi customers with its Western inspired outfits.

Pros:  Bargain price leggings, pallazo pants, animal print trousers,  ethnic style tunics/kaftans,  scarves, and  hair accessories, and rings.

Interesting printed Indian silk fabric, formal ready-to-wear limited collection.

I love these cotton/linen scarves great for when you want to travel.
 

Cons:- I think there are too many items on display, and some of the items are  over-priced for what it is, but with after deducting their seasonal discount they may end up being reasonable.

I hope that Nisha brings their signature bed-linen collection which is popular in Dubai to Jeddah in the future.

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Blogged: LOMAR's launch of Abaya line Zero Collection

Lomar's Flagship Rawdah street store, effortlessly chic

Dear Readers,

I had the pleasure of being invited to the reveal of Lomar's newly opened women's Zero Collection ready-to-wear abaya range at their flagship store on Rawdah street ( near Joelle clinic).

I was impressed by the the vast collection which included a variety of different styles available from formal business wear, everyday-wear, sporty, travel and and a special occasion collection. The collection has a contemporary feel, allowing it to fit in perfectly with the fast-paced modern lifestyle while still remaining true to its original roots.

Cutting edge asymmetric abaya designs using colour blocking

I spoke to the Art Director Mona Al Haddad asking her to describe the collection and she captured it accurately as 'elegant, decent and fashionable'. She also informed that they bring in new pieces every week, with more travel abayas and turbans coming soon.

Popular Zero collection designs from the lookbook available to buy at the store

The abayas have been designed to allow versatility in use according to the occasion or personality of wearer. For example, an abaya maybe worn without the belt during the day, and then accessorized with a belt during the evening. A visit to the store is a must where their helpful staff show how different styles can be born.
All their materials are light-weight and  high quality, with a flowing feel adding to the feminine silhouette.

Lomar's Marketing Manager Abubakr Alkaf captured the essence of the brand in the quote below:

"Creating fashion is like casting spells, one has to veer away from  the paved road, concentrate, gather the ingredients and prepare a new enchanting spell once again. " Abubakr Alkaf - Lomar Marketing Manager. 

From left to right: Abubakr Al-Kaff, Marketing Manager and Christophe  Beaufays, Head Designer and Associate Art Director

Lomar's  Associate Art Director and Head Designer Christophe Beaufays has 7 years of experience working with famous French designer Jean Paul Glautier which he has incorporated into the style of abayas at Lomar.
He said that when designing the abaya they ensured that they were modest and fulfilled the functional element of an abaya while adding a bit of edginess or flair to each design to set it apart from others. The would fulfill the needs of the Arabian woman and at tsame time appeal to famous fashion sense of French women.

Abayas wit ha twist: sash bow belt, ombre colour technique, and waterfall two colour frill

The attention to detail in the cut and design of abayas truly blew me away. Even the more simple designs on closer inspection reveal interesting twists. For example this business wear abaya has an elegantly simple colour block design, but when you take a closer look the abaya is not secured in the traditional way using buttons/zips, instead a first slide your hand through what looks a sleeveless dress, while theres is only a strip of fabric at the back,,,you have to see it to understand its hard to explain...check out the pics below. I should have made a video!

From left to right: formal/business abaya with a deceiving simple look, opens up to reveal what looks a sleeveless dress, actually secured by a strip of fabric at the back. 

Lomar also provided bloggers with a promotional voucher which I used to get a jilbab style abaya (it does not come with a tarha/scarf and is technically a dress). It was love at first sight for me, and I absolutely adore it, the lightweight soft fabric, the stylish way it drapes down the sides. It can be adjusted using hidden internal straps to suit your physique, which was was great for me.

I love love love this abyaya I bought it in a eggplant/mauve/brown shade once i take a better pic I will update it here and on Instagram

You can also find a range of quintessential Arabian inspired  accessories such as beautifully crafted musbahs 'prayer beads', Lomar signature fragrance range (in my opinion the Premium one is  the best), and SHIB shoes which look like the traditional Saudi sandals but are actually shoes? and tri-colour matching socks!.

Musbahs, SHIB shoes, and perfumes

I am excited to have this new Abaya brand in Jeddah and look forward to buying their turbans which will be coming soon!

Visit Lomar's website, or their Rawdah street store or follow them on Instagram and Facebook,

To see more pictures of the collection the event follow me on Instagram and Facebook

Fabulous Launch Event: Liu Jo and Furla have Arrived In Jeddah In Style

Dear Readers,

I was invited to attend the launch of two luxury Italian brands Liu Jo and Furla who have collaborated with Globe Retail and Golin Harris to open up their second stores in KSA in Jeddah.

The flagship stores are located in one of Jeddah's most exclusive and glamorous shopping areas, Stars Avenue Mall.

 The stores are located on the first floor of Stars Avenue Mall near the Gate A entrance. The space in front of the stores had been transformed with a podium, canopy, lights, white orchids and daisies; attentive waiters who were serving tasty hors d'oeuvres and drinks to the crowd of fashionistas eagerly awaiting the unveiling ceremony of the two stores.

There were introductory speeches by the VIPs from Furla, Lio Jo and Globe Retail, and representatives of the media and female fashion bloggers were attentively given favourable spots so that we could take pictures.

Amid drum roll and trumpet sounding music, the curtain was drawn to reveal the shiny new stores, and at that moment, there were ‘indoor fireworks’ , and the crowd ‘oohed’ and 'aahed’ in surprise, as fake smoke was blown in front of Furla’s display to add to the magic of the evening.

Models draped in white abayas and lace scarves, towered above me in high heels as they walked around sporting Furla’s handbags- this was a great touch as everyone got to see how the bag would look as arm candy.

 I was lucky enough to be able to interview the CEO of Furla, Eraldo Poletto, who when asked to describe the target customer, eloquently stated that his brand was more about the customer who had the cheerful contemporary fun-loving attitude which was embodied by Furla. When I asked to they have a specific brand ambassador, he said that “All of Furla’s customers were their brand ambassadors”. What lovely seintiment, don’t you agree? He also so expressed belief in the beauty, elegance, and sophistication of Middle Eastern women and felt sure they would appreciate what Furla had to offer.

Liu Jo is an extremely feminine and glamorous clothing line. Focused on details which enhance the femininity present in every woman, Liu Jo translates it into an elegant style rich in glamour.

Cristionao, the Marketing and Communication officer of Liu Jo said “Our attempt is to combine a selection of the best material and a painstaking and scrupulous care for details. We are flexible yet pragmatic, adapting to the market with a style both focused on fashion and its continuous development. We look forward to a very positive and successful operation in Saudi Arabia.”

Check out the pics from the event below.

Fireworks!

A model posing with the red and zebra print collection- hot!

Model sporting a bright Furla bag-stunning

Furla's bags in the season's latest colours

Furla accessories, chunky necklaces and bracelets, love the animal print cuffs,

Liu Jo-Jeans collection tshirt with beaded embellishment

Liu Jo display

The Black lace on nude look: gorgeous! by Liu Jo

Kate Moss advertising campagin for Liu Jo

Models strutting their stuff

Bold red, black and zebra combo in bags and scarves by Furla

Latest PVC trend at Furla shiny bright colours

Awesome goodies from Liu-Jo love the pink pouch so convenient when you just need your mobile, and Lio Jo wallet/clutch- wonderful soft material and exquisite craftsmanship

Cute Freebie: Candy Bag from Furla

Furla Candy bag opens up to reveal a USB! Chic technology

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Liu Jo and Furla Launch Event on Monday October 15th

Dear Readers,

Global Retails have kindly invited me to the launch event of two brands:

LIU JO 

Liu Jo is an Italian fashion company founded by Marchi brothers in 1995 in Carpi (Modena), Italy
iu Jo was born as a small textile industry, and developed during the mid-1990s into a major Italian brand of pret-a-porter fashion.

The company has now 130 boutiques in Italy and 110 stores worldwide. The Liu Jo brand portfolio includes an Accessories collection, a Luxury collection of jewels and watches, a Baby collection for little girls, an Underwear and Beachwear collection as well as Homewear, and Shoes collection.
The spring-summer 2011 collection advertising campaign features model Kate Moss.

Liu Jo Bottom Up denim collection photo credit:

style-laboratory.net

and

Furla

Furla has created and manufactured in Italy handbags, shoes and accessories since 1927. These collections are constructed with high quality craftsmanship and style, and are distributed all over the world.
Furla interprets the Italian lifestyle in a contemporary way, with distinctive creative spirit, understated design and timeless elegance.

Fall/Winter 2012 collection by Furla. photo credit fashiontimes.it

( Sources : Wikipedia and Furla Facebook page)

To stay up to date with the latest events and fashion news in Jeddah follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Where: Stars Avenue Mall
When: 930pm
What: Liu Jo and Furla brand launch