Arabesque Sheilas & Abayas - Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collection

Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 9:31 PM





I was really excited to get a look at UAE-based couture abaya label Arabesque Sheila & Abayas ' latest collection for Fall/Winter 2012-2013. As usual Arabesque founder and designer Judith Duriez, who hails from France, incorporated the latest trends into her abaya designs and gave them some Parisian flair. I particularly like the abaya with leather panels and leather sleeves (pictured above) - leather is a big trend this season and on the abaya it looks sleek and almost equestrian! 

The full collection has a lot of blue details in the form of prints, chiffon sleeves, satin belts and velvet panels and sleeves - the indigo coloured velvet details were reminiscent of Giorgio Armani's midnight themed couture collection for Fall/Winter 2012. The waist-cinching belts on some of the abayas reminded me of obi sashes on kimonos and big waist-cinching belts are another hot trend this season. Also interesting were zip details that gave the abaya (pictured below) a sporty luxe feel.











How I'd wear mine...







I recently got the opportunity to have a coffee and chat with the lovely Judith herself! Here's a pic of me and her:



Where to get yours:


Abu Dhabi Showroom: Abu Dhabi Mall, Level 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Showroom: Sunset Mall, Level 1, Jumeirah 3, Dubai, UAE


Be sure to check out the new-and-improved website and like them on Facebook!



Fall/Winter 2012 Trend Watch: Baroque Fashion

Monday, September 17, 2012 at 6:25 PM




(From left: Lanvin, Marni, Aquilano Ronaldi, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Etro and Versace)



Kick-starting off this new season is undeniably one of the biggest trends for Fall/Winter 2012, and, one of my favorites - Baroque-inspired fashion. I like any trend that is inspired or influenced by history and with this trend, designers drew their inspiration from the art, fashion, history and architecture of the period in European history during the 17th century known as the Baroque era. Many of the designers also incorporated references to the Renaissance and Rococo eras too (despite the fact that Rococo was actually a reaction to the darkness of the Baroque era at the time lol). 

Lanvin, Etro, Versace, Stella McCartney, Rag & Bone, Marni, Balmain, Aquilano Ronaldi, Jason Wu and Rami Al Ali are just some of the big name designers and labels that brought this era of fine art and over-indulgence to the catwalk, but it was Dolce & Gabbana that was at the forefront of this trend with their tapestry-like embroidered pieces and lavish adornments, with the original Madonna as their muse. Just like the Baroque era itself, this trend is all about romanticism, extravagance, indulgence and opulence.


Reblogged from Twisted Style





Nail the trend under your abaya:


  1. This trend is all about extravagance, so opt for pieces in lush luxe fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, jacquard and leather.
  2. One of the easiest ways to nail this trend is through print - look for pieces with Baroque and Rococo style prints. The prints can either be embroidered (preferably in gold thread) or printed. Look for matching Baroque print tops and trousers/skirts to wear together for a head-to-toe print look, or team with separate pieces in dark rich colours (black, navy, wine, red) made from luxe fabrics - for example, team a Baroque-print top with velvet trousers, or Baroque-print trousers with a feminine, ruffled chiffon blouse, or even better, nail two trends in one by teaming the trousers with a peplum top.
  3. Keep an eye out for pieces with tapestry-like embroidery, especially ones heavily embroidered in gold thread.
  4. Don't limit the trend just to your clothes - accessories play a vital role too. Wear costume jewelry such as ribbon-tie necklaces adorned with crystals and jewels, chandelier earrings, cocktail rings and cuffs - and all in gold, gold, gold.
  5. Stuck over what footwear to choose? Go for lush velvet slippers or velvet/suede lace-up booties.













Baroque


Elizabeth and jame
net-a-porter.com


Printed legging
newlook.com


Black boots
boohoo.com


Lanvin
lanvin.com



Baroque

Baroque



Current/Elliott tux pants
the-dressingroom.com


Black velvet boots
steampunkemporium.com


BUBA chain jewelry
stanwells.com

HANIA Collection - as worn by Princess Ameera Al Taweel

Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 7:53 AM







HANIA Collection, also known as Oriental by Hania, is the luxury abaya label created by Saudi Arabian abaya designer and business woman Hania Al Braikan who hails from Riyadh. What Arabesque Sheilas and Abayas and DAS Collection are to the UAE, Hania Luxury Abayas is to the KSA.

Founded in 2011 originally as a brand that was part of her father's fashion company, Hania has branched out on her own and developed a successful couture abaya brand that has been presented in numerous prestigious events and fashion shows and is stocked by the likes of Saks Fifth Avenue and Harvey Nichols in Riyadh.

Having participated in her father's fashion business from a young age, Hania, who has a BA in economics and studied photography and fashion design in the United States, decided upon returning from the States to create her own brand, fusing her love of business and fashion. 

The outcome? Exquisite abayas made from French silk and Japanese crepe, with fine details such as Swarovski crystals, lace work and beading, and all embroidery and embellishments are done by hand, including the flower motifs on the "The Royal Orchid" abaya Princess Ameera Al Taweel wore. 


Princess Ameera Al Taweel in The Royal Orchid abaya

Hania's latest collection was inspired by her travels around the Mediterranean - she reflected the spirit of the local culture and its art and history through feather edging, delicate lace work and sequin panelling. 


I'm in love with "The Bow" abaya.


Black Swan Abaya



Empress Abaya



The Bow Abaya



The Royal Orchid Abaya




For stockist information/how to order call 00966 5565 09828 or email oriental.by.hania@hotmail.com.

Be sure to "like" the Facebook page and follow the brand @HANIACollection and Hania @hania_albraikan.
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