AURORA JAMES HAS FEMININE SUMMER STYLE DOWN

Aurora James puts as much emphasis on creating beautiful pieces for her brandBrother Vellies as she does creating those pieces with integrity. "I think these days if you're not socially conscious you're a big part of the problem. The world is such a beautiful, magical place and as people we have the power to create and cause so much good. Why not harness each of our ideas and potential into something positive?," the designer asks. "I'm not asking every single person to drop their jobs and volunteer in Haiti. I just think as entrepreneurs we must motivate ourselves and challenge each other in a way that benefits the greater good and not just the bottom line." Each Brother Vellies piece is sustainably handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Morocco—which creates artisanal jobs within Africa. That beautiful inside-and-out vibe extends to the girl herself. See how James approaches style for daily life—Brother Vellies included, of course.

Look 1: Summer Brunch

"I'm a sucker for a white dress and I fell in love with this one pretty quickly. It's great for a summer day outside or for brunch."

3 spots you love in Brooklyn?

Olea on Lafayette in Fort Greene for dinner or brunch
Oroboro Store for their incredible edit of all of my favorite brands.
AP Cafe in Bushwick for the ultimate weekend indulgence—chicken & wafflesPictured: 
Black Crane Dress; Brother Vellies shoes and bag...

Describe your style in 3 words

Whimsical, feminine, nostalgic

How would you describe the aesthetic of Brother Vellies?

"Valley of the Dolls" meets Marrakech

"The color of this dress is dreamy. It's a more playful way to stand out from the LBD crowd."
What's your vintage shopping philosophy/approach?

I love vintage to death. I try to look at quality, construction and cut. Always remember you can get things tailored.

Piece you wear the most from your own collection?

Brother Vellies Tufted Dhara Sandalsfor sure, I basically don't take those off

Pictured: Self Portrait dress; Brother Vellies shoes and bag

Look 2: A Night Out

What inspires you most as a designer?

The people we work with—everyone from those designing the shoes to the women wearing them in the end

Are you an online shopper or brick and mortar?

Both. But I've been very busy lately and Matches ships pretty quickly, so....

Wardrobe MVP (the piece that gets the most love in your wardrobe)

My Gucci kimono.

Look 3: A Day in the Park

"I have some go to jeans that are staples for me. They're great paired with a vintage blouse, vibrant sandals and a fun bag. Day-in-the-park perfect!"

First fashion memory?

My mom's snakeskin dress. I would hide in her closet and touch it.

Most exciting thing that's happened since launching your brand?

It's crazy and totally an eye roll moment for me to say this but it's true—every day is more exciting than the last. The three years since I launched this company have been such an incredible journey. I know the best is still yet to come, too.

Pictured: Vintage top; AMO jeans; Brother Vellies bag and sandals.

Style icons, one past, one present?

Cher in her Sonny and Cher days. Caroline De Maigret for present day.

If you weren't a designer what would you be?

A lawyer, or a gardener. Possibly/probably both.

Hair and makeup philosophy?

Keep it simple and just try to feel like your best self-every day. Never do anything during the daytime that would make you look totally insane if you suddenly found yourself hiking.

Are you a closet editor or builder?

Builder. Always building. Make a strong foundation and build up from there.

Special Thanks: AP Cafe.

Source: harpersbazaar.com

Karn Malhotra at Lakmé Fashion Week summer/resort 2016

Karn Malhotra at Lakmé Fashion Week summer/resort 2016.

Originally based out of Toronto, Canada the designer founded the label Karn Malhotra in the year 2010 catering to a small but significant clientele for bespoke garments as well as select styling assignments. In 2012, in order to further the label’s growth, while simultaneously targeting a new audience, the move to designer’s hometown, Mumbai, was initiated. 

In its early stages, the label positioned itself as an exclusive luxury apparel design studio for women specializing in couture gowns and evening wear. However, the label has also entered the Pret market after the successful launch of its day/evening wear collection at the India Beach Fashion Week (IBFW) held in February 2015 in Goa, India. 

The Label’s design philosophy is simple: ‘wear your attitude’. In the designer’s own words, “each of our creation is a lifestyle statement, a choice of self-expression and not just an outfit, it’s the way you choose to be seen and perceived it’s for this reason we are in the business of creating complete looks not just outfits. In my opinion there is not an ideal age group or body type that can wear my clothes I have something for everyone but most importantly you have to trust my vision and be ready to quit the safe zone for something more fun, edgy and yet chic.”

The Label presently houses its 2 floored workshop in Goregaon West, Mumbai and is in the process of launching an online store shortly this year for an exclusive retail presence

Source: vogue.in, lakmefashionweek.co.in

Nokia launches special edition phone

Nokia has launched a brand new special edition phone that will allow trendsetters in Bahrain to extend style and individuality beyond their wardrobes to their mobile phones.

The result of a collaboration with graphic and fashion designer Frédérique, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism graphic design was created exclusively by Daubal whose signature illustrations have gained attention from the fashion world – culminating in collaborations between some of its finest names.

Daubal’s graphic designs on the illustrated aluminium back covers have also been an inspiration for the spellbinding wallpapers in the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism. The covers have been etched with laser technology making the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism a truly beautiful object to behold.

In creating this unique design, inspiration is taken from the way in which crystals are formed in precious stones and minerals. Light, and the way it refracts in intricate prisms, is seen as the perfect medium through which to highlight this quality. Together with Nokia’s expert technology, this is expressed in several unique ways.

Firstly, in the crystal centre key, which sits within the diamond-shaped keypad pattern. It carries the same allure as a beautiful clasp on a couture clutch bag, or the set of a precious stone in a piece of fine jewellery, making the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism a collectible and cherished item.

Secondly, in the captivating light effects, which appear on the stunning two-inch OLED screen when the phone is switched on or off, or left in idle mode. All this adds to a truly exclusive feel. For those who follow fashion but set trends, the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism is the epitome of great style and individuality.

Contemporary colours such as rich burgundy and minimal black, remind us that this is very much a fashionable and highly coveted object. These colours are considered a confident and sophisticated choice for products across a growing range of lifestyle items, from boutique hotel interiors to the lining of a bespoke suit.

Added to this, Nokia has designed an exclusive range of accessories that add instant glamour to any outfit it is worn with. These include a new earpiece, which is colour-matched with the back cover to maintain a seamless sense of style. Elsewhere, a unique new pouch, packaging and complementary textile print illustrate Daubal’s elaborate drawings.

In addition to the 1GB built in memory space and 2 mega pixel camera (perfect for capturing those red carpet moments) the Nokia 7900 Crystal Prism also boasts 6 band capabilities – to stay connected around the world.

Source: Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group

Manish Malhotra’s Spring and Summer Collection mesmerizes Dubai

Manish Malhotra, India’s leading celebrity fashion designer and style icon, unveiled his Spring and Summer Collection yesterday at the Manish Malhotra Store in Jumeirah, Dubai. Stamped by Manish Malhotra’s signature ethnic-inspired design, keen detailing and sensual silhouettes, the new collection offers relaxed functionality and classy style for the fashion savvy shopper.

Senior executives from Saif Belhasa Group of Companies, along with VIP guests, and customers expressed their immense appreciation for the designer’s latest creations during the event.Manish Malhotra’s Spring and Summer collection, also referred to as the Diffusion Collection 2007, is an amalgamation of the rich and diverse culture of Rajasthan and Texas, both with a very strong individual flavour and yet blending in to create a chic fusion line.

The garments reflect the rugged feel of Texas through colours like Beige, Oyster, Off-white and are very well combined with the bright colours of Rajasthan like coral reds, greens, purples, and yellows for surface ornamentation. The line also has creations which incorporate a Texan style use of leather and suede combined with Rajasthani gold and silver Gotta border finishes.

The silhouettes with a very international and rodeo-driven like appeal have variations in shirt dresses, shirts, dresses and others, which have been delicately created by using fabrics ranging from linens, stretch cottons, jersey to cotton silks.

"Spring and summer clothes need to be comfortable yet stylish and elegant to complement the wearer. My latest collection, which blends attractive color palettes, exquisite textiles and eye-catching cuts, is appropriate to the season and cater to the tastes of a cosmopolitan crowd on the hunt for trendy outfits. It has always been a tremendous pleasure to offer visitors a peek at my latest apparels here in Dubai, which is an affluent and sophisticated market," said Manish Malhotra.

The launch of the Spring and Summer collection follows Manish Malhotra’s successful participation at The Bride Show Dubai 2007 where the designer garnered acclaim for the avant-garde wedding dresses targeted at the modern bride. Bollywood stars Urmila Matondkar and Arjun Rampal led models on the ramp to display the designer’s collection, which was rich in embroidery and ornamentations as a nod to traditional fashion and modified to fit the tastes of the contemporary bride.

The attires highlighted the accomplished designer’s vast experience in meeting the needs of brides all over the world including Dubai, Antwerp, London, Singapore, Spain and America."Manish Malhotra has maintained a reputation in the region for incorporating the best of traditional Indian, Arabian and contemporary style, featuring ethnic chic, sensual elegance and relaxed glamour with his newest Spring and Summer collection. His designs have been a major hit in Dubai and other GCC countries, which is evident from the fact that his store in Dubai constantly attracts customers from across the region," said Sarah Rashid, Vice Chairman, Saif Belhasa Group.

With over 16 years in the industry, Manish Malhotra has received 22 prestigious awards and has a clientele that includes leading stars in India and Hollywood such as Reese Witherspoon for the film Vanity Fair, Michael Jackson, Jean Claude Van Damme and Naomi Campbell. The Manish Malhotra Store in Jumeirah was launched in 2006 by the designer and Saif Belhasa Group of Companies.

Featuring luxurious garments and accessories for Indian, Arabic and Western clients, the upscale boutique also carries the trademark Manish Malhotra skirts, tunics, corsets, kurtas, sarees and dresses in bright colors and prints along with a range of designer shelas, abhayas and jalabiyas.About Manish Malhotra: Manish Malhotra is one of India’s most famous fashion designers and has been working with some of the biggest names in Bollywood.

He is known for his different style and his ability to envision a ’look’ for the character. His clients include all the leading Bollywood actresses and several international celebrities such as Michel Jackson, Jean Claude, Van Damme, Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Campbell.

Manish has also designed for weddings all over the world, including Antwerp, London, Singapore, Spain, America and Dubai. He has been involved with the costume designing industry for over 16 years and has won 22 awards, most recently being awarded the Hall of Fame award for contributing to Fashion in films at the recently held fashion awards in Mumbai.

Source: dubaicityguide