Parisian chic meets Indian charm.

How gorgeous are the outfits from the Channel Paris - Bombay pre-fall 2012 collection? What I personally love about the collection is something we call 'Teekas' in India, which surely has influenced the hair jewelry in the 'Paris Bombay' collection. I can't wait to wear my teekas out somewhere, I usually only wear them at weddings with Indian outfits but I have a feeling this trend will catch on.

For this show the Grand Palais was transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party for the Chanel Metiers d'Art show, which was just oozing with opulence.

The models were adorned with gorgeous tunics, shawls, brocade pants & jeweled flats  - all inspired by a country Karl Lagerfield hasn't been to and I must say I'm impressed.

And here's a pic with me wearing a teeka....

What I'm wearing today....

Don't usually do this, but there's always a first time. Gorgeous green blouse from Zara, jeggings from Matalan, shoes & bag from Stradivarius.

p.s - Sorry about the picture quality.

H&M Collaborates with Marni

A backstage pass to Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2012 runway show

"I was thinking about a woman as an object of desire. We go to such lengths to adorn ourselves that we almost become our clothes or are taken over by them. This is a collection about excess - an exploration of ideals of beauty at their most extreme." - Sarah Burton, Creative Director of Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen introduces a short backstage film, created by young filmmaker Sean Frank, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Sarah Burton and the Alexander McQueen team preparing for the Spring/Summer 2012 runway show, which took place during Paris Fashion Week 4th October, 2011.

View the entire Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012 collection here.

We want Noël Caleb in Dubai

Just discovered this fab designer in Singapore thanks to a new blog I started following called 'Bonjour Singapore' and I just had to blog about it too!

Noël Caleb is the meaning of Christmas and Devotion combined. It is an independent label from Singapore that just started in February 2011.

What I love about these designs is the use of playful use of color and the funky wearable styles. My favorite has to be be the Alexandrova twist draped skirt. They're available to buy online here until one of our favorite local stores start to stock them.

Alexandrova twist draped skirt

100 years in 100 minutes

This stunning film was directed by Jake Lunt with The Viral Factory to announce the opening of the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. The film starts in 1911 and the couple dances all the way to 2011. It takes you through a journey of fashion, dance and music over the past 100 years in 100 minutes. I think I've watched this 10 times already. Enjoy!

Mood Swings Much?

Lebanese designer, Martine Haddad, founded the “Martine” brand in 2006 with one aim in mind; to create conceptual, distinctive jewelry for discerning fashionistas the world over.

And I must say she has done just that. Not only does she create custom pieces but she also has a whole range of ready-to-wear jewellery using only the purest precious metals and stones.

She has just launched her latest Spring/Summer '11 collection called Moodswings, which is my personal favourite. I think they're great and would look good worn plain or with a wrist full of bracelets. Check out this uber cute promo video for this collection:

You can check them out At Martine's website or her facebook page and you can buy the Moodswing collection at any of the S*uce outlets.

I Hate Portmanteaus.

So this post is a bit different to what I usually post, but I'm so excited about it that I have to share it with you.
Fashion Documentaries or as some like to call them 'Fashion-mentaries'. And as much as I hate anything to do with portmanteaus I can't help but love these.

There are two that are on my radar at the moment one is called 'The Tents' which is a documentary about the history & evolution of New York Fashion Week. There are loads of interviews from well known designers like Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi and Zac Posen among others.

"The term 'The Tents' now resonates as a metaphor for the fashion show venue itself as well as the overall fashion week experience." says The Tents Director James Belzer.
Oh here's a lil NYFW trivia for you that I found out while re-searching for this article, apparently the first NYFQ was called Press Week and it was designed to shift the attention from French to American fashion during World War II. And it worked, a lot of Vogue magazines at the time would feature French designers however NYFW made them focus more on the American fashion industry.
Anyway check out the the trailer for 'The Tents' - what do you think? It will be screened in September during the New York Fashion Week.

The Tents Trailer from Marcus K Jones on Vimeo.

Another "fashion-mentary" that I am looking forward to watching this year is 'God Save My Shoes' a documentary about the relationship between women & their shoes. I'm sure you all will agree that most women (myself included) love shoes. There's just something about them that makes everything better.
I think what attracted me to God Save My Shoes is firstly because its about shoes and secondly there are interviews from Christian Louboutin & Manolo Blahnik two designers that I adore.
This documentary will premier in Paris during fashion week but until then check out the trailer:

My 'Color Clash Outfit'

I had a lot of fun with the new competition on ASOS.com. Since bold colors are in this season ASOS is giving away gift vouchers to the winners of their Color Clash Outfit competition - where you need to create an outfit using their Fashion Finder.

I used to shy away from colors a few years ago but now I love them - it's way more fun.

This is my entry:

Those of you who know me will notice that I managed to sneak in some leopard print shoes (i have a weakness for leopard print).

You can vote for my look or buy any of the pieces here.

Or make your own outfit here.

Items used in this look are: ASOS PETITE Exclusive Ruffle Cross Back Dress, Lita Shoes In Leopard/Pink, River Island Pink Plastic Sami Watch, Miso Cross Necklace, ASOS Pink Boyfriend Belt, Yellow Gold Orbe Stud Earrings from astley clark.

A feather in one's....skirt.

I've always been a big fan of the website P.S I Made This by Erica Domesek and is a D.I.Y. & style expert who lives in NYC.

Erica's creative motto is: "I see it. I like it. I make it." and what's great is most of her D.I.Y. projects are very simple to make.

My favorite is the feather skirt on the left.

All you have to do is get your favorite feather trim and a skirt to match. And then glue and wrap it all the way up - starting from the bottom.

A friend of mine had a really cute dress made out of feathers and I think making one would be great fun and won't break the bank.

Check out Erica's website - P.S I made this for more fun D.I.Y. ideas.

Fashion faux paws

I just found these fab animal inspired faux fur accessories called SpiritHoods. These unique handcrafted hoods are made in L.A and what’s great is that no animals were harmed – it is 100% faux fur and from what I hear it feels and looks real. These quirky hoods have been spotted on quite a few celebs like Ke$ha, Katy Perry, Vanessa Hudgens, Fergi & Pink to name a few.

SpiritHoods also believe in the conservation and protection of animals, and they’re helping out by donating a portion of their online proceeds from their ‘Product Blue’ line that help rehabilitate and protect that particular animal.

The Polar Bear SpiritHood is for people who tend to look out for those around them. The Caretaker. They are focused and goal driven, knowing what they need and doing whatever it takes to get it.

The Leopard SpiritHood is for people who are able to blend in to many different circumstances with ease. People with the Leopard spirit find comfort in many different social situations yet also appreciate being alone. Often territorial and protective the Leopard naturally commands respect, without needing to demand it.

It's an accessory that expresses your wild nature. I think I’m going to get myself a ‘Snow Leopard’ or ‘Black Cat’.

Dubai's got Sole.

'Most people look at sneakers and just see a pair of shoes. But some see a statement, a stance and a declaration. Our aim is to give them a platform.' - these are the opening lines of Sole DXB's Manifesto. Sole DXB is a forum created by three sneaker enthusiasts, Hussain Moloobhoy, Joshua Cox and Kris Balerite, through which sneaker buffs all over the U.A.E. can communicate, share opinions and inspirations, and set new trends for the region.

I had a blast at Sole DXB's first event - which was also the first ever Sneaker Summit in Dubai. There were some great kicks from Puma, Adidas, Nike and others. The event also had some great live performances by Dubai-based bands like Beat Antenna and Noush Like Sploosh, and also featured the Middle East’s debut screening of the documentary ‘The Mystery of Flying Kicks’.

If you live in Dubai you know that events like these are slowly starting to create and cultivate the art/fashion scene, which was previously non-existent. And it's great to see so many people show up and support such events. Slowly but surely, I think Dubai is headed in the right direction. And it's events like these that help to push it there.