LONDON CALLING IN DUBAI

 London Calling, Marks & Spencer theme for this Autumn/Winter '14 Fashion Show held at Waldorf Astoria, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai last 17th of September, attended by the most influential socialites in town, finest bloggers and media. The beauty and contemporary sophistication of one of the World's celebrated cities, London was recreated in a glamorous runway setting to present the luxurious simplicity and modern minimalism of the new collection. 

The Autumn Winter Menswear collection is based on classic, masculine elegance with a focus on bold tailoring, fine fabrics, contrasting textures and iconic pieces. Across the sub brands, menswear staples have been updated with key trend references, from the Autograph leather bomber jacket, the M&S Collection spot shirt and the North Coast khaki jacket to M&S Collection Luxury blue velvet evening wear.

 The new season sees an increasing overlap of formalwear and casual wear  with traditional tailored shapes taking on a new form through the use of casual fabrics, specifically on styles such as the M&S Collection jersey blazer.  Casual wear smartens up with Autograph geometric printed shirts, teamed with printed ties, bright coloured knits and double breasted coats.   Blue Harbour focuses on the British heritage sports trends, with block colour and bold stripes key to casual layering.  Footwear and accessories play on iconic shapes with softly structured holdalls and classic shoppers key additions to winter getaways, whilst trend-led pieces such as buckled monk strap shoes and coloured woven belts add interest to new season outfits.

 Thinking of a stylish travel? this brown leather duffel bag will take you everywhere you go in style at its finest. 

 Ending the magnificent show with this killer suits that will make all the Ladies stares...

 Mariam Chahin, Head of Marketing, Marks & Spencer Al-Futtaim said, “The new Autumn Winter’14 collection is inspired by runway styles, lifestyle trends and what we know our customers want to wear this season.  The considered edit displays Marks & Spencer’s continued commitment to modern design, unparalleled innovation and exceptional quality, it’s that combination of things that makes this collection unique”.

Enjoyed the wonderful show with Carine Duvignaud of The Glam Crush Chronicles   

 Carine and Mark Ross 

 with the talented Piano Diva  Malika 

the uber stunning Nicola Addy of BRAG Events and Fashion Forward

• For more information, please visit www.marksandspencer.ae
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ELEMENTS OF THE SEASON HARVEY NICHOLS DUBAI AW14 FASHION SHOW

A night full of glitz and glam as the Dubai’s premier department store Harvey Nichols presented a chic, sophisticated mood showcasing the key fashion elements of the Autumn / Winter 2014 season at the luxurious hotel, Sofitel on the legendary man-made island The Palm Jumeirah last 7th of September 2014.  The show was also the “avant premiere” show for Gucci’s highly anticipated makeup line: Gucci Beauty, giving the world a sneak preview of what can be expected from the luxury brand’s first venture into the beauty industry.

 Harvey Nichols host to more than five hundred of Dubai’s most stylish socialites. Sleek and dark, the focal point of the room was a luminous wall of water slicing the runway down the middle; creating a beautiful backdrop to the stunning designs featured in the show. Inspired by the runways of Paris, London, Milan and New York, the show was a careful curation of the most coveted brands and pieces, put together to emanate a sophisticated style that has become the signature of Harvey Nichols – Dubai. 

The show started with a beautiful projection on the water wall in the middle of the runway and opened with the season’s essentials – a slew of layered looks, suitable for everyday wear. Oversized coats, parkas, chunky knits from brands such as Alexander Wang, Sacai, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carven, Designers Remix and Chloe provided a non-fussy but fashionable aesthetic.

A dimming of lights was followed by a new projection of bright blooms onto the water wall, signalling the start of the second segment of the show. 

One of the strongest trends of the AW14 season – Floral Blooms – was showcased using a darker, edgier palette from brands such as Givenchy, Erdem, Emanuel Ungaro, Peter Pilotto, Stella Jean and Marni differentiating it from the floral trend that was seen in previous seasons. 

The third and fourth segments of the show demonstrated other major trends of the season; embellishment, fringes and feathers in bold colours and metallic hues from brands such as Stella McCartney, Tamara Mellon, Sarah Battaglia, Moschino and Alexander McQueen. 

And here are my top picks from the Mens wear, the splash of colors from casual day-out and to dapper classic pieces, every savvy gent in town should have!

First dashing look Sweater: Vivienne Westwood Shoes: High tops Givenchy, and the second look Sweater & Trousers: Lot 78 Leather Jacket: Givenchy Shoes: Moncler and the last look Shirt: McQ Trousers: Markus Lupfer Shoes: Givenchy high tops

 And my most favorite part of the show, presenting the dashing dapper pieces absolutely stunning collection from Neil Barrett, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen

Slavko Moljac wearing Versus Versace on the first look and the second is Whole look:Alexander McQueen Shoes: Corneliani 

Starting with the ethereal projection of a model in an evening gown underwater, Harvey Nichols – Dubai showcased the most beautiful and coveted eveningwear creations in the industry from designer brands such as Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Zuhair Murad and Monique Lhullier.

The post-event reception was a stylish affair with live music provided by the popular and fashionable international DJ blogger sisters of Five Five Fabulous. 


A selection of gourmet savoury and sweet canapés were served as the guests mingled and enjoyed the elegant ambience late into the night.

Stylish folks at the after party Andrew, Sam Francis, John Baker and Mark Ross

Having a great time with Rami Yassine 

with the fierce Anne Marie who always look dashing in her leather dress and sleek brush up red hair and the python clutch, impeccably stunning as always!

And most especially the Lady who always have the spotlight, the star of the night Natalia Shustova Dubai based lawyer/ fashion consultant & editor/ socialite and founder of #Shoestova 

Absolutely a spectacular show well, what do we always expect with Harvey Nichols but simply the best and fab.