Category: Fashion

Al Sadu Society cordially invites you to an exhibition of Kuwaiti fashion:

ZAY
Traditions & Innovation

6:00 pm Sunday 15 Feb. to 22 Feb.
Al Sadu House – Arabian Gulf Road
Contact 22432395
www.alsadu.org.kw

Here is a personal note on how the exhibition came to be:

ZAY
A showcase of various interpretations of the traditional dress, to invigorate and revive its wear.

Nafnouf and Zeboun
In my book Traditions, I had researched and passionately documented aspects of the traditional arts and textiles of Kuwait. I recognized and focused on some beautiful and significant examples of the traditional dress. Today I carry this interest and fascination a step further, into the realm of actual design. I take the zeboun, the robe worn by women and men in the past and the nafnouf dress, and try to revitalize their wear. To give both a modern line with a traditional essence.

I appreciate cooperation of Kaveri Agarwal, a young designer from India who I met through the Textile Art Association meetings. Kaveri has worked for some time in manufacturing and reviving the traditional Indian dress and textiles in her country, India, and thus understood my enthusiasm and vision and could execute it well.

ZAY is also an interesting attempt at cultural exchange. In the past the Kuwaiti merchants sailed to India in search of fine silks and gold thread for their dress and embroidery. It may be that again we follow that ancient cultural route.

I hope this artistic and cultural endeavor will give you the joy and pleasure it did for me.

Celebrating traditions…
Altaf Salem A. Al Sabah
Kuwait 2009

Proceeds of the sales go to the HAYAT Charity, caring for cancer patients in Kuwait.

Looks like the black+magenta combination which I use for my blog is going to get a lot more popular. Adidas released the sneakers above last month which I ended up getting while in London last week and now Puma have released the sneakers below which I will also end up getting. Lucky me!

This is my favorite branch of Paul Smith in London (and anywhere else for that matter). The interior is very cozy and contains a lot of random items which aren’t available in any other branch. Supposedly its Sir Pauls favorite store because he gets to display and sell artifacts and products found by him from around the world. If you’re in the area (its right next to Borough Market) its worth visiting.

I sooo want these sneakers! Only 130 pairs of these lucky-red sneakers were made and I desperately want one. I love the embroidered graphics in the red silk texture and the box with the different compartments for the different shoe laces it comes with is really cool.

I found my size on eBay but its selling for KD288! I wouldn’t mind paying that much if the sneakers somehow magically didn’t get old or dirty. But to pay that much and watch dirt and grime cover them… Check out this link for a lot more details and more pictures of the sneakers. [Link]

I found the picture above a few days ago and ever since then I’ve been trying to find a place online that sells the tshirt but haven’t had any luck. If anyone can find it for me I will buy them a can of Shani!

Picture taken from Prince Giorgio

I think I want to make some retro Kuwaiti t-shirts and sell them as a side business. I could make like a Kids ‘R’ Us shirt or “I heart Sunkist” one.. the possibilities are really endless!

Cool earrings made out of Lego flowers. [Link]

Finally a new pair of decent looking sneakers got released. This is now on my wish list. [Link]

I am having a hard time figuring out if this tshirt is ugly in a good way or bad way… Note: I would get it if I thought I could pull it off but since I can’t I won’t.

Villa Moda is having a 50% sale all day today and only today.

This looks like its going to be a really cool hotel but its strange that they’re opening the first Missoni Hotels in Edinburg and Kuwait. I thought I had posted something about it before but can’t seem to find my post. This is the hotels launch movie which is beautifully done. [YouTube]

This would look great in my living room. [Link]

via

Dalal & Dahlia are holding their 2nd annual furniture exhibit entitled ‘Delusions’ at the Al-Tilal Complex in Shuwaikh on Oct 12, 13, and 14. The exhibit is from 10AM to 1PM and then 5PM to 10PM. Their first exhibit was held at Villa Moda and completely sold out. The furniture is a mix between art and sculpture, and is designed and created by Kuwaitis in Kuwait. For more information on Dalal & Dahlia you can visit their website [Here]

Picture is from their Thouq magazine spread.

Louis Vuitton have reopened in Salhiya after shutting down for expansion.

I just found out about this and think its amazing news for Villa Moda and all the other local start ups. It just goes to show that great local ideas are great ideas anywhere in the world.

Majed al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti lifestyle retailer known in the fashion world as the “Sheik of Chic,” has teamed up with the government of Dubai to create a global brand development strategy for his Villa Moda enterprise.

The Dubai International Finance Center, or DIFC, was to announce Monday that it had taken a majority investment in the multibrand high fashion retailer, where Sabah will remain as chairman and creative director. The exact amount of the investment was not disclosed.

I think Dubai is a perfect partner for Villa Moda but its depressing because Villa Moda is a Kuwaiti based idea and operation and it would have meant more to have Kuwait finance Villa Moda. But I guess its not only about the money, Dubai have a vision, Kuwait’s vision is… Dubai? [Link]

Thanks Mish!