Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The world of fashion has been making the move from the catwalk to the worldwide web for years but, recently, its reach has extended to social media, making the latest trends available at the click of a smartphone.
For me, it started when I noticed Toota Accessories following me on Instagram and I said to myself, “How many Instagram shops are there? Is this a new trend?”
I guess I had been living under my 30-something rock because according to Fatin Ameeri, a 25-year-old Bahraini and owner of Toota Accessories, pictured right, there are a lot. It’s a perfect set up because you can view these Instagram shops on your mobile and message them with any questions, ask to see extra pictures, sizes or cost and have items delivered the same day for BD1.
I guess the important information here is that if you don’t already have an Instagram account you need one because there is a whole social media industry you are missing out on. Insta-shop anyone?
While I was chatting with Fatin about how she got started she revealed: “I received my inspiration from Khaleda Rajab, owner of KR Couture. She is now selling in Qatar, Saudi and Dubai and if a Bahraini woman can do that, so can I. I want to sell things made by Bahraini artists that go with my fashion theme of cheap and chic, young and hip. I am going to infuse new trends with my own finds.”
I listened in awe to her story about a young lady that absolutely ‘had’ to have an outfit she posted on Instagram. Fatin was able to get her the correct size and have it delivered just in time for her night out. What was particularly impressive was the cost. For only BD11 she purchased a tangerine layered stretch skirt and a white chiffon blouse with a gold sequined collar. Stunning!
One of her customers, Mariam Al Bastaki, said: “It has been my pleasure to work with such a wonderful person like Fatin, Mashallah. Your accessories are the best and such good quality.”
Fatin will be opening her own store before the end of the year in the Lagoon on Amwaj Islands, which is great news because, in my opinion, nothing can replace going to the shops, discovering new collections, flicking through fabrics and finding a great deal.
Other deals I’m privy to:
Boggi – Up to 60 per cent
Pimkie – mid-season promotion
Gymboree – all on 80 per cent
Punt Roma – up to 60 per cent
Punt Roma – people who spend BD45 get a chance to enter a raffle draw to win a couple spa package & lunch at Kempinski hotel (ends on March 29)
Calzedonia – all at 70 per cent
I am – up to 55 per cent
P&B – mid-season promotion.
Last Tuesday, in conjunction with Al Hawaj, Creed showcased its newly renovated spot in Paris Gallery with the launch of two new perfumes, Erolfa, available in a 120ml bottle and the Fleurs de Gardenia in the 75ml style.
The company goes back generations and, over the years, it has been recognised for quality, refinement and originality.
The brand still uses the original infusion technique, now abandoned by modern industry. This has enabled Olivier Creed to preserve the original essense and manufactures its own infusion of vanilla and iris.
It’s that time of year again for sweethearts across the land to start making serious plans to tie-the-knot. The trouble with hosting a wedding is all the arrangements and loose ends that need to be sorted before vows can be made.
The kingdom will be hosting a one-stop-shop and first of its kind, Wedding and Fashion Arabia event, which will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from March 27-29.
MBC TV Style presenter Aline Watfa was guest of honour at a launch press conference held by Vallay Media International, in collaboration with the InterContinental Regency Bahrain.
Laith Shukayr, the media company’s managing director, said the event will be ‘entertaining and interactive’ with leading hotels in attendance and daily fashion shows featuring top wedding designers such as Kiswah Fashion, Rosa Clara, Noof Boutiques, ABS Fashion, Akbari Tailoring House, Sayedati, Abayat Tiara and Kubra Al Qasser.
International brands on show will include Villa Moon (Kuwait), Dar Haya Al Houti (Kuwait) Maj Couture Casablanca (Morocco) and Empratora Fashion KSA from Saudi Arabia.
Entry to the event will be free to the public and it will be held under the patronage of Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa.
