Monday, 31 January 2011

Backstage Exclusive: HUGO by HUGO BOSS F/W 2011 Fashion Show

Models getting their make up done
As a HUGO BOSS reporter I had the privilege of seeing the backstage area for the Fall/Winter 2011 HUGO Fashion Show in Berlin. The scene backstage was fun and exciting as models were getting their makeup done and practicing their final walks for the big show. Check out the exclusive pictures I managed to snap in between my reporting duties.

Camera crews were filming the backstage experience

The final looks are organised and labelled in clear garment bags

Another shot of the backstage make up

Model doing the last practice walk before the big show!

Really love the model's shirt during the practice walk. I wonder where she got it?
Weird angle but check out the male model sporting a leather jacket. This was my fashion trend prediction for spring 2011. I guess he decided to sport the trend a bit earlier! 

More practice walks. Notice all the seating names on the seats!

Male model practicing his walk
 

Final practice walk through!

Sunday, 30 January 2011

My Sightseeing Tour Through Berlin!

Berlin was such a beautiful city to visit during Berlin Fashion Week. You could feel the spirit and celebration of Fashion Week as you walked through the shopping area of the city. From the cobble stone streets to the exquisite architecture of the buildings it was all a breathtaking experience for me and the perfect place to take lots of pictures! For my sigh-seeing tour through Berlin I wore a faux fur coat, knee-high boots and my favourite tinted sunglasses.


Beautiful day in Berlin
  

"Polizei"
 
A high rank official being escorted by the Polizei. Was it President Sarkozy perhaps?
   

The trees even posed for a picture!


Passing by the Berlin Fashion Week tents
   
Berlin street performer
    

Love the ancient architecture


Standing by the Berlin Wall
 
 
The Berlin wall had such interesting designs
   

Fellow HUGO BOSS reporter Joyce checking her i-Phone. How fabulous is her outfit?
    

Florian and I posing by the Berlin wall



Beautiful architecture. I wonder how old these buildings are?
   

Store front display: "We love Berlin Fashion Week!"
 


Having a blast!


Loved the European stop sign man!


Another store window displays a Berlin Fashion Week poster
  

Friday, 28 January 2011

My Berlin Fashion Looks Revealed!


Here is the outfit I wore to the HUGO fashion show in Berlin. When searching for the perfect look for the big event I first thought of a theme that I wanted to go with. The theme for this look was old Hollywood glamour. The first thing that I bought was the dress by Boubou and then like a puzzle I tried to put together the perfect pieces that would accomplish my theme idea. The next thing I bought was the shrug. Originally I had in mind a faux fur but when I saw this furry looking piece by INC International Concepts I knew this would work even better! When I tried on both of the pieces, the violet colour on the dress and blue on the shrug complimented each other so nicely! After that my mission was to find the perfect necklace to adorn the look. My vision for the necklace was something chunky and sparkly to stand out on its own since all of the pieces were already such attention grabbers. Luckily I ran into this gorgeous statement necklace in Macy's but sadly there was no tag to indicate the designer! Finally I needed a pair of really great shoes to finish off the look. While rummaging through my closet I found these great BCBG wedges which I paired with sheer black stockings. Not only are these wedges stylish but they're also very comfortable!  


1. Shrug by INC International Concepts
2. Dress by Boubou collections
3. Statement necklace by unknown designer
4.Statement necklace close-up
5.Wedges by BCBG
   
I wore this outfit during a dinner out with the HUGO team and fellow reporters in Berlin. My inspiration for this look was something classic yet simple. The first thing that I found was the black sequined dress by INC International Concepts. On its own the dress is very eye catching and more for a cocktail party than a dinner so I decided to tone it down a bit with a simple black shrug from Mandee. Finally I paired this look with knee-high black boots from Shi by Journey's and voila my perfect dinner outfit was complete!

1. Shrug by Mandee
2. Dress by INC International Concepts
3. Boots: Shi by Journey's
 
What do you guys think of my outfit selections?



Thursday, 27 January 2011

Making My Dreams Come True in Berlin!



Image via hugoboss.com
   It's been a week and a day since my first day in Berlin for Fashion Week. I'm so excited to finally share with you all my incredible experience of visiting Berlin and having my dream come true of being 1 of 5 reporters that got a chance to report live from the HUGO fashion show.

The whole trip was nothing short of a dream come true for me and one of the best experiences of my fashion career so far. From meeting the amazing HUGO BOSS team, fellow reporters, sight-seeing and having the opportunity to witness and report from the spectacular HUGO fashion show during Berlin Fashion Week.

I was proud to be the only reporter from the US and thrilled to meet the other 4 reporters from Canada, Netherlands, Singapore and Berlin. Each of them were so lovely and fashionable.

Thanks again to everyone at HUGO BOSS for giving me this amazing opportunity!

Stay tuned to upcoming posts on my Fashion Week adventures in Berlin which will include: my wardrobe selections, sight-seeing, HUGO fashion show, celebrities, parties and much more!
My personalised HUGO BOSS i-Phone



My HUGO BOSS Itinerary



Stayed at the Concorde Hotel in Berlin
Berlin Fashion Week Schedule 

View from my hotel room in Berlin


 
My HUGO Fashion Show bag



Interesting sculpture in the hotel



Getting ready to head out to dinner with the HUGO BOSS team and fellow reporters (not pictured)




Arriving at Chen Che restaurent in Berlin for dinner!
 
Deciding on dinner options
 
Making use of the chopsticks for a photo-op!
 
My yummy salmon dinner
 
Sampling the local wine



Driving back to the hotel


My wardrobe for the trip

Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Designer Of The Day: Jason Ebrahimi from Bliss Bijoux


Designer Bio:
Jason Ebrahimi was born in London, England, Armenian as origin and raised in Toronto. From an early age his talents were recognised. He was enrolled in an arts school called Claude Watson School for the Arts and he continued in the arts and graduated from George Brown College, majoring in Advertising as a Graphic Designer.
Jason began his career as that before his jewellery venture. It was merely after a few years into his profession where he felt that he should pursue a passion of his. He got involved in jewellery making classes at Central Tech Arts Institute where he developed a further love for accessories. Getting involved in jewellery seminars in conjunction with his practices has given Jason the opportunity to meet and build amazing relationships with his clients and help them with all their needs. What he enjoys most about working with jewellery is that there are simply no creative blocks! We believe that as one of the emerging designers to date, Jason Ebrahimi has what it takes to continue delivering exciting new collections from his jewellery brand, Bliss Bijoux Paris, and making people fall in love with his creations over and over again!

 1. What inspired you to get into accessories design? I wanted to design jewellery that every girl would want!
 I felt that the trends were too repetitive every year and that nobody was daring enough to push the boundaries. When I design, I am not afraid to make bold statements. Grande is good! I take large steps and absorb the risks involved. There is nothing more beautiful than being spontaneous when designing jewellery.

2. Where did you go to school and what was your major?
I went to George Brown College and majored in Advertising as a Graphic Designer before I expanded my horizons in fashion jewellery. My studies were held at Central Tech Arts Institute, majoring in jewellery design, Canada.

3. Describe your philosophy about fashion?
My philosophy on jewellery is that it should be brainstormed and designed spontaneously without drawing limits. Girls just want have fun so my belief is to emphasize on that and create things vivid, bold, bright and versatile.

4. What words of wisdom can you give to aspiring designers?
Follow your heart and do not fear to push the boundaries in your creations and designs. The only way you will be recognised is to put your fear behind you and get as creative as you can. Sketch all you can, its never enough!

5. Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
I get my inspiration from everywhere really! Anywhere from colours from abstract art onwards to daily activities and the city life. I strive to execute designs out of the norm, so my inspiration comes in play when i see boring designs which makes me want to make headlines with my product!

6. What is a typical day for an accessories designer like yourself?
Work late, sketch, sketch sketch! I have my drawing pad and I sketch everywhere I go. On the train and even when I drive … just kidding : )
I have a cosy loft in Paris where I live in and which I have also made into my personal workspace. It’s very bright, curtains normally opened to get inspiration from the world outside.

7. Which accessories designers have been important points of reference for you?
The list is heavy but I would narrow it down to Christian Dior for its refined look and bold colours as well as Georgio Armani for its elegant and edgy designs.

8. If you had the opportunity to design an accessory for one person who would it be?
I would say Beyonce because of her flare and exhilarating energy. I would design a ring for her the size of my hand! Like I said, I love bold and have my FUN CRAZY side given I am Armenian :)

9. Can you tell me about your collection?
My collection is widely known for our Swarovski Designs and Custom jewellery including Sterling Silver with precious stones and much more! We like to be one with nature so we choose to use natural stones and crystals in our work.

10. Where can we find your collection? You can find our online collection on  www.blissbijoux.com