Caricouture

WHEN:  15.00 Sunday 28th April, Hall 2

WE ATE:  Nothing it’s fashion darling!

WE SAW:

I was particularily excited to see the Tresors Sauvages show, as the designers of this new brand Amalie Beljafla and Soraya Alali are old close friends of mine.  They had won an emerging designers award, and the hype around this show was huge.  The flamingo inspired collection was utterly exquisite and beautiful and an unbelievable achievement for this young duo’s first collection.  The embroidery and craftsmanship was supreme.  Amalie is in her final year at Central Saint Martins studying illustration and Soraya is a law graduate from the University of Edinburgh.   The creativity, passion and synergy between these two have resulted in this exciting London based new brand that is commanding international attention.

THE VIBE:

The atmosphere was relaxed, chilled and everybody was keen to see what these two new young hot designers had tcreated.

THE GUESTS:

 The show was completely packed – as had been all the Fashion Forward shows.  Dubai’s whole fashion scene had turned up and other designers had come to share their support.

THE DRESS:

There was an eclectic mix of fashion statements going on amongst the audience.  Flashes of neon, dramatic headpieces, men in heels and wonderfully bling accessories could be spotted everywhere.  Everybody had made an effort – and it was extremely fashion!

BEST OVERHEARD STATEMENT OF THE EVENT:

“We have been overwhelmed with the response, there’s already demand for Fashion Forward Season 2!”

Saira Mehar (New Business/PR Manager brag)

INKING SUBJECT:

Finally I got to ink Bong Guerrero (    CEO of FFWD & Managing Partner BRAG), after having stalked him at many events with my camera!

WHAT

This was extremely exciting as it was the launch to FFWD – and  showcased the region’s top fashion designers to consumers, media and buyers. It also bought the fashion community together with global experts and international fashion academia for talks and panel discussions.  As well as the shows there was a Pop-Up Shop, Fashion Gallery, Fashion Avenue, and social events including High Tea, ‘Glam Hours’ and a rocking After Party.

WHEN:

Madinat Conference Centre Madinat Jumeirah

WHEN:

26^th – 28^th April

WE ATE:

I did manage to consume a large number of hordeaufs at the Fashion Brunch washed down with some refreshing, healthy and vibrant cocktails.

WE SAW:

There was so much happening with so many wonderful shows and talks that I was totally immersed in fashion from every angle for 3 whole days. The Philipino international couterier Ezra Santos’s show ‘Ezra’, which was inspired by Gaudi ‘s Architecture – was utterly beautiful and moving leaving hardly a dry eye in the audience.  I knew immediately I was inspired to ink this.

THE VIBE:

The vibe  was relaxed, über fashiony, extremely glamourous and totally International and supreme.  The energy was high and there was an electric buzz in the air.

THE GUESTS:

This event unsurprisingly rocked the best set of fashionistas, socialites, artists and incredibly cool people ever.   When I spotted Shawn Stephens Vessaokar (Account Director at Z7 Communications) looking beautiful  and totally fabulous I knew he would be my inking subject.

THE DRESS:

The dresscode ranged from totally bizarre to beautiful.  There were turbans on ladies, men in lace, wings on shoes and green hair.  It was eclectic and edgy.

BEST OVERHEARD STATEMENT OF THE EVENT:

“I can’t believe I am crying over clothes, but I realize it’s not just about clothes it’s about dreams and aspirations”  Ramzi Nakad (Managing Partner at brag).

WHAT:  

Your exclusive invitation

 How to make Magnolia Bakery’s lemon Bundt Cake

WHERE:

magnolia Bakery , Bloomingdale’s Dubai,  Dubai Mall

Bobbie Lloyd Magnolia Bakery’s Chief Baking Officer visited Dubai, and was joined by Executive Pastry Chef Kiran Shivaram Shetty for an exclusive cooking demo to learn  the secrets of how to make their reknowned sweet-lemon vanilla bundt cake.

WHEN:

Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 10.30am

WE ATE:

 This was the best part of the event - after the demonstration we all got to enjoy the most amazing Lemon Bundt Cake that had been created before our eyes.  It was simple and moist with a delicate sweet lemon flavor – delicious!

WE SAW:

The demonstration was led by the reknowned and animated Bobbie Lloyd  - who made it look so easy.  Being a hopeless cook I was especially impressed, and hoped I had absorbed a touch of her expertise.

THE VIBE:

The atmosphere was relaxed, chilled and friendly. 

THE GUESTS:

The entire audience was made up of women.  Obviously domestic Goddesses I assumed – as they avidly wrote what looked like millions of notes, and asked every kind of baking question known to man.

THE DRESS:

This set of ladies were well heeled and incredibly elegant.  The look for this event was smart, polished casual – perfect for a morning in Bloomingdale’s

BEST OVERHEARD STATEMENT OF THE EVENT:

From my inking subject Bobbie Lloyd: “ Food brings people together and all cultures together.” 

As I sifted through all my invites I finally decided to attend B51’s Pop-Up concept opening, the night before I rocked off to Morocco for painting inspiration.  B51 was curating over 30 avant-garde designers’ collections over a period of 10 days.   Boutique 51 was launched in 2011 in Egypt, offering a platform for emerging innovative fashion designers to showcase their edgy work. After the B51’s hugely successful pop-up store in Dubai last year, they were returning by popular demand.  B51 is aiming to offer an alternative shopping experience to the young, hip crowd of Dubai, by introducing the region to its carefully discovered talents, and moving away from mainstream commercial brands.

When I arrived at the venue, it felt funky, contemporary and edgy.  The place was buzzing with models, photographers and fashionistas.  There was a large fuchsia tree adorned with t-shirts, washing machines showcasing garments, and a wonderful palette of electric colours bursting out from everywhere.  The accessories were very cool: fabulous sunglasses, hats and jewellery.  The vibe was chilled, and I mingled with fellow shoppers as we eagerly sifted through the racks.

The lovely Irish Ciara O’shea (Account Executive at expose-communications) kindly walked me through the B51 set-up, introducing me to a host of new designers’ collections.  I could tell as I looked around me that I was going to enjoy inking this event.   I approached the Managing Director, Ashraf Saad – a charming Egyptian – who I had already decided to ink when I met him earlier, and I chatted to him for a while about how amazingly well B51 had been received last year.  With Dubai being so fashion conscious I felt this concept could not fail. 

After looking around one last time and falling in love with a couple of incredible dresses which mixed my favourite colour, acidic green, with black, I knew I would be back again.  I decided that next time I would have to get a t-shirt by Yadoz, the renowned animator, for my elder daughter, Poppy, who would totally appreciate it.  As I checked the time and reminded myself that I was leaving for Morocco at five the next morning, I made myself head home immediately.

Finally the Dubai World Cup had arrived, and I had set out with Marcela Danielova through thick slow traffic to the Meydan.  Eventually we found the Jaguar Style Stakes location, and dashed over to say a quick hello to the sheek looking judges.  For me the Jaguar Style Stakes is always the high light of the Dubai World Cup, as fashion is such a major part of the racing world,  and I am always totally intrigued to see these serious fashionistas competing.  As soon as I spotted the beautiful porcelain doll like Simone Heng (one of the panel judges) I knew I wanted to ink her immediately!  The multi talented  Singaporian and Australian Simone is not only a TV, Radio Presenter but also Dubai’s first DIY  blogger  (cheapnchic.net/).  She is deeply immersed in fashion and customizes many of her own statement looks. She looked classic, elegant with a touch of 1940s glamour as she rocked polka dots, pearls and red lips – and I wondered if she was wearing any of her own creations.

I spotted  my old friend Derek Jones (Director of Agency at Modena Model Management ) whom had provided the models the event.  I had not seen him literally for a decade till recently, so it was great to catch up.  I was particularily impressed by the  Best Dressed Couple – Meredith and Mohd Pour.  Their outfits were refined, elegant and coordinated  perfectly with the Jaguar Style Stake’s colour palette of grey, black andred.  The chemistry between this couple was evident they glowed happiness and I had definitely been rooting for them to win.  I suspected Meredith may have been a  former model as she was so photogenic and confident in front of the cameras.  The prizes were amazing and lucky Ilona Saleski was named the overall Jaguar Style Stakes winner as Best Dressed Lady, winning the star prize of a Jaguar XK Coupe to drive one year!

After all the excitement of all the prizes being handed out we headed over to the VIP area for Jaguar.  As I looked around the scene was a mind blowing surreal, glamorous and blinky fashion feast. This was perfect inspiration for me, and can’t wait to ink this one!

My friend Richard Allenby-Pratt was having the opening night for his latest photographic collection, “Abandoned”, and I couldn’t possibly miss that.  I’d already seen most of the collection during its production, and was excited to see it all hung.  I picked up Richard’s wife, Lisa Harwood, en route.  Lisa has been my best friend since we were 7, both of us having gone to Jeddah Prep school in Saudi Arabia, then the same boarding school in England, before we coincidentally ended up in Dubai, where she is the Managing Director of Magus International.

As we arrived and were dropped off, we dashed into The Shelter to find Richard.  In sharp contrast to the monochromatic, muted palette that he’d used to create his exquisitely refined pieces, Richard was unshaven and dressed in a loud Hawaiian shirt, waving his arms around animatedly as he answered the endless questions from inquisitive viewers.  It was immediately clear that this collection was going down a storm. 

The concept behind ‘Abandoned’ is that by 2017 Dubai is deserted with only a few Bedouin remaining.  The gates to the zoos, private animal collections and wildlife parks had been left open, allowing the animals to roam the empty streets. Richard’s skills as a retoucher are so meticulous that, when ‘Abandoned’ went viral, many people thought these images were real and that exotic animals actually were wandering the deserted streets of Dubai.  Throughout the ‘Abandoned’ series, Richard used derelict locations as an eerie setting for his subtly placed animals.  It is unusual for an artist to create provocative work using this part of the world as a setting. To me it is a positive sign that it has been so well received and reflects how mature the art scene has become. This work is not just aesthetically beautiful; it also raises serious global issues regarding the ecological welfare of the world, which is a passion of Richard’s.   I noticed that the prints were flying! 

 Before leaving, I needed to get a pic of Richard for my inking so I interrupted him for a quick pose, and managed to snap him before he charmingly told me to go away.  Lisa and I hung out with Marcela Danielova for a while, soaking up the atmosphere and buzz that this collection had created.  Eventually, worn out by all the chatting and standing, I decided to head home, but I can’t wait to ink this one!

This time of year is Dubai’s art scene’s busiest, and I kicked it off by heading over to Alserkal Avenue for the Art Week.  All the galleries were open and the place was heaving with a glamorous arty crowd.

I made my way to The Mojo Gallery who were exhibiting three artists collectively from Africa, Viyé Diba (Senegal), Mohamed Abouelnaga (Egypt) and Sonya Rademeyer ( South Africa).   Before I had a chance to look around a wonderfully flamboyant Tarek Zaher (founder and Managing Director of the House of Folly), rushed up to say ‘Hi’.  Tarek always looks amazing – and on this particular event he did not disappoint, sporting thicked rimmed black glasses and a massive Vivienne Westwood globe, he embodied the spirit of a couture school boy.  The creative Tarek gushed about the work and we dashed over to check out all the action surrounding the artist Sonya Rademeyer who was standing still with her arms out and being written on by the viewers as part of her interactive perfomance art.  We decided immediately we must have a go, and I drew a heart with wings on Rademeyer’s hand!  Her performance was filmed and sceened on four stacked plasmas from many perspectives and had the audience transfixed.

 Rademeyer’s political installation ‘Litmus’ fascinated me – the central placement of  the elongated, tubular strips of text covered in cloth reflected the core of the fabric of a society that is becoming ‘undone’.  These strips of cloth represented bandages and were placed in bowls of red fluid, which was refilled daily as part of the Rademeyer’s performance art, and symbolizes the conflict in Africa.

After absorbing all the African political work surrounding me and enjoying all the different mediums and interpretations these three different artists had expressed, I headed over to catch up with the co owners and curators of the The Mojo Gallery – Kurt Blanckenburg and Mark Rogers.   Just then I spotted Joddie Cummings from Art House Dubai and we discussed how we loved the graphicness of Mohamed Abouelnaga’s photographic circular work and Vive Diba’s distinctive usage of transparent plastic.   This particular intellectual political exhibtion had stimulated lots of fascinating and passionate discussions and made me think.  The work had not only been visually varied and inspiring but had huge depth.

It had been a great evening filled with art, socializing and catching up with old friends.  Finally shattered I headed home .  I knew exactly what I was going to ink!

As I flicked through my pics, the whole cARTel launch experience flooded back.  Shub Qureshi (Co-Founder of Desert Fish Photography) had invited me and bloggie buddie Marcela Danienlova, and we had rocked along.  The cARTel is aptly postioned in Al Serkal Avenue in Al Quoz amongst a cluster of galleries, where it’s new concept of being a wearable art gallery fits perfectly. 

As we arrived I immediately dashed to say hello to Shub, who I have been desperate to ink for ages!  Shub has a beautiful geometric bone structure, large features and sharp glossy bob and looks as if she has just stepped out of some 1960s movie.   I quickly asked Shub to pose next to a mannequin that was dressed in an exquiste avant-garde ensemble, and immediately knew my first inking was sorted!

There were lots of familiar faces out for this event, all the designers giving there support – including the renowned Michael Cinco and Butz Fuentes (the Stylemonger!).  The place was crawling with photographers and fashionistas, including the Vietnamese artist Lan Stanley. 

The layout was really interesting with a series of geometric shaped units to show case the collections in a futuristic manner.  In total 30 international designers were sourced for their unique and cutting edge designs.  There was a large array of different styles ranging form hand painted vibrant silks to monochromatic geometric garments

I caught up with Peter Richweisz  who is also a Co-Founder of Desert Fish Photography and a photographer and filmer.  Peter had some amazing black shoes on with a white strip running down the centre.  Years ago Peter had shot my daughter Poppy, and I had been really excited as his work is so edgy, conceptual and can be quite dark and it turned out to be for a commercial job - I still as a proud Mum have it safely stored. 

After I had hunted around everywhere and chatted with one of the designer Amber Feroz it was time for the much anticipated fashion show, and film made by Peter.  The show was dramatic and Peter’s film as one would expect uniquely styled and conceptual.

Finally it was time to head home.  As I drove away I felt cARTel really offered an incredible new fashion shopping experience and option to those wanting something unique and different.   

Well I headed out last night once again for another blogging adventure this time with my old dear friend Leanne Blanckenberg (Corporate Communications Manager for BMW).  BMW were sponsoring the event and we had gold VIP tickets and didn’t have to queue!  That was a major relief as we had parked about a million miles away and once again I had my super high heels, and my feet were killing me.  I had seen the Cirque Du Soleil a few years back, so was quite excited to see if it was still as amazing.  We found our seats and Leanne introduced me to the BMW team.  Leanne had a popcorn urge, I declined and then proceeded to eat all hers – and am now an addict to the sweet and salt mixed variety.

Eventually the show began, two rather annoying clowns were the hosts for the event.  The lady behind us would laugh hysterically every time they appeared, and I really thought she would explode!  They pulled up some poor bloke from the audience and played a few pranks on him – it later transpired he was part of the act.  Anyway the show commenced with a dramatic entry of earth, fire, water and air performers, and the skill and fitness levels were almost unnatural.  Leanne and especially me felt unfit, as we watched these performers with their incredible super hero physiques twist into mind blowing positions, fly and swing across the stage.  A man with probably the most defined abs and biggest muscles I had ever seen was in the middle of a set of rings that he controlled and span with across the stage.  He truly looked like a Greek God and other worldly  – and I decided he had to be inked.

There were no flashes allowed – and somehow managed to shot my reference material for this entry by holding the flash down.  In the break as I looked at Leanne with her feline eyes – I knew I wanted to ink her and took a quick snap.  With a dramatic finale, Leanne and I decided it really was a spectacular show.  It dawned on me that I would have to stagger back to the car – I noticed a few women had removed there shoes – so decided to copy them!  I can’t wait to get my pens out for this one!

It seems the Splash shows whizz around faster than ever now, and mark the main times of the year like Christmas.  Everybody was flapping over what to wear to the show.  Splash shows always have lots of hype around them and are wonderful high budget lavish events.  It has always fascinated me how this particular high street brand is treated in such a couture manner, and grabs attention from everybody.  My eldest daughter Poppy loves shopping at Splash and was so jealous when she heard I was going!

I arrived with my bloggie buddie Marcela Danielova whom I managed to loose immediately in the crowd and didn’t see again!  I whizzed backstage to take a few snaps– that’s actually my favourite part, watching all the production in action.  The hair, make-up and styling was as expected totally amazing.  The theme was an exciting mix of  1960s/ Moddish black and white stripes  and pattern combined with elements of neon – totally wonderfully eclectic and twisted into a sports theme.  I spotted and caught up with  Prussia Nala Kiva , whom I had inked from the casting a few months back and was really happy she had been selected.  She had the words “Splash” and “Love” on her cheeks and  an incredibly heavy hair extension she was holding up.  After all the “Hellos” to everybody I quickly whizzed out to sit with the media and snap the show.

As I found my position amongst all the photographers I spotted Micky  Jagtiani (Chairman Landmark Group), who had just been seated.  I dashed over to say a quick hi and take his picture.  Micky had been my Pranic Healing partner on a course quite a few years ago and it was great to see him , and decided he must be inked immediately.

It has to be said the show did start rather fashionably late.  However it was all worth the wait, as we witnessed an incredible unique blend of singing with  cheerleaders performing amongst the lavishly stylized models in a wide range of looks all tied into the theme of sports.  To top everything off at the end Raza Being (CEO Splash ICONIC)  and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan walked the red carpet for the finale accompanied by & Nisha Jagtiani.

The show was followed by an incredible looking after party, which I just peeped at before heading off home.  It was late and my little girl Indigo would be up super early!  The next day when I checked my Facebook I saw the party had been amazing!!