Tuesday, 21 October 2014

Oscar de la Renta



In the world of Fashion, where everyone is continuously having to reinvent themselves, there are only a handful of designers whose work is so timeless that they alone have been able to define style.

Oscar de la Resnta, whose work truly exemplifies an everlasting style passed away last night and while there is so much to be said about this iconic man and his incomparable work, I don't think that anything I write would do justice to such a legend. Thus, I'll leave you guys with a part from Hilary Clinton's speech at the time Oscar was presented with the CFDA's Eleanor Lambert Founder's Award and a couple of pictures showcasing the wonder that was Oscar de la Renta.

"His style and personality have permeated our culture and shaped the industry for decades. His name alone evokes elegance and timeless beauty, and his designs give each of us a chance like we're special too."


                                               


RIP Oscar.









                                

Friday, 10 October 2014

StyleHavenXAnam- House of Lux


Recently I was invited to one of the biggest style events of 2014 in Pakistan, the unveiling of the House of Lux. An exclusive event, where all the leading fashion stars were going to be; I had to make sure I was sartorially on point.

Once I decided on a tea pink Delphi saree, I right away contacted the super talented make-up artist Anam Falak to book an appointment for hair and make-up for the day. From the get-go Anam was super helpful and accommodating and I am so glad I got to get ready by her for the event.

I reached Anam's salon at around 4 pm (the event was supposed to start at 7 pm) and one of the salon girls began working on styling my hair as soon as I got there. Some of you guys may have noticed that I cut my hair recently and I was quite confused about what to do with them, but the lady at the salon was very helpful and styled my hair perfectly. Right after my hair was done, I was sent to another room where Anam had set-up a spread of various, lust-worthy make-up products to do my makeup with.

Anam gave me beautiful copper shade lids and a very light pink lip. What stood out for me though was how she accentuated my cheekbones and did the overall contouring and man does this girl know how to contour; it's no surprise why her Makeup Dewy Skin Pro Highlighter is sold out the minute it enters the market. The best thing about my look however was that at the end of the day I still looked like me; just a more glamorous version! Anam simply accentuates your features, rather than completely changing the way you look; which, seeing how so many MUAs still practice the caked on, artificial look, is a huge blessing!


Here are some bonus pictures from the Lux even itself!


Fawad Khan and Iman Ali chat with Faizan
The Lux Models (L-R)- Fouzia, Faiza, Cybil, Nadia & Sunita 

Amna Taseer with HSY
Ayesha Omer
Areeba Habib
Cybil with Nadia
Faiza Ansari & Kamiar Rokni
Iman Ali & Fawad Khan
Fouzia & Safinaz 
Iman Ali & Humaima Malik
Humaima Malik
Sunita Marshal & Nomi Ansari 
Salim & Shehla Chatoor
Salima Feerasta with Faiza Lakhani





Thursday, 2 October 2014

Spring/Summer 2015: New York Fashion Week


NYFW displayed an array of comfortable yet classy clothes. Staying true to American classicism, sportswear maintained it's rule on the runway. However, this time the pieces were a lot more subdued, with natural hair and make up adding to the look. And while there was plenty of skin on show, it was channeled in a very modest way, giving the NYFW runways an over all fresh appeal. Speaking of where the focus lay for designers, here's a breakdown of what Spring/Summer 2015 will be like according to NYFW:

THE LOOK: Sportswear and American fashion go hand in hand, and for now, perforated details, racer backs and relaxed yet luxe seperates don't seem to be going anywhere.

Left to Right: Rag&Bone, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Elizabeth & James, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler

THE COLOURS: Designers kept a light hand on the colours they used, mainly opting for subdued shades in nude, white and pale pink. However, for times when you really want to shine, there were plenty of metallic looks on display too!

Left to Right: Carolina Herrera, Jill Stuart, Rag&Bone, Tadashi Shoji, Victoria Beckham
Left to Right: Prabal Gurung, Christian Siriano, Honor, Ralph Rucci
 
Left to Right: Altuzarra, Cushnie Et Ochs, Jenny Packham. Oscar De La Renta, Tibi
Clockwise: Altuzarra, Reem Acra, Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu

THE PRINTS: There wasn't anything new in terms of the print options designers used for spring, mainly opting for florals,stripes and abstract designs, however they balanced the use of known prints by focusing on newer cuts and details

Left to Right: Altuzarra, Carolina Herrera, Lela Rose, Tome, Victoria Beckham
Left to Right: Elizabeth & James, Rebecca Minkoff, J Crew, Tanya Taylor, Thankoon
Left to Right: DKNY, Donna Karan, J Mendel, Opening Ceremony, Versus Versace

THE DETAILS: Designers made up for the use of common prints by introducing a lot of asymmetric pieces in their collections, and adding in sheer and high slit looks, thus taking typical spring wear and transforming it into something sexy and current.

Left to Right: Versus Versace, Cushnie Et Ochs, Oscar De La Renta, Rachel Zoe, Reem Acra
Left to Rght: Erin Fetherston, Michael Kors, Delpozo, Prabal Gurung, Milly
Left to Right: The Row, Sally Lapointe, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Versus Versace

THE INVESTMENT PIECE: Thanks to NYFW, the long coat will be all the rave this Spring/Summer 2015. Keeping in mind the Karachi heat, I'll be opting for sleeveless versions like the ones seen at Narciso Rogrigues or Rag&Bone or even go for the beautiful, flowy pieces, like those in the Juan Carlos and Thakoon collections

Left to Right: Juan Carlos, Narciso Rodriguez, Oscar De La Renta, Proenza Schouler, Rag&Bone
Left to Right: Thakoon, The Row,Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria Beckham, Jason Wu

THE ACCESSORY: The belt will be making a comeback come Spring 2015. Thick or thin; around the waist or low slung; the more creative the belt, the more Summer/Spring 2015 ready the outfit!

Clockwise: Michael Kors, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan

THE FACE: Designers made sure the make-up done on their models  complimented their easy and fresh outfits, thus keeping the makeup mostly bare and simply adding a bit of bronze around the face for healthy and glowing looks.

Clockwise: Thakoon, Jason Wu, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ralph Lauren





Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Shamaeel Ansari's Fashion Soiree


I was recently invited to Shameel Ansari's residence for the launch and viewing of her latest vintage couture and bridals line that was shown in her garden. This classy high-tea event was exclusively set up for bloggers and some of Shamaeel's oldest clients and I am so glad I was invited because the collection is be-au-ti-ful!

A regal line, made up of traditional pieces in jewel tones and decked in intricate embroidery,  this collection, as Shamaeel put it, is both 'delicate and special and catered at women who dare to be different.' Each piece, exquisitely crafted, pays homage to Shamaeel's 27 years in the industry and is a clear testament of why she is a fashion legend!