Monthly Archives: December 2015

Harrods pops up in Doha

A new temporary open-air Harrods store has opened to the public in Qatar (till 24 January,2016), the fourth edition of the Harrods Village pop–up series, features fourteen luxury boutiques from brands including Audi, Bentley, Chopard and Ferrari along withfavorites tea and chocolates, rare watches, jewelry with price tags in the millions of riyals.

1

The 6,500 square meter wood-paneled pavilion is located at Katara Cultural Village, and is modeled on a similar concept that debuted in Italy two years ago.

CEO Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohamed bin Saud al-Thani said some three months of preparation went into bringing the store to Qatar, in conjunction with National Day celebrations.

Chateau Louis XIV, most expensive mansion

The most expensive home in the world is a mansion named after the 17th century French King, Château Louis XIV, has been sold for a record price of more than 275 million euros ($301 million).

The newly-built Chateau Louis XIV was sold to a Middle Eastern buyer, the buyer requesting anonymity as the sale is private, reportedly Christie’s International Real Estate brokered the deal.

1

Located on the outskirts of Paris, the villa is in a 56-acre (23-hectare) park between Versailles and Marly-le-Roi and took three years to construct, according to Cogemad’s website. The house includes an aquarium, cinema and a wine cellar, while outside there’s a fountain covered in gold leaf.

“With elegantly planted parterres, a gleaming gold-leafed fountain, an infinite array of flowers, marble statues, bridle paths and a hedged labyrinth, the property’s park and gardens evoke the genius of Le Notre, ” Cogemad said on its website, referring to the gardener of King Louis XIV of France.

2

CAARA Café

CAARA believes in doing things the right way, and thus ensures the source for their ingredients. They grow their own fresh produce and herbs using chemical-free farming techniques at farms in India. And when they can’t find the best local produce, they source it from the finest around the world.

Propagators of the ‘Flying Canapés’, ‘Flying Buffet’ and ‘Flying Dessert’concept and after the success of bespoke catering and food consultancy, CAARA has opened its doors to a newly renovated gallery space at the British Council, the café is a great oasis to escape the hustle of the city. Sit back, unwind and let the ambience soak in, while enjoying the exhibition.

Walk in and take your pick from some of their signature items such as the Tomato, Mozzarella and Pesto Panini made with CAARA’s Pesto (a must-try!) and the Grilled Chicken Wrap. But if you’re looking for a quick bite check out their British classic Cornish Pasty. For the ones who have a sweet tooth, a slice of the Carrot or Walnut cake is a must have.

That’s not all, CAARA has partnered with the Salaam Balaak Trust only to distribute the days left over’s at their centre with utmost care.

The New Very Dior Sunglasses

With a structured square design, opaline colours and futuristic silver details, the new very Dior sunglasses seen at the cruise 2016 show, have a fresh and contemporary allure. Boasting the houses emblematic cannage motif on the temples, they have all the making of the classic.

Tadashi Shoji Pre fall2016

Tadashi’s Pre fall 2016, takes its inspiration from French Artist, Henri Rousseau’s painting. The collection consists of vibrant colours, beatiful beading and delicate details, has African influences, with tribal, elegant jungle-inspired embroidery of leaves and florals.

Archana Kochhar Bridal Preview

1Lately, designer Archana Kochhar organized a preview of her bridal and festive collection, which includes contemporary lehengas, Anarkalis, lucknowi Sari in hues of red, pink, peach, yellows. The embroidery includes sprinkle of Swarovski and sequins with florets.

“In today’s era, we are witnessing a blend of tradition with modern in terms of people’s choices of apparels and fashion. Hence my bridal wears are traditional but contemporary. There is a touch of modernization, to make it perfect for today’s brides. The motifs are very modern. It can be best described as, ‘where west meets east’, said Archana Kochhar.

Tommy Hilfiger announces Gigi Hadid as Ambassador

Tommy Hilfiger announces internationally renowned supermodel Gigi Hadid as the global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger women’s beginning fall 2016, building on the new vision and strategic expansion of the brand’s global women’s business.

As part of her exclusive ambassadorship, Hadid has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to launch her first capsule collection, created in collaboration with the iconic American designer. Launching in Fall 2016, the capsule will feature women’s sportswear, footwear and accessories, including watches and sunglasses, as well as a new fragrance, which celebrate Hadid’s unique take on modern style, fused with Hilfiger’s signature “classic American cool” heritage.

“I’ve known Gigi and her family for years, and it has been amazing to watch her grow into one of the world’s top models and most-followed fashion influencers,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Gigi has walked in our runway shows and now we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with her as the new face of Tommy Hilfiger womenswear and fragrance. She is truly the definition of today’s ‘Tommy Girl’ – her magnetic personality is bright and always optimistic, and her style is confident, effortless and cool.”

BBC and Amazon to co- Produce Fashion Drama

1An eight part series, set in the world of French haute couture just after the Second World War – “The Collection” will launch exclusively in 2016 for Amazon Prime members in the UK. The series is created, written and executive produced by award-winning show runner Oliver Goldstick (Ugly Betty, Lipstick Jungle, Pretty Little Liars), will commence its production in January, filming in both Wales and France.

“The Collection” is the story of an illustrious Paris fashion house, emerging from the dark days of the Occupation, now ushering in a new golden age of design and business. This gripping family saga, centred on two very different brothers, exposes the grit behind the glamour and the treachery beneath the trappings of this empire, and all who work there.

 

Tom Ford to show Men & Womens

The designer, who’s been showing up at London’s Fashion Weeks for the last few years, announced that he’ll present both his men’s and women’s Fall 2016 collections for the first time during small and intimate presentations at New York Fashion Week on February 18, next year.

1

As we all know, the way in which we show clothes, not only to the press, but also to the consumer, is changing. Right now, I think that certain fluidity is necessary in regards to how we communicate with the consumer, and I have experimented with different formats recently. The most important thing to me with a presentation is that it communicates the message of the season and the point of view of the collection. The intimacy of small presentations affords that, said the designer in a statement. (courtesy:fashionista.com)

 

Recycled Christmas Trees

1Students of Pearl Academy have created beautiful Christmas trees using everyday waste material like tyres, bottles, egg trays, books and egg shells.

The installation art project, aims at educating people on how daily items, which are perceived to be ‘useless’ can actually be priceless if we know how to recycle them. The fashion Institute and its students took up this project to spread the message of sustainability and waste management and to stress upon the importance of responsible usage of resources.2