Guilt Free Starch

Whenever I visit Beirut, the first boutique I go to is Starch located in Saifi Village. Starch is the brainchild of Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz and Tala Hajjar Khalaf (Kayrouz’s PR & Marketing Manager), where they nurture and bring together the finest collections from the brightest up-and-coming fashion designers Lebanon has to offer.

Almost every 6 months, new designer are introduced. So I wanted to find out who’s been chosen this time. The boutique’s interior has been revamped since I last been there. I loved how the ceiling was covered in miles of what it looked like white wool threads to give the impression of starch I guess. There were leather handbags, accessories and some clothes on display by a group of different designers. One designer that caught my attention was Racha Elabbas. Her designs had a mix of eclectic Comme des Garçons shapes but with Marni-like colors. And to my luck, the designer herself was in-store (such a lovely person! Very down-to-earth She's featured in one of the photos below) so I chit chatted with her a bit about her collection, called Collection one, which was inspired by a coupled study of contemporary architecture and fabric. Think hand-painted and graphic-printed jerseys, silks, and wool in shades of blues, nude, grays, and blacks mixed using unexpected details such as pleats, laser-cut details, and draping.

Everything looked beautiful. The only drawback? Starch did not have an ATM/credit card swipe machine. I had to pay in cash and I hate it when that happens!

Scroll down to view or photos of Starch Boutique and Collection one by Racha Elabbas (by the way! Doesn't the model look like a younger version of Lebanese singer Fayrouz??). You can contact Racha Elabbas on (+961) 71 447430 or send her e-mail.

Hackett Now Open in Kuwait

For all you guys who love Polo & Tommy, you’ll be thrilled to know that British Brand Hackett is now open in Kuwait at The Avenues (Phase II). The home of authentic British Menswear and style, Hackett , has a worldwide reputation for producing high quality, unique and distinctive, menswear and kid’s clothing. Hackett’s clothes offer a selection of formal wear including dinner jackets, business clothing such as ties, suits, shirts and trousers, smart casual, rugby shirts, designer polo shirts to accessories including belts, scarves, wallets, and travel bags. And here's an interesting fact, Hackett is the Official Clothing Partner of the Aston Martin Racing . So you will also find Limited edition 'Aston Martin Racing by Hackett' products available in store. These Aston Martin Racing products make ideal gifts for Formula 1 racing fan, or an Aston Martin owner.

Saks In Bahrain

I went to Saks Fifth Avenue store in Bahrain. The two-level store is located in City Centre Mall and has a collection of American and international clothes designers for Men and Women as well as jewelry, accessories, handbags, fragrances, cosmetics, intimate apparel, bridal, and children's apparel. However, I was slightly disappointed by the small selection, maybe because all items were on sale? Or the number and variety of brands were limited? Anyhow, my favourite section at Saks - Bahrain was Saks's world-famous 10022-SHOE salon (shown in the photo below). It had the same look & feel of the NY's shoe salon but of course not the same space. The Shoe Salon had really nice selection and they were all on sale! I have been told by Saks Sales Assistant that they will be hosting numerous special events throughout the year such as fashion shows and personal appearances by designers. Now that's something I'd be interested in! In addition, they currently offer in-st

Event: Villa Moda Movenpick Luxury Sale

The Villa Moda Movenpick Luxury Sale is an event all savvy shoppers and bargain hunters look forward to as it's a chance to get the best deals from the most wanted designer labels. The sale will showcase clothes and accessories from Spring/Summer 2008 collection and some going back to Fall 2007 collection (and even older). Believe me when I tell you there are some real bargains as all items will discounted with a whopping 60% or more. The event will start tomorrow Saturday and will be open to the public 10 AM to 10 PM. And all throughout Ramadan from 10 AM until 2 PM and from 7:30 PM until 12:30 AM. The women’s section will be in a tent just outside the Mövenpick. As for men’s, it will be in the Villa Moda Shuwaikh warehouse just behind the building. Signs are displayed for directions. You better be quick and go and grab all you want in the very first days before the good stuff/sizes are gone.

Confashions From Kuwait

Search This Blog