SEPT AND THE CITY

We do L.O.V.E. our Sunday nights at OKKU and this week we got to experience a luxurious and unique fashion showcase featuring pieces from the Spring / Summer 13 collection from the Herve Leger By Max Azria.

The Herve Leger fashion house was founded in 1985 by the French designer Hervé L. Leroux and is most famous for designing the “body conscious” or ‘bandage dresses” where stretchy fabric is used to give emphasis to a woman’s figure.

It was great to have the chance to view the collection and the edgy, bold designs really captured the modern, powerful woman of today. From light greys to sharp blues, graphic shapes to intricate weaves the pieces were absolutely stunning.

Along with the eye candy our taste buds were also treated to the tastiest Japanese delicacies from an award winning menu. We particularly enjoyed the Salmon Tartar and the Hamachi Tataki Maki and we were spoilt for choice with ‘O’ style cocktails!

We would like to thank everybody that came down for making it a wonderful evening!

Just recently the Matchesfashion.com team came to Middle East to get a taste of the region where a large number of their fans reside. Matches was founded by Tom and Ruth Chapman in 1984 and started as a luxury  fashion store in London. Matches now operates 14 stores as well as having a huge international online presence showcasing  pieces from some of the most iconic designers in the world from Alexander McQueen  to YSL. It is safe to say that even after all this time,  Matches still keeps the customer close to its heart

Over with the Matches team was the wonderful Natalie Kingham  (a senior buyer for matchesfashion.com) as well as the talented  Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos of Peter Pilotto.  It was an extremely busy few days with a packed media schedule from photo shoots to interviews to even more interviews! In the end though, the hard work truly did pay off!

The Official Launch party  for the Middle East was held at the elegant and fashionable Art Space Gallery in DIFC. Star guests Pete Pilotto and Christopher De Vos joined us on this wonderful evening and showed off some gorgeous pieces from their Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection.

 The room was filled with luxuriously crafted  signature Pilotto prints which guests enjoyed admiring whilst they eagerly waited for a photo opportunity with the design duo.

The atmosphere  was buzzing, the beats were pumping and the Champagne was flowing. We went a little overboard with the canapés but apart from that it was an extremely enjoyable and successful evening!

Matchefashion.com official launch event, Dubai.

UAE-based fashion designer Reema Al Banna recently launched her latest Fall 2012/13 collection at an exclusive ‘Compassion Show’ catwalk event at the RIVA Beach Club in Dubai. Guests included the who’s who of the Dubai social scene including fashion journalists and bloggers, photographers and VIP guests.

The stunning models wore designs featuring Reemami’s statement vibrant colors and bold patterns – the style which evokes the young, fresh and fun identity of the brand.

RIVA beach club provided a perfect chilled out and stylish location for the glamorous show which was held al fresco on the palm lined terrace area.

What’s more, Reema focused her fashion show event on helping raise awareness about the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, PCRF. The non-profit institution is a humanitarian and medical organization that helps treat sick and injured children in the Middle East who do not have access to the necessary and specialized care in their homelands.

After the fashion show guests had the chance to look at Reemami’s key designs up close as the models mingled with the invitees. It was great to see two completely different organizations work together and create an exciting and fun event, all in aid of a wonderful cause… Sept loves!

One trend that we adore this season is the lovely hues of pastels that are gracing both catwalk and Dubai’s Fashionistas.  Taking inspiration from the likes of Louis Vuitton and Mulberry, soft pinks, lilacs, baby blues and mint greens are our must have colour fix of choice.  Pretty, delicate and feminine with a nostalgic nod to our favourite things (like macaroons, ice cream and summer) we are wearing the colours from head to toe including nail varnish, denim capris, wedges, hair bows and tote bags.

Sept loves!

We are excited to announce that two of the world’s best known and prestigious UK based fashion and interior design colleges, London College of Fashion (LCF) and Chelsea College of Art and Design (Chelsea), are returning to the Middle East between the 17^th – 31^st May 2012 to hold another series of Short Courses in response to the overwhelming demand following the successful programmes already held in Dubai.

LCF will have a special seminar ‘Your Future in Fashion’ that will act as an intro to the fashion industry so you can explore the different facets of fashion to get a better idea of where to start a career in this competitive environment.  LCF will also offer the Special Occasion Makeup course, which will be taught by international celebrity makeup artist Lucy Wearing, who has worked with some of the world’s top magazines including Vogue and Elle as well as celebrities including singer Ellie Goulding.

Being held at the Pullman Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, the courses have been designed for those seeking international standards of tuition from lecturers who will be travelling from the UK to teach the courses.

Both colleges aim to support the development of the fashion and interior design industries in the Middle East and have designed the courses to offer something to both professionals already within these fields or people who are interested in joining them.

High profile tutors for LCF include designer Richard Sorger, whose collection is worn by stars like Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Cindy Crawford and Kate Beckinsale, and international bestselling author of ‘How to Set up & Run a Fashion Label,’ Toby Meadows.

The 14 LCF courses and consultancy sessions on offer for the May 2012 programme cover the full spectrum of fashion education:

• Your Future in Fashion: One Day Seminar
• Essential Guide to the Fashion Industry (2 Days)
• Fashion: History, Culture & Society (4 Days)
• Fashion Buying & Merchandising (4 Evenings)
• Fashion Buying for your own Retail Business (3 Days)
• Special Occasion Makeup (3Days)
• Principles of Fashion Styling 1 (5 Days)
• Principles of Fashion Styling 2 (4 Days)
• Fashion Design 1 (4Days)
• Fibres & Fabrics (2 Days)
• Manufacturing Methods (1 Day)
• Starting your own Fashion Label (5 Evenings)
• Globalising your Fashion Brand (3 Days)
• Luxury Fashion Brand Management (5 Evenings)
• Fashion PR (2 Days)
• Business Start-Up Consultancy (90 Minutes)

Tutors from Chelsea include Lyndall Fernie who has run her own successful interior design company, consulted and designed many high end residential projects and specialises in remodeling exiting projects, Sue McGregor an interior designer for leading consultant Interior Statements Ltd. that specialises in projects for hotels, residential developments, private and commercial properties and Debbie Blandford who holds a Masters Degree in Furniture Design and has worked across numerous multi-sector interiors projects for clients including the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The eight courses being offered by CCAD are:

• The Principles of Interior Design 1 (5 days)
• The Principles of Interior Design 2 (5 Days)
• Starting an Interior Design Business (2 Evenings)
• Lighting Design for interiors (2 days)
• Designing Bespoke Fitted Furniture (4 evenings)
• Creating a Colour Scheme for your Home (2 days)
• Decorating your Villa or Apartment (3 days)
• Interior Design Project Management Consultancy (90 Minutes)

Exciting news – Both colleges are offering a 10% discount on the courses if booked online by the 17^th April using the code DUBAI10.

Check out the information on the following sites:

www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/middle-east or call; + 44 (0)20 7514 7552

www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/middle-east or call; + 44 (0)20 7514 2104

Dubai World Cup, Concerts, Festivals and more! What is a girl to wear? We pick out our top 4 looks!

Stand out from the crowds in floral, bright prints like those seen on DKNY’s 2012 runway collection and recently spotted on Tala Samman at London Fashion Week. ( Check out Tala here http://myfashdiary.com/2012/02/look-of-the-day-346/)

Getting inspiration from the latest March issue of Elle Sweden; Mona Johansson looks stunning in all of the wardrobe choices. Our pick is this skirt, crop top and jacket combo. Go for something unconventional and add a 50s glam hair style!

Preppy is always adorable so why not try this unconventional look? Inspired by Australian fashion house Gorman their Summer collection is just too cute! Try a colorful stripy dress paired with a structured blazer and cute matching socks under your sandals! (Honestly, we are not as daring to try it out but looks good on the Gorman model)

Like to keep it plain and simple? Opt for fitted structured pieces; our inspiration is the Daniella Christina S/S ’12 look book with this cute white and a black structured blazer!

GlamOnYou designer Nadine Arton wowed crowds at the Dubai Mall on the 2^nd of February. Showcasing the latest collections, GlamOnYou put on a spectacular display during the annual Dubai Fashion shows to celebrate DSF 2012. Stunning models graced the catwalk wearing the cutest and most striking designs including looks featuring hot pink skirt and silk blouses to floor length sparkly gowns; we love the brand’s ability to create something fabulous to fit any occasion.

Luckily for us we got to see the show from the front row and are happy to share some exciting, exclusive images with you lucky bloggeristas!

Halloween is coming up and even if you are not a believer of this holiday it is alright to indulge and have fun with your outfit! Halloween is not just about dressing up as your favorite cartoon character or in some bizarre creation; there are going to be a lot of themed parties, providing the perfect opportunity for you to add your stylish twist to celebrations.  Whatever the dress code make sure you always add your own personal touch to the occasion.

During some plotting and planning at the Sept PR headquarters we decided it would be our duties to share some Halloween tips with you that will give you  inspiration or at the very least, a nod to the right direction.

What to wear?

Glam it up this Halloween with this black dress splattered with gold from GlamOnYou paired with a pair of patent leather heels – you are sure to be the sparkle of the party!

Dare to be adventurous with your outfit choice!  Tired of dressing up as witch, cat or devil?  Halloween costumes don’t need to be cliché, consider investing in bold statement pieces which add the spook factor to an elegant ensemble.  We love Alexander McQueen’s peep toe skull heels – the ultimate in gothic glamour!

If you’re going for a 50s, 60s or 70s, inspired look do not over do it. Pick one particular strong style and focus on it. Keeping make up to a minimal, use nude colors and focus on creating the ultimate hair style or wowing with on-trend make up – we’re thinking beehives and Bardot eyes.

If you are going to create your own costume please be creative and stay away from squeezing yourself into children’s costumers. Please.

Where to go?

Celebrate All Hallows  Eve with friends!  Choose a fun venue to party the night away with your favorite ghosts and goblins.  Our sources tell us that OKKU luxury restaurant and lounge is set to host another legendary Halloween party this year so watch this space!

Trick or treating maybe? (Forever young).

Host a party at your home, but don’t forget to invite your neighbours too or they may get a fright when they see your costumed friends arrive at your building.

If you’re not in the mood to party (hmmm…) then you can always have a night in and enjoy a scary movie marathon.

What to eat?

Chocolate cobweb cupcakes

Pumpkin cheesecake

A cauldron full of punch

Chocolate, ice cream and candy

Candy corn

Black & orange colored anything

Have a happy Halloween all and do send us some pics from your night.

Love, the Sept PR Team