[Press Release] Polka Dot Cat launched 2011 at the London Fashion Week

Polka Dot Cat 2011 Collection

The Polka Dot Cat Collection is a manifestation of the diverse background of its designer Rana Jamshed.  The designs are Haute couture created within a boutique environment that is made accessible to women around the world from the Middle East, Dubai.

Rana believes in the philosophy of femininity and romance; she adds new pieces to the Polka Dot Cat Collection under different inspirational lines and Single Cat is a bespoke service the designer provides herself. In 2010 she dressed top Interior designer Jules at the Sex in the City Premier in London and the Collection has appeared in many magazines and recently in Elle.

Dubai, rated as one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world has given Rana Jamshed of Polka Dot Cat, the opportunity to design for some of the worlds diverse and most fashion conscious women. With the scorching desert heat as a backdrop Rana has managed to create very unique wearable designs which allow the wearer to keep cool during the Summer months & lend themselves to accessorizing for cooler climates. 

Although only 2, Polka Dot Cat reached woman globally and is delivered today to UAE, UK, USA, and Asia.  Today, the 2011 Collection is launched at Pure London to include 12 key designs.  London Fashion week remains the favorite week for the designer so you will always see her around the streets of London admiring creativity and entrepreneurship that the city brings.  Noting Hill, Kings road and Covent Garden are her favorite spots.  NY and Montreal are also cities she is in love with so Polka Dot Cat will be accessible to woman through the new Wondermode.com; the luxury Fashion Incubator.  

Designer of the year 2010 award; was given to Polka Dot Cat by Hellwafashion.com Though the Middle East region has an emerging fashion blogosphere, Polka Dot Cat has fast established itself as a blogger favorite. The designs are much sought after and worn by the worlds favorite type of “IT girl” the fashion blogger. Thanks to blogger interest from the regions top bloggers Polka Dot Cat designs regularly feature in the social pages of the regions glossy fashion magazines. 

Wellbeing goes hand in hand with Aura-B

With new designers on board, well-being and shopping with Aura-b.com

It’s the time of the month when everyone relaxes, looks back how beautifully the year has begun.
The wellbeing syndrome creeps in and why not indulge?

Let’s indulge in some online fashion therapy for the month of March at Aura-b.com. Happiness and
prosperity surround the wellbeing element and this is what we are celebrating at Aura-b, we want
you to feel the sense of joy, happiness, relaxation and the comfort of shopping from a click away.

Dive into Aura-b.com’s online fashion world and spoil yourself surfing across more than 95
worldwide who will offer you their unique collection.

New creations to purchase from Aura-B

Dig into Drama queen for your sultry evenings out, as the brand name suggests, there’s some
immense drama playing around with clothes and different looks from this brand. Try Marshmallow
for beautiful march afternoon’s very subtle, flirty, pure indulgence is what this brand in our new
arrivals screaming out to us. Discover Catertainment chairs for adding some oomph to your living
room with these funky arm and bar chairs. Who said chilling at home is for the old heart?

Time to relax and enjoy... Play that Buddha bar lounge music, browse through Aura-b.com and
savour your online shopping.

Check out their site and indulge! http://www.aura-b.com

Unity in Diversity

You know just how much I am in love and passionate about Korea. So, you'll never guess how happy I was when I found out that they will be participating in The Bride Show. I made a mental note to visit their booth the first day that I will be there. It was a good thing that their booth was set up near the the runway, so it was easier for me not to worry if the show is starting already or not.

They were doing nail art, selling some fashionable Korean products, and my favorite, writing people's names in Korean! I definitely had to get mine done! And so I did. :)

This is Sun, a newly-found Korean friend. She wrote my name in Korean. :)

Kamsahamnida Sun! :)

Here I am with my name written in Korean! :)
Loving this H&M dress and check out my geek glasses!
I've been wearing that a lot, so try and spot me in a crowd. :)

 I stayed in their booth longer than anyone else's. And if I had the choice, I would stay there the whole day. But it was really fun talking to them. We bonded over KPOP and our favorite KPOP bands.

So, I brought the little sister the following day to let her see for herself. You see, she's passionate about Korea as well. She even learned their language. And she does look Korean, right?

The little sister with her new Korean  friend :)

Notice what she's wearing? It's called a Hanbok. And it's Korea's traditional dress. It is always worn with bright colors. They usually wear this during New Year's or other traditional celebrations. It's similar to a Japanese kimono, but as you can see they have very different cuts. The jeogori or that piece covering the upper body and arms ends just below the chest, hanging loosely until the hem. On the other hand, the japanese kimono is tied at the waist.

Love her hanbok! It makes me think of Snow White Korean version :)

It was fun meeting everyone at the Korean booth. We even joined the "Win a trip to Seoul for Two" raffle contest, just for the fun of it. And well, we want to go to Seoul. So, I hope we win! :)

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture: THE NEXT THING

As soon as I laid my eyes on Stefan Salvatore wearing a black, leather jacket on the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries, I knew I'd fallen in love. Not with Stefan. Well, with him too. But, with his leather jacket and how he made it look bad ass and mysterious. And then sweet but tough Elena Gilbert comes into the picture wearing a similar one for girls, and I knew that I needed to get myself one. 

I've always fantasized about walking the streets in a leather jacket, sun glasses on, with my hair tied up carelessly in a beautiful bun, looking very mysterious. Like, not wanting to stand out but standing out just the same. I believe mystery draws people in, and sometimes it can give the best first impressions.

True, Abu Dhabi is not really the best place to wear leather jackets with our constant, almost-whole year round humid climate. But it won't hurt, won't it? I mean, if you're going to wear leather by LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture, won't it be worth it?

Sometime last week, I received an email from Philippe Anton, a french designer who specializes in exotic leather and fur jackets. He sent me photos of their recent collection  and to say that I was blown away would be the understatement of the century. Each piece was fierce, exquisite, and very sexy.

Wearing leather could have been a taboo in the fashion world, for all we care. We don't see a lot of people wearing leather, especially in this part of the world due to the climate. But, since this year is the official comeback year of the leather or rather the biker look, why don't we try shaking things up by getting one (if not all!) of these exquisite pieces? It comes with fur too. How's that for hitting two birds with one stone?

Not a lot of designers can pull of mixing fur and leather in one garment, but I think that LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture got this one in the bag. The cuts are very smooth and comfortable. I don't think I'd be complaining even if I'm under the heat of the scorching sun with this on. Who knew leather could be this soft?

These photos spoke a thousand words, but I needed a thousand more to get to know this up and coming hip brand. So I sent in a few questions for them to answer. Read on, guys.

1.      First, why the name LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture? It sounds very sexy though, very fitting for your brand. Does it mean something?

Regarding your article, your first question is an interesting one. The name of our fashion house underscores our commitment to put our models over time. Actually, in French, LAS8 is pronounced « La Suite ». It means « the following », or ‘the next thing’, regarding the continuity of our collections and style which have to remain coherent and timeless. This is also why the « 8 » becomes an «∞ » in our emblem.

It also reminds a luxury hotel suite, which is for us very interesting in terms of universe for our fashion house. The universe LAS8 wants to be noble and captivating as a palace, awakening discovery, wonder and privilege throughout the stay.

2.      There have been quite a lot of designers who are also inspiring from leather, what makes your brand different from the rest?

Furs and exotic skins are a true passion for my partner and I. We can create and work on exotic skins during all the day. It’s a real inspiration source for us. We are fascinated by the animal world. We love working with interplay of 2 or 3 different leathers and colors on each model, and we manage to create assortments are innovating on the market, for exemple with our stingray collar.

Each time we create a model, we want to develop a timeless creation. What is important for us is that our customer always finds the same pleasure to wear the model he or she has selected, year after year. Our models are designed like precious jewels.

What is important for us is to respect our commitments, rigor, and provide the highest quality to our customers. Be as exigent as could be to your clients. And above all, to always be in a dynamic of creation and discovery in order to preserve the excellence of each model.

Currently fewer craftsmen have the knowledge to work on these skins. France is recognized for years as an expert in this market. It's what makes each model unique and valuable. The work of skin and fur requires a true expertise.

3.      You said that Middle East is a good market for your brand. Are you planning to open a branch or a showroom here? If so, then when and where?

We are searching to develop our distribution channels worldwide with luxury multi-brand boutiques, and Middle East would be a great opportunity for us. It offers a prestigious display, that is in coherence with our brand and this is the reason why we want develop partnership with it. 

For sure we plan in the future to open a showroom in the Middle East especially on Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will be our priority location. But to give you a precise date is hard for us right now.

We would like to be introducing on the Middle East Market as soon as possible. We feel that our creations are appreciated there and fashionistas share same value and refinement as us.

4.      Using animals for fashion, especially endangered ones, are a big issue in the world right now. I understand that you are under the agreement of the Washington Convention and that you are taking certain measures to make sure that it is safe for everyone. But can you elaborate more? Or just a brief explanation will do.

Yes of course it’s really important for us to secure all species we use. All our lambskin comes from serious tannery in France. It’s important to know that these lambs are not only use for the ready to wear.

These lambs are destined for the textile and food market. We do not kill for pleasure. We have planned to work the Orylag fur which is similar to Chinchilla with a better density quality of hair. These animals are also destined for the textile and food market. The controls are very strict.

Moreover, the Convention of Washington allows to preserve these species. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future.

To secure the exotic skins market for example for the Alligator, permit to make research within farms in order to preserve this species.

Finally, we want to educate our customers : exotic skin and furs justify that you should take care of your jacket, that you have to respect what you are wearing, simply because it comes from an animal, and not from a synthetic yarn. 

Leather brings this unestimable and untouchable value that is necessary in our vision to create exceptionnal and timeless models and this, only if we respect the agreement of the Washington Convention. This is important that our Customers understand this philosophy.

5.      What should your customers look forward to in your future collections?

We're already working on the second collection. The Alligator and the Niloticus will be honored. As mentioned previously, the fur Orylag will also be part of our creations. We always try to discover new skins, and new processes of confection. New designs will be present for jackets but always in order to sublime the feminine curves and structure the masculine silhouette.Each model that we develop is synonymous with rarity and prestige.

We have planned to expand our range of clothes for the second collection. However, we wish to remain experts in luxury jackets and become a market reference. If we expand our range of raw material, we are still working primarily exotic leathers, furs and lambskins.

This season we chose to focus on the bolero for the woman, symbol of glamour and seduction. For the second collection we want to work on long cuts but also on suit jackets while remaining faithful to the spirit and elegance at the heart of the brand.

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture is really a brand to watch out for. Their jackets are a real must-have, something that each woman and man should have in their closet. Let's just pray, mazuonas from the Middle East, that this amazing brand will grace us with their presence soon.

But if you can't wait, do contact them through their website: http://www.las8-paris.com. You can also give them a call at 09 81 03 41 76. Drop them an email at contact@las8-paris.com Or go to their showroom located in: 3 Place Boulnois 75017 Paris.

All photos and information are courtesy of Philippe Anton, co-founder of LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture.

Nail-ed it!

Valentine's Day is coming up, and couples everywhere are very excited and busy planning something special for their beloved. But, how about the single ladies? (and men) Who's going to plan something special for them?

Every year, it has been a tradition of the single ladies to pamper themselves on Valentine's day. They go to shopping, have dinner with their single girlfriends, get their hair done, and all those other things we do to enhance our beauty. But, don't know where to go?

Well, I have the answer to that. Book Tips & Toes as early as now!

Tips & Toes is the home of the largest Nail Haven in the Middle East. They specialize in everything that has got to do with our nails and how to perfect them. But they also have other services for the body, hair, and skin. You can view their full services here.

They have many branches across the Middle East. For mazuonas in Abu Dhabi, they have branches in Marina Mall and Khaleej Arabi Road. For mazuonas in Dubai, they have branches in Arabian Ranches, Dubai Media City, Palm Jumeirah Island, JBR, Springs, Jumeirah Road, Meadows, and The Greens. Mazuonas from Al Ain and Sharjah need not to fret, because they also have branches there in Town Center Bldg, Al Ain and Fardan Center, Buhairah respectively.

For more information, please visit their website http://tipsntoeshaven.com. You can also call them at +971 (4) 399 0550. Or email them at, info@tipsntoeshaven.com

Studded: The Bride Show First Day Aftermath

It has already been a week since The Bride Show Abu Dhabi has swept us away, but the memory stays fresh in my mind. Contrary to popular belief that the first day won't be crowded as the next one, well this show's first day was. The place was really big, occupying Halls 5-7 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

I had a good one hour before the fashion show started, so I took the time to look around a bit. It seemed like the exhibitors and organizers had an unspoken theme for this year's exhibit, because I felt like I was walking in an exotic garden. There were flowers everywhere, from tables, gazebos, chairs, cakes, to dresses themselves. It was more than a pretty sight.

I wonder how much time they've put into preparing, decorating, and moving in everything inside ADNEC. Regardless, they've done a wonderful job, don't you think? Let's congratulate them for a very successful exhibit! Mabrook to everyone who gave their best! It was truly a success!

These lovely dresses are designed by Jugger of Primera Moda. And guess what? Jugger is actually a Filipino. It makes me proud! I wanted to talk to him more about his designs and their collection, but he had a lot of customers at that time and the show was almost starting. So, I would be meeting with him sometime soon for an interview. I find interviews very fun now. I love getting to know and getting close with designers. They inspire me a lot. :)

Diamonds are a girl's best friend
That thought came into my mind when I saw Tony Yaacoub's creations brought to life. The whole show was really studded. Studded dresses. Studded with media. And most importantly, studded with a lot of people! The place was packed. Even the press area was packed as well. I was sad not to get a good vantage point. But I've got to do what I came to do, which was to take photos. So, I just did my best. And I actually enjoyed this angle. It made me work extra harder.

Please don't make me choose which one I love from all of them. I was literally blown away. Each dress is more stunning and more beautiful than the previous one. Tony Yaacoub is a genius. I wish I was able to talk to him after the show, but he was so busy and hard to get a hold of. I hope I can talk to him the next time he comes to Abu Dhabi. :)

Tony Yaacoub with his lovely models

I left the show early, because I still had things to do for school. It's really too bad that I was only able to catch the first show. I know I missed out on a lot, especially after they revealed Mona Al Mansouri's Butinah-inspired dress. It was very well-done and for a good cause. :)

from The Bride Show Facebook page

I felt like Ariel, the Little Mermaid, was walking down the runway. It's absolutely beautiful. Let's hope that more designers will get inspired to create something for a good cause. There's been a fair amount of them recently, so I hope that there will be more for this year. :)

The first day of The Bride Show was indeed a success! It exceeded expectations, if I may say. There were really a lot of people who came, considering that it was a weekday. All the effort of the organizers, sponsors, exhibitors, designers, and the whole staff totally paid off. I want to congratulate The Bride Show team again for a job well-done! It's definitely one of the best shows that Abu Dhabi has seen. :)

[Press Release] Amore, amore! Fall in love at Galeries Lafayette

Hi everyone!

I received this in the mail today. It's a press release from Galeries Lafayette about their Valentine's promo entitled, "So...In Love." from February 7-14, 2011. They will be having a lot of activities that not only couples but single ladies and men will also enjoy. So, if you're looking for something to do for this year's Heart's day, head over to Galeries Lafayette this week to participate in their event! :)

-          Love is in the air at Galeries Lafayette, with upcoming “So… in Love” week.

-         Fall in love with the latest collections, a romantic gift zone, an adorable heart-matching game and the wall of love.   

Love is in the air at Galeries Lafayette, which will be launching its “So… in Love” week from February 7 until February 14, showcasing the best of its latest divine collections, a romantic gift idea zone, and an in-store game of the perfect match; additional to amazing Valentine Gourmet offers at Lafayette Gourmet. Within the Galeries, there will also be a wall devoted to love with a wall of adorable messages between lovers, and a photographer to capture the perfect couples’ smiles. 

“For this is Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”

Valentine’s Day; the perfect celebration of affection for the happiest of couples. The roses, the gifts and the love are enjoyed by couples everywhere. And nowhere will the magic of Valentine’s Day be more prevalent than at Galeries Lafayette’s “So… in Love” week.

For Her

For Him

Of course, the gifts make for one of best parts of Valentine’s Day. What better way is there to show your affection than by buying your lover the perfect gift? The most wonderful gifts speak of the heart, and of the person receiving them. And for this, Galerie Lafayette will dedicate a zone to the best gift ideas, featuring items from Lafayette Gourmet, the home section, and the perfumes and accessories sections.

Dressing fabulously is also a key to the perfect Valentine’s Day. It is the day when lovers look their best for each other, radiating their affection for one another. And Galerie Lafayette is here to help, with displays showcasing the latest in this year’s fashion trends from its most sumptuous collections.

Lovers can also display their affections by visiting Galerie Lafayette’s wall of love, a wall displaying heartfelt messages from one to another, along with beautiful photos of happy couples across a romantic landscape. Lovers visiting the store will be able to have their photos taken, capturing a moment of pure romance. They’ll be able to keep the photos for their own collections, or else put them on the wall, declaring their affection to the rest of the world.

And where would Valentine’s Day be without the prospect of being able to find the perfect match? “So… in Love” week’s heart-matching game will certainly have customers searching far and wide. Upon entrance, every customer will be given one half of a broken heart, with the other half residing somewhere among the various adorable brands. Find the other half, and you’ll be given a 10 per cent discount to go on top of the already fabulous discounts of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

So, for the perfect Valentine’s experience, visit Galerie Lafayette from 7 February to 14 February, where even the coldest of hearts will be melted by the romance in the air. Also don’t forget to book your food orders or dinners at Lafayette Gourmet on 04-3827335.

Here is their menu:

Gourmet Valentine Menu 2011

Set Menu 199 AED or a la carte

Starter

Foie gras terrine, date chutney and lavosh crisp

65 AED

Or

Crabmeat salad with caviar crème fraiche and confit tomato

49 AED

Intermediate

Japanese scallop, wagyu beef cheek ravioli, bourguignon sauce

42 AED

Or

Lobster bisque with shellfish cigar, truffle chantilly cream

39 AED

Main course

Butter poached halibut, tarragon gnocchi, creamed leeks and warm tomato dressing

99 AED

Or

Confit of wagyu striploin with artichoke, scallion mashed potatoes and truffle jus

125 AED

Dessert

Trio of ice cream hearts with snap crackers and raspberries

29 AED

Or

Chocolate fondant with chocolate mousse and cream anglaise

29 AED

Coffee Tea and Chocolates