Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Launches Tomorrow (15th November 2012)

Another H&M collaboration, the Maison Martin Margiela collection for H&M is definitely one of the most interesting ones to date - and I'm not only talking from a design point of view. I'm talking in terms of past collaborations. Let's have a look at the pieces; a cool colour palette has been used, the designs are quite neutral, textured jackets and random bolts of solid colour - the collection is definitely signature Margiela; which equals a very contemporary and experimental style. Each tag will have a unique label showcasing what previous Margiela collection has inspired that particular piece.

Now, what I will be curious to observe is the fact that this collection has a higher price range in comparison to prior collections, also this collection is not 'mainstream' (for lack of a better word) as the H&M designer collaborations have been in the past. Some of these Margiela pieces really are an acquired taste and not something everyone would be able to pull off. Past collections such as Lanvin x H&M, Anna Dello Russo x H&M, Versace x H&M (and so on) were phenomenal in terms of sales and resulted in each and every piece getting sold out within no time. How will Maison Martin Margiela for H&M fare in comparison? We shall find out tomorrow, on the 15th of November 2012, as this collection launches worldwide.

Below are some designs that stood out the most for me from the look book of over 120 different pieces. I personally do like the collection, it is different, bold and daring. It's great that this collection has catered to both men and women alike.The jackets and coats are beautifully crafted and the candy wrapper clutch (as seen on Louise Roe here) is my personal favourite and a must-have from this collection, especially in the metallic pink colour.

1. Oversized Jacket ($199) 2. Tromp L'oeil Tattoo Shirt ($49.95) 3. Mirrored Leggings ($39.95)

4. Suede Jacket ($299) 5. Silk Skirt ($129) 6. Biker Jacket ($249) 7. Trousers ($99)
8. Hitched Up Dress ($199) 9. Fusion of Two Dresses ($199)

1. Suit Jacket ($129) 2. Bowtie Shirt ($99) 3. Wool Coat ($199) 4. Red Painted Jeans ($99) 

5. Fusion of Two Jackets ($149) 6. Mirrored Tuxedo Jacket ($199) 7. Fusion of Several Coats ($199) 8. Suit Trousers ($99) 9. Faux Fur Coat ($349)

1. Candy Wrapper Clutch in Metallic Pink and Silver ($59.95) 2. Plexi Wedge Red ($299) 

3. Silver Pump ($129)  4. Plexi Ankle Wedge ($349) 5. Plexi Wedge Nude ($299) 

6. Plexi Wedge Boot ($399)

Will you be heading down to H&M tomorrow?

xxx A

Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2012: Best Dressed

The 22nd annual Glamour Women of the Year Awards were held at Carnegie Hall in New York City; celebrating accomplished women of all ages and background who make a difference in our world today.

Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy looked magnificent in a Sana Safinaz ensemble and Palestyle clutch by Fashion Compassion. I think it's great how Sharmeen always wears pieces by Pakistani designers at International events, not only does it make her stand out but its a tribute to the Pakistani fashion industry.

(PS - This clutch is soon to be available on the labels e-store: https://www.labelsestore.com/)

Diane Von Furstenberg topped our list wearing her own designs; DVF Caroline lips clutch and Christian Louboutins sandals. Diane always looks so effortlessly elegant in whatever she wears. Am a huge fan of her style. Very age appropriate and glam.

Selena Gomez stole the show, looking fresh as ever in her beautiful Giambattista Valli Spring/Summer '13 dress. Now this is Peplum worn right. She paired the dress with Rupert Sanderson heels and a Judith Leiber clutch. Perfection.

Adore Solange Knowle's Derek Lam Spring/Summer '13 dress paired with these chic Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. What fabulous colours and she has been styled so flawlessly.

Louise Roe was a glamorous sight in her nude lace Femme D'armes gown and a pink Maison Martin Margiela for H&M clutch. This clutch is a lot of fun, though I would've carried something a little less contemporary with this gown.This gown is to die for, and I love her blue nail polish, gives a subtle pop of colour on the nude.

Chelsea Clinton's Mary Katrantzou Fall '12 graphic print dress is gorgeous but the styling is very off. She needs a big bun on her head, more opaque tights (if she has to wear tights that is) and (much) higher pumps.

Who did you think stood out the most?
xxx A

(Images: google.com)

Featured Designer: Amit Aggarwal

I fell in love with Amit Aggarwal's saree's as soon as I laid my eyes on them. They are contemporary, sensual, innovative, yet they have an elegant feel to them. By the way, before I continue, not only are his saree's a taste of divinity but his other pieces are also structural masterpieces influenced by architectural forms. Amit has blown away the world of fashion with his collections and they have been spotted on numerous celebrities and fashionistas (Katy Perry is a huge fan).

 The saree is pre-stitched jersey  (silks and chiffons are also used) - giving a fabulous fall with his exquisite drapery. The best thing about these saree's is that not only are they stunning to look at, but they are comfortable and easy to wear. Oh, and the other great thing is the blouse; what interesting blouses - structured in the signature Amit Aggarwal form, made of mesh with minimal to no embellishments. It is such a genius idea to incorporate a body suit as a blouse and when you don't want to wear the actual saree, you can always wear the blouse out with pants. Absolutely magnificent.

 Monica Dogra graces the cover of The Lifestyle Guide India wearing a breathtaking Amit Aggarwal creation  paired with some lovely jewels. 

My personal favourite is the gray sari with the mesh bodysuit shown above.

 Rani Mukherjee wearing an Amit Aggarwal Sari.

The Ensemble store display in Mumbai, where Amit stocks his beautiful range of sari's. Hoping Ensemble here will start stocking his range in the near future.

Are you as in love as I am?

xxx A

(Images courtesy of google.com)

High Tea Anyone?

High tea is a common event in this part of the world as we love our tea and most of us just need an excuse to get together with the girls and have a good time.

A little background on high-tea; it originated in England in the 1700's and was referred to at the time as 'meat tea', the term 'high-tea' officially came about in the early 1800's. High-tea is served with sweet and savory refreshments. This tea is usually served in the early evening, and outdoors in terms of location but I find in this part of the world there is no fixed time or place for it and people throw high-tea's as and when (and where) they please.

Below are some high-tea decor pics, as well as ideas on what you can wear when you go out for high-tea.

All this is really making me want to throw a girly tea party. 

Decor:

(Pictures above are really delightful to look at and are my inspiration for this post. They have been taken by the very talented Sher Ali Khan // Behind The Lens for High Tea Delights)

Chinaware: 

What to wear: 

Where to buy: Sania Maskatiya/Sanam Chadhri/Ayesha Khurram Marilyn Monroe Kameez: https://www.labelsestore.com/

www.asos.com
www.shopbop.com
Nanette Lepore/Temperley London/Clover Canyon are S/S '13 collections

What was the last outfit you wore to high tea?

xxx A

(Images: google.com)

FPW Trend Report

What's red hot for the season:

 (Adnan Pardesy, Maheen Karim, Shamaeel and Maheen Khan)

 (Wardah Saleem, Zaheer Abbas and Aamir Baig)

 (Arsalan & Yahseer and Shehla Chatoor)

 (Arsalan & Yahseer and Rizwanullah)

 (Misha Lakhani, Rizwanullah and Zaheer Abbas)

 (Aamir Baig,  Shamaeel, Maheen Karim and Maimoona H)

 (Aamir Baig, Rizwanullah, Sanam Chaudhri, Maheen Karim, Wardah Saleem and DnF)

 (Emraan Rajput, Aamir Baig and Maheen Karim)

(Shamaeel and Misha Lakhani)

Also trending: statement blazers, empire waists (via cuts, ties or waist belts), lace and bold colours.

xxx A

(Images: ebuzztoday, viewscraze)

Featured on coutureability.com

As the fashion blogging scene continues to grow in Pakistan. There are some really fun blogs coming up. Though Couture Ability isn't exactly new, it has been around for a while. I would recommend checking it out to get the latest on current trends. I was recently featured on there too. Click here: www.coutureability.com

Do share some of your favourite fashion/beauty blogs...

xxx A

My Top 5 Pieces from Fashion Pakistan Week 4, 2012

Hi all,

Here are the 5 pieces I fell for (in no particular order)

1. Maheen Khan: Chantilly lace coat

This coat is so classy, and would look amazing paired with a plain kameez and a statement necklace. Love the scalloped edges and slight trail.

2. Misha Lakhani: Block print silk dress

The details are what makes me love this piece. The subtle embellishment on the neckline and belt, the frayed finishing and the overlay/underlay look. This dress is very feminine and pretty. 

3. Maheen Karim: Statement suit

Oh my my, this really caught my eye. A suit in a beautiful burgundy colour with work on the blazer collar. Great fusion of Eastern in a totally Western style. A statement suit at its finest. 

4. Shehla Chatoor: Printed trench coat with fur trimming

Okay so I also love the leather shorts but that's a different story all together. This trench is so FIERCE. Love the bold colours and the print. The fur finishing on the sleeves and collar look divine and MAKE this piece come together.This is another statement piece.

5. Zaheer Abbas: Embroidered dress (Cannot pick between the two)

Okay so the dress on the left looks like a Balmain inspired dress with the intricate embroidery and silhoutte. The work on it is to die for. Especially the use of beige embroidery on ivory. I like the layering look with the sleeveless pull over on top as it really gives the piece a 'style'. The dress on the right with the exaggerate pleats is so feminine and flowy. Adore the mesh inserts on both. Love both equally, which do you prefer?

What were your favourite pieces? Do share!

xxxx A

(Pictures from ebuzztoday.com and views craze)