Paper Fashion

acclaimed Belgian artist, Isabelle de Borchgrave

Good news to the mazuonas of Abu Dhabi! Isabelle de Borchgrave, acclaimed Belgian artist, will be doing a lecture on how she uses paper to create her amazing signature traditional dresses.

Here are some of her creations:

Those are just teasers, you can find more of her lovely creations on her website: http://www.isabelledeborchgrave.com

Or better yet, go to her lecture tomorrow entitled, Paper Fashion, in the Al Maamoura Auditorium at 6pm to see all these for yourself. For further details, please contact:  anas.a@admaf.org, or call 971 2 6510334. You can also go to the event’s official website.

This event is part of the Abu Dhabi Festival and is sponsored by  Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Culture & Heritage, and the National, to mention a few.

Thank you to our friends from Hellwa Fashion and to Kristina, my mentor, for the heads up! =)

See you there Mazuonas! ❤

H&M’S STAR-STUDDED FASHION AGAINST AIDS COLLECTION

Artists from the worlds of film and music are supporting Fashion Against AIDS (FAA) this Spring, H&M’s and Designers Against AIDS’s (DAA) mutual initiative to help spread the message of safe sex and HIV/AIDS prevention to young people around the globe.

Penn Badgley

Keri Hilson

Selma Blair, Penn Badgley, Keri Hilson, Sky Ferreira, Akon, Nikki Reed, Ginnifer Goodwin, Scissor Sisters, Shiloh Fernandez and The Misshapes are among the celebrities involved in this year’s FAA collection, which for 2011 is a unisex range. The collection is available online and in H&M’s Divided department from April 26th, with 25% of sales donated to the charity Designers Against AIDS (DAA) and various other international HIV/AIDS prevention projects. The FAA campaigns have so far raised more than 41 million Swedish krona.


“I think it’s really fitting that this collection is androgynous in style since the disease affects both men and women. It’s a universal thing and we are all in this together. It’s a disease that can be avoided and it’s especially tragic when our ignorance keeps us from safety.” Selma Blair.


“I’ve had a lot of friends who’ve been in the situation where their friends and family have been affected by HIV. As I travel the world, I see how much HIV affects people. It’s not like we have a cure for HIV, we only have prevention. Make sure you are protected so that you don’t ever have to worry about it. Ever.” Akon.


“Artists are an essential part of our campaigns, as they are role models for so many young people. Celebrities help to spread the message by speaking out about HIV/AIDS prevention. We’re asking them to help spread the safe sex message on social media: Twitter, Facebook, their own websites and at their concerts too.” Ninette Murk, founder and creative director, DAA.


When the stars come together for H&M’s Fashion Against AIDS campaign, it really shows this year’s unisex collection at its best. Selma Blair wears a stylish Spring coat over a slogan T-shirt, while Penn Badgley wears an essential hoodie over his T-shirt. Shiloh Fernandez sports a khaki nylon parka, T-shirt and jeans; Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters wears her peach version of the trench as a dress. Singer Keri Hilson has a cool slogan jumpsuit. It’s all so versatile, and all helps spreading the message about HIV/AIDS prevention.

[Press Release]CHOOSING MR RIGHT CAN OFTEN BE WRONG

Marriage guidance expert at The Bride Show Dubai to offer advice to brides-to-be

The Islamic Affairs Department is taking part in The Bride Show Dubai  to offer brides-to-be advice building a successful marriage.

Dubai, UAE, 31 March 2011:  The most important decision for any potential bride to be is to choose the right husband to be, according to a leading marriage expert.

Iman Ismail Abdullah Al Hashimi, Manager of Social Projects at the Islamic Affairs Department, believes that too many young women are choosing the wrong husbands and do not think about the qualities of the man and their potential compatibility before they say “I Do”.

Al Hashimi and a team of marriage guidance experts, both male and female, are taking an important role at The Bride Show Dubai this week to reach out to young Arabs and expatriates and talk to them about the implications of marriage both in Islam and other religions.

“While the divorce rate in the Middle East has dropped from 35 per cent to 20 per cent since 2008, there are still far too many marriages which end in the divorce courts and we believe this rate will come down further if young people think carefully about embarking upon any potential union,” said Al Hashimi.

“It’s easy to get caught up in the glamour and sparkle of a wedding – choosing a beautiful dress, table decorations, diamonds and honeymoon destinations – but the most important decision is choosing the right man to build a life with.”

The Islamic Affairs Department’s participation at The Bride Show Dubai is part of a newly launched campaign ‘My Islam, My Identity’ which tackles every element of life for Muslims – from education, to employment, cultural sensitivities to budgeting and housekeeping. 

Getting married, Al Hashimi states, is a pivotal moment every person’s life but the role of the advice clinic is to ask the questions that young people may not ask themselves.

“A beautiful, perfect wedding day is what every girl dreams of and The Bride Show Dubai helps to make those dreams a reality providing all the products and services you could need under one roof,” said Daphne Cota, Exhibition Manager for The Bride Show. 

“We are responding to calls from social commentators in the region to do something to help combat the rate of divorce, which typically occurs among newlywed, young couples.  Family values and the growth of families are especially important to UAE nationals; in order to maintain the stability of the family as the core of a community, the institution of marriage must be addressed. 

“We believe the advice offered by the Islamic Affairs Department will help visitors to The Bride Show Dubai understand the complexities of marriage and the importance of working hard to make a union last.”

The Bride Show Dubai, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, Chairwoman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE, is open from 2:30pm to 10:30pm, Wednesday 30 March to Saturday 2^nd April 2011 in Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3, Dubai International Exhibition Centre.  

Standard entry is AED10 and VIP tickets cost AED50.  The show is supported by gold sponsor Mohammed Hilal Group and silver sponsors After You Say Yes – SIMA, Khamsa Couture and Zadina.

For all the latest updates on The Bride Show, become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TheBrideShow or Twitter,www.twitter.com/TheBrideShow.

Fashion Show Schedule

Friday 1 April 5:00pm      Zahia 6:00pm      Louzan 7:00pm      Tijan Trading 8:00pm      Mauzan 9:00pm      M&A Abaya Art

Saturday 2 April

6:00pm   Oriental Red Carpet Competition by Dubai Ladies Club

7:00pm   La Maison Saouli

8:00pm   Dantella Designs

9:00pm   Satya Paul

[Press Release] NEW VIP LOUNGE AT THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI

Tips and Toes offers brides-to-be beauty treatments ahead of their big day

The new VIP lounge at The Bride Show Dubai will offer brides-to-be rejuvenating treatments from Tips and Toes.

Dubai, UAE, 6 March 2011: Every bride should be treated like a princess on their big day, and of course it’s vital to get some practice in beforehand too.  That’s the idea behind the new VIP Lounge at The Bride Show Dubai, which will offer brides-to-be and their entourages pampering treats and goodies.

For AED50, shoppers can access the VIP Lounge to take advantage of top treatments from Tips and Toes, the largest chain of nail salons in the Middle East.  Trained beauty technicians will offer rejuvenation in the form of head, neck and shoulder massages, nail colour changes, nail art and mini facials.

After hours of browsing the aisles at The Bride Show Dubai, in Sheikh Saeed Halls within the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, even the most enthusiastic fiancée will welcome a well-earned break before continuing in her quest for all things bridal.

The VIP pass includes reserved fashion show seating, refreshments and a goody bag.

The Bride Show Dubai, the region’s most prestigious bridal and fashion event, takes place from 30 March to 2 April 2011 and will be officially inaugurated by Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

For all the latest updates on The Bride Show, become a fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/TheBrideShow or Twitter, www.twitter.com/TheBrideShow.

Fashion Show Schedule

Wednesday 30 March 5:00pm   After You Say Yes – Sima 6:00pm   Queen of Pearls 7:00pm   Beautiful People 9:00pm   Demetrios Thursday 31 March 6:00pm   Dan Trading 7:00pm   Liberty of London for Lace Art 9:00pm   Farage (France)

Friday 1 April 6:00pm   Louzan 7:00pm   Tijan Trading 8:00pm   Mauzan 9:00pm   M&A Abayas Saturday 2 April 5:00pm   Dubai Ladies Club: Oriental Red Carpet 8:00pm   Dantella Designs 9:00pm   Satya Paul

[Press Release]HER HIGHNESS SHEIKHA SHEIKHA BINT SAIF NAMED AS PATRON OF THE BRIDE SHOW DUBAI

Event’s 14^th year promises to thrill brides-to-be and the fashion forward

                                            

Dubai, UAE, 1 March 2011:  Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif, Chairwoman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President of the UAE, has been named as the official patron of The Bride Show Dubai, the Middle East’s most prestigious bridal and fashion event.

For the first time, Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif will cut the ribbon to open the four-day long fashion, beauty and shopping extravaganza which brings together wedding industry professionals, brides-to-be and fashionistas under one roof.

Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif has been a long time supporter of sister event, The Bride Show Abu Dhabi and her patronage of the more established and larger Dubai exhibition further strengthens her relationship with organiser IIR Middle East. 

Additionally, The Bride Show Dubai has announced its official support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE which is run by Her Higness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif’s office and will donate a proportion of the entry fees to the charity.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE grants wishes to children with life threatening medical conditions; there are currently an estimated 1,800 children (aged three to 18) living with such a condition in the UAE.  All wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation UAE are for the children of the UAE – national and expatriate alike.  To date, the Foundation has granted more than 250 wishes to children in the emirates, giving them an avenue of hope, strength and joy.

Now in its 14^th year, The Bride Show Dubai attracts approximately 300 exhibitors from around the world which showcase traditional and contemporary wedding wear, beauty products, jewellery, wedding venues options and honeymoon destinations.  Vendors range from international brands such as Estee Lauder, Max Factor and L’Oreal to regionally-based businesses such as UAE Abaya designers DAS Collection.

In another first, India’s premier designer label, Satya Paul, which has recently celebrated 25 years in fashion, has been confirmed to close the four days of fashion on the catwalk.  The label is synonymous with signature prints and exclusive bridal wear with designs in playful colours and innovative fabrics which enhance the beauty and elegance of the enterprising, sensitive and desiring woman of today.  The fashion show takes place on Saturday 2 April at 9pm.

The Bride Show Dubai opens on Wednesday 30^th March, 2:30pm to 10:30pm and runs until Saturday 2^nd April 2011 in Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 and 3, Dubai International Exhibition Centre.   Entry is AED10 for general admission and AED50 for a VIP pass which includes VIP reserved fashion show seating, refreshments and a goody bag.  The show is sponsored by Khamsa Couture, Zadina and After You Say Yes – Sima.

Fashion Show Schedule

Wednesday 30 March 5:00pm   After You Say Yes – Sima 6:00pm   Queen of Pearls 7:00pm   Beautiful People 9:00pm   Demetrios Thursday 31 March 6:00pm   Dan Trading 7:00pm   Liberty of London for Lace Art 9:00pm   Farage (France)

Friday 1 April 6:00pm   Louzan 7:00pm   Tijan Trading 8:00pm   Mauzan 9:00pm   M&A Abayas Saturday 2 April 5:00pm   Oriental Red Carpet, Dubai Ladies Club 8:00pm   Dantella Designs 9:00pm   Satya Paul

For more information, visit www.thebrideshow.com/Dubai, or get the latest updates from www.facebook.com/TheBrideShow or www.twitter.com/TheBrideShow.  

The Turning Point

She was still raw with lots of potential but still lacked experience. But, she knew what she wanted to be, and she didn’t let anyone tell her that. And that was something.

I remember writing this a few months back for my entry about Carrie Bradshaw. I didn’t really fully realize what it meant until now. 


Yes, I am aware that I’ve been pretty much MIA for the past weeks. Ever since the Bride Show, I’ve been so busy that I cannot even remember what I’ve done during the time. I was caught up in school, home, work, and of course, personal stuff. I am so sorry.


But I’m back now. So much has happened in the fashion world for the past couple of weeks. New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and now, Paris Fashion Week. Oh, and let’s not forget about the most heartbreaking news in the history of the world, John Galliano getting kicked out of Christian Dior.


I wish I could turn back the time for all the entries I’ve missed, but I can’t. So instead of grieving about what has been done, or in this case, what has not been done, I choose to move forward. 🙂


The biggest reason why I’ve been MIA is because I joined this Fashion Design Competition of Si Fashion Galerie in Dubai. It’s a design competition for fashion design students, emerging fashion designers and brands, and pretty much anyone who has the passion for Fashion. So, since I’m two of the above, I joined. The criteria for judging, if the participant is chosen to be one of the 15 finalists, is that whoever gets the most sales within 3 months of exhibition in their boutique is the winner.

Last week has been one of the most hectic weeks of this year, to say the least. I submitted my application last Sunday, February 27. They required the participants to fill out the application form, write a 500-words essay on how you see your brand in the coming two years, and samples of previous works (ready-made garments, sketches.. etc.). On February 28, I received a call from Katrina Yakusheva telling me to prepare for an interview in Dubai the following day.


It was my first time to go to Dubai by myself, and I have to say that it was a very refreshing experience. Being out there on my own felt so good. I’ve never felt so independent and free. It felt like I was going to Dubai for the first time. 🙂 I got to their head office in Bur Dubai 5 minutes before my schedule. I wanted to make a good impression, and being punctual is the sure way to do it. The street where it was in was like a fashion designer’s heaven. There were rows and rows of textiles shops. I couldn’t look away.

It looked exactly like this 🙂

But before I could indulge further in the beauty around me, I had to remind myself why I was there. And soon enough, the awe and wonder I was feeling was replaced by anxiety and nervousness. It was my first time to try out for something like this, let alone go in an interview. It was really scary that I had to take breathing exercises the whole time I was waiting. At around 12:30, Mr. Suneil, the man who was supposed to interview me arrived, and I was led to his office.

We talked for around an hour. And he asked me standard questions like why I wanted to join, what my future plans are, and the like. It was really fun talking to him, and it felt less like an interview as the time went on. Finally, he told me to come back on Saturday to present 2 ready-made garments, one of which I will wear. 

After the meeting, I hurriedly went home to prepare for the requirements. I only had 4 days to do everything, so I really had to rush.


Thankfully, I have my very own angels, my friends. Ittaf Adnan of TRIO Couture, despite her heavy schedule because she was preparing for another show (I’ll get to that later), helped me so much with constructing, stitching, and finishing them. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be able to finish the first dress in one day (Thursday, March 3).

a dress from my New York, I love You collection

And that left me with the second one, the one that I was supposed to wear which was a jumpsuit. I only had one day left and it was my first time to create a jumpsuit. And if it wasn’t for Mercy and Fatami, I know I wouldn’t have been able to finish it. Mercy did the neckline for me out of zippers, because she knows I will only injure myself with the needle if I was the one to do it. And of course, how could I forget everything that Fatami has done for me. Thank you )to you and your family) again for welcoming me in your home and for being so hospitable. 🙂 I can never thank you guys enough!

the jumpsuit from my New York, I Love You collection

L-R: Fatami, Me, Mercy taken at the Al Khawarizmi Fashion Show last Sunday Congratulations again Fatami, Ittaf and the rest of my classmates for a job well done! 🙂

The second and last screening came and I was nervous as hell. They told me earlier that day that I was meeting with their head designer, Noha Karam. I was so anxious that I feel like I couldn’t eat. There were a lot of things going on in my head. The whole interview was kind of a blur. I remember stuttering a few times, but I kept my composure as best as I can. I was happy with it though. After walking out of their boutique, I felt so relieved. I did my best, and now I’m leaving it all up to God.


Miraculously, despite stuttering and spacing out a few times, they called me this morning to tell me that I got accepted and now I’m officially a part of the 15 finalists for their competition. I was beyond happy. I didn’t know how I’d react. I can’t believe that all of that was happening to me. But, it was. It’s happening. 🙂


But with great power comes great responsibility, I’ve learned. And so with that victory came a whole new set of responsibilities. I’ll be more busy than ever and as early as now, I can already tell that I won’t be having as much time for this blog like I used to. I feel sad, because I know that I’ll be missing going out and looking for mazuonas in the streets. I’ll miss writing about things that inspire me every now and then.


I am not closing down this blog. This will still go on. All I am saying right now is that this won’t be my top priority anymore. It breaks my heart to say it, because everything begun because of this site. It opened a lot of doors, chances, opportunities, and possibilities for me. I am not saying good bye. After all, if it weren’t for this blog and all my inspiration, I wouldn’t have the courage to become fearless. So hang in there, I’ll still be here. 🙂


But I have to say now that I wouldn’t be posting the kind of stuff I used to post before. Yes, I am still open to advertisements, promotions, press releases and the like. So to anyone who is interested, please don’t hesitate to contact me through email. This blog will become more personal. If I was posting a lot of news articles before, I might not be able to that a lot this time. I would probably be posting about this new journey I’m going through. But the frequency of my posts will become less, depending on my free time.


It’s not a hiatus. I just won’t be around more. I’m so sorry dear readers. 😦 I will still try my best to maintain this though. I hope you guys will understand. Who knows maybe it will be a better blog if my posts will become more personal? I guess we’ll just have to see for ourselves, right? I hope you continue to support The Mazuona. 


And I hope that you will always choose to be your own mazuona. Be fearless. Be yourself and see where life takes you. You’ll be surprised.


The Mazuona  is not saying goodbye. I’ll be back soon. I promise. 🙂

[Press Release] Polka Dot Cat launched 2011 at the London Fashion Week

Polka Dot Cat 2011 Collection

The Polka Dot Cat Collection is a manifestation of the diverse background of its designer Rana Jamshed.  The designs are Haute couture created within a boutique environment that is made accessible to women around the world from the Middle East, Dubai.

Rana believes in the philosophy of femininity and romance; she adds new pieces to the Polka Dot Cat Collection under different inspirational lines and Single Cat is a bespoke service the designer provides herself. In 2010 she dressed top Interior designer Jules at the Sex in the City Premier in London and the Collection has appeared in many magazines and recently in Elle.

Dubai, rated as one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world has given Rana Jamshed of Polka Dot Cat, the opportunity to design for some of the worlds diverse and most fashion conscious women. With the scorching desert heat as a backdrop Rana has managed to create very unique wearable designs which allow the wearer to keep cool during the Summer months & lend themselves to accessorizing for cooler climates. 

Although only 2, Polka Dot Cat reached woman globally and is delivered today to UAE, UK, USA, and Asia.  Today, the 2011 Collection is launched at Pure London to include 12 key designs.  London Fashion week remains the favorite week for the designer so you will always see her around the streets of London admiring creativity and entrepreneurship that the city brings.  Noting Hill, Kings road and Covent Garden are her favorite spots.  NY and Montreal are also cities she is in love with so Polka Dot Cat will be accessible to woman through the new Wondermode.com; the luxury Fashion Incubator.  

Designer of the year 2010 award; was given to Polka Dot Cat by Hellwafashion.com Though the Middle East region has an emerging fashion blogosphere, Polka Dot Cat has fast established itself as a blogger favorite. The designs are much sought after and worn by the worlds favorite type of “IT girl” the fashion blogger. Thanks to blogger interest from the regions top bloggers Polka Dot Cat designs regularly feature in the social pages of the regions glossy fashion magazines. 

Wellbeing goes hand in hand with Aura-B

With new designers on board, well-being and shopping with Aura-b.com

It’s the time of the month when everyone relaxes, looks back how beautifully the year has begun.
The wellbeing syndrome creeps in and why not indulge?

Let’s indulge in some online fashion therapy for the month of March at Aura-b.com. Happiness and
prosperity surround the wellbeing element and this is what we are celebrating at Aura-b, we want
you to feel the sense of joy, happiness, relaxation and the comfort of shopping from a click away.

Dive into Aura-b.com’s online fashion world and spoil yourself surfing across more than 95
worldwide who will offer you their unique collection.

New creations to purchase from Aura-B

Dig into Drama queen for your sultry evenings out, as the brand name suggests, there’s some
immense drama playing around with clothes and different looks from this brand. Try Marshmallow
for beautiful march afternoon’s very subtle, flirty, pure indulgence is what this brand in our new
arrivals screaming out to us. Discover Catertainment chairs for adding some oomph to your living
room with these funky arm and bar chairs. Who said chilling at home is for the old heart?

Time to relax and enjoy… Play that Buddha bar lounge music, browse through Aura-b.com and
savour your online shopping.

Check out their site and indulge! http://www.aura-b.com

Unity in Diversity

You know just how much I am in love and passionate about Korea. So, you’ll never guess how happy I was when I found out that they will be participating in The Bride Show. I made a mental note to visit their booth the first day that I will be there. It was a good thing that their booth was set up near the the runway, so it was easier for me not to worry if the show is starting already or not.

They were doing nail art, selling some fashionable Korean products, and my favorite, writing people’s names in Korean! I definitely had to get mine done! And so I did. 🙂

This is Sun, a newly-found Korean friend. She wrote my name in Korean. 🙂

Kamsahamnida Sun! 🙂

Here I am with my name written in Korean! 🙂 Loving this H&M dress and check out my geek glasses! I’ve been wearing that a lot, so try and spot me in a crowd. 🙂

 I stayed in their booth longer than anyone else’s. And if I had the choice, I would stay there the whole day. But it was really fun talking to them. We bonded over KPOP and our favorite KPOP bands.

So, I brought the little sister the following day to let her see for herself. You see, she’s passionate about Korea as well. She even learned their language. And she does look Korean, right?

The little sister with her new Korean  friend 🙂

Notice what she’s wearing? It’s called a Hanbok. And it’s Korea’s traditional dress. It is always worn with bright colors. They usually wear this during New Year’s or other traditional celebrations. It’s similar to a Japanese kimono, but as you can see they have very different cuts. The jeogori or that piece covering the upper body and arms ends just below the chest, hanging loosely until the hem. On the other hand, the japanese kimono is tied at the waist.

Love her hanbok! It makes me think of Snow White Korean version 🙂

It was fun meeting everyone at the Korean booth. We even joined the “Win a trip to Seoul for Two” raffle contest, just for the fun of it. And well, we want to go to Seoul. So, I hope we win! 🙂

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture: THE NEXT THING

As soon as I laid my eyes on Stefan Salvatore wearing a black, leather jacket on the pilot episode of The Vampire Diaries, I knew I’d fallen in love. Not with Stefan. Well, with him too. But, with his leather jacket and how he made it look bad ass and mysterious. And then sweet but tough Elena Gilbert comes into the picture wearing a similar one for girls, and I knew that I needed to get myself one. 

I’ve always fantasized about walking the streets in a leather jacket, sun glasses on, with my hair tied up carelessly in a beautiful bun, looking very mysterious. Like, not wanting to stand out but standing out just the same. I believe mystery draws people in, and sometimes it can give the best first impressions.

True, Abu Dhabi is not really the best place to wear leather jackets with our constant, almost-whole year round humid climate. But it won’t hurt, won’t it? I mean, if you’re going to wear leather by LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture, won’t it be worth it?

Sometime last week, I received an email from Philippe Anton, a french designer who specializes in exotic leather and fur jackets. He sent me photos of their recent collection  and to say that I was blown away would be the understatement of the century. Each piece was fierce, exquisite, and very sexy.

Wearing leather could have been a taboo in the fashion world, for all we care. We don’t see a lot of people wearing leather, especially in this part of the world due to the climate. But, since this year is the official comeback year of the leather or rather the biker look, why don’t we try shaking things up by getting one (if not all!) of these exquisite pieces? It comes with fur too. How’s that for hitting two birds with one stone?

Not a lot of designers can pull of mixing fur and leather in one garment, but I think that LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture got this one in the bag. The cuts are very smooth and comfortable. I don’t think I’d be complaining even if I’m under the heat of the scorching sun with this on. Who knew leather could be this soft?

These photos spoke a thousand words, but I needed a thousand more to get to know this up and coming hip brand. So I sent in a few questions for them to answer. Read on, guys.

1.      First, why the name LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture? It sounds very sexy though, very fitting for your brand. Does it mean something?

Regarding your article, your first question is an interesting one. The name of our fashion house underscores our commitment to put our models over time. Actually, in French, LAS8 is pronounced « La Suite ». It means « the following », or ‘the next thing’, regarding the continuity of our collections and style which have to remain coherent and timeless. This is also why the « 8 » becomes an «∞ » in our emblem.

It also reminds a luxury hotel suite, which is for us very interesting in terms of universe for our fashion house. The universe LAS8 wants to be noble and captivating as a palace, awakening discovery, wonder and privilege throughout the stay.

2.      There have been quite a lot of designers who are also inspiring from leather, what makes your brand different from the rest?

Furs and exotic skins are a true passion for my partner and I. We can create and work on exotic skins during all the day. It’s a real inspiration source for us. We are fascinated by the animal world. We love working with interplay of 2 or 3 different leathers and colors on each model, and we manage to create assortments are innovating on the market, for exemple with our stingray collar.

Each time we create a model, we want to develop a timeless creation. What is important for us is that our customer always finds the same pleasure to wear the model he or she has selected, year after year. Our models are designed like precious jewels.

What is important for us is to respect our commitments, rigor, and provide the highest quality to our customers. Be as exigent as could be to your clients. And above all, to always be in a dynamic of creation and discovery in order to preserve the excellence of each model.

Currently fewer craftsmen have the knowledge to work on these skins. France is recognized for years as an expert in this market. It’s what makes each model unique and valuable. The work of skin and fur requires a true expertise.

3.      You said that Middle East is a good market for your brand. Are you planning to open a branch or a showroom here? If so, then when and where?

We are searching to develop our distribution channels worldwide with luxury multi-brand boutiques, and Middle East would be a great opportunity for us. It offers a prestigious display, that is in coherence with our brand and this is the reason why we want develop partnership with it. 

For sure we plan in the future to open a showroom in the Middle East especially on Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will be our priority location. But to give you a precise date is hard for us right now.

We would like to be introducing on the Middle East Market as soon as possible. We feel that our creations are appreciated there and fashionistas share same value and refinement as us.

4.      Using animals for fashion, especially endangered ones, are a big issue in the world right now. I understand that you are under the agreement of the Washington Convention and that you are taking certain measures to make sure that it is safe for everyone. But can you elaborate more? Or just a brief explanation will do.

Yes of course it’s really important for us to secure all species we use. All our lambskin comes from serious tannery in France. It’s important to know that these lambs are not only use for the ready to wear.

These lambs are destined for the textile and food market. We do not kill for pleasure. We have planned to work the Orylag fur which is similar to Chinchilla with a better density quality of hair. These animals are also destined for the textile and food market. The controls are very strict.

Moreover, the Convention of Washington allows to preserve these species. Many wildlife species in trade are not endangered, but the existence of an agreement to ensure the sustainability of the trade is important in order to safeguard these resources for the future.

To secure the exotic skins market for example for the Alligator, permit to make research within farms in order to preserve this species.

Finally, we want to educate our customers : exotic skin and furs justify that you should take care of your jacket, that you have to respect what you are wearing, simply because it comes from an animal, and not from a synthetic yarn. 

Leather brings this unestimable and untouchable value that is necessary in our vision to create exceptionnal and timeless models and this, only if we respect the agreement of the Washington Convention. This is important that our Customers understand this philosophy.

5.      What should your customers look forward to in your future collections?

We’re already working on the second collection. The Alligator and the Niloticus will be honored. As mentioned previously, the fur Orylag will also be part of our creations. We always try to discover new skins, and new processes of confection. New designs will be present for jackets but always in order to sublime the feminine curves and structure the masculine silhouette.Each model that we develop is synonymous with rarity and prestige.

We have planned to expand our range of clothes for the second collection. However, we wish to remain experts in luxury jackets and become a market reference. If we expand our range of raw material, we are still working primarily exotic leathers, furs and lambskins.

This season we chose to focus on the bolero for the woman, symbol of glamour and seduction. For the second collection we want to work on long cuts but also on suit jackets while remaining faithful to the spirit and elegance at the heart of the brand.

LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture is really a brand to watch out for. Their jackets are a real must-have, something that each woman and man should have in their closet. Let’s just pray, mazuonas from the Middle East, that this amazing brand will grace us with their presence soon.

But if you can’t wait, do contact them through their website: http://www.las8-paris.com. You can also give them a call at 09 81 03 41 76. Drop them an email at contact@las8-paris.com Or go to their showroom located in: 3 Place Boulnois 75017 Paris.

All photos and information are courtesy of Philippe Anton, co-founder of LAS8 Paris Maison de Couture.