OHLALA Insights

Love them or hate them, clogs are a retro staple that bring back the hippie vibe of the '70s. The bulky footwear adds a touch of vintage style to your looks, ensuring that your fashion radar is working at its best! They are traditionally made with wood or reinterpreted in rubber.

This multi-layered textile is the warmest choice of the season. Sewn in different shapes, it traditionally comprises three layers that can be thin or thick, depending on the materials used. The most popular designs are a sequence of diamonds, but creativity is the key here and, during the cold months, it can be worn from head to toe.

Once a fabric related to labouring, denim has long conquered the fashion world and has been starring in catwalks around the globe. From stone washing to solid dark blue, the well-loved textile can be spotted in dresses, jackets, shoes and handbags.

Even though we are entering the cold-weather season, designers went big in the miniskirt and dress departments, and the solution to keeping your legs warm is colourful and printed tights. They are daring, adding a striking detail while serving their purpose.

They say that living in the past is not a good practice; however, this statement is not applied to the fashion world, and we re-live trends from time to time. A staple in old times, men’s vests (waistcoats) are now a fave element in cool girls’ looks. Tailored and sweater pieces are this season’s best bet!

The classic men's shoes have returned to girls’ wardrobes, but chunkier and higher this time. The office high-heeled loafers and Oxfords are stepping out of the corporate world and hitting the high street with block heels for a feminine touch. They are smartly worn with skirts and dresses and if you want an edgy approach, wear them with cute socks.

Animal print is a common find in autumn and winter collections, but this season's highlight goes to this spotted cat: the leopard. The pattern in this animal’s coat mixes brown, black and white tones, with hints of dark orange. The perfect colour combo for a fashionable look.

It was fun when we discovered that wearing stay-at-home clothes was a thing, and it would be part of our lives for a while. However, after a year and a half of it, we are done and ready to release our inner party animals. Even though life is not fully back to normal, whenever we find the opportunity, the outfit will be breathtaking!

OHLALA spoke to the designer Noof Al Shekar from NS by Noof to better understand the concepts behind her eye-catching clutches and accessories. Come into her geometrical world with us!

OHLALA - When did you know that the world of fashion was going to be part of your life?

Noof Al Shekar - I always had a passion for fashion, and the idea of having my brand started in 2009. The statement behind my label revolves around jewellery and handbags, the two things women cannot resist.

OHLALA - How is your process of creation? What are your main inspirations?

Noof - The process starts from the 3D shape of the clutch and then breaks down to the geometric pattern in the brass sheet that shapes the clutch. My inspiration is mainly from architecture and old jewellery. My creations are complicated to construct and bring to life, and that’s what makes them unique. We use sacred geometry [the underlying geometry in nature] as a spiritual symbol and combine it with semi-precious stones that have the Earth energy to balance each piece out.

OHLALA - Your pieces are very architectural. Would you say that this is a trademark of your brand?

Noof - Yes, my love and passion for architecture do reflect on my brand. In the beginning, I used lots of Arabic and Islamic patterns to reflect my heritage in my work. However, the more I educated myself about architecture and sacred geometry, the more my pieces took bolder shapes and looks. It became the soul and heart of the brand.

OHLALA - How important are the materials used in your handbags and clutches? How do you source them?

Noof - We always use the best material to create a high-end brand. The brass used is all gold plated, and the lining is from genuine leather. We are now launching a new line of sustainable bags using recycled plastic and ocean waste; we have still maintained the brand DNA by keeping the geometrical patterns.

OHLALA - You don’t follow trends; instead, you create timeless and eyecatching accessories. What is the formula?

Noof - Our pieces are indeed classic and timeless. I believe in owning something unique that will stand out and be with you for a lifetime. Trends are fun and inspiring, but you touch the clients’ sense of fashion by creating unique pieces.

OHLALA - You are a mum and an entrepreneur; how do you balance your work life with your personal life?

Noof – Well, I started the business after having my first two boys - they are young men now - and I always had so much energy and wanted to direct it into something that represents me and make them proud. Having a niche brand did help as well with the small quantities and limited clients that look for something unique and different. Now they are all grown-up and very supportive of me. The denim designs were all created with the input and cooperation of my eldest son Abdulla who is going to study architecture this year.

OHLALA - What is the piece of advice that you would give to all creative minds out there wanting to start their own business?

Noof - Start today, start with an idea, dream about it, think about it, and it will be created. Life does happen; don’t let that stop you. Take baby steps, and you are still moving towards your dream; baby steps are better than no steps. Set your priorities in life and put in an ethical goal, and you will achieve the world.

OHLALA - Do you think that being born and raised in the Middle East influenced how you design your handbags and clutches?

Noof - Definitely, I am a very proud Arab and Muslim, yet I am a very openminded person and love to learn and explore different cultures and religions. They all have symbols and geometric shapes, making it a very interesting playground to create my own patterns, structural styles and characters reflected in my designs.

You find NS by Noof designs at 51 East. @ns.by.noof

udemars Piguet is adding four more designs to its already beloved Royal Oak collection. Eclectic in colour, savoir-faire and style, these timekeepers resonate with women’s different preferences and individual flair. Blending tradition with an avant-garde twist, the new pieces offer creative contrasts from the sleek aesthetics of black ceramics to the shimmering sparkle of frosted gold or the vivid hues of multicoloured gemstones. These versatile mechanical pieces become true statements on your wrist.

The Royal Oak Selfwinding (34mm) in black ceramic with touches of pink gold brings a refined aesthetic to this model. The timepiece is enhanced with pink gold accents for a subtle two-tone contrast. Timeless and ingenious, the black hues seamlessly complement the unique style of its wearer.

The Royal Oak Frosted Gold Selfwinding (34mm) with a light blue dial has an 18-carat white gold case and is adorned with frosted gold and enhanced with a tapisserie dial in new shades of blue. This unique combination celebrates the elegance and refinement at the heart of the manufacture’s craftsmanship.

The Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph (38mm) comes with a purple dial and baguette-cut amethysts on the bezel. Developed by the manufacture’s artisans, the dial displays a range of purple hues that dance and change in the light. The amethysts decorating the bezel match the tones of the purple dial to perfection.

The Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked (37mm and 41mm) has a rainbow bezel set with multicoloured gemstones. The attention to detail at the heart of these timepieces and their interplay of colours, materials and refined decorations draw inspiration from diverse worlds, including haute joaillerie and haute couture.