The all out Americana, leather-booted, sportswear influence has mellowed in to this beautifully subtle display.  There are still the raglan sleeves and the odd built up shoulder, but in fabrics that would flounce away in a flurry of petticoats at the first sign of a muddy ball headed their way.  And all of this can be summed up in shoe form, or rather boot-form…

(Glancing over the pictures) “My, those black leather boots look sturdy and practical” I can almost hear my mother approving.  So naturally, I check in at Liberty to meet them, skin to skin.  Now I’m not afraid of a little height (I’ve been known to trek around London 5 inches from the ground.) But these, these boots are insanity itself, tempting you with the lure of comfort and functionality, before asking your ankles to sign an insurance policy..  ”Yeah… but I’d still give ‘em a go.”

So you see it is a collection that is impractically perfect around the edges, and perhaps actually practical at its core (note the beautiful trousers).  It is probably best that this remains firmly out of my price range else as I still value my feet, and my friends might not appreciate being impaled on my sleeve.  Because, in spite of that, I still want it all.

p.s. I think I love Tao Okamoto just a little bit.

p.p.s. I think the many contradictions in my observations are inspired by the collection itself, at least, that’s my excuse.

Today felt like a day for Ackermann, you know, if you feel like having your heart strings played something like Nina Simone. All the important juxtapositions are there, simplicity / complexity, classic / innovative.  It’s not one of those collections that comes bolting through the door singing and dancing, more the one you catch a glimpse of through the glass and spend the rest of the day lusting after… in other words, it’s subtle.  But jeez that guy can cut cloth and wrap cloth.  He doesn’t make dresses, and trousers, he makes category crossing things.  Is it a tux? Is it a dress?  Why would you want to decide?

(images: style.com)

Less talkie talkie, more lookie lookie.

Those lengths, those textures, it’s all so masterful.  I know it’s an oldie (and yes the observant amongst you will notice I used one of the photos for a maxi dress moment), but it’s been hanging out in my ‘LOVE’ folder for a while ready for today.  And today is a very special day. x

Simplify, simplify, simplify.  Since seeing this collection I’ve become increasingly obsessed with wearing monotones and layering, unfortunately the weather here is conducive to only one of those.  The looks, the layers, the oversized tees- it’s the 90’s grunge scene only a little older and cleaner than it’s teenage self.  I love this, really.  The formula for layering, with sheer chiffon and heavy knits is one to take note of.  It’s the kind of styling I can’t wait to try out, he’s just so goooood.

On a budget note, this is a diffusion line is actually well priced and well thought out, that is, if you’re not broke… oh well, there’s still some time before Fall, here’s hoping.

t alexander wang

It’s Not New, It’s Now

I was going through the Autumn collections from the Parisian fashion houses for a Hijab and the City article, and it got me gushing over the Lanvin show again.  To make a dress that is both structured and fluid, to use colour so understated but so intense, he designs the way I think… In contradictions and juxtaposition.  Anyway, I’m just about as ecstatic about the H+M / Lanvin collaboration as one can be.  No wonder time seems to be crawling at the moment.

Thanks to Monsieur Elbaz I’m feeling a like I want to dress a little darker, a little more grown-up, and a little wilder this winter.  A sentiment exactly reflected in the visuals of the rather wonderful (unofficial) version of Stromae’s ‘Te Quiero’ video.. Love! (also can be watched without sound to much the same effect, although I love the fact that the vocals are recorded live.)

Spring Summer 2010

Maxi dresses, head scarves, and geometric mosaic prints from a Japanese fashion house?  Antonio Marras took us on a Middle Eastern adventure, not surprising as the starting point for the collection was Freya Stark, an English writer and Traveller of the Middle East.  It was a tale of two parts with bright bold colour block looks preceded by beautiful printed maxi dresses and that stunning large check trench.

I love how even in the very Islamic patterns there were still elements of the Japanese aesthetic in the indigo blue and white prints.  An harmonious marriage of cultures that didn’t look in the least bit contrived.  Kenzo is always a go to fashion house for jilbab style maxi dresses and loose fit, so there’s not a lot more Marras could have done to speak to us ladies this Summer.

Cultural Combinations

I guess the Japanese, English, Arab mix isn’t such a strange one after all, well  it is something very close to my heart.  It’s rather lovely to know it can be done so beautifully too!

(images: via style.com)

Modest cuts and Stunning detail

This is for all you brides to be looking for inspiration.  Amanda Wakeley designs in such a way that as a hijabi, just a little imagination is all that’s needed to create a perfect look.  The cuts are loose or covered up, but it never takes away from the design.  Such simplicity and delicate intricacy is hard to put together but it seems like second nature in these designs.  See more at her online store.

I am in love…

For more inspiration see the gallery below

(images courtesy of Amanda Wakeley)

[View with PicLens]

Spring Summer 2010

Dressing Like A Hijabi

While these layered looks may not be favoured by the main stream I think there is a great deal of inspiration for us hijabis. It’s hard to be covered head to toe and still look casual, and harder still to find trousers that will do the job. So the answer is something we’ve been doing for a while; layer it up with a tunic or mid length dress.

Boy meets Girl

For Cavalli as well as the masc/fem blazer and florals combinations there were some more refined looks to be had. I love the idea of wearing a wrap dress opened up under a long trench or tailored jacket, something I think many of us could rustle up out of our own wardrobes.

[View with PicLens]

(images: style.com)

And Ponderings

Last Goodbye

To say that Alexander McQueen had an influence on me and my design process would be an understatement.  I’ve said this before but he was the designer I aspired to be in terms of this beautiful clash between craft and imagination.  I think in selfish ways I feel gutted that I will never see another collection, never own a dress fresh from the new line (a little ambition of mine).  It also makes me realise how important it is to be grounded.  Sometimes talent is not enough, and our minds and bodies are too fragile to bear the pressure and expectation we put on them.   I’m so grateful to Islam and too those people who support me, this is not an industry to go into alone.

He won’t be let go and forgotten, at least not by me.

Headscarf and Heels

After the Modest Maxi Dress feature I thought I’d treat you to the rest of his resort collection. There is a great mix of styles and colours. I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous and less trend led with what I wear and there is so much inspiration here.

Look Back

This is not the first time I featured Azrouël, and digging through those Fall 2009 looks I just couldn’t resist sharing them. I kind of got a this season Lanvin vibe from it, but dressed down for sure.

[View with PicLens]

(images: style.com)