dubai fashion week

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Nail Art in Dubai

As far as fashion industry is concerned, it is no less than any other industry. People are evolving new and trendiest ways to look good. One such trendy fashion statement comes with nail art. Nail art is a kind of nail spa and you can get them decorated to flaunt it. Why just settle down after a manicure, if you can do a lot more than that. You can show a real art on your fingers thus, making it a flaunting and fashionable statement. You can get your nails painted with the latest designs and flowers in order to make them look attractive.

Nail art in Dubai is quiet famous and this talent really goes beyond your expectations. Fashion is always evolving in Dubai and it is not enough to have just well manicured hands. Getting your nails pierced, stenciled and even painted has become a rage in various metro and cosmopolitan cities and Dubai is one of them. Dubai has got a large number of parlors and expensive salons specializing in fingernail designs and they have started a lot more to meet the growing demand for creative nail art. There are endless paint effects which can be achieved with the help of nail stripes, nail stickers and a lot more.

The nail experts can turn your small nails into a canvas on which he can create some great pieces of work for you. As far as nail accessories are concerned, nail stripes of various designs and shapes can be used while decorating your nails. You can either use stars and dots to get your nails painted. You will find varieties of bail art galleries in the emirate, where you can shell out some money to give your hands and feet a fresh look. So, if you are planning to visit to Dubai, don’t miss this ultimate fashion experience of nail art.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Dubai Film Festival

An independent survey was commissioned after the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) held in last year which marked a change in the history of the Film Festivals. The survey was conducted by Neilson. Beyond the opinion of movie buffs, the festival gets a review each year as organizing committee push to prove the creative and commercial value of the event.

Shivani Pandya, the managing director of Dubai International Film Festival stated, “In many ways, this survey is the equivalent of a film review: it tells the best studios, filmmakers, distributors, buyers, other festivals and audience members that DIFF is worth going to."

Approximately 95 per cent of the public that attends the festival was surveyed and had an opinion that a variety of films all through the week were either excellent, or perfect in every way. A majority of them said that they were so happy and excited with it that they would recommend it to their relatives and friends while some of them said that they would like to visit again. The organizers of the festival have conducted surveys on the event since last three years and the results have been really good which has not been a surprise, seeing the reviews.

"We received high scores in that first survey and expected to do well again this year given the improvements we've made, but the 2008 survey has exceeded even those expectations." said Pandya.

According to the highlights of the survey, an area that could be revived and improved is expanded information about the films on offer, on which the chairman of the DIFF threw light on, in a press release.
"We are working to provide more and earlier information on our films and we will continue to announce other initiatives that will deliver an even better Festival," said Pandya.

However, this festival not only hopes for attention and visitors amongst the fans, but also aims on concentrating on increasing the commercial interest in the production industry of the region and set Dubai as a central platform for an industry that has thrived in several countries across the entire continent.

"The Dubai Film Market, our platform to promote Arab, Asian and African content around the world, last year secured deals with buyers from across Europe, South Africa, Iran, Australia, North America and the Middle East and Africa," said Pandya.There were a series of face to face interviews through the surveys with over 100 journalists, sponsors and industry participants.

International distributors, buyers and programmers appreciated the quality of Dubai Film Connection, an initiative was launched by DIFF market of film projects and Arab talent, mentioned the Festival organizers. They rated the sessions of the panel very high and stated the existence of influencers in the international industry as a major bonus.

The American production and distribution company Shoreline Entertainment grabbed the rights for international sales to the Palestinian film Pomegranates and Myrth and Dada’s dance from China at the Dubai Film Festival, as said by Pandya.

She also said, "The Dubai Film Connection, our co-production market, is another tremendously successful initiative," she added. "Out of the 33 film projects selected since 2007, 15 are in various stages of production. Five have finished filming, including several that have gone on to win awards at Cannes and Sundance."

When the aim is to invite some serious investment, conduction of some independent surveys is important.

Sevil Ermin, managing director of Nielsen's UAE office said, "This survey is one of the most comprehensive conducted for any event in the region," said. "A total of 685 respondents were interviewed, which is a substantial sample size. Whether you're an international filmmaker, budding talent, business house or festival, a survey like this tells you that the festival is worth participating in.”

"Investors - be they corporations, international visitors or local audience members - are increasingly conscious of audited performance and measurable returns, and [the] Festival delivers on both counts," said Pandya.

But, just like the films, the Festival is also about the interest in commercial trade, she added. It is a cultural experience. Lately, the Dubai International Film Festival announced the foremost events in the cultural calendar of Dubai for its sixth edition, to run from December 9 to 16, 2009.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

UAE High on Luxury Shopping

According to a survey conducted by retail analysts at ACNielsen, The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top five countries, all across the globe, for buying luxury accessories and fashion. More than 23,500 internet users, in 42 markets throughout Europe, The UAE, South Africa, Latin and North America and Asia Pacific were filed in for survey and questioned about their present purchasing patterns.

One third of the respondents mentioned in the survey that they buy luxury branded goods, while over half claimed that they knew someone who indulged in the same. Products and accessories by Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, LV and Yves Saint Laurent proved to be the most famous with local fashion consumers. But when enquired about which brands they would purchase if money was not an issue, Giorgio Armani got the highest scores with 46% of consumers voting for the luxury label. Dior followed next with 42%, Chanel with 32% while Gucci, Givenchy and Versace with 31% each.

Followed by the results, Piyush Mathur, Regional Managing Director, at ACNielson, Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP) said, ”Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel have established themselves as historical brands promoting conservative and classical values widely recognized in UAE society. Additionally, the premium and superior positioning of these brands in the UAE also appeals to wealthy consumers.”

Most part of the survey is great news for fashion retailers however, a huge 82% of respondents in UAE said that designer brands are overpriced. This has not ceased UAE consumers to emerge as some of the most energetic buyers of designer accessories and apparels all across the world. The survey also released some common attractions of the brands with 62% of respondents saying that designer brands are linked with higher social class and only half believe that the designer clothes are not much better quality than ordinary or local brands. Bringing forth a spirit of international and creative appeal, Fashion Arabia offers an exciting blend of contemporary designer and channelized fashion from more than 30 renowned couture designers and a stellar line up of ‘A’ list designers and alluring newcomers.

This definitely will be a great news for buyers who will be spoilt for choice with a diverse and unrivalled offer comprising an amazing collection of boutique and couture brands, inspirational and directional ready-to-wear brands for women, men and children, modern lines offering a blend of tailored and time-less collections, exotic occasion and evening wear, Islamic fashion, bridal wear, swimwear and lingerie, and casual wear for a fast delivery from the current season.

An exquisite selection of luxury, designer and fashion inspired bags, footwear and the hottest accessories offers a projection of the chicest, hippest and ultra modern brands from more than 150 iconic labels, new generation of emerging brands and fashion giants setting the fashion world on fire.

“They are confident that the downturn in their domestic markets will be countered by the growth opportunities presented by the UAE and the GCC markets - markets renowned for high consumer spending and an insatiable appetite for quality and directional fashion. Many are thinking big and are introducing brands and collections previously unavailable in the GCC to make a major impression on the regions retailers, distributors and media,” said Christopher Hudson, Managing Director of Mecom Forums, the show organizer.

He also added, “In some of the toughest ever market conditions seen in fashion retail, buyers need to make the right product choices and take calculated risks. To guide buying, the brands at both Fashion Arabia and Shoe & Leather Fair Middle East are hand picked ensuring that buyers discover premium product and quality suppliers who will work in partnership with retailers, both in terms of cost and time efficiency.”

All across the world, fashion and lifestyle in UAE stands apart in terms of quality and standards. In the UAE, there are comparatively more people who fall in the business and elite class category and they are positioned at the top most slab of income. The more people in the elite class indicates that there will be a greater level of purchasing which in turn will give a boost to the economy of the nation.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Paris Hilton in Dubai

Born on February 17, 1981, to Kathy and Rick Hilton, Paris Hilton is the great-granddaughter of Conrad Hilton, who happens to be the founder of the Hilton group of hotels and source of the family fortune — estimated at $300 million. Her grandfather, Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, Jr., also brought some notorious factor to the family, by becoming the first husband of the many ex-husbands of of Elizabeth Taylor. The throne of the Hilton Empire is shared by her younger sister, Nicky, as a co- heiress.

Paris Hilton is all set to hit the Dubai grounds and off to a clubbing start as she becomes a part of a social event on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the much sought after launch of The Bed Lounge at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City. So which way, people of Dubai observe her visit to Dubai? Are they informed in a better way about the actress than the average American or they still hold the pre conceived notions about her reputation as a socialite and believe that all she knows is how to party?

A 28 year old Pakistani, Mohammad Zeeshan says,” Quite exciting. Bumping into a celebrity is always nice. You never know what Paris Hilton will do. She lives in her old fantasy land and has her own artificial bubble of life. I wish she could come here more often. She is a party animal and a cool chick, which I like personally, but for a role model, I guess she is not that great.”

C. S Sagoo, a 62 year old British National said,” She’s outstanding and quite controversial, I’m not all that affected by her visit to Dubai. We have heard a lot of scandalous things about her from the press, whether they are true or not, we can not be sure. If they are all right, she can not be a good role model. I don’t think her arrival would affect UAE as such, but a certain younger generation might just want to go and see her, her outfits, her accessories and things like that. But the mature section of the public won’t be affected at all by her."

A 35 year old writer from India, Sveltana F. said, “Her every move is being covered, what that says about us and the society we live in. It is not very positive at all." The party at the Festival City will feature DJ’s Pierre Ravan and Danny Nevelle, and will also host a competition in which twenty contestants will be competing in Paris Hilton’s reality show to be her new BFF! (Best Friend Forever)

A few set of tickets will be available to the public, and can be purchased through an online website named timeouttickets. So get dressed and come be a part of the grand event hilarious fun. Doors will be opened till 8 pm. The BED Lounge is a completely new venue which opens with three theme nights; Wednesday’s Flo…’ that features Danny Neville playing R&B and Hip Hop, Thursday’s ‘The Circus’ plays the latest in House by Pierre Ravan and Friday night brings with it the best of Asian Fusion.

The BED Lounge happens to be a Joint venture between InterContinental Dubai Festival City and The Talent Brokers in association with Concept Events, who aim to present a fresh and innovative approach to nightlife while assuring to exceed all other clubbing experiences. People only above the age of 21 years will be permitted entry by the organizers who receive the right of admission. This event is brought into picture by its sponsors, Splash and is managed by The Talent Brokers in association with Concept Events.

Monday, June 8, 2009

The Mall of the Emirates

In the District of Dubai, Al Barsha, in the United Arab Emirates, there is a gigantic shopping mall, The Mall of the Emirates, which happens to be a complete shopper’s paradise. Approximately 2,400,000 square feet of shops is contained in the Mall and it entirely forms a total of 6.5 million square feet. It is quite impossible to miss the Mall of the Emirates while you travel down to Sheikh Zayed Road at the 4th interchange. Even if this is supposed to be your first visit, you cannot help but notice the unique slope of Ski Dubai on the West end of the mall.

This mall has over 7000 covered parking bays to offer in a 4 tiered car park which also provide an easy access to the mall. These aisles meant for parking are monitored electronically on regular basis for spaces and fenced individually when full for the convenience of the visitors. These parking aisles are coded with colors also include distinct patterns on the floors just for the convenience of the car owners to find their way back with ease. The greatest number of stores can be found in the Mall of Arabia under one roof and the widest range of shopping from teen fashion to designer brands, electronics, furniture, accessories, jewelry, bags, shoes, books, toys, and anything that could possibly come into your thought.

With a brilliant idea of supporting themes in the park on the basis of which stores are grouped in to precincts, the two tiers of the malls are connected by a network of travelators and escalators, resulting into a great pleasure for shopaholics. The Mall of the Emirates is Dubai’s favorite place of meeting; the one and only place that offers people and their friends’ groups a destination to eat out, play, do spend some moolah on shopping, learn or even rest in luxuries of a five stars. Several services are offered at the Mall of the Emirates to make your visit a memorable experience along with taking care of the errands of the customers and help them to shop conveniently. These services are available to the customers to make the best use of the facilities at any of the five desks available for customer service, which are located at different positions on the ground as well as the first floor.

Inside the mall, there are dual Dubai hotels, two beautiful mosques, more than seventy restaurants and Dubai Community Arts and Theater comprising a 500 –Seat Theater and an art gallery. Debenhams and Harvey Nichols have opened their biggest outlets in the region at Mall of the Emirates, while as many as 66 outlets including Bois, Aizone & Chiffon, M Missoni, Reiss and Marc Jacobs have launched their first ever stores in the Middle East debut with the mall. More than 400 retail stores symbolize every household brand that you can think of and comprise a massive Virgin Megastore. Other prominent brands include Lacoste, Guess, H&M, Pepe and Tommy Hilfiger. The exotic “Rodeo Drive” area holds some of the more superior skin shops and like Burberry, Dolce and Gabbana and DKNY.

One of the many leisure things to do inside this great paradise for shopping is to visit the Ski Dubai and take a ride in the snow covered hills, that feature real snow and numerous chair lifts to the summit which is as high as 85 meters. A Snow Park is also featured by a Ski Dome along with a Freestyle Zone, five runs, party rooms for kids and much more. After a great afternoon of fun and frolic all around in the premises of this great Mall of Emirates, people can check out the latest blockbusters at the movie theatre comprising of 14 screens or Magic Planet, an enormous indoor arcade featuring rides, games, bowling alleys and pool tables. There is a multitude of restaurants and licensed bars to give a kick and a high, to catch up between shopping and to enjoy a meal. There are various fine dining options at Dubai’s West End close to various other entertainment attractions. Stylish and contemporary, these restaurants are way better from the regular food courts in the malls.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Dubai Fashion Week 2009

The most populous and the second largest Emirate of the UAE after Abu Dhabi is the proud organizer for the much awaited Dubai Fashion Week. Dubai stands out from other emirate family in a way that the revenues it holds for oil accounts to only 6% of its gross domestic product. Dubai also offers a majority of revenues from the tourism that is at a rise since last two decades.

Climate

Dubai has a sub-tropical, arid environment. Rainfall is intermittent and asymmetrical during November and March. Dubai's weather is sunny and warm without being terribly hot. During winter, temperatures are around 23 degrees C during the day while it’s cold at night. Language: Arabic is the official language in the United Arab Emirates. Arabic and English are used commonly in commerce and business. Urdu and Hindi are also broadly used.


Organizer

Concept Events was established in 2004, and it is an event management company that is fully dedicated in fulfilling clients’ needs, exhibitions and seminars, as well as live entertainment, trade shows and award ceremonies. Concept Events provides solutions that are expansively planned and executed resourcefully. The company manages and develops seminars for the corporate events, operates and conceives unique award functions and develops scientific strategies for retail and regional corporate clients.

Concept Events organized the Invest & Live in Ras Al Khaimah conference in 2005 on World Bank’s behalf. The RetailMe Awards were also introduced by the company which is now an Annual Event developed to recognize retail excellence in the area. Concept Event in 2007 also produced and conceived DFW in Dubai Fashion Week in 2007 as a revolutionary business event for the industry of fashion, launching Dubai as the hub of international fashion in the Middle East. The Concept Events also managed and produced the first annual Dubai Millionaire Fair held in 2007.


Venue Information


Jumeirah Emirates Towers is the planned destination for the fifth edition of the Dubai Fashion week. Elevating high above the central business and commercial district, it is a thespian backdrop to the skyline of Dubai and a clear statement to the nation’s booming corporate success. The stylish Ballroom named Godolphin is a highly impactful, with a marble flooring, natural daylight, hand tufted carpets, high ceilings, and contemporary chrome crystal chandeliers.


Advantageously positioned for an easy access to the media, stake holders and the retail stores of the fashion and design industry, it can be accessed by a retail stores and other stake holders of the fashion design industry, it can be accessed by a devoted opening on the hotel’s South side; where valet parking is available. With its landscaped gardens, waterfalls and ornamental lakes, it is the ideal environment set in tranquility for the Dubai Fashion Week. A collection of Show Area, a dedicated Buyer’s Lounge, a Media Centre, a Sponsor Zone and a VIP Hospitality Lounge will be included in the venue area.

The Collection Show Area

It features a long catwalk and has 360 seats to offer, and on either side of the catwalk, 3 tiers are equally divided. There is a different section for Buyers, and Media have devoted an exclusive entrance leading to the pit of media for crew as well as seating for the editorial staff.

The Buyer’s Lounge

It is an area where the collections of the designers are exhibited and taken after the show. Buyers can interact with designers, relax and conduct business in an environment favorable to business. An access to the lounge is available to the recognized buyers only.

The Sponsor Zone

It is positioned in the main entrance hallway and features sponsors exhibiting their products in a creative manner.

The VIP Hospitality lounge

It provides a considerate environment for designers, sponsors, and other VIP guests, to create a potential business association an interaction. Sponsored by some cheap holidays companies of Dubai , Evian Bar is a must check out zone where specially concocted brews are served.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Dubai’s Fashion Parade

Dubai is known for its booming economy. There has been soaring trade between UAE and Europe, which has once again got this emirate at a recognizable platform in the international fashion industry. There are several shows and exhibitions arrange through out the city to encourage their fashion industry.

One such event was organised in partnership between Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This exhibition presented top class fashion market aimed at showing latest trends in women’s wear, children’s wear, men’s apparel, swimwear, lingerie, footwear, sports wear and lather goods. This exhibition was organized to give a significant exposure to the retailers, sales mediators, buyers and distributors in the UAE and built relations with the international designer and fashion houses. 'PRESTIGE' has proved to be an excellent venue for fashion houses across Europe, the US and Asia to exhibit their brands and further understand GCC markets,' said Michael Mueller, Managing Director, Planetfair Dubai. 'With the number of shopping malls increasing at a dramatic pace and Dubai now established as an international business hub, it is vital for these brands to gain a foothold here and play a part in the region's rapidly growing fashion industry.'