GLAM SOCIAL MEDIA

Editor Sindhu Chief Fashion Correspondent Senior CorrespondentS Abigail

Nair mathias

Debrina Aliyah

Ezdhar Ibrahim Ali AYSWARYA Murthy

Correspondent sabrina christensen

Photographer

rob altamirano venkat reddy Hanan Abu Siam Indrajith REDDY B

Senior Art Director

Deputy Art Director

See all the latest looks from New York, London, Milan and Paris as the SS14 fashion month takes place. We will be posting our favourite runway styles, street style shots, as well as predictions on what the biggest trends will be the next spring!

Assistant Art Director Ayush

Senior Graphic Designer MAHESHWAR Senior Manager Marketing Zulfikar Assistant Manager - Marketing Senior Media ConsultantS Hasan

EVENTS OF THE MONTH

1 Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience October 10, 6pm to late, Dubai Mall, UAE. Highlights include The Fashion Catwalk of the Dubai Mall, where eight regional talents will showcase their collections, and the Eco Talents area, featuring videos, short films and touch screen monitors will illustrate the work of designers committed to eco-sustainable production. There will also be a retrospective showing Vogue Italia covers from the last 25 years, and Vogue Unique will be putting on a haute couture show, with the images of the creations designed from the year 2000 to now, while the brands of Fashion Avenue of the mall will present a selection of limited-edition items that will be put on sale with charitable purposes, part of the proceedings will go to Dubai Cares.

Jiffry

thomas jose Rekkab lydia youssef Baluch

Marketing Research & Support Executive Kanwal Senior Accountant Pratap Sr. Distribution Executive Bikram Distribution Support Arjun

Chandran Shrestha

Timilsina

Bhimal Rai Basantha.P

Publisher and Editorinchief

Yousuf Jassem Al Darwish Sehgal Alpana Roy Ravi Raman

Chief Executive Sandeep Executive Vice President Vice President

COMING UP

GLAM is published by Oryx Advertising Co. WLL. The contents of this publication are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher and/or license holder. All rights rest with Datalog media solutions. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any advertising contents carried in this publication. Contact info@omsqatar.com, glam@omsqatar.com www.issuu.com/oryxmags www.facebook.com/glamqatar Call us: +974 44550983, 44672139, 44671178, 44667584 Fax: +974 44550982

In tribute to the Qatar-UK 2013 cultural year, we will be whipping up a special Brit issue where we speak to some of the most influential designers from the UK as well as regional personalities who have showcased in the city of the Big Ben.

G Talk
as it unfortunate timing? On the night of the grand opening of QELA, The Guardian released an investigative report on alleged modern-day slavery in Qatars construction industry. So while one side of the city was eagerly reviewing the inaugural fashion collection of the countrys first homegrown luxury brand, the other was up-in -arms about the horrors of what is happening in the underbelly of this city. Sure, the celebrations were considered frivolous but objectively, it is two different topics altogether. It is unfair that some had taken to the Internet to lambast qela as a mean to vent their anger after reading the report. QELA had been a project that was keenly-followed by many, in and out of Qatar. The fashion set has heard rumours but there was never a straight out confirmation on the brand, until the opening night of the brands inaugural boutique. Many of the guests present were surprised, some pleasantly and some puzzled, at the final products on the retail floor. No bright shiny things? No jalabiyas? Is this truly an Arabian brand? More initial opinions had formed, many who are less than impressed and felt that the project that took years to come to life, could have been much more than what was presented in its debut collection. But really, are we jumping into conclusions too quickly? The biggest of fashion labels in the world have taken much longer to really find their footing. And what more, QELA is a brand that is trying to position itself as something of a reserved old soul, that needs nurturing and a discovery process with its clientele, and not just a label that is eager to shout to the world. We think it takes a certain knowledge and open-mindedness to slowly appreciate what the true essence of QELA is. In the pages of our exclusive and low-key fashion editorial this month, we capture the understated beginning of the Qatari brand, one whose wings are spread and will slowly take flight.

Editors Pick
What Ashish Gupta wanted to tell the world was to just relax. Wake up in the morning, jump off your bed and head out to grab some breakfast with some of your jewellery on from last night. Hence, the Tesco shopping bags with bed frazzled hair. It will turn some heads for sure and it grabbed our attention, mainly we just love seeing Arabic letters used in the Western world. The Arabic words here, simply, just mean happiness. From Ashish SS14 presentation at London Fashion Week.

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Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette Chaine

STYLE THIS
BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

Christian Dior Bijoux Pearl Ring

No, the pajama craze is not going away and with the coming of shorter days, we are more than excited to bring our pajama-inspired outfits out to play. We have been waxing lyrical about this trend more than ever mainly because fashion has never felt more comfortable and the modest appearance is a big bonus for us living here in Qatar. The versatility also means that the look can both be for day or night depending on how it is styled. This luscious Olivia von Halle PJhave landed on Net-A-Porter (QR1,820) and for a touch of class and elegance, dress this up for a cool night out in Doha with these coveted accessories.

Christian Dior Two-tone motif smoking slippers

Atelier Versace Fine Jewellery Diamond Earrings

LOVING
Compiled by DEBRINA ALIYAH CH Carolina Herrera Gaston Collection Clutch
r Dio ch t ian rist te Clu h C et qu a M

ACCESSORY

Victori a Be Tan L ckham Le ath emon er Clu tch

Lanvin Beyond Bag

Gucci Snakeskin Pochette

CLUTCH IT
Clutches are in the spotlight more than ever and they come in just about any size imaginable. Forget about the dainty showpieces, we are talking about functional chic clutches that can be used from day to night. The layered compartments also streamline your decision to carry only what you really need. When you need to free your hands, just grip it against your body with your arm and you are good to go!

r r re He lina Bag o r et Ca CH Jet S

Ma

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Christian Louboutin Artemis Sac

42 \ TRENDS
CH Carolina Herrera Obi Belt

Louis Vuitton Col Lock Me Nomade Collar

Christian Dior Texture Ring

Toujouri Amber Hue Belt

Christian Dior Bird Ring

CINCH IT
A defined waistline is a mark of a lady especially when paired with the trending shift dresses and voluminous separates of the season. Keep it cinched with slender belts for a subtle look or go big with an obi-inspired sash for the extra snug. While you are at it, cinching is spot on for collars too which is perfect for the workday shirts.

BIJOUX PRETTY
Go delicate this season with statement jewellery pieces that are both attention grabbing yet dainty. We love these bijoux selections from Christian Dior inspired by nature.

Melissa Kandiyoti Bubble Bracelet

Galuchat Collection Rings from Salvatore Ferragamo

COLOUR POWER
Fire-up the colour quotient in an otherwise gloomy fall with pops of colours in your accessories. Pick one focus piece and build your outfit around it.

Dannijo Zazu Earrings

Kenzo Sunglasses

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Layered Statement Necklace from Lanvin

CHAIN CONNECTION
From bags to jewellery, you will not miss the links of chains that are trending this season. Chain straps on satchels are making headlines, giving the extra glimmer edge to leather bags. Accessorise your bags with additional chain necklaces by looping it around the handles, or use it as a connecting wristlet to your clutches. Chain necklaces and bracelets are also great to spice up a mono-colour outfit; loop them into thick layers for a high-fashion look or just a single link for the pretty princess.

Shoe Pendant Necklaces from Salvatore Ferragamo

Charm Pendant Necklace from Salvatore Ferragamo

Carolina Herrera Tempo Collection

Victoria Beckham Statement Clutch

Christian Dior Black Sac

46 \ TRENDS

Salvatore Ferragamo Lace Up Gladiator Heels

ANDROGYNY MEETS DOMINATRIX

We were wondering if the shoes this fall were influenced by the popularity of the bestseller, 50 Shades of Grey, with many dominatrix-inspired heels dominating the runway. The dangerously sexy trend is one that vamps out your look so be sure to balance it out with a demure outfit to ace this trend. If heels are not your cup of tea, round it out with this seasons androgynous shoes that is perfect for almost any day outfits.

Christian Louboutin Flat Latcho

Christian Louboutin Python Zazou

Salv at A n k o r e Fe r r le Sa a sh P gamo ump s

Kenzo Metallic Pumps

Sergio Rossi Mesh Cage Heels

Lan

vin

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Le Sport Coqif Wedge Sneakers

Laco ste Print Snake s kin Snea ke r s

SNEAKERS
Much like the androgynous oxfords and lace-ups, sneakers is definitely a menswear territory. While many of us feminine dressers may find it hard to incorporate sneakers into our shoe roster, fall is definitely a great time to give this trend a go. The wedge sneaker is a surefire way to get your outfit going, giving you the instant height and lift with the hidden heel. One style tip is to pair it with slim pants or leggings as it helps elongate your legs as wedge sneakers can be unflattering when it cuts off at your ankles.

Le S Qu illa E ilte mb d H elli igh she Top d s

e Lac e loe g Ch Wed Up

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Louis Vuitton Plastron Ziggy

Gucci Structured Choker

CHUNKY MONKEY
KORMELITZ Malefique Necklace

Keep it simple; just wear one of these at any one time! Chunky accessories are all the rage this fall, a bonus if you are not into mixing and matching all your arm or neck candies. Pair one big pieces with neutral color outfits and chunky necklaces are especially flattering on low-collared shirts and tops.

CH Carolina Herrera Stone Mesh Necklace

Lanvin Runway Look

KORMELITZ Malefique Clip On Earrings

CH Carolina Herrera Resin Bangle

Lanvin Tote

o Bambo Gucci Tote Handle

Salvatore Ferragamo Sling Bag

TOP & SLING

The two trends for bags this fall are top handles and sling backs. Inspired by the storied bamboo handle bags of Gucci, the top handle is not only chic but very convenient for those on the go. Hook it around your forearm or hold on tight to it with style conviction. And whats not to love about the additional sling straps?

Louis Vuitton Parnassea Bag

Stephane Rolland Emerald Croco Bag

Victoria Beckham Structured Tote

Tods Two Way Satchels

Greatest Hits
By DEBRINA ALIYAH

London Fashion Week SS14's

It mostly rained, with little bit of sunshine but that did not stop the style makers from rushing venue to venue to catch the presentations of what's to come next in fashion next spring. And it definitely did not dampen the street style spirits of the guests at the events. Here's an edit of the greatest hits that happened on and off the runways.

01. The Buzz

The most prolific and jam-packed show was, of course, Burberry's at West Albert Lawn. Christopher Bailey presented a collection themed English Rose, and literally sent a rain of rose petals onto the runway at the end of the show.

It's a shame that us modern women don't wear hats enough these days. Headonism is a British Fashion Council initiative curated by Stephen Jones, to celebrate the new wave of emerging London milliners. Time to get your headgear on!

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Expect flowers, lots and lots of flowers and floral motifs in the SS14 collections, a recurrent trend in many of the designers presentations.

Time to practise your grip, the hottest bag trend in SS14 will be the clutch. Oversized clutches and even clutching your tote as seen at Anya Hindmarchs presentation.

Tom Ford's SS14 collection was much hyped about for its sensual and sexy interpretations. We were absolutely intrigued by this pair of lace-up boots cum fishnet stockings.

Nicholas Kirkwood was the man of the moment, winning the 2013 BFC/Vogue Fashion Fund, designing the brand campaign for the SS14 LFW and being acquired by LVMH all in the recent months.

One Direction being the biggest thing in the UK right now, Harry Styles was spotted on the front row of many a show, creating quite a fan-mania every directioin he went.

And whats the best way to showcase a designer collection of work out apparel? Get the models working out of course, seen at the adidas by Stella McCartney presentation.

02. Postcards from London

Comfort First - Pajama jumpsuit gets a glam makeover

Bunny Ears - international press from Japan graced every show with his headgear. Round Rims - glasses are going retro this season

Shoe Party - these Tory Burch heels is a party on its own

Hilary Alexander - the most understated fashion journalist of all time.

Leopards Unite - animal prints all together now

Punk Represent - there has got to be some rebellion somewhere during fashion week

Colour Burst - the cold weather is no excuse to not wear colours

RUNWAY REPORT / 55

03. Longchamp Regent Street store opening

With Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof on the DJ deck dishing out the kind of tunes that everyone can groove to, (think Rihanna and Snoop Dogg), the party was through the roof with a full-house attendance from whos who of the global fashion set. The private party at the Longchamp boutique on Regent Street, London, was to celebrate the grand opening of the flagship store, La Maison in Motion. The three-storey store is the biggest in Europe thus far, with dedicated areas for leather goods, accessories, ready-to-wear as well as shoes. The launch party, held at the start of SS14 London Fashion Week, was graced by international press in town for the shows as well as headlining celebrities including Mick Jagger, Edie Campbell, Zoe Saldana, LWren Scott and Coco Rocha who is the face of the Longchamp AW13 ad campaign. A special London limited edition version of the classic Legende bag was also unveiled, as an exclusive to the flagship store.

A marriage of many
BY DEBRINA ALIYAH

Ethan Koh:

FOURTH GENERATION SINGAPOREAN LEATHER ARTISAN VENTURES INTO HIS OWN BESPOKE LEATHER LABEL IN EUROPE, EXPENDING THE SKILLS OF CRAFTSMEN IN TUSCANY, CATERING TO THE MOST DISCERNING STYLE MAKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

fOCUS / 61

We

hear tales of children of scions and dynasties squabbling away fortunes with little interest in the legacy their forefathers had founded. And then there is Ethan Koh, a 26-year-old, wise beyond his age, who is deeply immersed in the art that surrounds the leather tanning empire that his family has built. Heng Leong International finds its roots in Singapore, the brainchild of Kohs great-grandfather who learnt the art of exotic leather tanning from the British in the late 19th century. The tannery grew to be one of the biggest in the world, supplying leather to distinguished houses including Hermes, and in 2011, LVMH bought a controlling stake in the business. Coming from such storied legacy of craftsmen, Koh is armed with a unique skill set and experience that can hardly be rivaled, and it is no wonder, his new eponymous bespoke venture has seen quick success. What is it that has inspired you the most to create beautiful bags and launch your own bespoke label? Unlike any other artisan, I have four generations of exotic skin tanning expertise. I grew up with my familys tannery at the back of my home, which meant that I have always had a special interest in the artisanal secrets of tanning exotic skins. When I moved to London to pursue my dream of designing precious creations, I was inspired by my surroundings. Whether this was the shape of a door handle in Mayfair or a mirror at Claridges hotel, I took inspiration from each and this can be seen in my work. My heritage also plays a huge role in my designs, for example each skin is tanned matching the colours of the Asian flavours I have grown up with.

The most precious are South African Niloticus crocodiles, and Mississippiensis alligators from Louisiana are the rarest and most exquisite

How involved is your family in your own label? My family is incredibly encouraging. The first bag I created was for my mother and her opinions and ideas have always strengthened my designs. I was lucky to be able to see a lot of the world when I was growing up and my parents made sure I saw the beauty and inspiration in everything. Coming from a family business, I watched from a young age, as my father carefully brushed the exotic skins in the tannery and it is this passion that has been instilled in my work. Appreciation for exotic skins is something that has to be nurtured; clearly not everyone would understand this essence. Can you share some of the finer qualities of the different skins, and the techniques to finding the right fit? There are different skins which can be used to make handbags. The most precious ones are Niloticus crocodile from South Africa, Mississippiensis alligator from Louisiana and the rarest and most exquisite of all exotic skins, Porosus crocodile from Australiabecause the scales are smaller and more refined. When looked after with care, the exotic skins show remarkable solidity and durability, even gaining beauty through the years. While an exotic skin bag only gets better with use, it also develops an attractive patina through time. The tanning process is a very artistic one. While some say it is 100% science, I consider it to be half science and half art. Once tanned, I observe the skins in the early morning light, and then the afternoon light, and then under artificial light in the evening to see how each affects the skin. This personal touch is what sets me apart from others. How has your time in Tuscany influenced your work? When I visit my ateliers in Tuscany, I love to watch them handle the exotic skins. Their craftsmanship and experience always inspires me. They craft the skins with their heart. My experiences and encounters are part of my journey in creating each of my pieces. For example, each of my creation houses a small mirror

in the shape of a grand mirror at the Claridges Hotel. I would always see this mirror on my visits to the hotel and was inspired to have this symbol of London as part of each creation. Do you think the price inflation of exotic skins has also contributed to the inaccessibility of the end-products by consumers hence, creating a gap in knowledge on these items? The price inflation is one thing to consider but what is unique is not the price of the skin, but the artisan who chooses them. Someone who is given the most prized diamond cannot necessarily cut it in the best way. In the same way, what my clients respect me for is that I personally select each skin and visualise the bag before it is cut.

fOCUS / 63

We are a niche company and I dont have a big design team, which means that I can oversee the entire journey of each bag from beginning to end. By nature, crocodile skin is rare but we can see that our clients want something as a collection piece, something bespoke to them. How do you start in creating bags dedicated to individual clients? Luxury is about experiences and encounters. A few months ago, I visited a client in her home in London. As we sat in her garden, I saw an array of beautiful violet flowers, which inspired me to create a colour especially for her. The infusion of being a designer and artist is all about using the joy of someones life to create something special for them. I like to spend the day with my client to be inspired and see what influences are in their lives. Recently, a very special Middle Eastern client told me she wanted a bag to match both her abaya and her casual wear. Having spent the day with her, I created the Tani bag with a removable chain, so she can sling it over her abaya or use the top handle when styling it with other outfits. This level of service makes my clients feel truly special. This is particularly important for those who have the money to purchase anything they wish but seek the unique and distinctive. How do you feel about the growing market in Middle East? While everyone has the perception of the Middle East being a new luxury market, our clients are different. She has everything

Coming from a family business, I watched from a young age, as my father carefully brushed the exotic skins in the tannery and it is this passion that has been instilled in my work.
in her wardrobe but wants to be inspired by something unique. My approach is quite old-fashioned but my Middle Eastern clients, who fly in for a day or two to spend time with me, really appreciate that it is important for me to have this personal experience with them.
Ethan K is available at the Copia VIP office in Dubai and in Harrods, London.

Mod Frontier
It has arrived. Qatars first homegrown luxury brand QELA opened its doors this month with a collection that is pleasantly surprising. Defined silhouettes, strong representation of the brands DNA and solid construction results in classic elegant pieces that are befitting of a queen.

Direction: Debrina Aliyah Photography: Karl Moreto Hair & Makeup: Blanca Montenegro & Debi Mendez All items from QELA. The new boutique is located at The Pearl, Qatar. All apparel are custom made-to-order.

Floor-length silk dress in orange Price on Request Amal Earrings in white gold with white pave diamonds Price on Request

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Wool jacket with metal thread embroidery Price on Request Silk chiffon open sleeve blouse with bow tie collar Price on Request Wool trousers Price on Request Helem Earrings in white gold with white diamonds from the Wardat Al Sahra (sand rose) collection Price on Request

Double-face cashmere coat with cape - Price on Request Silk organze skirt with goat suede fringe Price on Request Lulu clutch in matte crocodile QR66,000 Faried high ankle boots QR5,100

fashion / 77

Leather Mashrabiya jacket in lambskin Price on Request Wool skirt with front pleat Price on Request Silk drape neck top Price on Request Elyah structured handbag in calf leather QR16,200 Fatien sandals QR3,660

Silk satin coat Price on Request Atifah handbag in calf leather QR16,800

fashion / 79

Washed silk button-up dress Price on Request Elyah structured handbag QR17,900 Jalala sandals QR3,540 Tabeeay and Naht rings in white gold from the FANN (art) collection Price on Request

fashion / 81