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Friday, October 19, 2012

Tradition and high fashion meet with MALAAK bespoke abayas

Found this article and I knew I HAD to share it with you. These chic and edgy-style abayas totally took my breath away! Read on...




[A re-post from Centurion-magazine.com. Text & photos ]


Feeling like a rock star today? Wear a robe with wide shoulder pads, armed with spikes and studs galore. In a romantic mood? Pick the flowing one, adorned with cream-coloured silk roses. For red carpet occasions, there's the magnificent one with shiny-sparkly embroidery on the back and shoulders. Dubai-based designer Huda al Nuaimi, 30, is the one making these exceptional robes, each a fashion statement. But these glamorous garments are not normal dresses, rather they're versions of the abaya, the customary Arabic cloak.

The abaya is meant to cover a lady’s body while she is in public. Traditionally, it is black, plain and has a loose fit. The path to high fashion was laid by designers creating luxury abayas, adorning sleeves and hems with crystal ornaments and embroidery while keeping to the traditional pattern. Huda's stylish abayas go further by varying in length and shape, introducing previously unseen details and ornaments, as well as nifty little innovations like tiny belts hidden inside the robes to enhance the cascading effect of the flowing fabrics.

Huda al Nuaimi 
Huda founded her high-fashion label, Malaak, meaning 'angel' in Arabic, out of necessity, she explains while proudly presenting her creations in her Dubai showroom. "The abaya has certain values, it is there for a purpose. So we want to maintain that, but be as fashionable as we want at the same time. We love fashion, we have a lot of fashion items, but we cannot wear them outside, even though we want to. So I thought: Why not create pieces that make us fashionable when we go out?"

The daughter of a fashion designer, Huda studied design in London and Dubai before acting on the need she felt. “I personally needed abayas that I like wearing”, Huda says. So in 2010, she started her own label with each collection sporting a different theme. Her first fashion coup was a line of short-sleeved abayas, challenging fashionistas to pick their own long sleeve tops to customise the look.
Huda is aware of the challenges she faces by re-designing traditional attire. “Basically, we can be as fashionable as we want, but we have to cover, and my customers want certain areas covered”, she explains. Pattern making for such garments is a challenge. It is not part of design studies yet, so certain techniques taught in fashion school just would not work.

Style, though, has no boundaries. Malaak’s latest collection introduced the shoulder pad to the abaya, and the look was all about studs and glam rock. The collection also featured a range of blazers. “We did not get a chance to wear this trend”, Huda says, explaining her inspiration. “So I thought I really had to do it, because I have always wanted it. If I can't get one, I will make it myself.” The look of her collection was so stylish and unique that the Malaak pieces made it to SAKS Fifth Avenue stores in Dubai and Bahrain and brought the label much attention and appreciation.



The pieces are usually tailor-made for each customer to ensure perfect fit and perfect shape. Orders are pouring in from the Arab world, Huda says, but also from farther afield. She is now hoping that other luxury department stores around the globe might stock her creations. “The last collection was for you to make a statement, and my customers do like to make fashion statements”, Huda says. “The upcoming collection is more wearable. So it depends on the mood what you pick. Some of them are more floaty, some of them are more hardcore.” The new creations will come with turbans, another novelty Huda is introducing. With towering head wraps, the elegant robes get a retro twist. “These turbans are going to be huge, and they come in different colours and finishings. It’s a very fashionable way to cover your hair.”

Malaak’s signature pieces are not just making fashion and tradition meet for the wearer, but are also helping to change the international perception of the abaya, Huda says – especially when fashionistas are wearing abayas outside the Arab world. “The more fashionable an abaya is, the more accepting the reactions towards the abaya are abroad.”

(http://www.centurion-magazine.com/sections/post/cloak-and-swagger.html)

MALAAK - http://www.malaak.ae/





Wednesday, October 17, 2012

June Ambrose

My latest fashion inspiration is June Ambrose, celebrity fashion stylist/designer and costume designer from New York City. See how she rocks her turban and if you think you're bold enough to wanna be spotted with one too - check out June Ambrose's line of turbans available at www.juneambrose.bigcartel.com.

Turbanistas rule!!!

June Ambrose
June Ambrose at work
Her line of turbans at www.juneambrose.bigcartel.com

Turban tutorial by June Ambrose

Khloe Kardashian spotted in a half-turban



Monday, October 15, 2012

Button Badges for Arabic Language Competition

Ana Batl - arabic for 'I am a Champion'. This customised button badge was given to winners of the Arabic Language Competition.(Yes, I can design in arabic too!!:) Designed in red, blue and green for the different primary levels and lovingly handpressed by Nourphoria :)







Monday, October 8, 2012

Button Badges for Sports Day!

Pin button badges as 'medals' (gold, silver, bronze)/ prizes for Primary 1 to 3 (Boys & Girls) Sports Day.





Monday, October 1, 2012

Children's Day Madness!!

Hi Nourphorians!

Thank you for all your support. Hope you (and your students) are pleased with the personalised button badges, and with it fond memories and loads of smiles and happiness :)


Packed by classes, and ready to be delivered!
Sorting out the badges and going through the class namelist - boy oh boy!
Button badges - simple but packed full of surprises :)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Hijab Ideas for Kaftans

Just bought a chiffon kaftan to wear to a cousin's wedding but was wondering how to style my hijab. Here's some tearsheets I found that gave me some ideas...








This is my favourite look. Think I'll attempt the turban and see how it turns out.


Ok. This one doesn't count.

This one too.



Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Children's Day!

What? Is it almost October??

Phew... I've just finished uploading a fresh set of designs for my darling teacher friends (whom have been asking for weeks now) to choose from. It is that time of the year again to celebrate your beloved students so what are you waiting for? Nourphoria's customised button badges are the coolest yet affordable gift for your class.

Orders are opennn.....    NOW.