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fashion

AMANDA x By M.A.R.Y Sustainable Capsule Collection

Posted on June 7, 2024

Sustainable fashion is about three key elements; material, production and community. I believe whole-heartedly that we need to use our consumer choices to help implement actual change. Being a conscious consumer goes past the immediate pat-on-the-back to ensuring the data focused analytics that retailers use to produce en-masse aren’t adding to the problem of over 21 billion tonnes of clothing ending up in landfill every year, with our singular trend-led transactions.

I collaborated with local slow-fashion designer By.M.A.R.Y. to create a capsule collection of linen, silk and organic cotton based timeless pieces that are season-less and sustainable. These pieces also allowed us to profit share with the initiatives that we believed in, both locally and internationally.

As we both had causes close to our hearts… we decided to give back to both. ⁠ ⁠⁠

By M.A.R.Y is an ode to the women we admire, it’s our vision to mix African style with a twist of modern rock and a bang up-to-date contemporary attitude.

For Marie it’s the people.⁠ ⁠ “I believe in the importance of giving back to the continent where I grew up and want to share the success of By Mary. That is why we support the Grand Bassam Orphanage for girls in the Ivory-Coast by giving the girls a chance at an education after they leave the orphanage. In the last 2 years we have helped support 60 young girls.

For Amanda it’s the planet.⁠ ⁠ “Azraq’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect the marine ecosystem and species.”⁠

fashion

The Future of Athleisure – by Claire Hastings

Posted on July 30, 2018

With our current state of mind, unprecedented need and inclination towards that perfect amalgamation of comfort and style, it would be easy to profess our undying love to the athleisure trend and even sing it a verse of Lana Del Rey’s song – I will love you ‘till the end of time, I will (wear you) a million years. All kidding aside, the trend that has transcended to what is essentially a global phenomenon and even a lifestyle rather than just a fashion trend, certainly seems to have staying power. However, in these shifty times not even being granted permission into dictionaries can guarantee that something will remain permanent in real life, so let’s take a moment or two to examine what is going on in the fashion world and try to make out whether the future of athleisure is bright or bleak.

Photo by Alexandru Acea on Unsplash

The corporate loosens the strings

The attire of the corporate world looked a lot like the attire worn in movies such as American Psycho. Men wore sharp suits and women wore pencil skirts, blouses and smart fitted blazers, usually topped off with classic pumps for a full professional look. Now, while some companies are still sticking to a strict business dress code, those more in tune with the wants and needs of the younger generation of employees have loosened the strings a bit. Going to work in a nice pair of jeans and smart sneakers topped off with a simple tee and an oversized sporty blazer has become common in many a workplace, and the strings are even looser in millennial-owned companies like Facebook where you would probably be laughed at if you showed up wearing anything resembling corporate attire.

According to BBC, The Society for Human Resource Management tracks how many employers allow workers to dress casually every day, and that figure rose from 32% in 2014 to 44% in 2016 – and let’s keep in mind that the athleisure trend has grown in popularity over the last year and a half, so these numbers are most likely much higher now. So, if the corporate world is willing to bend the rules continuously, it’s safe to assume that athleisure will be safe and sound, at least in the office.

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The emphasis on health and fitness

With the increased popularity of new kinds of sports activities invented by millennials which don’t include only your run-of-the-mill lonely workout time but group activities as well, it’s safe to assume that athleisure isn’t going anywhere in the athletic world either. People want their gym clothes to be functional and made from exercise and sweat-wicking fabrics, yes, but they also want to look good and presentable in front of their peers, and if the mood strikes them, head out to lunch, brunch or just run errands after their workout. This is why a great number of traditional sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas and up-and-coming Mint Athletic are constantly creating alluring athletic apparel that can be worn to a workout session while leaving you prepared for a last-minute call to lunch. The wellness-oriented population, which is increasing all the time, highly appreciates this mixture of comfort and style, and as long as the fitness and health frenzy is alive, athleisure will be here as well.

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The evolving nature

As we all know by now, athleisure isn’t only about upgraded sweatpants, tracksuits and sleeker sneakers. The trend is constantly evolving, and even luxury brands have dipped their toes in the athleisure pool. Some are creating what can only be described as elegant athleisure, given all the luxurious and not-for-the-gym elements of attire and footwear designed by couture brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney. Even the ever-elegant Chanel came out with a line of sneakers featuring their staple fabrics and patterns, and these will definitely not be used for the gym. High-end designers are taking the athleisure game to a whole new level, mixing tulle skirts with sweatshirts, couture dresses with sneakers – every mixture between sporty and elegant garments you can imagine, they’ll put it on the runway and actually make it wearable.

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The bottom line

Given the fact that athleisure is non-constricting and allows for other trends that are seemingly diametrically opposed to it to come on board and play, we can say with almost absolute certainty that the trend will not only survive but thrive. As long as women can get all dolled up for a date and wear tennis shoes instead of feet-killing heels and look ultra-fashionable, and as long as a man can look smart wearing a hoodie under his blazer when he heads out to work, the trend will remain strong. On top of that, we rely on the so far proven innovativeness of designers to provide us with new and inspiring renditions of not only singular garments but also combinations and mixtures that include athletic pieces we, as consumers, will be here to embrace and rock.

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Follow Claire here!

fashion

Boho Summer’s with Dunesi

Posted on June 7, 2018

This summer’s gunna hurt like a mother f**cker, but you can still make sure you look the part. Dunesi is Dubai’s homegrown boutique resort wear brand that is well loved by Dubai’s instagram favourites. The summer collection includes a range of boho chic dresses, printed tunics, two pieces and statement accessories, all perfect for wherever you jet off during Eid.

Also a big supporter of ethical manufacturing, every item in the collection is produced right here in the UAE and only in limited numbers to reduce wastage.

We caught up with Founder and Managing Director, Hanne Ripsaluoma; who is currently dividing her time between Dubai, Finland, Spain and Chile, as travelling and exploring is one of her passions. “I always get inspired in new places, whether it’s a city, beach or a restaurant that I have never been to before” she explains.

What is the key direction for your SS18 collection

We wanted to continue with the floaty, boho styles that are perfect also for the summer whether you are in Dubai, Ibiza, Bali or the Hamptons. The latest dresses are made of cotton and chiffon, which are comfortable in the summer temperatures. They are casual yet chic, with our usual breezy twist.

What/where/who are your designs influenced by?

As a brand, it was heavily influenced by the love I have for Dubai and its beaches and the surrounding desert, those continue to be the main inspiration for the designs too. We also want to create clothes that give you that lovely “holiday feeling”, bringing back memories from vacations. We always use bright coloured prints in our range because that’s what we are drawn to in the lovely, constant sunshine that we live in.

Who’s the Dunesi woman

She’s a little boho herself, loves the outdoors, spends time with her family and friends on the beach and eating “al fresco”. She comes from anywhere in the world, cares about our planet, is full of life and wanderlust and is always making memories.

What does Dunesi mean?

I come from Finland and in Finnish “unesi” means “your dream”, we then added D for Dubai and made up Dunesi which fittingly has ‘dunes” in it too… your Dubai dream.

Have you any plans to make the brand more eco-friendly / sustainable?

Being sustainable is a big part of our philosophy. Dunesi is a member of 1% for the Planet organization (one of only two in the UAE!), donating 1% of revenue towards protecting our planet. We don’t use any plastic in our packaging, our delivery packages are made of recycled paper as is also our jewellery range (in collaboration with Agulu Paperbeads). We are also currently looking for and testing some natural materials to use in the next collection.

Fitness

Making Time for the Oceans

Posted on March 27, 2018

We’ve got a long way to go yet, but it’s a fantastic thing to see international renowned companies, such as Swiss watch brand Breitling, taking to the frontline to fight the good fight. The Oceans are in dire need of our help, only last week was it shown that all the fish in our supermarkets had various amounts of plastic actually inside the meat. So it’s great to see partnerships evolving with those who dominate billboards worldwide and on-the-ground eco-warriors.

Breitling and Ocean Conservancy, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to leading the global fight for healthy oceans and clean beaches will work together to set up and run beach cleanups around the world, as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

Working closely with experts to recycle the collected trash in the most effective and ecologically responsible ways. Breitling is also taking the educative approach, ensuring it isn’t just the adults who participate. Not only are they getting active, but Breitling are also set to donate part of the proceeds from its limited-edition Superocean Heritage collection.

Polar bear, Arctic Ocean. (PPR/Breitling/Christopher Michel)

Known for their dedication, Ocean Conservancy has organised tens of thousands of coastal-cleanup operations for more than 30 years in 153 countries. Since 1986, more than 12 million people have picked up nearly 230 million pounds of trash as part of Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup.

“We are excited to be working with Georges and his team at Breitling. Their customers are adventurers who explore every corner of the globe and see the beauty and wonder of the ocean from vantage points that are not easily accessible. Breitling and its customers understand first-hand that a healthy ocean – teeming with life, free of trash and plastic – is critical to life on our incredible, awe-inspiring planet. We look forward to working with them to advance our shared mission of maintaining a healthy ocean.” Ocean Conservancy CEO Janis Searles Jones

I took a little leap of faith last week with Bretiling too, as they launched their newest collection watches in Dubai, I took to the skies to see what all the fuss was about…

Breitling at SkyDive Dubai

So with Breitling covering the land, sea and air now – there’s little space left for them to conquer.

fashion Fitness

Dima Ayad X Hautletic Reinventing Athleisure

Posted on March 11, 2018

It’s a fairly new debate but one without a real answer – can you wear workout gear to work? Some of the athleisure pieces i own are without a doubt much more expensive than the skirts and tops hanging in the wardrobe, as well as remaining ‘un-used’ gym wise. Hautletic is the hub for most of these luxe pieces and there’s a new homegrown collab that’s stealing the show. Lebanese ready-to-wear designer Dima Ayad and Hautletic’s Priya Bhatia have launched a completely limited-edition range that’s definitely too good for the workout drawer.

A nine-piece collection in the Dima Ayad x Hautletic range celebrates female ingenuity; ‘blending Hautletic’s signature athleisure style with Dima Ayad’s precise understanding of the modern woman’s lifestyle’. It’s the kind of sports gear you could wear into a bar and not feel at all underdressed.

Enter a world of minimals, with abundant greys and blacks mixed with Ayad’s signature seasonal metallics. The floaty shapes are far from unflattering as they cinch in the waist and elongate the legs, whilst giving you a bit of wiggle room too. Picture the perfect ‘tracksuit,’ whilst being being as far from cliche as possible.

“I thought about the journey of the modern woman – from the day to the night. I want her to feel great from the morning to the evening without trying,” Dima Ayad, Designer

“It’s also about the value and versatility of the pieces you invest in. Quality and fit are paramount, even for seemingly ‘easy-wear’ athleisure.” Priya Bhatia, Hautletic

Get your hands on this urban wardrobe only at Hautletic in Galleria Mall, Dubai.

fashion

Winter Fashion Guide – by Claire Hastings

Posted on January 20, 2018

Winter is a tough fashion customer that is very hard to please. You want to remain stylish as ever, be able to finish work and head out for drinks without having to go home and change before heading out again, and accomplish all of that without freezing. There are of course holidays with family to take into account and all the appropriate outfits to plan, and let us not forget about all those parties and perhaps even quick holiday getaways. Indeed, winter is tricky to maneuver, but that’s why we’re here. To make outfit planning easier so your style never has to give up in the face of harsh weather and multiple events and special occasions.

Photo by Frank Flores on Unsplash

Casual Saturday’s
The probability that there are people who don’t live for those wonderful strolls on Saturday afternoons is incredibly low. We all long for that time when the work week is behind us and Monday seems so far away. The perfect outfit for hopping around the town has to consist of a great pair of straight leg, dark-wash jeans that hug your body just right, a cozy turtleneck sweater (so you don’t have to bother with a scarf), a grey coat and a great crossbody bag that leaves the hands free to hold those takeaway coffees or snapping photos. Of course, even casual Saturdays deserve an extra dose of chic, and that can be best accomplished with an amazing pair of embroidered ankle boots that have the ability to elevate any given outfit, but are still comfy enough to spend an entire afternoon in.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

High-style Office Attire
One of the best things to strut down this year’s runways is the plaid trend. Plaid has always been associated with professionalism, but unlike the ‘work uniforms’ of yore, designers made it their goal to create plaid-patterned garments that contain the perfect mix of playfulness and office appropriateness. This month put those high-rise pants (Tome) in a pungent yellow plaid pattern to work. You can mix them with a classic black button-down or a simple blouse and a fitted blazer and what you get is an outfit that looks amazing in office light but that can easily be taken for drinks afterwards.

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

A Quick Getaway
If you live in the part of the world where January means low temps and gloomy skies, the holidays might just be the perfect time to make a break for it and head somewhere warm and breezy. Of course, for this venture, you’ll need to turn up the heat in your suitcase as well, and aside from the pastel swimsuits that will be dominating next summer, make sure you pack only the finest designer resort wear – beach kaftans, luxurious robes, large hats and stylish beach totes. Going away gives you a chance to put your best summer look forward and escape the cold reality if even just for a long weekend.

Photo by Eduard Militaru on Unsplash

If, on the other hand, you’re the type who spends holidays with family, that requires an entirely different attire. Now, there are two ways to go about this. If you have the kind of family who nurtures the tradition of wearing ugly sweaters – well, you will have to go shopping for one. Regular jeans will do the job for the rest of the outfit and as far as the sweater goes, well, there are virtually hundreds of them so just take your pick and if it has to be ugly at least wear it ironically. The other way is of course, the classy way, and this year the chicest family-time appropriate outfit has to be a dark floral dress. As the floral trend has experienced a rebirth of a sort and thanks to the murkier shades it’s no longer reserved for summers only, a long-sleeve long floral dress will look wonderful on those family portraits.

Photo by Arthur Yao on Unsplash

My Girl Wants To Party All The Time
If you don’t go to at least one wild party, it’s like the holidays never happened. Now, for several years the traditional winter party uniform has been a glittery sequin dress in every shade possible. Now things are a tad more subtle so instead of going out full disco-ball mode, opt for something slightly more understated and chicer. You can still get your glam on, but choose your battles. The best way to go is with a gorgeous white or black lace dress, (the cut is up to you) and complete the look with a gorgeous silver or gold sequin blazer. Add some glitter on the eyes, and put that red lipstick to use. You’re ready to be the classiest dancing queen there is.

Follow Claire here!

fashion

🕶 Throwing Shade with Glassing Sunglasses 🕶

Posted on March 9, 2016

I’m a big sunglass-aholic… literally drawers full, but as much as I love all shapes and sizes, there’s only ever one pair in my handbag at any one time and these Italian imports have made quite an impact.

Born in 2010 by two LOVELY designers Alessandro Forte and Stefano Ottone, they opened a vintage store in Ibiza and escalated their entrepreneurship to creating and producing ‘Glassing‘ – their own brand, after an adventurous summer on the white isle. It quickly emerged as one of Italy’s most cutting edge brands, focusing on using innovative materials, often combined in unusual ways.

With four flagship stores in Italy; in Milan, Portofino, Taormina and Capri, they have now brought their famous frames to Dubai and I have fully jumped on their beachside band wagon (they are currently retailing in a bright yellow pop-up container down at The Beach Dubai). Fans include Kate Moss, Justin Bieber, Beyonce and Jay-Z, P. Diddy, Cristiano Ronaldo and Anna Dello Russo to name but a few.

They have tons of designs but these are my Top 5 Frames: