Thanks for the many emails asking to share the pictures of the Arabian Launch. Here goes …….

So every year we hold some sort of a fashion event to introduce some of the new Abaya arrivals for Ramadaan and Eid. This year I wanted to stay away from the “superficialness” and “commercialness” of a fashion show and thought of not doing anything. But my friend Ferial, would not hear of that. She wanted that day, her “ladies day out!” as she puts it.

I agreed on condition we benefit and take goodness out of the function …. My friends Shakira, Ferial and sister Fehmida and I started the planning.

The day needed to be a celebration of who we are. It all starts from the care and time we take in looking after ourselves, the way we carry ourselves, and the examples we set. We are the reflections of our mothers and the inspirations for our daughters. Let us do it in style!

All these beautiful pictures were taken by the talented Rowena of Secrets and Stilettos.

The Setting

The venue was the very elegant Pearl Room at Image Lifestyle Wedding and Conference Venue (011-4923592) A huge shout out to Ismail (082-5034600) and his team from Unusual Functions who went out of their way to make sure everything was beautiful and perfect! Alhamdullilah! In true Arabian opulence we enjoyed the low seating, the rich navy and gold colour palette and the elegant setting. Oh and that lovely aroma of oud filled the room. The nasheed playlist played softly in the back ground.  It was indeed a feast for all senses!

 

The Food

Heard the food was divine…. I was just too nervous to put something in my mouth. Almond Milk and baklava, Khawah and kajoor, Arabian rice, Prune chicken kalya, Almond Arabic lamb. Arabian salads….. there was such a delicious variety.

 

 

The Gifts

Each guest received a glass jar with rose flavoured Turkish Delight. In keeping the promise that we needed to derive goodness from the day, we handed out miswaaks to revive a Sunnat of our beloved Nabi (Peace be upon Him). The Seven Seas Spa (011-8389938) was kind enough to give each guest a gift voucher as well as two special guests received substantial spa treatments. (Just to let you know my friend and I recently spent a much needed afternoon at the Seven Seas Spa. It was treatment heaven! Highly recommend you book a session) Dr Aysha Kola Adam and Dr Mo’aaza Omar from the Crosby Medical Centre (011-8391095) also gifted each guest a voucher for a treatment at their aesthetic clinic. Salma from Ajmaan (079-0849849) also gifted two signature scarves to two lucky guests. It was indeed a day of sharing.

 

 

Our Guest Speakers Presentations

We hand selected guest speakers to inspire. Read about our guests here.

Founders of the Hijab Support Group Zaahira and Tasneem  motivated and captivated everyone. My guests are still talking about the inspiration they drew from them. (Zaahira and Tasnim are both in Niqab, we won’t be sharing any pics of them)

However I must mention, Zaahira put the beautiful nasheed playlist for the function together and during Ramadaan we sold the playlist, all proceeds went to needy families. Alhamdullilah.  Deriving some more goodness. May Allah accept.

Loanda the gorgeous stylist with her unique approach to putting yourself together shared her style. Our guests walked home with great tips.

 

 

The Abayas

I moved away from bringing in pieces that are “whats in”… you certainly don’t want to look like you in uniform with everyone.… but rather wear something that flatters your personality and flatters your body shape, then pick up trends like a new colour or a new texture for a particular season and accessorise. Fashion repeats itself, and there is no exception to abayas. It’s what you do to the abaya to make it your own style, that’s what makes you different.

For the fashion show I kept the pieces toned down and selected what would flatter most clients.  I picked up on rich textures like velvets, suede’s, fringing, pleating and also warm colours to compliment winter such as earthy tones, gold’s, splashes of reds and some polka dots for fun too. We added beautiful belts to compliment the abayas, corded ones, leather ones and even gorgeous metal belts.

The actual fashion show was indeed theatrical. Being a ladies only function models let down their hair and rocked that ramp in floral crowns and creative Arabian inspired headpieces.

 

The range this year at the Nspired studio is so extensive, the fashion show only surfaced on a few. These pictures are also not all the abayas showcased. Please do email me to get viewing times. There is something for everyone. Be it understated or lots of drama.

So there you have it…. celebrating who you are and sharing a little Arabian inspiration!

Even if one person benefitted from our gathering I am satisfied. We achieved our goal!

I am so proud to be a South African! Ladies I salute you. You are all so great at what you do and you do it in style!

Much love as always