Celebrities turn out to celebrate Maison Martin Margiela with H&M in NYC

Sarah Jessica Parker

Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mena Suvari, Kanye West, Helena Christensen, Selma Blair, Alan Cumming and Chase Crawford were among the guests at a party last night in New York to celebrate H&M’s collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela. 

The unique event was held across many floors of 5 Beekman Street, a historical building in the city’s financial district. Guests were able to discover the collection in dance performances by noted choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker and through specially commissioned art installations, before DJ’s kept the party going into the early hours. The Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection will be launched on November 15th in around 230 H&M stores worldwide.

Kanye West

“We are happy to present the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M collection in New York with this event. Maison Martin Margiela believes in showing its work outside of the traditional context. This mix of installation and performance captures the spirit of the house, and allowed the artists to interpret the collaboration collection in ways they saw fit.” Maison Martin Margiela.

The derelict and raw nine-story building, housed around a glass-roofed atrium, was the perfect setting for the celebration of Maison Martin Margiela with H&M, decorated in the label’s signature white-painted style. The famed choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker created a unique and beautiful performance in squares of sand, which ran throughout the evening on different floors. Anne Teresa and her dancers removed garments from the collection while performing, thus creating live and spontaneous art installations.

Julianne Moore

The collection with H&M, a series of re-editions of Maison Martin Margiela garments and accessories from various seasons, was further revealed in special art installations on various floors: artists Daniel Arsham, Frederique Chauveaux and Noemie Goudal, created sculptures, projections and photographs exclusively for the event

“It’s an amazing collaboration! Margiela is a beautiful brand – arty, iconoclastic and always edgy. And the quality is always amazing with H&M. Fashion is great because it’s an expression of who you are”, says Julianne Moore.

Alan Cumming

“It’s incredible, so exciting to celebrate one of my favourite designers. They are mysterious and compelling and I’ve been a great fan of Margiela for many years. H&M, well, look at the lines of men and women lined up! It’s a great opportunity for people to have access to great designers. It makes luxury available to everyone. It’s very democratic and I’m all for it”, says Sarah Jessica Parker.

“I’m a huge fan of Margiela and I love H&M – it’s a great collaboration. I never get surprised by H&M’s choices, every designer they pick I’m interested in. I’m always standing in the queue with my mother in the early mornings. I’ve been a fan of Margiela since the start”, says Helena Christensen.

“I’m here to see the lovely Margiela collection. I love the way H&M is doing collaborations with other designers. It’s a great thing, to make clothes stylish and affordable. The collaborations are a great idea, they are really amazing!” says Alan Cumming.

Selma Blair

Mena Suvari

50 Cent launches his SMS Audio headphones at Gitex Technology Week

Image, Chanelle Tourish

Internationally-acclaimed artist, entrepreneur and humanitarian, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, launched his SMS Audio brand of headphones at Gitex Technology Week today. 

SMS Audio initially launched two main lines of headphones: “Sync by 50” (over-ear wireless headphones) “Street by 50” (wired in-ear  and wired over-ear headphones.

Some of the advanced features include high-end styling, professional studio sound, full on-board controls, and passive noise cancellation.

Summing up his future plans, 50 Cent stated: “The terrific start that our brand has had in the Middle East makes me really excited about our future prospects in the region. We now aim to build on that, because this launch is part of a wider evolution for SMS Audio. From a humanitarian perspective, as a conscious capitalist I’m excited about our partnership with Dubai Autism Center, where every SMS Audio product sold within a certain timeframe will contribute towards autistic children.”

Sara Ahmad Baker of the Dubai Autism Center expressed her gratitude for the corporate responsibility shown by SMS Audio and Shift LLC: “On behalf of the autistic children who we care for, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation for SMS Audio’s very generous offer. 50 Cent has shown that despite all the fame and achievements, he is first and foremost a caring human being.” 

Image, Chanelle Tourish

50 Cent’s previous humanitarian endeavors have seen him pledging to feed a billion people over the coming years, through Street King, his energy drink, which funds one meal per purchase to children in Africa through the World Food Programme. A natural evolution from 50’s efforts saw SMS Audio partnering with Feeding America bringing the relief efforts to the United States where 250 meals are donated to Feeding America for each domestic purchase through www.smsaudio.com.

In the brand’s previous launches, SMS Audio has proved to be very popular in the US, Western Europe, Scandinavia and Oceania. Dubai’s quality-sensitive customers will now have convenient access to the sophisticated features offered by the brand.

SMS Audio is currently available at electronics retailers around the Middle East and South Africa, and customers have a range of fashionable colors and styles to select from. 

Stay tuned for a full interview with 50 Cent :) 

Catch him performing at the upcoming Atelier Festival on Friday October 19th at Meydan :) 

Fall collections at Valleydez

ValleyDez announces the arrival a new set of collections from Fall 2012 collections to Sunset and Wafi Boutiques.

Ghalia Abbas, owner and founder of ValleyDez says: “We’ve loved selecting the fall collection, because it’s so contradictory! This mix of heavily embroidered baroque pieces with extremely feminine lace creates a paradox that is unique to this season."

The fall collection this season reveals a new take on military. Prints and bold blocks of colours are still strong. Floral for fall is smaller in scale and leaning towards liberty, and is seen in a retro mix with lace. Knit tweeds and shawls are big, as well as fur accents and baroque embroidery. There’s also a lot of black leather or all-white which means there will definitely be something for everyone. 

Small Box, Big Difference

The Box Appeal a charity campaign that aims to help those most in need by filling boxes with essential everyday items, is returning for its 5^th consecutive year. This year’s campaign will take place between the 1st of September and the 31^st of October. 

The Box Appeal is created and run by Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in the Middle East and held in conjunction with the Red Crescent. The Box Appeal asks people to give back to those who need it most by filling a small box with a list of everyday items, such as toothpaste, a t-shirt, a cap and shaving cream.

Mark Willis, Area Vice President, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group said: “This appeal aims to make a small difference on a large scale. When the campaign was first created we teamed up with Helping Hands a local charity who advised us on the items that labourers need in their everyday lives. By giving them these items it puts less strain on them financially, what might seem like something small to us is of great importance to them. Also, it shows them that people care and appreciate what they do for us.”

To take part all participants have to do is pick up a box from any Radisson Blu or Park Inn Hotel in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah or Sharjah and fill it with the list of predetermined items and return it to the hotel.

“This is an easy way to give back to those less fortunate then ourselves, these men work long and hard to build the cities we live in. Any small contribution we can make to make their lives that little bit easier is really appreciated by them. This year we've already given out 11,000 boxes and if we receive each one of these back that means 11,000 labourers will be helped. It’s simple to get involved; we've seen children from the age of two filling boxes with their parents. It also doesn't have to be costly. The average price of the box is between 60-100 DHS on average,” said Mr Willis.

Since its launch in 2008, over 30,000 boxes have been donated, the equivalent of 3 million AED.

“Hundreds of staff take part but this year we’ve had an unprecedented response from the public, in particular schools who have so far taken more than 5,000 boxes. Local companies get involved as do many community groups and of course individuals. This year we have already given out 11,000 boxes in the UAE which is a record amount. So much so, that we’re currently having more boxes printed to meet demand,” explained Mr Willis.

Pick up a box from any Radisson Blu or Park Inn hotel in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Fujairah or Sharjah, fill it with the following list of items and return it by the 31^st October.

1. T-Shirt

2. Cap

3. Disposable Razor

4. Shaving Cream

5. Deodorant

6. Toothbrush

7. Toothpaste

8. Small Hand Towel

9. Comb

10. Soap Antibacterial

11. Shampoo

12. Talcum Powder

Think Pink for Breast Cancer: Free event for ladies in Dubai

SolidariTea Arabia & Promod present the second ‘Big Pink Party’ raising Breast Cancer Awareness on October 17^th, and this time it’s on the beach. With the stunning Riva Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah as the venue backdrop, ‘The Big Pink Beach Party’ will once again bring ladies together for an event that has fashion, friendship, inspirational speakers, pampering opportunities and more, in support of the efforts of the ‘Brest Friends’ organization.

In 2011, ‘The Big Pink Tea Party’ welcomed over 250 women to the event. Celebrating survivors and imparting learning and awareness from trained professionals, and those who have lived with the disease spoke movingly about their experiences. Free to attend, SolidariTea Arabia & Promod hope to attract as many women to the ‘Big Pink Beach Party’ this year, but this time by the sea!

Theresa Tsui of  SolidariTea Arabia said, “ The party is free to attend for ladies everywhere and we hope that as many as possible will join us to educate themselves against the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer, to support other women who have gone through the trauma of the disease and to celebrate with their friends and other women all things pink. The event supports the work of the ‘Brest Friends’  group, and encompasses all the mission of SolidariTea Arabia to provide fabulous events for the women of Dubai that empower, educate and impart awareness of local causes.”

The Big Pink Tea Beach Party by SolidariTea Arabia & Promod takes place on October 17^th, 5-8pm at Riva Beach Club, Shoreline Building 7, The Palm Jumeirah. 

Please register attendance via the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/events/360741764010950/?ref=ts&fref=ts .

Celebs in Jean Paul Gaultier

Jean Paul Gaultier

It seems all the celebrities are opting for Jean Paul Gaultier on the red carpet. Kylie Minogue wore a stunning white biker sleeveless jacket from the Resort SS13 collection to the Cinema Paris Festival whilst Kirsten Dunst donned a long blue dress from the resort SS13 Collection to the “Bachelorette” Premiere in LA.

Jean Paul Gaultier is available in the UAE at The Dubai Mall.

Beautify your hands with eye-catching nail colors from CND Shellac this Eid!

Eid is just around the corner and to celebrate CND offers a striking palette of nail colors to make you look like a true diva! CND Shellac has some vibrant colors in store for you from hot and bold tones of reds, pinks, blues and browns. What’s more? You can also adorn an impressive CND nail art that will make your hands look gorgeous.

Add more color and zest to your festive mood with some of the most favorite CND Shellac colors – Shellac Wildfire, Shellac Hot Pop Pink, Shellac Hot Chillis, Shellac Faux Fur, Shellac Pretty Poison and Shellac Sugared Spice.

Available across all the leading spas and salons, CND Shellac is priced at AED 98.  You can also contact Momentum Beauty products on 04-3343823 for further details (UAE).

Very Berry

Burgundy, grape, maroon and claret: Whatever you call it, this rich shade is a must-have colour for your closet this Autumn. 

The most-watched designers sent burgundy designs in masses down the fall runway. We saw tailored pieces, men’s and women’s suits, over-sized sweaters, coats, evening gowns, and even shoes taking on this bodacious colour. 

Marks & Spencer

                                                   Look fabulous this fall 

Monsoon

For those of you who adore deeper shades such as black and navy, burgundy is a great colour to introduce to your fall wardrobe. It looks fabulous on most complexions and blends effortlessly into your style scheme. Think of this berry shade almost as your new neutral; choose a classic burgundy blazer paired with trendy accessories, or wear leopard flats with skinny jeans in this shade.

Snap up a cute sweater in a berry shade for an instant wardrobe update or try a cute pencil dress in oxblood for a fresh evening look. Not to mention, burgundy pairs seamlessly with your typical fall colours including deep blues, oranges, and caramels.

Next

Colour focus 

 Celebrities have been gracing the red carpet in this rich wine colour for weeks. Take your style tips from the stars, Malin Akerman kept her fall look playful in a short, chic dress. Opt for black accessories and shoes with your wine dress just like Malin. Luckily, this is one hot shade that goes with almost any colour. You can pair your burgundy dress with either nude heels or metallic shades for a glamourous look.

                                             Get the look

Debenhams

Getty Images

Rich and unmistakably luscious, this bold favourite exudes sophistication. Burgundy takes centre stage in an evening gown and an embellished neckline also demands attention; but nothing is as eye-catching as an open-back dress. Opt for a full length gown from Debenhams for an elegant look. 

Slip on this casual wine coloured shirt with skinny jeans and black knee boots to conquer a refined look. 

Next

Lace makes for a comfortable yet elegant dress; the bustier at the front adds the perfect amount of detail to balance out the simplicity of this shift. 

Marks & Spencer

Embellishment at Alberta Ferretti

Wondrous play with beads and plastics turns neutral coloured dresses into surprising delights this Autumn Winter 2012.

·  Shift dress with bead and clear plastic covered detailing – 9350 AED

·  V-neck sleeveless dress with clear plastic bead covered detail throughout – 5750 AED

·  Sleeveless flapper style sequin dress with slip – 3850 AED

Alberta Ferretti is available in the Dubai Mall.

Go for Gold with Stella Mc Cartney

Stella McCartney eschews seasonal trends with an AW12 collection awash with bright cobalts, shimmering golds and fetching prints.

·  Sparkly gold glitter heels – 2350 AED

·  Strapless dress with peplum and tonal print fabric – 11500 AED

·  Long sleeve dress with contrast collar – 4650 AED

·  Single breasted gold dinner jacket with contract lapels – 8250 AED

Stella McCartney is available at the Dubai Mall. 

Cobalt Blue Trend with Stella Mc Cartney

Cobalt Blue colour adds brilliance to wintry wardrobes. Stella McCartney's  AW12 Collection includes cobalt in blocks and combined with prints.

·  Knee length high collar coat – 7300 AED

·  Long sleeve dress with graphic print – 5850 AED

·  Stretch trousers with elastic contrast ankles – 2100 AED

·  Single breasted jacket with contrast print throughout – 6900 AED

Stella McCartney is available at the Dubai Mall.

Scarlett Johansson in Emilio Pucci Resort 2013

Getty Images

Scarlett Johansson wears an olive khaki peplum waist cocktail dress from the Resort 2013 collection to the Moet Chandon 250th Anniversary in Moscow.

Emilio Pucci is available at the Dubai Mall.

Emilio Pucci