ICONIC IFTAR Ramadan 2015

Dear Readers

I am excited to share with you some snips and snaps from the annual Ramadan Iftar event organised by ICONIC Middle East.

The venue, as usual was top notch: Sheraton Ballroom, located behind the Corniche Road, Jeddah.

I arrived early and had time to browse through the summer 2015 collection which is available in stores now, perfectly timed for your Eid or summer holiday shopping.

The ladies collection had gorgeous pieces from the resort chic collection with floaty dresses that could easily go from day to night with a statement necklace. The ICONIC Summer 15 collection showed influences from the 50s mid-century romance with primary colours such as red and yellow being used in embroidery, broad cuts and crochet detailing. A nod to the sixties was evident by the use ivory, green and black. Whereas the 70s shone through in eclectic prints and t-shirt designs.

Some of my favourite pieces are below:

Season mush have: Emerald green overlapping detail jumpsuit

Effortless chic printed sling backs

Add bling with leopard print mini dress

Super stylish Snake skin (faux) stilettos

Below you can see some items from the ICONIC Summer '15 collection for men, concentrating on a monochrome pallete of basic black,white and grey.

The grand buffet had something to satisfy very palette, from the Middle Eastern mezze platter, to Lasagna to Beef Stroganoff.

Here's the team that made it all happen.

Over all it was a wonderful event, can't wait for ICONIC's next collection!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more updates.
XOXO

ICONIC SS15 Collection: Press Day at Park Hyatt Jeddah

Amazing views from the Sohba Ballroom at Park Hyatt, Jeddah

Dear Fashionistas,
Last Thursday I was invited to attend a private preview of ICONIC Spring Summer 2015 Collection at the Sohba Ballroom in Park Hyatt Jeddah. Read on as I reveal the great fashion finds the collection has in store for you..

Nautical theme- love the white embroidered dress with crochet lace

The theme was nautical featuring  stripes ans  key pieces in red, white  and blue. There were also sporty influences with many pieces featuring jersey material, numbers or a more playful cut. I could easily see myself lounging at a resort in one of their embroidered summer dresses with crochet lace detailing, as it has such  a light and airy feel to it.

Lemon yellow and sky blue were the rage

Emphasis was placed on simple elegant cuts, with carefully crafted detailing to add embellishment, I love this embroidered jacket as it can easily be used to dress up other more casual pieces in the collection.

Bite Me!

Edgy statement T-shirst like the ones above are the current trend, and I expect these will sell out fast.

Ice cream candy colours a nod to the 1960s

Cooling sorbet colours for summer in simple cuts rounded off the collection making it a sure-fire hit among the fashionistas on a budget, who are keen to emulate the colour and design en vogue in the fashion weeks in Paris, Milan and New York.

A jumpsuit for spring

Where would spring/summer be without flowers- the SS15 collection has very pretty feminine pieces in full bloom.

Statement necklaces, animal print accessories are here to stay for SS15.

ICONIC SS15 has animal prints handbags and shoes as seen on catwalks worldwide

Peach and mint green statement necklace- beautiful  colours for this season

I liked these pastel coloured line shirts as part of the men's collection perfect for the Saudi Summer which seems set on making an early entry this year in Jeddah.

Pastel coloured linen shirt perfect for the boys in summer

Finally, a big thank you to the ICONIC team that made this fabulous fashion event possible.

From right to left: Sarfaraz, Rushdee, Ola, Rohit, Tushar, Aly, Abdul Mateen

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Blogged:ICONIC December Shopping Haul ( Jeddah Fashion Post)

Dear Readers,

I am excited to share with you the goodies I bought in my last shopping trip to ICONIC.

Although ICONIC has been in town a while I tend to have my go-to brands which I frequent all the time; After this shopping trip I have decided to add the ICONIC store to my favourite stores list.

So without further ado here are  my pics:

I have been looking for the perfect silky texture printed harem pants, ones that aren't too casual so no jersey material or too bling, so no gold/silver animal print. At last I found the ONE I was looking for in ICONIC.

The geometric print is blend of red and navy blue over a neutral cream background not too busy or bland, it was just right. These roomy pants are  extremely comfortable to wear and yet give a dressed up look, can be worn to work, school, and while hanging out with friends.

I bought an oversize sleeveless sheer white top, to go with it-I loved the gold detailing on the collar, it added an edge to it, and I like the hi- lo cut, it has ample material in the back to cover your bum and maintain your modesty. There are fanned pleats in the back which add to the flowy nature of the top and give it a feminine silhouette.

I love the clink of metallic bangles perfect for accessorizing on the weekend.

Last but not least, these chunky duo knuckle  ring set has received numerous compliments since I got them! I simply can't stop wearing them.

I hope you liked my  ICONIC shopping haul!

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`

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

Blogged: ICONIC Iftar event at Jeddah’s Blue Ocean Restaurant, Fakieh Aquarium

Ramadan Kareem!

Dear readers, I hope that your Ramadan is going well and bringing with it blessings galore.

I would like to share with you my review of the ICONIC IFTAR event which I had the pleasure of attending a little while ago.

The Event: ICONIC IFTAR Jeddah 2014

On the Wednesday 2^nd July, ICONIC Jeddah held an iftar event at the recently opened Blue Ocean restaurant at the Fakieh Aquarium.

 ICONIC Jeddah took the opportunity of planning this event in the month of Ramadan with its festive spirit by inviting loyal customers, media representatives, bloggers and students as well as educators from Effat University to the friendly  event which highlighted the company’s cohesive spirit.

ICONIC IFTAR 2103 at Jeddah's Blue Ocean Restaurant, Fakieh Aquarium

The choice of location was superb, allowing guests a prime view of the sunset in the shimmering Red Sea. The Blue Ocean restaurant is spacious and the decor and the views leaves you under the impression of being aboard a ship. The iftar buffet offered a variety of sumptuous dishes to suit an array of palettes, my personal favourites were the mini burgers, chicken Alfredo pasta.

The occasion allowed ICONIC to showcase their EID 2014 collection for men, women and children in perfect time for EID shopping.

ICONIC's EID 2014 Women's Collection displayed at the event

The women’s collection included glamorous wrap maxi dresses, evening gowns, drapey tunics, over-sized sequin tops and floaty blouses teamed up with cigarette trousers for a ultra-chic look.  The key trends in prints were marble, python and abstract floral that steer away from the usual fashion norms.

My favourite items for  women's day wear : 

Floaty embellished summer top SR90

ICONIC 2014 Eid collection python print pencil skirt SR 100

A little bling, a sparkle is synonymous with the festive look and so attention to details is key in the collection with hand embellishments, sequins layered on exquisite fabrics like velvet, jacquard, georgette, crepe, metallic jersey and taffeta.

Favourite women's evening wear

ICONIC Summer Eid 2014 collection embellished gown SR 595

Iconic Summer Eid 2014 Collection Fuschia gown SR500

Favourite men's item

ICONIC 2014 Eid COllection Men's embellished loafers

As my friends know I’m attracted to bling accessories when it comes to EID outfits, ICONIC has a range of chunky statement necklaces, cuffs and show-stopping clutches. I can't decide which one/s I want for Eid!

ICONIC 2014 EID collection bling accessories

A special thank you to  Ms. Hamdoun, ICONIC Senior PR executive as well as the  marketing team  for hosting such a fabulous event. The top management of ICONIC's Landmark Group graced the event and are pictured below.

From Left to Right, Mohammed Rushdee (Head of Operation - KSA) , Junaid Durrani (Marketing Manager),Ola Hamdoun (Assistant PR Manager), Nisha Jagtiani (Director Landmark Group ), Najmul Haq (GM - Western Region), Salem Bahamdain

Hoping to see more events in Jeddah in the future, and I hope they do a fashion show next!

You can follow ICONIC on  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Or visit their website, as well as their stores in Jeddah in Haifa Mall, Al-Salaam Mall and the Dome, Prince Sultan Street. 

To stay up to date with the latest fashion events and trends in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 

you can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, 

Art of Fashion the Splash Spring Summer 2014 fashion show

I am a fan of  Splash especially their accessories they provide trendy pieces at high street prices. Read on for a press release about their Spring Summer '14 collection which was showcased in the their Dubai fashion show.

Celebrating the concept of art is fashion, the Splash Spring Summer’14 fashion show explored varied possibilities of art applied to garments, where each was seen as a blank canvas for free artistic expression. Titled ‘Art of Fashion’, the show featured this season’s newest works of art which will be seen hanging in all Splash stores across the Region. Held at Dubai Studio City, the show enthralled a 3000 strong audience of style-conscious aficionados from across the Region.

 Inspired by the season’s trends and the recently concluded catwalk extravaganza, Raza Beig,

CEO, Splash & ICONIC, said," At Splash we have always strived to work on unique concepts and sets and this season we got inspired by the fact that fashion is an art form and one that is very influential. A season that is all about structure and minimalistic fashion our runway was a mix of pop to abstract art to nuances of tribal art and surrealism as we presented a collection of high street must haves.”

With the SS’14 blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash runway married themes beautifully with each other to offer high-voltage fashion. The show started with Popism, a trend that exhibits the surge of pop inspired fashion and is influenced heavily by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Litchenstien.  Application of artwork to garments with a strong primary colour palette and bold geometric patterns this was one of the boldest collection so the runway.  

Next in line was Sketch Art where freedom of expression is key with sketching, paint splatter and scribble inspired prints forming the core.  Just as art combines opposite textures on a canvas, the Splash collection included combinations like sheer with solid, shiny with matt and embellishments with strong clean modern lines, bringing a whole new dimension to clothing.  Dominating the runway were trends like cubism and constructivism which are key for the season in terms of shape influences and introducing a clean minimalist fashion future. 

The season promises to be print dominated with the most conversational prints and bold designs where photo-real surrealist collages are fashioned and applied to formal jackets, casual tees and sweaters.  The mixture of abstract art and visually impactful brush strokes are applied to garments as if painted by hand offering a line-up of head turning pieces. Last but not the least is Tribalism, a popular theme that is reborn in a whole new form. Bold and bright ikat tribal designs with flashes of neon with a big emphasis on body conscious silhouettes are must haves.

Not to be left behind are accessories with particularly artful designs like fruit adorning neckpieces, clutch bags with raffia fringing and oversized tassel decorations. A combination of visually stimulating and thought provoking collection the Splash SS'14 wardrobe presented on the runway will be available from now until June’14 in store while all the looks from the catwalk are available on

www.splashfashions.com and

www.Facebook.com/Splashfashions

If you want to watch the show tune in to www.Youtube.com/SplashFashion.