Stand Out ♥

Photography by Rodel Corpuz
Hair and Make up by Kris Napenas
Model: Icee Codilla

Finally. It has arrived. The fruit of everything I've worked hard for the past few months is finally here. :) These are just 2 pieces from my first-ever collection entitled, STAND OUT. The full collection will be available for sale at Si Fashion Galerie, Jumeirah, Dubai starting from the 25th of May. ♥ 

Official invitation to the exhibit on WEDNESDAY
Drop a line on my email for any inquiries: themazuona@gmail.com

An invitation entitles the guest to a 20% discount on ALL ITEMS in the boutique valid until JULY 31, 2011 :)

The past few months have been a really crazy roller coaster ride for me. I can't put into exact words how I felt during the time, and I can only wish that I was able to document each moment. Regardless, I have learned so much from the whole experience. And I can't wait to start anew. It's not yet the end, but I just want to express my never-ending gratitude to all of you.

Thank you to all the people who has supported me along the way! Starting off with my parents who, despite all the misfits and mishaps, stayed with me all the way. I hope that whatever comes out of this, I have made you proud. ♥

To my Seoul sister and little brother, who I have put in so much stress by going back and forth to Dubai during a weekday (exam week, i might add), thank you! ♥

To my family here in Abu Dhabi and in the PH, thank you for showing your love and support! Lolo, Lola, Titas, Titos, and my cute, not-so-little-anymore cousins, thank you for always standing by me. Can't wait to see you all! Wish you were all here. ♥

Friends from all over the world who have also showed their support, thank you! PH Friends: too many to mention but you guys know who you are! See you all soon! :) ABU DHABI Friends: KIC Family (friends, classmates, teachers), Prestige Jet family, family friends, thank you for the never-ending support! My lovely Manal BB and Tagy, thank you for letting me cry when I need to. :) My lovely Mercilita, Fatima, Khaled, and Ittaf: you guys are the best second family I could ever ask for. Thank you for always being there. ♥


To my Yeobo who, despite the distance and time zone differences, has never left my side. I'm so glad to have found a friend in you. Saranghamnida. ♥ :)

To Kuya Rodel, Ate Kris, and Ate Icee: Without you, these people right here wouldn't know this collection existed. Haha. Photos look amazingl if it weren't for all of you. I hope to work with you again soon! All the best! ♥

To the management and staff of SI FASHION GALERIE, thank you for giving me this opportunity! I have learned a lot from the experience and I will strive to be better from now on. Thank you again for opening your doors to emerging designers like myself. All the best to you! :)

Yes I have to mention, to SHINee, B2ST, U-Kiss, and Super Junior. Thank you for your music. Haha. You are my inspiration. Without your music, I wouldn't be able to go through this. ♥ Onew, Jonghyun, Key, Minho, and Taemin, thank you for pushing me to reach for my dreams. Thank you for making me fly high. :)

To my Heavenly Father who has given me the strength to go on despite the obstacles I need to face. Thank You for always picking me up when I fall down and urging me to go on, because You are the light. Thank You for this talent and passion. But most of all, thank you for blessing me with all the people I have mentioned above. I love You Lord. :)

And to you Mazuona, this is for you. ♥ :)

Pulp Fashion

Who would have thought that paper can be used to create these amazing dresses?

Three of Isabelle's lovely creations

Well, Isabelle de Borchgrave definitely thought about that. A lot. Last April 4, Isabelle had a lecture about her amazing paper dresses entitled, Pulp Fashion, at Al Maamoura Auditorium. It was a full 2 hours worth of inspiration and information about how these paper dresses were done. And we will be forever thankful to Isabelle for opening our eyes and hearts to the vast possibilities that the world of fashion is offering us.

Isabelle painted this fabric to give it a lace effect

Matching shoes!

You are not hallucinating. It's really paper!

I attended the event with my KIC Fashion Department family, particularly with my Fashion Styling and Merchandising classmates, along with our professors, Mr. Samer and Ms. Rakhi Gupta.

KIC Fashion Design Department with Isabelle de Borchgrave
(L-R: Mercy Lamosi, Ms. Rakhi Gupta, Isabelle de Borchgrave, Mr. Samer, Khaled Al Jenaibi, Lama Edris, Hala Edris, Fatima Ezzahra)

Me with Isabelle de Borchgrave

One more thing that Isabelle said that I won't ever forget was this:

"You need passion. Passion, passion, passion! Once you're in the world of art or fashion, it's hard to escape. Whatever happens, you will always come back."

And I believe in that so much. She is actually not a fashion designer. She's an artist who uses her creativity to create these one of a kind paper dresses. So, to hear that from someone who has achieved so much in the industry, is really refreshing. I wish I could meet her again.

The evening ended well with the delicious dinner that One to One Hotel prepared for the guests. I guess I was too hungry that I wasn't able to take photos of the food. :-) This event was also a good opportunity for socialization. We met a lot of really cool people who are also fashion enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi. 

Bumped into Wella! The first reader that I've met. Thank you! :-)

Mercy and I with our new found friend, Khawla! :-) She's one of the coolest girls I've met. :-) 

It was nice seeing everyone. I hope to bump into you guys soon! Let's all meet at the next fashion event, yes?:-) We're almost halfway into the year, but fashion events are just starting. So be sure to catch them!

Paper Fashion

acclaimed Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave

Good news to the mazuonas of Abu Dhabi! Isabelle de Borchgrave, acclaimed Belgian artist, will be doing a lecture on how she uses paper to create her amazing signature traditional dresses.

Here are some of her creations:

Those are just teasers, you can find more of her lovely creations on her website: http://www.isabelledeborchgrave.com

Or better yet, go to her lecture tomorrow entitled, Paper Fashion, in the Al Maamoura Auditorium at 6pm to see all these for yourself. For further details, please contact:  anas.a@admaf.org, or call 971 2 6510334. You can also go to the event's official website.

This event is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival and is sponsored by  Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Culture & Heritage, and the National, to mention a few.

Thank you to our friends from Hellwa Fashion and to Kristina, my mentor, for the heads up! =)

See you there Mazuonas! <3

[Press Release] NEW VIP LOUNGE AT THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI

Tips and Toes offers brides-to-be beauty treatments ahead of their big day

The new VIP lounge at The Bride Show Dubai will offer brides-to-be rejuvenating treatments from Tips and Toes.

Dubai, UAE, 6 March 2011: Every bride should be treated like a princess on their big day, and of course it’s vital to get some practice in beforehand too.  That’s the idea behind the new VIP Lounge at The Bride Show Dubai, which will offer brides-to-be and their entourages pampering treats and goodies.

For AED50, shoppers can access the VIP Lounge to take advantage of top treatments from Tips and Toes, the largest chain of nail salons in the Middle East.  Trained beauty technicians will offer rejuvenation in the form of head, neck and shoulder massages, nail colour changes, nail art and mini facials.

After hours of browsing the aisles at The Bride Show Dubai, in Sheikh Saeed Halls within the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, even the most enthusiastic fiancée will welcome a well-earned break before continuing in her quest for all things bridal.

The VIP pass includes reserved fashion show seating, refreshments and a goody bag.

The Bride Show Dubai, the region’s most prestigious bridal and fashion event, takes place from 30 March to 2 April 2011 and will be officially inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

For all the latest updates on The Bride Show, become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TheBrideShow or Twitter, www.twitter.com/TheBrideShow.

Fashion Show Schedule

Wednesday 30 March 5:00pm   After You Say Yes – Sima 6:00pm   Queen of Pearls 7:00pm   Beautiful People 9:00pm   Demetrios Thursday 31 March 6:00pm   Dan Trading 7:00pm   Liberty of London for Lace Art 9:00pm   Farage (France)

Friday 1 April 6:00pm   Louzan 7:00pm   Tijan Trading 8:00pm   Mauzan 9:00pm   M&A Abayas Saturday 2 April 5:00pm   Dubai Ladies Club: Oriental Red Carpet 8:00pm   Dantella Designs 9:00pm   Satya Paul

[Press Release]HER HIGHNESS SHEIKHA SHEIKHA BINT SAIF NAMED AS PATRON OF THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI

Event’s 14^th year promises to thrill brides-to-be and the fashion forward

                                            

Dubai, UAE, 1 March 2011:  Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, Chairwoman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE, has been named as the official patron of The Bride Show Dubai, the Middle East’s most prestigious bridal and fashion event.

For the first time, Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif will cut the ribbon to open the four-day long fashion, beauty and shopping extravaganza which brings together wedding industry professionals, brides-to-be and fashionistas under one roof.

Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif has been a long time supporter of sister event, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi and her patronage of the more established and larger Dubai exhibition further strengthens her relationship with organiser IIR Middle East. 

Additionally, The Bride Show Dubai has announced its official support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE which is run by Her Higness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif’s office and will donate a proportion of the entry fees to the charity.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions; there are currently an estimated 1,800 children (aged three to 18) living with such a condition in the UAE.  All wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE are for the children of the UAE – national and expatriate alike.  To date, the Foundation has granted more than 250 wishes to children in the emirates, giving them an avenue of hope, strength and joy.

Now in its 14^th year, The Bride Show Dubai attracts approximately 300 exhibitors from around the world which showcase traditional and contemporary wedding wear, beauty products, jewellery, wedding venues options and honeymoon destinations.  Vendors range from international brands such as Estee Lauder, Max Factor and L’Oreal to regionally-based businesses such as UAE Abaya designers DAS Collection.

In another first, India’s premier designer label, Satya Paul, which has recently celebrated 25 years in fashion, has been confirmed to close the four days of fashion on the catwalk.  The label is synonymous with signature prints and exclusive bridal wear with designs in playful colours and innovative fabrics which enhance the beauty and elegance of the enterprising, sensitive and desiring woman of today.  The fashion show takes place on Saturday 2 April at 9pm.

The Bride Show Dubai opens on Wednesday 30^th March, 2:30pm to 10:30pm and runs until Saturday 2^nd April 2011 in Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3, Dubai International Exhibition Centre.   Entry is AED10 for general admission and AED50 for a VIP pass which includes VIP reserved fashion show seating, refreshments and a goody bag.  The show is sponsored by Khamsa Couture, Zadina and After You Say Yes – Sima.

Fashion Show Schedule

Wednesday 30 March 5:00pm   After You Say Yes – Sima 6:00pm   Queen of Pearls 7:00pm   Beautiful People 9:00pm   Demetrios Thursday 31 March 6:00pm   Dan Trading 7:00pm   Liberty of London for Lace Art 9:00pm   Farage (France)

Friday 1 April 6:00pm   Louzan 7:00pm   Tijan Trading 8:00pm   Mauzan 9:00pm   M&A Abayas Saturday 2 April 5:00pm   Oriental Red Carpet, Dubai Ladies Club 8:00pm   Dantella Designs 9:00pm   Satya Paul

For more information, visit www.thebrideshow.com/Dubai, or get the latest updates from www.facebook.com/TheBrideShow or www.twitter.com/TheBrideShow.  

[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

Here comes The Bride!

No. I'm not getting married. Not yet. :) But I'm sure there's quite a lot of women there who are already onto planning their perfect wedding day. Planning a wedding is not easy. Ask your friends who have gone through the whole process already, and they will tell you that it involves tears, sweat, and tantrums. But if you have the right essentials, then wedding planning can be as easy as counting your fingers. And where else can you find everything you need from wedding dresses to shoes, perfumes, accessories, and the best wedding/events planners of the region?

IIR Middle East Ltd. brings you The Bride Show 2011, Abu Dhabi. Every year, since 2001, fashion couture houses/labels, wedding/event planners, photographers, and wedding experts gather together to cater to the women who are planning their perfect wedding. The creams of the crop. They are the best of the best. And this opportunity only happens once a year. So, whether or not you are planning your wedding, The Bride Show is still the place to be.

They also have prepared something special this year. Tony Yaacoub, fashion designer to the stars, will be the one to open the fashion show on February 2, 2011 at 6pm. The fashions show will start daily at 6pm, featuring 4 fashion designers each day. 

The Bride Show, 2010

The Bride Show 2010

All images are from automobilsport.com

**FASHION SHOW SCHEDULE

Wednesday, 2nd February
6 pm	Celebrity Fashion Designer, TONY YAACOUB
7 pm	AL MANSOURI FASHION
8 pm	AWATIF AL HAI
9 pm	AL MOTAHAJIBA

Thursday, 3rd February
6 pm	TRIO COUTURE
7 pm	ANMAR COUTURE
8 pm	ARUSHI
9 pm	SOGHA

  

Friday, 4th February
6 pm	DAR AL VIVA
7 pm	SPOSA by SHIVA TABA
8 pm	DAR SARA HIGH FASHION
9 pm	DAR MARYAM AL SHAIBANI

Saturday, 5th February
5 pm	THE ABAYA DESIGN AWARDS sponsored by PERSIL ABAYA SHAMPOO
6 pm	SMOOTH LADY
7 pm	LOUZAN
8 pm	CHOCO'A
9 pm	PRIMERA MODA LA FEMME COUTURE

For more information and updates, please do visit their official website: http://thebrideshow.com/AbuDhabi/. Follow their official Twitter account: http://twitter.com/TheBrideShow. Like their official Facebook page, http://facebook.com/TheBrideShow.

Single ladies need not to fret, for this event is also for you! It is the ultimate shopping destination. They have more than 300 exhibitors all catering to fashionistas who are on the search for the latest fashion trends and beauty products. So, be in your most comfortable shoes and be at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on the 2nd of February 2011 (WEDNESDAY). Can't make it on a weekday? Don't worry. The Bride Show, Abu Dhabi is here to stay until the 5th of February 2011 (SATURDAY). It will start at 2:30pm and will end at 10:30pm.

Clear your week schedule now and bring your best girl friends (the best shopping buddies ever!) to the show. I'm sure that you will all enjoy it. I am looking forward to seeing all of you there! :)

All information within this post has been taken from the Official website of the Bride Show, Abu Dhabi. No copyright infringement intended.

Style Arabia 2010 POSTPONED

Late last night, I received an e-mail from Irena Trajkova from Arab Bella Design, telling me that the Style Arabia 2010 that was scheduled tonight at 5pm at the Westin Dubai was postponed.

Photo courtesy of Ahlan!Live.com

This is actually a good news for me, because I wouldn't be able to make it tonight. So, this means that I have a fair chance of being able to go again! I really hope that this time nothing will come up, so I can come. I badly want to meet the designers. I badly want to see their designs. If nothing fails, this would be my first time to see Ezra Santos' designs live. And I'm pretty sure that M A H R Y S K A and I will bump into each other! :)

So, I hope to see you all there!

Style Arabia 2010

Next week, Style Arabia is coming to town on the 5th of November at the Westin Dubai. To register, go to http://www.ahlanlive.com/stylearabia- Click for more information

The event will feature collections from Walid Atallah, Ezra Santos, Selma Khan and more.They will also feature a lot of stylish jewelry, and this season's accessories. There will be beauty advice from the experts, exclusive discounts and special offers, and VIP fashion lounges. 

The show will start at 5pm until 10:30pm.

*Source: Ahlan! Live Dubai, http://www.ahlanlive.com

Onto other news..

I will be heading off to Ras Al Khaimah this weekend with my family to celebrate my dad's birthday. So, there will be no updates until Sunday. But, I will definitely keep my eyes open for mazuonas in the beach/hotel where we'll be staying. 

Have a great weekend! I can't believe that themazuona is already two weeks old. Oh, how time flies.❤