LYA LYA - Exclusive Interview

LYA LYA

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

LYA LYA is an UAE based brand, born in 2012 by creative director and designer Layla Shugri. With no design background, designer Layla Shugri used her exotic and mixed background to create a brand with bold personality and classic silhouettes. Her debut collection features fearless geometrical shapes, which enhance the unique design aesthetics of LYA LYA. Only recently established the unique handbag designs already stand out from the crowd as a LYA LYA creation, with its striking and power hardware detail.

(The Vault by LYA LYA)

 LYA LYA is a brand that is well recongised by many middle eastern publications and the woman of the Gulf, receiving 'Best Young Talent' by the Arab woman Awards organized by prestigious international publication, L'Officiel Middle East. Being an admirer of LYA LYA for a while, I am excited to share with you my exclusive interview with the designer herself Layla Shugri.

(Knight Rider by LYA LYA)

A big fan of LYA LYA handbags myself, I wanted to introduce something new to my readers, and maybe offer a new insight into those that already know of the brand.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

-How did the journey of LYA LYA begin? 

It all started with an idea, a passion and a determination to follow my 

dream.

-Where do you get your inspiration from, for your 

handbag/clutches collection?  

I have always been drawn to elegance with an edge. I am self-taught and continuously inspired by architecture, geometrical shapes, bold silhouettes and unusual structures that is apparent in every piece of my debut collection, I decided to choose bags as I believe it is the most intimate and coveted accessory a woman owns.  

-How has your Middles Eastern culture or style influenced your 

brand? 

I am half Lebanese and half Russian and been travelling around the world 

for most of my life so my taste gets affected by various cultures and I tend 

to design to the woman I aspire to be and that doesn’t necessarily belong 

to one specific culture.

-Who would be your dream client and why? 

Rihanna, I love her and the way she keeps on reinventing herself and 

testing new boundaries and she definitely doesn’t follow any trends but 

creates them. 

-What was you latest fashion purchase and by who? 

Yellow Neon Casadei blade pumps, as I am again addicted this season to 

neons. 

-What essential items, are always inside your LYA LYA handbag, 

that your day cannot survive without?   

My Shades, lip gloss, hair clip and a blusher are the items that I never 

leave the house without. 

-What essential items, are always inside your LYA LYA handbag, 

that your day cannot survive without?   

My Shades, lip gloss, hair clip and a blusher are the items that I never 

leave the house without.

-What does fashion mean to LYA LYA? 

Fashion is a way of expressing and presenting one selves to the world.

-How would you describe your own fashion style, and who is your 

fashion icon?

Simplistic, elegant and edgy would be the 3 key adjectives, I truly believe that you don't have to scream to stand out, and I see true beauty in simplistic elements that have a small twist or detail to let you gracefully stand out in the crowd and be remembered, I do refer to current fashion and trends too, not to follow it and stay true to my own fashion aesthetic and style. 

-What is the most memorable peak of your career so far? 

2012 was the year that LYA LYA was bought to life, a year that was filled with exciting news, milestones and challenges. The debut collection is the first collection that defines and represents the brand's fashion aesthetic and its direction, and after working on it for a full year I was very excited but at the same time anxious to launch it and the reaction that I got throughout the region was incredible, from the feedback of the clientele to me wining the young talent award in the region was very humbling and rewarding journey.

-What advise would you offer to aspiring designers?

To try their best while designing not to refer to any other brands and existing shapes, but to come up with their own unique shapes and to take risks. In order to succeed we must try to be irreplaceable and the sky will be our limit.

Many thanks to the Layla Shugri, creative director and designer of LYA LYA, for taking part in this interview, I am very honored to feature you on my blog.

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Givenchy creates for Rihanna's Tour

Givenchy creates for Rihanna's Tour

Custom-made just for RhiRhi:

Roc Nations Rihanna has kicked off her world tour, this month... And let's just say she has kicked it off in absolute style. Riccardo Tisci has created bespoke Givenchy couture outfits exclusively for Rihnna's Diamonds tour. The outfits are worn at the beginning of her concert production, it consists of a dark and romantic feel, with a floor-length ruffle silk-crepe cape and black nappa thigh high boots, which Rihanna is known to be a fan of. Other pieces include an embroidered parka in stand-out Givenchy style printing, a white leather bra and silk satin shorts.

The collaboration between musical artists and fashion brands, is forever growing stronger. It has become a trend of its own, for elite designers to design exclusive custom-made attire for music artists. Performers like Rita Ora, Jay Z, Lady Gaga and Beyonce, have all been lucky enough to have designer costumes for the concert performances, made by the finest in fashion.

With the tour already in full swing, this saw Rihanna debuting the looks first time on stage. The inspiration behind the costumes was definitely taken from Givenchy's menswear a/w '13 collection, with its elements of 'strong sensual iconography'. Givenchy the brand and Rihanna are big fans of heavy sportswear and street-wear style, this mutual obsession worked perfectly for Tisci to understand the aura of Rihanna. 

 "Rihanna represents what young and amazing means today. She is punk and talented. She offers intelligence, energy and pure beauty." Tisci

This is not the first time that Riccardo Tisci has costom-made something for Rihanna. At the end of last month following the Barbadian born singers birthday, Tisci designed and sent a custom made t-shirt graphic t-shirt that featured Rihanna's face on it. Givenchy is well-know for popularizing the t-shirt trend, with amazing graphic patterns, prints and images. Tisci truly has a soft spot for the Rude Boy singer. (T-shirt below)

Rihanna is at the peak of her career, with her recently new album, her fashion collaboration with River Island and now the start of a new tour... she is most definitely taking over the world.

"Rihanna has what every girl inspires to have," added Tisci. "She is the face of her generation."-★

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Mid-Drift Trend for Summer 2013

(Images: Balenciaga & Marc Jacobs)

Mid-Drift Trend for Summer '13

Get ready to show some skin:

This spring/summer 2013 be prepared to bare some skin, as the mid-drift trend makes a return from the past. The 70's and 80's saw this trend first come into play, when women were exhibiting their rebellious side, and pop-star diva's like Madonna were making their mark. Nowadays it is a trend and a style that is not that ludicrous, as it was in the past but instead a whole breathe of effortlessly cool style.

(Images: Alexander Wang, House of Holland, Chloe) 

This Spring/Summer 13 from the catwalk to the streets, the flash of flesh is everywhere. Be brave enough to show you mid-drift, it works well with two pieces sets and contrasts perfectly with sharp tailoring. Along with the cropped tops, the bra is also back. From sheer fabrics, to oversized blazers it is ideal for adding a touch of femininity to any style.

(Images: Gwen Stefani, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna & Miley Cyrus)

I love this trend as its undoubtedly easy for casual day looks, to sultry elegant and alluring for evening glamour. Your able to embrace different style looks from urban street to red-carpet dazzle. Work the trend in electric prints, to detail cuttings and shapes its is a trend that will continue to pave its way in and out of fashion desire, and will always make a come back.

(Images: Antonio Berardi, Jonathan Saunders, Balmain)

SKarman's Style tip:

• Flesh Boundaries. If your going to flash your mid-drift be sure to get the balance right, too much skin is not trendy, unless your beach bound. A mini-skirt is not going to balance up well, instead go for a knee length skirt, baggy jeans, patterned pants, shorts or maxi skirts. 
• Minimalist. Be sure not to over-crowed yourself with too many accessories, a clean silhouette works wonders with finishing this whole look off. 
• Colour Block. Do not fear colour, experiment with different tones and shades for the perfect colour block. A popping coloured bra under a sheer black or white shirt, is flawless for working the trend. 

(Images: Fredia Pinto, Selena Gomez, Nicole Scherzinger & Jennifer Lopez)

Take the challenge and show-off your Mid-drift this Spring/Summer 2013.-★

Rihanna for River Island Collection

(River Island Ad Campaign - Photo-shoot)

Rihanna For River Island Collection 

To debut at London Fashion Week:

The Unapologetic 24 year old artists, thats known for her unforgettable songs, scandalous love life and ability to make anything she wears look so individually stylish is about to debut a whole new slice of Rihanna. The Barbadian singer Rihanna, has always been watched for her unique style, known for mixing up glamour and street into effortless creating the perfect look. 

Rihanna is collaborating with high street store River Island to introduce her very first fashion collection. She will debut her collection at this years London Fashion Week, on Saturday 16th February to an invite only crowd. The powerful selective few of the industry, will get a first glance of the high streets worlds biggest collection.

It has been over 7 years of her being in the music industry, Rihanna has accumulated a vast amount of fan base worldwide, what she calls her 'Navy'. This major collaboration can only mean fashion mayhem at the day of the store launch, I predict a totally sold out collection. 

With such a huge interest into fashion, Rihanna has waited a long while to create a collection with her name on it. She has said that "Launching at London Fashion Week is a dream come true for me, I have wanted to design my own collection for a long time and to present my collection for River Island alongside all of the other great design talent at LFW is a real privilege. I can't wait to see the reaction from my fans and the fashion press!" 

The spring/summer collection is set to hit River Island store internationally and online on Tuesday 5th March, and will also be stocked at Opening Ceremony in US and Japan. Save the date! 

River Islands chief executive Ben Lewis believes that "This is the perfect platform to showcase Rihanna's design talent and ambition". Rihanna has always been a major fan of social-networking, she loves connecting with her fans, and letting them into her world, at the end of last year she tweeted a picture of the ad campaign photo shoot for her collection, which created major uproar and excitement to her fans. 

 I'm anxious to see what the collection will consist of, if its anything like Rihanna's style, then we are promised pure creative flair. -★

SAVE THE DATE: IN STORES 5th MARCH WORLDWIDE 

Black and White Effect

(Louis Vuitton S/S 2013)

Black & White Effect

For 2013 Spring/Summer there’s no escaping your darker shades for season. That’s right, dark colours, patterns and stripes, are all staying in your summer wardrobe. The mixture of black and white colours is a much-watched trend for 2013, from stripes to chequered and also blocked colouring of the tones. 

(Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Balmain S/S 2013)

The mixture of the colours helps in creating modern glamour, with a slight twist of edgy. Dare to mix the strong colours into one look, its effortlessly stylish. The catwalks stormed with clear signs of the Black and White trend being fully flaunted, with designers from Marc Jacobs to Saint Laurent, they all showed their flare. This season be sure to show the world your style through Black and White, with great structure, volume and crisp cuts.

(Givenchy, Balmain, Celine S/S 2013)

Work the Look:

• A new trend does not always mean a new wardrobe, it simply suggest a new way of styling it up. Every man or woman must own a black blazer, its criminal not too.
•  For a casual take on the trend, invest in a great pair of black jeans, paired with chiffon or cotton loose fitting white t-shirt, thrown on with your classic white blazer. 
• Finished off with a pair of black velvet slipper pumps. 
• Accessories well with a stack of gold tone bracelets or a small bunch of gold chains. 
• Don't Over crowd the look with Jewellery, choose one area either your neck or wrist to exaggerate.

(Rihanna, Kim Kardashian)

Celebrities also grab hold of this trend and work it into there daily evening and day schedules. Once the perfect balanced is reached within the two colours of Black and white, its a look that is effortlessly classic. Perfecting for working into your day and taking into to your evening.-★

(Miroslava Mikheeva Duma, Olivia Palermo, Amiee Song) 

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TARTAN

TARTAN

My New Favourite Trend:

Its not all kilts and bagpipes when you think of Tartan, its more great wools and amazing stripped patterns. Creeping up on the runways from Alexander McQueen to Chanel's extravaganza that took place in the heart of Scotland. I am literally CRAZY over this trend. Its a local trend that has defiantly played out worldwide on top watched celebrities. The classic prints of Tartan is a non mover in many of the elites wardrobes, for this Autumn / Winter sees the return of Tartan hitting the runways and streets. 

Ever year Chanel's creative designer Karl Lagerfeld hosts Metiers d'Art Show with a new theme, in a new location and a whole new story behind the collection... this year Chanel took over Scotland. Set in a private location just outside of Edinburgh, Lagerfeld was sure to set an evening of Chanel's iconic substance dazzled in a dose of doomed romance, a fabulous combination.

Chanel's catwalk represented the finest in tweeds, knits, cardigans and also displayed dashes of Tartan. Creator of the brand Gabrielle Chanel, spent a lot of time in Scotland with her lover the Duke of Westminster, much . 

How to work your Tartan look

• Keep your palette to the colours used in the print, from Blacks to Greens and even white
• Keep your accessories to a minimum, try not to over power the tartan too much print and colour can look messy 

• Layer up with scarfs, boots and tights depending on your garment

• Do not be afraid to wear more than one item of Tartan, doubling up on the same print can be an affective fashion statement

Tartan is a classic, you can keep reinventing the ways in which you wear it. Its perfect for those wintery days adding the right amount of colour, never be afraid of too much print!-★

Michael Agwunobi

Michael Agwunobi

The man behind the 'TRILL' T-shirt:

Exclusive Interview

Michael Agwunobi a 21 year old London born Nigerian boy that is making his mark on the urban fashion scene with his garish and outspoken t-shirts... he is bringing a whole new language to fashion. This exclusive interview with the man himself, will invite you to discover the journey behind his street-style creations that have gone global. 

I first saw Michael Agwunobi's distinctive 'Trill' T-shirt online being worn by Billboards number one pop artist, Barbadian singer Rihanna, while photographed in New York City on an airport dash. Rihanna, paired her white 'Trill' T-shirt (£39.99) with Bape Camo pants and her  Isabel Marant cotton and linen coat, and finished  her outfit off with a black Alexander Wang Rocco Duffle bag and Super Ilaria Gold sunglasses.

From that moment I was intrigued to find out the story behind the t-shirt.

(*)- How did it all begin? 

'I do photography as a hobby, in order to bring out the best in your picture you needed to have an editing software in my case it was photoshop. I love doing anything creative so after my photoshopping skills developed, sometimes when I was bored I would randomly design something on photoshop being a quote, symbol or image. Prior to starting my brand I had been using Tumblr for a while. I followed new up and coming brands watching them start from the start and slowly progressed it inspired me. So one day I thought let me give it a try and see how it goes. I wanted to start with something special, so I went with black tees with faux fur leopard pockets. It started off slow but with a bit of promoting it started to pick up. Thankfully its still going today.'

(*)-How did the idea behind the design's & logo's come about?

'What inspired me to start making these t-shirt designs, was actually a brand called SSUR they are the people behind the *Comme des Fuckdown* beanie. I thought it was quite cool how they made play of logos or brand names. What I do is make play of brands that are in trend but mix it with a popular saying or word, for example the 'Trill' tee which has  stars on the shoulders similar to Givenchy and the word "trill" which is coming out of everyones mouth these days.'

(*)-Who is your Dream Customer?

'In the future i'll be making cut & sew clothing. So a dream customer would have to be Kanye West as he is known for being a very stylish man, so for him to buy something from me would be a massive sign.'

(*)-What other products are you looking to create for Michael Agwunobi? 

'Hats, watches, bags, jackets, shirts, sweaters and pants.'

(*)- Who is Michael Agwunobi's style icon?

'Theophilus London. We both share a slim physique so anything that looks good on him may also suit me.' 

(*)-What does the future hold for Michael Agwunobi?

'That the name "Michael Agwunobi" comes first ahead of Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps and any other famous Michael's when searched on Google (laughs). Also to be known globally, having stores in Milan, Paris, New York, Los Angeles and of course London.'

Raw fashion garments like these are becoming immensely popular, with their expressive logo's and powerful messages. I really appreciate the authenticity of street style with an urban spin, its relaxed yet with a major impact, effortlessly. Fashions main outcome to the world is to create a statement, get noticed and be heard, I feel that many contemporary undiscovered designers like, Michael Agwunobi are willing to take it to a whole new level.-★

To purchase your very own Michael Agwunobi t-shirt go online: 

www.michaelagwunobi.co.uk

Airport Dash!

The Airport Dash!

The New Runway... 

The moment of excitement and relief when your about to board that Plane, to a whole new destination! If you love traveling but hate planes, well.... Then the Airport dash, just got a whole new Runway in, and I'm not talking about the Runway for the planes, I'm talking about the Runway for the fashion. 





(Above: Rosie Huntington Whiteley)







(Kim Kardashian) 
Many celebrities, and fashion icons are always caught in the moment just as they're about to enter the airport premises and board their private jets for a quick fly in visit, to somewhere fabulous, and you can almost be certain to grab a glimpse of either their casual style of dressing, their regular poise of dressing or even their extreme side of dressing, depends hugely on the length of their flight duration (I believe).

(Rihanna)

From classic cosy sweats, to big oversized personality Tees to endearing leathers, you'll be sure to provided with a variety of trends on the Airport Dash runway.

(Selena Golmez)

The bizarre thing that keeps me wondering is how these female celebrities, learn to stay so fresh and outfit perfect! Looking just as great in their arrivals as from when they departed, its simple baffling! I'm guessing glam squads on pronto and maybe the private Jet affect is how this all can be successful! 

(Victoria Beckham) 

So, Next time your set to fly, remember always to not over do it with your Outfit, too much Smart can look a little out of place, a perfect balance of style and comfort is the best combination! And lastly don't forget you Airport Dash strut, you can never be sure who's watching or who you may meet! Happy Travels!-★

The T-shirt

T-shirts

Everyone owns one, & everyone wears them in their own way...

The ultimate garment, that you can never have too many of, and that you can always have memories attached to them. From prints, logos, quotes, pictures and even embellished, the style of t-shirts are always being recreated. 

Many people collected t-shirts from certain events or occasions, whether their music, arts, fashion or personal events, a t-shirts is something you can always keep and wear again anytime, and anyhow. 

Many celebrities and designers use them to send out strong messages to the public. The perfect blank canvas easily modified into something that suits you. 

Heres some of my favourite T-shirts available now in stores: 

• LANVIN, £640, Embellished t-shirt (available at net-a-porter.com)

• MEADHAM KIRCHHOFF, £130, Printed t-shirt (available from net-a-porter.com)

• ZARA, £22.99, Open back printed T-shirt, (available from zara.com & in stores) 

SKarman's T-shirt Look:

One casual day, after attending an epic concert the night before of the famous Roc Nation musical brothers, Jay Z & Kanye West, I decided to incorporate my unforgettable experience into my next day look. 

After purchasing a t-shirt from the concert, as a statement of momentous from the extravagant evening, i decided styling it with my leather armed parka, blue jeans and wedged sneakers which I am a total fan of lately, simple adding to the casual and laid back mood that any t-shirt brings. Still in the electric hip-hop vibe that I experienced the night before at Watch The Throne concert, I believed that sneakers were the only choice. And Sunglasses always, of course! xX

So experiment with how your work your t-shirts, and remember you can never have too many.-★