Puma Creative Factory

This year PUMA are celebrating the 40^th birthday of the classic T7 jacket by launching the PUMA Creative Factory ‘Built for One” T7 Track Jacket activation where PUMA T7 ambassadors who were selected from around the region came to recreate their own T7 jacket. PUMA also invited local fashion designers Zayan Ghandour, Emperor 1688, Tahir Sultan, Essa, Michael Cinco, Ezra, Furne One, Hatem Alakeel (TOBY) and Alanoud Badr to create their own one-of-a kind interpretations of the T7 Jackets.

Each designer added their own style and influence to which resulted in an eccentric showcase of the T7 jackets at the PUMA Creative Factory ‘Built for One” T7 Track Jacket event and at Middle East Sneaker Summit SOLE DXB event held in Mojo Gallery, Al Serkal.

“I was excited when PUMA invited me to design a PUMA Creative Factory "Built For One" T7 track jacket in celebration of the classic piece's 40th birthday. I remember the era when the Beastie Boys were wearing the jackets and I really like the retro style, which is why I kept my T7 jacket simple with an edge by adding a signature Toby fold at the front.”

                                                                                                   Hatem Alakeel 

Plaza Magazine Middle East met with few designers for a quick talk on their creation in which they were challenged in keeping the same feel of PUMA by implementing their own signature touch.

When we met Essa:

1.     What material did you use can you talk us through the process of the design?

I used a silk mix, which is a very athletic fabric, and for the detail I used a very delicate black lace and I put a tailcoat at the back of the jacket to give it an aerodynamic feel.

When I think of PUMA, I firstly think of the athletic and sports wear but this time I also thought of the puma cat. I pictured the puma cat jumping just like the PUMA logo. I wanted to capture the image of the puma in my T7 jacket so I used the neon pink, which is a very Essa signature color with black symbolizing the paws of the puma.

2.     What did you think of the PUMA T7 jacket in its original form?

I think the original jacket is so iconic in its shape, which is supported by who the jacket has been associated with over the past 40 years, but as a designer, I found the fabric itself very hard to work with, which is why I moved away from the original fabric and worked with materials that I am more familiar with.

3.     Have you ever been interested in designing sports wear?

No, I can’t say that I have ever thought about going into sports wear however when PUMA approached me I jumped at the chance. I was excited to be involved with celebrating the 40^th Birthday of the PUMA T7 Track jacket.

4.     Tell me about who influences and inspires you and how do you incorporate them into your designs?

Inspiration is something that comes to you and when it does you feel in the mood for creating. Currently my mood is all about technically advanced fabrics so I’m in the mood to study futuristic fashions. I’ve had a vintage focus for so long that now I want to juxtapose the two, by using futuristic fabrics with classic cuts.

5.     PUMA are celebrating their 40^th birthday with the T7 jacket, where do you see your design company reaches 40?

I would like to hope that my company will be successfully run by my children.

6.     What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Make the best of the fact that you’re not good looking but you have incredible style.

7.     What other designers would you like to collaborate with?

The house of Versace.

When we met Tahir Sultan:

1.     Tell us about the T7 Track Jacket you designed for Puma. Where did your concept come from?

I wanted to create a Synergy Between the PUMA Signature, which is the Cat, and an armor, which reflects protection. I was looking more at a tailored structure a sort of a constructive concept. Projecting the protection of athletes who is growing his talent and building it into becoming a total victory.

2.     What Kind of Material have you used in making Tahir Sultan’s T7 Track Jacket?

It’s a new age fabric that we ordered from Italy, it is waterproof as well as it is all netted from the inside. It is very athletic fabric absorbs sweat and holds the body tight which fits perfectly into sports wear creations.

3.     Would you consider designing a whole range of Sports wear.

Oh! yes of course, In fact I was thinking of approaching puma and design Some Sports Shoes with a sort of an structure  such as a futuristic sort of armor. I would love to work on whole range for a PUMA collection.

4.     So tell me about your own Collection for fall winter 2012 – 2013

Once again the structured shapes are all part of my collection. Constructive Jackets and Items that can be worn in different ways. However the best way to describe my collection is by imagining a future I relation to the present in addition I took the idea of Couture and switched it into Pret a Porter. I am striving to set up a proper infrastructure iny creations.

5.     Where do you see yourself in a Couple of years?

I am looking at a presence in the London and Paris markets in the next year and working on a Global launch in the future.

6.     Do you think Dubai is the route for Global Success?

It is defiantly ta Departure point! There is a lot of Fashion and Brand Awareness in Dubai. People in Dubai get the time dress well and look good, I do believe it is the right platform to grow and get in touch with the people who love to be dressed up and go out. I do believe it is the best place in the Middle East.

7.     Which Brand do you hope to collaborate with in the coming future?

Porsche! It would be a dram come true.

Once the T7 workshop was over and the sun have set, the After Hours Athletes came out to play! PUMA ambassadors Mike Daniels and Rita R'ink jumped on the decks to get the party started with local designers Taher Sultan, Babak Golkar and Hatem Alakeel in attendance.

The PUMA T7 after party saw VIP guests meeting the designers and talking about their inspirations and ideas behind their ' T7 jackets in a private room .

Guest were also surprised to see for the first time the limited editions of PUMA sneakers showcased at the private party including Deadmau5, UNDFTD, Toy Toy, Black Label.

The Puma T7 Track Jacket was born in 1968 and has achieved legendary statutes by being worn by famous athletes, rock stars, b-boys and artists including football legend Pele and Beastie Boys.

The Jacket is environmentally responsible as it is made of 100 % recycled polyester; building on PUMA’s mission to become the most desirable and sustainable sport lifestyle company.

The Chanel Kingdom

The Chanel Kingdom

When Karl Lagerfeld took us on his private jet while showcasing his collection, we applauded his creativity, however we did not expect a whole flying around the world Private Party!

Touring Major cities, Numerso Prives opened at the Waynn hotel in Las Vegas on the  23^rd of January 20012.

Planes, Champagne, limousines and pedicures: Chanel sent private jets to California and New York to collect their guests.

Picked up from their apartment in Escalades which windows were emblazed with the brand’s iconic logo of interlocking “Cs” and driven to the airport where a fleet of thirteen planes in New York and 7 in Los Angeles awaited the selected guests.

Upon arrival to Sin City Guests where treated into a welcome drink during which the Luxury fashion house celebrated the unveiling of its ten-day installation “Numeros Prives” A journey through the world of Coco Chanel.

The Setup was an homage to the Iconic Fashion house most notable contribution to society.

The millions of dollars installation included everything that would take you to another dimension where visitors would enter to the magical world of Chanel, a brand that fascinated generations over the years.

Materials, figures, symbols colors and coveted objects were all displayed and made every visitor dream of the  powerful Chanel Kingdom.

Entering through symbolic curtains of white beads visitors starts to get carried away as they entered a magical World of Chanel by feeling Gabriella’s adored pearls the guest than continued walking through Karl Lagerfeld Studio 7L his well known Gigantic Library to meet Kaiser Karl surrounded by his infinite collection of books which covered all the walls.

Transported into every Chanel lover’s mind, a recreation of the legendary 2.55 shoulder bag takes the breath away. Pioneered by Gabrielle Chanel in 1955 guests witnessed the masterpiece itself by stepping through a futuristic air-lock chamber with walls lined with sensuous leather, recreating a huge 2.55 Iconic Bag. While walking through digital displays and a wall of videos showing each step of the creative concept with full sound effects from the workshops the room offered a sensory, mechanical and aesthetic take on one of Chanel’s most emblematic creations.

 

After leaving the 2.55 room visitors entered the tweed room an educative display on the past and the present from the full Chanel suit to mixing and matching high end with high street the tweed room was dedicated to the favorite fabric for Chanel jackets.. Tweed was showcased in a frame, black on black, like a work of Art. Say the word “tweed” out loud and the sound is a muted-Mezzo voice. A creative concept produced by a room especially designed to absorb sound highlighting the importance of tweed in the Chanel Empire.

Adding to the displays was the perfume room named as the Pop Room, which was covered with silk screed Images of the CHANEL N5 Bottle and leading the visitors into a Digital room that translated Modernity through a play of lights, and sounds digital screens projecting snow flacks whith huge hourglasses counting time and floors covered by watch face drawings, representing the J12 Iconic watch.

Adorned with figures designed by the legendary Lagerfeld, the next room is a Children’s room which evokes memories of playing with dolls and which led the guests into a paradise look alike Space. 

Highlighting the Chanel Symbolic, flower the next room is an outdoor area filled with Camellia trees where guests are reminded of Jean Cocteau’s  classic “ Beauty and the beast”  in a luxurious garden presenting flowers scintillate with diamonds in display cases.

The exhibition did not end here, Visitors are then introduced to the creative and ingenious world of Karl Lagerfeld the geniuses mind who contributed into making the house of Chanel remain the dream of generations to come, by incorporating his work sketches ideas and projects.

The house of Chanel was keen to reproduces Gabrialle’s 31 Rue de Gabon apartment (aka Coco) in order to create that feel in the young Chanel lovers to see the brand from the elderly point of you. A Haute Couture room was created with it’s Coromandel screens and tall mirrors that reflected a never- ending succession of image,s dresses displayed under glass, mannequins and the stunning boxes used to deliver Haute Couture dresses to Clients. 

And Finally the Game room a playful display of Chanel’s Symbols such as the lion, the clover-leaf, the double C the number 5 in addition to games from which the lucky guests were able to win prices by catching the famous Chanel black and white paper bags filled with make-up, perfume and stunning Chanel accessories.

All over the Major Cities visited by the sensational exhibition , all 10 rooms were  part of the scene, a journey that flew us from the past via the present to the future.

In Vegas Dinner Cocktails and Drinks, The exclusive Waynn hotel welcomed guests like Jessica Alba, Maria Belle, Rachel Zoe.

Numeros Prives Landed in Dubai on the 14^th of February for a 3 days exclusive event.

Hosted at the Pavilion Downtown Dubai only by invitation, Selected guests took the journey through a contemporary excursion into the enchanted world of Chanel

The same meaningful Symbols shapes and colors with every asset and trademark were all presented once again for the stylish people of Dubai.

Being one of the Biggest Market for the Chanel Addicts Dubai social scene witnessed on the evening of 16^th of February a party featuring a special performance by London’s “Hors meet disco”.

Chanel’s Elite’s danced till the early hours with drinks bubbles and delicious canapé each leaving with special a signature gift.

A Fairy Tale Dream

Syrian-born couture designer Rami Al Ali takes us on an exclusive tour of his 2012 bridal collection.

Capturing decades of daydreams and symbolising the perfect fairy-tale love story, the wedding gown is as much a focus point as the bride herself on that special day. More of a sentiment than an outfit, a wonderful blend of textiles and imagination holds within the romance and aspirations of the union. Even before the bride has completed her vows, the first ‘I do’ she yearns for is an approval of her gown.

It all stems from the princess theory, where little girl dreams of Disney heroines become reality as their knight finally arrives. Seeing the Grace Kelly’s and Kate Middleton’s whisked off on their very own white horse provides even more ammunition for a regal gown. One person who knows all about the creation of a bridal masterpiece is fashion maestro Rami Al Ali. With a core understanding of a woman’s matrimonial dreams, Al Ali strives to bestow a royal impact with his bridal couture, with a new and innovative collection released each year.

Recapturing childhood memories of his mother and sisters joy for fashion, Al Ali is fluent in the language of female desire, channelling these sensations into his work creating couture structures of beauty and elegance combined. Established in 2000, the Rami Al Ali fashion house has spent the last decade ascertaining the designer as one of the leading connoisseurs of bridal couture in the Middle East!

Blushing brides-to-be desperately seek out his design expertise, furiously searching for that unique dress that will forever be embedded in their guests’ memories. A powerful statement that completely defines the credentials of its bearer, the bridal gown has created magical moments in many of the world’s most famous weddings, where the anticipation of the dress became the heart of the obsession.

Al Ali’s 2012 bridal collection is built around the ideals of elegance, sophistication and fantasy, consisting of eight original and exclusive designs. Lovingly crafted using a stunning array of fabrics, textures and techniques, Al Ali gives an exclusive insight into a selection of his designs…

RAA Bridal 1

I love the core femininity that this gown embodies. This is a style that fully embraces my design aesthetic and transports vintage ideals into a modern day fairytale. I reached back in time for my inspiration behind this shape, where I placed heavy emphasis on the waistline – creating a timeless style that enhances the female form. The skirt is voluminous and flowing, complete with a longer train for full-on drama. Strong character is given to the design through the gathered lower lengths of the skirt, finishing off with a delicate yet palpable bow that draws attention to the clinched-in waist.  

RAA Bridal 2

This dress was a huge challenge for me to create. I envisioned a dress within my collection where the fabric and texture would be the main focus, leading the overall design. We created the fabric by individually sewing multiple short layers of chiffon very closely together. The work was intricate and highly detailed giving the finished look a fascinating appeal. The overall appearance is one of romance, with the full voluminous skirt of a feathered yet slightly raw texture keeping it modern. Again, I added a long train to retain the elegance and drama expected.

RAA Bridal 3

I decided to create at least one dress within my collection that would cater for the more modest bride. The bride who wants to make an impact yet show as little skin as possible. This look is reminiscent of the vintage styles of Hollywood-past - with a modern twist, of course! The delicate lace which gives subtle sheer coverage to the arms and neckline extends down the full-length of the dress, elegantly contrasting against the full-bodied silk-satin skirt. The oversized bow detailing at the back of the dress creates huge volume and helps emphasise the train – this is the ultimate princess dress! 

RAA Bridal 4

I wanted to create drama and intrigue with the texture and embellishment of this gown, so in contrast I kept the shape simple and sophisticated with a strapless top, exposed neck-line and full-bodied skirt. The interest and uniqueness of this gown is all down to the material, where the delicate and ethereal presence of lace is transformed into an impalpable design by the structural pattern of silver embellishment. Neither element dominates the other which helps to effortlessly fuse the conflicting design-ingredients, leaving behind an iridescent creation that will literally float down the aisle.

Snow White Princess

From Creating the world’s most Expensive Bra in collaboration with Victoria Secret, and few years later the world’s most expensive hand bag! Today Mouawad Jewellery traced history once again by creating the world’s most expensive watch. 

Unveiled During the Doha Jewellery and Watch Exhibition (DJWE) in Qatar, The Snow White Princess Diamond Watch, makes a global Debut with an estimated value of 6.8 Million Dollars.

The diamond-studded wristwatch born of the Swiss watchmaking excellence of Mouawad’s snowy Alpine factory is crafted from 18K white gold and meticulously layered with 233 colorless diamonds of varying sizes. With a total of 106.93 carats.

Snow White Princess is another example of Excellency, mastery, exquisite attention to detail and absolute artistry that Mouawad known for.

FRINGE BENEFITS/TRIBAL WARRIOR:

Max Azria for Hervé Léger is back again with a fresh new collection of signature body-con dresses, all with a futuristic, tribal twist. This season’s collection is once again a valiant attempt to bring out the edgy side of femininity. The dresses still maintain their slender silhouette, but the addition of braiding, weaving and fringing adds a new flavour to the range. Get ready to experience a full spectrum of futuristic designs in metallic hues including platinum and copper, set against an array of soft tones including dusky pink, ivory and grey. A focus on movement and shape brings a modern vibe to the line, with low swing skirts still snug at the hips, and tribal patterns that emphasise the waist. This season’s collection is a symbol of everything Hervé Léger ever represented: audacity, ferocity and glamour. The flagship Hervé Léger store can be found in The Dubai Mall - 04 330 8205.

Sun-kissed

Look like your worth a million with Terracotta Light the New tan – enhancing powder By Guerlinan.

With the arrival of the Summer Sun the skin gradually picks a tan, the new Terracotta Light gives a glowing tan with its unique combination of bronzing shades, vibrant colors and fine

Pearlescent particles.

This Face powder matches the tanned skin of all blondes and brunettes by offering a sheer and luminous make up finish a sun kissed gold effect. Terracotta Light offers two different color harmonies, Blondes 02 and - Sun Blondes 04, with its pink accents and soft tanned tones, or Brunettes 03- Sun Brunettes 05, enriched with its coral touches and warm shades.

Vernis In Love By Lancôme

A wardrobe of 24 it-shades!

 Vernis In Love is available in 24 sumptuous shades, each as dazzling, simple-to-apply and easily wearable as the next. A colour collection divided into three universes echoing the three specific moments during the day of today’s young and stylish woman.

Jolis Matins

Whether heading to work or an early morning fashionista, she takes a moment to gather herself and prepare for the busy day ahead. All the beauty of an awakening dawn in Paris is captured in fresh and featherlight shades such as the subtle beauty of "Jolis Matins", a natural rose beige, or the gentle warmth of "Corail In Love".

Boudoir Time

Special times with friends late in the afternoon. Moments confiding over cupcakes, while trying on trendy clothes and new shoes.

A feel-good cocoon echoed by Vernis In Love with a series of flashy stand-out shades like the deep and vibrant "Bleu de Flore" or the euphoric fuchsia of "Rose Boudoir".

Tonight Is My Night

From the cafés of Saint Germain des Prés to the current coolest clubs, from concert halls to the twinkling embankments of the River Seine… The dizzying emotion of a Parisian night infused with promise, is mirrored by intense and magnetic shades, including "Beige Poudré", as sensual as cashmere, and "Midnight Rose", an enchanting deep purple created in honour of the fragrance Trésor Midnight Rose, embodied so exquisitely by Emma Watson.