Category — Fashion

We can be inspired by many things -It could be a person or a thing. It could be lifeless or something imaginary. Sometimes I’ve come across people who say that they were inspired by a person’s character. Hence, for my new design, I was inspired by a couple of things. I’m sure my fashionable readers would know the Belgian designer Dries Van Noten.His ‘style’ in mixing various textiles and colors became one of my inspirations. Dries’s spring summer 2010 scored a 10/10 among customers, editors and fashion bloggers; as his designs were seen everywhere on the streets and gala events. It seemed that people can’t stop talking about his creations and everyone  wanted some part of it, whether it was jewelry or the clutches. The other element of inspiration was the orchid (in fact, the different colors and shapes that they form into) One could point out “Orchids are so cliche, everyone seems to be inspired by that flower!” But hey! nature never fails to awe us humans. Have you seen John Galliano’s recent creations for Dior? pics from style.com They are absolutely breathtaking. Clearly his designs have been influenced by the beauty of flowers such as orchids! As usual for a design, I begin with sketches and realise it through sewing . The main focus of my outfit is the appliqued work. The appliques play around the garment to bring a feminine shape.

The shapes that form in the center of each design embodies my idea of the orchid.

the design

the neckpiece also takes the form of an orchid and is made with beads, cloth and thread

I’ve got to sign off for now, I hope this post was enjoyable and hope to keep you all updated with my new creations and news from the fashion world + Big surprises are still to come

Ciao xxx

Reliving Joan Collins and Madonna, the eighties shoulder pads and power dressing are back as a trend on the runways. It has  been almost an year since shoulder pads of different sizes are seen sported around the streets of big cities like Paris and Milan.

shoulder pads in trend

Count me in as one of those who are obsessed with the sharp shoulder padded jackets!  Power dressing is all about Female power. The femme fatale who (unlike in the past centuries) have an authority, a strong hold in her work and her personal life (women being bread winners of the family is no alien concept now).  So, with a little  bit of help from my mom (with the sewing bit) I managed to get a jacket done…of course with shoulder pads! Inspired by the Balmain jacket which caused such a buzz in the fashion scene this jacket ; much like the balmain jacket, is toned down around the shoulders (  the 80′s  shoulders gave a huskier masculine look to the woman’s jacket) I believe that’s the best part about fashion is when we bring back something from the past – it’s always refreshing and never boring! J’adore this fabric i scoured from a fabric shop in the ever-so-crowded-with-shops Male’. I chose this fabric as it reminded me of the Tibetan fabrics in turquoise blues and bright reds. I’ve added some accessories that I made myself, like the multi-chained necklace and silver ring.

Though the World Cup in South Africa has ended (feels like it happened a century ago) I’ve decided to keep the African spirit high by showing you all my new African outfit. Here I am wearing an African smock or termed specifically a “Juper”.

This was a gift by a  friend from Ghana and the Juper is traditionally worn by the menfolk. Needless to say, I am breaking the rule once again: I’ve trimmed down the smock  around the sides to give it a more feminine shape. The bright multi-colors and the beautiful ethnic designs just blew me away. I’m constantly inspired by the colors and designs of African culture.

the original African smock

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XOXO

A big Thank you to everyone who voted and commented! I really appreciate it. Although, I didn’t get the big prize I am grateful and happy to have the support and encouragement of all my friends and family members. This competition had been a good experience and as it’s said “the show must go on” I will be working towards my ‘bigger prize’ and with all your love and support I hope to achieve it very soon.

Love you all xoxoxo

It’s hard to avoid talking about the new style concept of collections  which designers  have adopted recently in the  fashion weeks from 2009– Designers like Stefano Pilati  covered  the heads of  5 ft 11 inch models with wimple-like hats in the YSL fall show in Paris 2010.

Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent 2010

“Stefano Pilati categorically denied there was any religious symbolism in his fall show. Nevertheless, the sober caped black forms, wimple like head coverings, starched white cotton, hoods, and heavy chain pendants gave a nun like impression.” –Style.com

Similarly, there was much talk when Ricardo Tisci in fall 2009 showed a Middle Eastern inspired collection with models wearing burkhaa-like veils.

Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy fall 2009

The gold jewelry and the black draping were dark and beautiful and the collection is one of my favourites.  While leaving the audience completely at awe,  it also left them questioning; whether the depiction of burkhaa-like veils in black reflected  the designers views on the current political and cultural clashes within the western and middle eastern world? The fact is (at least to my knowledge) although designers present controversial designs that might reflect a current situation in the national /international level. It does not necessarily mean that it is what the designer believes -Instead, designers as artists love to play with themes and different subject matter to see how their audience reacts to it. I believe that the recent trend of head coverings don’t have anything to do with designers punning on the subject of ‘burkhaa’ or a nun’s wimple.  Instead it is a way of exploring the various forms of female clothing and adornment.Head covering is not just for the pious but it had been a popular style before, from the European mansions to the east Arabian or African cultures. . Moreover, the bedouin hijab or the Indian sari is expected to be worn by the women folk mainly due to their strong cultures rather than religious obligations.

african headdress

bonnets of the 18th and 19th century

In the  18^th and 19^th century Europe,  women  were expected to cover their hair under bonnets  as it showed her modesty; and the bigger and more decorated it was the more fashionable it was considered. By the late 20’s hats were

the elegant cloche

simplified to modern  Chanel cloches, yet they were a must in a woman’s wardrobe.Since the end of the 60’s, wearing a hat is not fundamental to complete a woman’s dress-up. And today, wide brimmed hats are mostly donned for beach wear. However, Stefano Pilati’s exhibition for YSL, with models wearing beautiful sculptural head pieces raised eyebrows and made editors re-write the year’s styles and trends. The models looked feminine and mysterious with the head pieces flowing around the face like a veil and  made the eye focus more on the sharp tailoring of the dresses.

“It is symptomatic of a wish to remove oneself from the Nuts, Zoo and Heat magazine culture; to ask for attention by not displaying flesh; to question what is eye-catching or elegant or intriguing.” – Another magazine-

xoxo

socks from the 'snowy mountains' in India

Hello Everyone! I’ve been quite busy with my exhibition preparations that I havn’t been able to sit down properly at the computer to write posts for Famushu readers. But here I am now, taking some time out to write about my fashion musings : ) Last night I was arranging my closet  (which is almost always messed up)when I got hold of a small gift from an Indian friend of mine.  She is from the Northern part of the country, a state called Himachal Pradesh(“snowy mountains”). This lovely gift is handwoven by her mother. The age-old technique of making the socks have been passed down from their ancestors.  I was awed by its uniqueness and she claimed that the socks do maintain heat during winter! It took me by surprise. But perhaps that is the beauty and the most amazing aspect  about traditional craft work.

Sultan Fareed's shoes - Maldives

Traditional craft work also reflects the origins of one’s culture. The  picture I’ve posted above is of our Sultan Fareed’s shoes which he wore to royal ceremonies, the shoes are similar to the socks from Himachal Pradesh. Although, the pointy ends at the front are exactly the same, the sultan’s shoes are grander and royal with intricate handicraft of beadings and velvet trimmings at the edges. We have always shared a similar culture with the Indian’s  and the rest of our neighboring Asian countries – and what better way is there to prove it other than through clothing’s and jewelries  of our past ancestors.

Hope you enjoyed this post and I will keep you posted on my fashion musings and interesting finds. 

xoxo

Finally, after a really long wait, I found out that my illustration is uploaded on the Marie Claire Concurso site. Phew! I was absolutely anxious before, checking my mails every now and then. The Marie Claire competition is open to anyone around the globe to submit a fashion illustration under the theme ‘Ethnic’  for the Spring Summer trend of 2010. One of the conditions is, that it should be drawn only by the natural skill of one’s hand – means you cannot use any computer software to create the illustration. There are almost a thousand illustrations sumbitted, and I am representing Maldives-in fact I am the only Maldivian at the moment !  The winner gets a scholarship to study a summer course on Illustration – Idea, Concept and Image with a 100% grant which also includes accommodation. There will be three winners and their illustrations will be published on the Marie Claire magazine, June and July issue.

Well, here’s me working on the sketch some weeks ago.

My mediums were pencil and water colors. The inspiration behind my work and how I visualize the ‘Ethnic’ Spring Summer trend of 2010 is written on my page.

So my dear Famushu readers please vote for me and drop a comment. I need your support to win this competition. A big Thank you for all of you who have already voted! And keep voting everyone!

xxx

Here’s the link to my illustration page:

http://marieclaire.iedbarcelona.es/participation/ethnic-celebration_349.html

I’ve posted pics of 10 items that I bought from different stores in and around Kuala Lumpur. These items can be worn as a day-into-night look (meaning you could wear it in the day time as well as in the evening with almost anything from a t-shirt to a frock dress).

1:  Huge rings are still big as a trend and this one in silver is perfect since it can glam up anything from a simple tee and jeans to a lovely black number for the night. When I am getting ready to go out shopping or etc I use the ring to accessorize my black shirt dress and white beige shorts and it’s a look that says “causal, comfortable”. I don’t  have to worry about how far my tummy sticks out after gorging on a big lunch at Nandos in Pyramid

2: How could I leave this lovely silver necklace with my name on it in the store! It’s chic and simple.

3:  Ear studs; these studs are just super cute and stylish! And it’s all the rage in Malaysia at the moment…all the guys sport it and a few girls too. It comes in different styles and colours and it’s a unisex accessory although it is more of a ‘boy thing’ here. I bought a pair that can be transformed from a rock n’ roll accessory to an elegant one with just the change of outfits.

4: Charm bracelets are another one of those girl’s-must-have accessories and I got a simple silver chain bracelet to add to my collection.

5: Rusted Gold Hoop earrings and owl necklace; these two items are eye catching and yet it doesn’t make me look like I am over accessorizing or anything. The owl necklace definitely gets the attention from both the guys and the girls, this nocturnal creature with its black beady eyes staring out; gives the effect of some tribal neck chain worn to ward off evil spirits. The rusted gold suits my olive brown skin and blends well with almost any clothing.

6: These are super comfortable wedge shoes from’ Vern’s in Sunway Pyramid’. And aren’t they adorable?

7: This is a classic piece. The white elephant hanging on a gold chain reminded me of only one place: India and India means exotic to me, it is a wonderful accessory to bling your safari shirt or your chiffon ponchos while vacationing in a resort.

8: It gets exceptionally hot at times in Malaysia and let’s not forget that it rains like cats and dogs too.  While I did not buy an umbrella, I did get an elegant black fan from the central market in Kuala Lumpur. I loved the simplicity and it was a stylish way to fan off when the temperatures get searing hot.

9:  These black earrings with its intricate detailing inside the circles are ideal to pair with a halter dress or a sleeveless one.

10: I had some fun wearing the multicolored bright bangles with my tee shirt and jeans. I mostly choose certain colours in order to match them with the t-shirts I want to wear and I also use some black bangles so that it goes with the black jeans.

That’s all for now

Be back with some more posts

xxx

Hello everyone! Yes, I am back after two whole months in Malaysia and back to blogging again too. But rather than rejoicing this reuinion I would like to express my deepest condolences to Alexander Mcqueen’s family. He was always one of my biggest inspirations and fashion-designer-idols, it’s devastating and I’m still in shock to hear that he has passed away at the age of 40. I hope to see his collections  in Paris this year… and for the years to come of course… but it will never be the same, it won’t be how Mcqueen would imagine from his beautiful creative mind…

R.I.P McQueen

Can you talk about your jewelry all day long? Well I’m sure if you have a little history behind that necklace or bracelet then it will be a conversation starter. I was browsing through the National Geographic website the other day and saw this section below on their home page: ‘clothing and accessories’ – the first thought that occurred to me-: “what the? What is this doing here??!” I mean this is NatGEo after all and the last thing that could occur to one is ‘clothing and accessories’. But, I was glad to see it there anyway.  It is understandable since NatGeo documents the livelihoods of ancient times and different parts of the world and jewelry and clothing are vital aspects to the documentation.  So as I went through their all-around-the-world jewelry collection, I was simply blown away by the array of traditional jewelries from Bhutan, Egypt, China and Kashmir! They were so yummy that I felt like trying all of them on! The best part about it was that they had given a brief description on each piece regarding it’s traditional historical origin and how it was made.

I’ve posted some pictures of the pieces that I loved from the National Geographic jewelery collection:

last emperor vintage jade earrings

The maori stone jewellery. As I mentioned  earlier each piece comes with a little description of it’s history, for this one it’s said :

“The koru spiral (left) is a stylized fern frond and represents new life and rebirth, growth, and a deep connection to the earth. The moana (right) is a repeating pattern based on the ocean waves and serves as a reminder of the importance of being in harmony with nature. Each carved stone hangs from an adjustable waxed cord.”

tibetan blue sky jewelry

silk road bracelets

Carved Chinese cinnabar bangels

“These ornate cinnabar bracelets are reminiscent of those once popular in the imperial court of China. An ancient art form, the creation and carving of these lacquer bracelets is an intensive process requiring much artistic skill and patience…”

personalised egyptian cartouche pendants

Himalayan earth and sky necklace :

“In Tibet, turquoise (called gyu) and coral are two of the most highly valued materials. Turquoise has been used as currency, and coral is a precious trade object in this landlocked mountainous country…”

gold-vermeil roman glass jewelry

carved jade chinese necklace

kashmiri floral bangles

Conversation starters can of course be your jewelry; like those times when you are surprised by your excited friend who shows off a shining white diamond crowned on a silver band and screaming “He asked me to marry him!!” and this can start off a huge conversation.

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But the history behind that one beautifully cut diamond that was bought to adorn the finger of a lovely lady can be quite appalling. Ever heard of ‘conflict diamonds’ or ‘blood diamond’? No? Then here’s the thing:

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There was once a time when people did not bother to find out about how the sparkling white diamond on the engagement ring originated. The many innocent people who died because of that diamond was unseen;  until on December 1^st 2000 the UN general assembly adopted a resolution to stop the role of diamonds in building conflict among the different parts of Africa – like Sierra Leone. The brutal rebel groups who slaughtered families and took children to train as child soldiers are fuelled by the funds they gain from selling conflict diamonds. They use the money they earn from these diamonds to buy arms. Once these diamonds are brought to the markets their origin is so difficult to trace since it has been infiltrated by then. Asking the jeweler whether the diamond you  are purchasing is ‘conflict free’ and checking whether they have a ‘certificate of origin’ is a good way to support the abolish of diamonds that are at the cost of  many innocent people’s lives.

So, as NatGeo says-:  “think again”

Bronze black and silver chains mix up to make this recent necklace of mine. I have been getting tired of seeing and wearing the same kind of simple jewellery and I wanted something quirky, different and stylish. So, it was back to hunting down my box of glittery shiny beads, cords and laces . I was inspired by Kelly’s  (the Glamourai) accessory designs, especially her lovely necklaces. This blogger has created a world of her own with her jewellery and it’s her necklaces especially; that i love the most.  The use of vintage chains in bronze and gold entwined with black grosgrain ribbons are a total heart breaker! They look so chic and elegant and we are talking about vintage material everyone! whoever said old is trash – it’s awsomely trendy here!!! Kelly was also called to style Rachel Roy’s clothes. Well,  bloggers today influence the trends of fashion.  So getting back to the necklace I made; it’s a combination of three chains: silver, bronze and black. Some fat black ribbon and transclucent beads. My tools to make this necklace was a pair of scissors, a needle and thread.

some bronze, silver and black chains with black ribbon and a pair of scissors

I was having this imaginative fairy tale story as an inspiration to the  whole creation of this piece: a princess living in this grand castle and she cries for her prince who is at war, wishing he was back with her. The tears that fell down her cheeks froze on the chains of the enchanted necklace that has tied her to the castle chamber. ( sounds a bit too over dramatic here)

After having sewn the chains onto the ribbon a knot is tied using the ends of the ribbon.And the transclucent beads (which can also be the tear drops of the princess ) are attached. And voila my necklace is done.

the tear drops froze on the bronze chains...