Emerging Fervour

I’ve just come back from Beirut after spending a couple of weeks grazing out there whilst the lovely Nat has been blogging every day the trooper! My trip wasn’t just a holiday though, it was in preparation for my permanent move out there in the next couple of months – yes, my secret destination is Beirut city! None of my friends believe that I’m actually doing it this time; it’s pretty much been the same story since graduating – but it really is happening – promise!

Deciding to move wasn’t an easy task…but my 2 weeks there finally convinced me that this was a challenge I was up for…the middle-east’s fashion capital!

Downtown Beirut

Souks in Beirut

In a series of blogs, we’ll explore the the fashion and lifestyle do’s and don’ts in this small city, preparing me for what’s to come.

Bag Ladies

There are 2 types of females in Beirut. Those who are driven by designer brands and the rest of us who are content to explore.

Last week the Baselworld exhibition closed its doors after 8 days where 1’915 exhibitors from five continents showed the 100,700 trade buyers from 100 countries that streamed into the halls what we can expect in the watch & jewellery industry this season.

The list of exhibitors reads like a dream for the riches (or thieves!). Tag Heuer, Breitling, Chopard, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Tiffany’s & Co, Bulgari, Rolex, Omega; on and on goes the list.

Although I was working at the exhibition and didn’t get much time to browse, whenever I had a break and walked the halls, I was still taken aback by the sheer luxury that shouts from every stand. Some of them can take 6 weeks if not longer to build and will take 3 weeks to take down and looking at these constructions of mini houses it is no surprise. Some, such as Breitling, have 3 stories and are bigger than many of our flats. They have stairs, bridges, race cars, aquariums, you name it, and there is surely a stall that has it! It’s sheer decadence but then these are the big players of the industry with the bigger budgets. There are also some smaller brands which house in little stalls; it’s their work rather than the stall that have to draw the buyers in.

You might remember a while back I did a piece about Mo Kiddo and his paintings, plus an exclusive interview. This time, we’re peaking into his wardrobe in this week’s feature. Mo is actually my cousin…the flamboyant and quirky one in the family that everyone loves.

From Lanvin to Versace, Mo loves his designer brands and these designers must love him…I mean look at the size of that f*****g wardrobe!

He’s in Belgium, so I asked him to send me pictures of his favourite outfits to put in this feature…As usual, Mo is in LaLa land when I’m talking to him, and he decides to send me his own style shots…he’s too far, but if you can, check out Mo’s top 3 outfits!

JUMPER

SCARF

VOGUE have partnered up with designers, department stores, high-street chains and boutiques to create Fashion’s Night Out, an evening extravaganza to be held around the world, today from 6pm until midnight.

There will be original in-store activities, including personal appearances, makeovers and workshops, during extended shopping hours all over the West End in London.

You can find the full list of events and shops that joined on Vogue’s website but here are just a few to get you excited:

Agent Provocateur

Come and join them for a glass of Champagne and view our stunning new collection at participating London boutiques from 6.00pm to 10.00pm. Customers will receive a special gift bag with purchase. Be the first to see their long-awaited new campaign, – Agent Provocateur – The New World Order and look out for Harold and the mighty Agent Provocateur Love Force who will be handing out AP’s new illustrated novel on the night…

Ok, I’m having an obsession at the moment with the whole Bohemian Luxe/Foho thing that has been a showstopper for Gucci’s A/W 2008/2009 collection for both men and women.

There is so much choice out there for this look, how can anyone shy away from having a go?

Women’s key items to this look are:

• folk inspired leather pieces
• luxe fur or fur trimmed pieces
• peasant shirts
• embroidery and paisley prints
• charm / coin belts and jewellery
• fringed long skinny scarves
• fringed boots or shoes

Wear this look with bed hair and smoky eye make up to get the most out of it. Match it up with long flowing hair for the ultimate Esmerelda meets sex-goddess look.

For those of us working on a budget, high street stores such as French Connection have really gone for it with Foho – in fact their collections seem to be getting better and better lately.