A Fashion journal of an aspiring Fashion Designer

Hello everyone! Ah! Yes I am back again with some hot trendy news right off the fashion oven! This time the limelight is on the silk turban and turband!

worked on an illustration for the turban trend

(Please empathize with me on the amateur quality of this illustration, as this is the first time I’ve used adobe to color one of my works in detail) I always see the turban as an accessory synonymous with women who are confident and elegantly poised. I’ve posted here some pics from the recent runway collections and from the stylish streets of NYC and London. Pictures from here, here, here and here. Mind you, the runway and street pictures could be deceiving; the ladies could be all glowing wearing the turban/ turband but it is a difficult look to pull off, you need to accessorize carefully with the right garments, even tying the turban requires a bit of a skill and most of all… you’ve got to carry it well! You could donne a lovely balloon sleeve cotton shirt and black harem pants, accessorize your look with   a turban or turband and you will achieve a simple chic look! Before we get all carried away with turban styles let’s take a short trip down fashion’s memory lane. The turban is known as a classic piece in a woman’s wardrobe.  Paul Poiret (1879–1944), known for his exquisite designs, dressed women in elegant silks made them feel confident and beautiful; he often used the turban in his designs and j’adore his illustrations of Persian princesses in starlit nights…sigh!

pics from here, here and here. Turbans were a must-have accessory in the 70’s and the 80’s as well. So that’s it from here now, hope you will try out the turban! If you need help in styling a look with a turban don’t hesitate to bug me!

got hold of some vintage 70's magazines

Salut all my lovely fashionable Famushu readers !I’ve had some wild working weeks lately and finally got a day to sit down comfortably and post on my latest works. This time I’ve been inspired by the worn and torn look, It’s a simple DIY look that pretty much anybody can make (not to mention with the right tools and material). The torn and worn out look has been heightened  by Christophe Decarnin for his Balmain Spring Summer 2011 fashion collection.

Balmain Spring Summer 2011

Pics from style.com Inspired by the biker chick he created tee’s with torn holes that were held together by safety pins. There were bleached jeans and studs adorned the signature Balmain jackets.  Considering the economic situation affecting the fashion industry only a handful of designers have really experimented richly with their collections this year. Christophe Decarnin’s  exhibition was very similar to  last seasons Balmain collection and looking through them I felt like watching a movie that I have seen ten times; knowing ah! that’s what’s going to come next!.  However, the collection is safe enough to keep Balmain’s regular customers happy; and who could ignore those jackets which are to-die-for!

worn and torn look on white t-shirt

the torn t-shirt

silver and leather accessories with black skinny jeans

I’ve posted here my latest crazy work, it’s a torn look given to a white t-shirt that I sew. And believe me, the first reaction I get from many people are: “WTF is she wearing?!” This look is rebellious  and perhaps a viewer discrimination could be necessary  This is the kind of grunge /punk look that I love to wear when there aren’t any formal meetings to go to but to just hang out with friends and be oneself. Silver jewelry goes like bread and butter with this outfit and if one wants to extend the rebellious look they could try black leather skin tights with the t-shirt and wear killer heels with spikes or studs. Here are some additional varieties on this look from ASOS (was browsing through the site and these are the most kewl looks I noticed)all pics below by ASOS

Well, that’s it from here! Ta-ta for now !  

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

image

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