Our take on what’s cool, trending and fashionable
Fashion Compassion
Dsquared2 and the Andrea Bocelli Foundation united again for “Voices Of Haiti” in which young Haitian choristers from the foundation’s music project made their European debut at the inauguration of the Fondazione Zeffirelli in Florence.
The project, which debuted last year in New York, provides opportunities for disadvantaged young Haitians to enhance and showcase their talent and the youngsters also performed for the “Teatro del Silenzio” in Bocelli’s birthplace Lajatico, Pisa.
Designers Dean and Dan Caten created customised dresses and tuxedos saying: “We met these talented and passionate children for the first time last year in New York. It is such a blessing and a great pleasure to be part of this special journey again.
“We created something that could emphasise the strength and the beauty of the Haitian singers.
“Through their amazing singing, the young choristers spread pure love and joy and we are truly honoured to support this noble project once again.”
Wooly Winners
Designers Antar-Agni and Bodice announced winners of the 2017/18 international Woolmark Prize Indian Subcontinent and The Middle East regional final. The judging panel included designers and members of the fashion media as well as industry insiders with Manish Malhotra of Esquire Middle East saying: “The International Woolmark Prize is always a great experience; the judging gets tougher every year as the quality of work from designers nominated keeps getting better.
“Young designers are now expressing themselves through their work in a way like never before. While womenswear winner Bodice scored high on adaptability, commercial viability and creativity of the look, menswear winner Antar-Agni created something true to his belief. We are keen to see how these designs will be received in the global market.”
The event has been a stepping stone for some big name talent, including Karl Lagerfeld, and the winners will now go through to the global final which takes place early next year.
Shopping Goes Android
The Luxury Closet (LC), the Middle East’s largest online luxury marketplace, has launched its first ever Android mobile app targeting the Middle East and US markets.
The leading Dubai-based online fashion boutique hopes the new app, which features the company’s popular buy in instalments feature as well as access to a range of limited edition items, will bring its unique e-commerce concept to new markets in the Middle East and globally.
Kunal Kapoor, CEO of The Luxury Closet, said the launch was a natural step for the company, given the success of its iOS app, which has witnessed “tremendous growth” since its launch in October last year.
“Everything that can be done on web, can be done through our new Android app,” says Kapoor.
Style Sounds
In collaboration with Soulwax and Michel Gaubert, fashion brand Loewe has launched a special summer musical track Close to Paradise.
To further expand on the house’s revival collection with Paula’s Ibiza Boutique and celebrate the third edition of its annual summer shop in the island’s Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACE), the track
Is an infectious summer anthem that transports listeners back to the wild nights of Ibiza in the seventies and eighties.
Written and produced by Soulwax and curated by prolific sound director Michel Gaubert, the eclectic, escalating tempo is narrated by four local characters, providing four unique perspectives on the island’s esoteric allure. Digital downloads are available on iTunes and Spotify.
New Designer Collabo
H&M has announced its big secret: the next exclusive designer collaboration will be with Erdem, the London based must-have designer loved by celebrities and fashion insiders alike. And visionary film maker Baz Luhrmann will bring the collection to life through his unique storytelling. Erdem x H&M will be in stores in November.
The designer has created a brand-new collection for women and, for the first time ever, a collection for men. Erdem believes in the power of beauty, exploring historical references and personal narratives in every piece he makes and this collection will reflect and reinterpret the design themes from some of his most celebrated collections, playing with the prints, textiles and delicate craftsmanship that have made his name.
London Showcase
The region’s style and culture was highlighted in the British capital with the launch of the London Arabia Art and Fashion Week. Alongside an exhibition featuring the works of regional artists, there was a fashion show curated by Faris Al-Shehri, founder of the Jeddah-based Saudi Fashion Council which supports Saudi fashion designers and assists international designers in their bid to explore the market.
He told Arab News: “It is one of my goals to support Middle Eastern designers as a follow on from my work as fashion programme mentor on ‘Project Runway Middle East’.
“Art and fashion are very important mediums for people to express themselves. I hope art and fashion will bring people closer together.”
The show featured the designs of Moroccans Albert Oiknine and Safae Ibrahimi, Hanan Heidari from Tunisia and Corrie Nielsen from UK.
