Shannon Bennett: An Australian chef in Dubai

Doha girl to represent region at Elite Model Look 2013

Nancy Ajram to headline Dubai fashion event

The nearly impossible advances in Menswear at Gucci included the highest performance fabrics and prints so intricate, they appeared nearly three dimensional.  Impossible was the term, at least, originally given to the ideas behind Gucci creative director Frida Giannini's latest installment of ready to wear for Spring 2014.  A new mother, Giannini channeled personal positivity to result in a collection that, in turn, breathed an abundant sense of new life.  Formal slacks were traded in for the label's trademark riding pants, newly constructed in offbeat solid colors and a muted floral pattern. The tight-fitting pants were frequently topped with single breasted trenches that mimicked the shape of a classic pea coat.  A bomber jacket glowed like a special edition piece in luminous beige leather with a neon day-glo citrus lining.   More glossy pieces involved a light olive, jean style pant with ankle cuffs, tonally paired with a scoop neck sweater embroidered entirely of flora and vines.  On that note, let us explore the  floral prints that bloomed rapidly on this Milan runway: Bursts of contrasting horticultural graphics were worn in groups of two and three pieces.  Flowy, floral button down shirts and cuffed skinny pants looked alive in rosy pink, olive and deep turquoise prints.  Olive green suits stood out, camouflauge style, in floral jacquard.  Floral t-shirts also budded beneath a slim navy suit and lighter, tan checkered blazer and pants. For a gentleman's rugged side, the fashion house put together an unusual yet stately group of weather resistant (or so they seemed to be) pullover windbreakers and athletic shorts. Accessories were kept to a minimum with the exception of a very oversize, hobo-style tote in beige leather, backpacks and patent leather oxfords with rubber soles. 

Fashion elite gathered in the glamorous Le Meurice to look on with delighted esteem as the hip and celebrated Rami Al Ali unveiled a softly stunning collection of Fall and Winter 2013-14 couture. The designer's star-studded event, which took place earlier in July, commanded the attendance of International fashion editors, celebrities and world renowned photographer Sante D'Orazio.  The popular photographer captured models' backstage moments at the show, depicting the vivid goings-on in the world of couture  behind the scenes.  While a designer's world is based around hard work over glamor, it is hard to believe that the universe of Rami Al Ali who has dressed singer Beyonce, supermodel Iman and actress Kerry Washington  can be anything less than glamorous.  Al Ali's latest collection focused on couture inspired from the work of famed artist Gustav Klimt.  Retro-elegant experiences in silver and brilliant gold adorned cocktail length creations, reflecting femininity that was often portrayed in the Austrian painter's most dramatic work. The soft, shiny dresses followed a Fall/Winter palette that consisted mainly of dusty rose pink, black, beige and icy silver alternations.  1950s style sequin bodices were topped with whispers of organza; in other words, a slightly more conservative take from the designer famed for daring, asymmetrical gowns of bright satin. Fitted waists opened up to voluminous skirts on a-line styles.  Shimmery metallic whispered “look at me” in a gracious and ladylike way.  Known for his striking shapes, Al Ali constructed a stripe effect column-skirt gown of black silk and platinum, detailed with a fanlike bodice and crisscross center designed to compliment a fantastic figure or at least, to give such an illusion.

Zuhair Murad gowns are best identified by his elegant tattoo styles of lace and curative use of midnight blue lamé. Styles like this are what have attracted the likes of gothic fashionista and Twilight actress Kristin Stewart to flaunt many a red carpet look wearing Murad creations. Seated in the front row of Murad's catwalk in Paris, Stewart is not the only fashion insider to admire the designer and his transitions in couture.  Versatile as ever, Zuhair Murad volleyed between a few different classic dress themes:Victorian-era lace, beaded by hand; Baroque; Grecian-style wrap dresses and a fair taste of disco. The Fall 2013 collection started off with luscious grace:, colored in crème with tiny pleats and a structural bodice. The aforementioned lamé alluded to the idea of shiny blue “branches” against bare skin an interesting and youthful break away from lace. A completely dazzling, pleated blue lamé gown was far from garish. Murad also put his shiny pleats into an Art Deco style, starburst pattern gown that really seemed to resemble a firecracker. However, plenty of lace was to be had on gowns with high necks and dynamic, form-fitting gowns that paired lush velvet and satin with Murad's signature lace. Equally dazzling sets of color were featured on burgundy gowns and emerald couture. These color stories featured the most geometric designs of the show, generously beaded onto body-conscious halter gowns and long-sleeve eveningwear meant to glitter brilliantly under lights. Zuhair's branch-pattern suits thrown into the party of couture, are certainly welcome for any woman who possesses a similar brilliance and a little imagination.