What is “It”? “It” is not your average magazine, I’d like to think of it as your friendly cool guide in life. We share our stories that we like from fashion, lifestyle, art, places ... etc. And being an online magazine makes it very easy to be reachable. How does “It” work? Well, its easy. Our job is to work hard on looking, finding and gathering up what we think has “it” wether it was a book that we couldn’t put down, a beauty product that we’ve tried and loved, or a place we’ve been been to and wished everyone we know can visit. And since social media is growing crazy fast by the second, everything we present to you on the pages of “It” is linked to other sources for further more diving. What should we expect from “It”? A pleasant experience of joy and satisfaction. In “It” we believe in growth and development. Being surrounded by great creatives is beyond priceless; its been amazing the amount of love and support we had since we started planning this exciting project. We also believe in team work. Great team work will take anyone and everyone to the top, and the harder the effort means the greater the outcome. Thank you to everyone who supported us by encouraging and helping on our first issue. We owe you big time! The “It” Editors
Modi & Mona
The Girl Behind Fyu nka
Color of the Year
Musca t Fashion Week
Men Style Tips
Cou tu re Spring 2013 Reviw
Tas te It: Pas tel Cafe
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iraculously, we the “It” family agreed that The Hermes Kelly bag was and still is the all time classic bag and probably the most famous too! Why do we love it? It simply exudes flavor and a great since of style. No matter what fashion background or personal style a woman has, or what kind of color it is, wheather its leather, Boxed or soft, it is a true lady’s bag if I may say. Unlike the Birkin which sadly left us with visions of troubled celebrities and “new money” kids, toting it around on the pages of tabloids. Not to mention of course the locals and the art of abusing fashion by buying replica goods! The Kelly of course is a top seller.
For those who don’t know the ABC’s of the Hermes Kelly Bag heres some points to enlighten you. •Although we all say named after the American Actress/Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly who was a fan of the bag and reportedly had a bunch of them in deferent colors, it wasn’t originally named after her until after 20 years of its birth when she made the bag famous using it to conceal her pregnancy from nosy photographers.. so basically it was renamed after that. •Fact: Each Kelly bag is made by one craftsman only, in more than twenty steps of making. Definitely not mass produced.
It
starts with Weston Liggett getting into an elevator. While in his apartment, Gloria (Elizabeth Taylor) wakes up alone, calls his name wandering around, she flips through Mr. Liggett’s wife’s closet. She has her eyes on a wonderful Mink coat but leaves it for another Beige one with a fur collar to cover up on her way out.. Then, she finds a note in the living room that Mr. Liggett left for her. The note says “Gloria.. $250 Enough? Will phone you later.” Fuming with outrage, insulted by the money, she takes her lipstick and writes “No Sale” on the mirror. Tearing the note she just read, she makes her way back to the bedroom closet, hangs the coat that was on her, and snatches the mink off its hanger and storms out, like a boss.. This was the opening scene from Butterfield 8 (1960), an adaptation of the novel by John O’Hara , and an iconic moment in film fashion. It all comes together, the music, the performance, and the fur, the fur, the fur!
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I never wanted to work from 9 to 5, so I created Fyunka.
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An inspiring Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Blogger , and a Social Media Enthusiast. She is the founder and designer of Fyunka brand. Originally from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and currently living in New York
-Well, you wouldn’t be designing bags unless you really love them! so, Tell us about that one bag that one moment that triggered the bag designer in you. Kate Spade was the brand, I love how it started and the story behind it. -Describe your vision in a few words. A Fun and colorful brand that put a smile on people’s faces. -Every artist and designer pieces attract a specific type of fans and customers. Describe your “Fyunka Girl” and what might we find in her bag? The Fyunka Girl is a fun and happy girl! She is so colorful, and always looking for something different. She wants a bag with a story. You’ll find a piece of candy, a Polaroid, and an endless to do list in her bag. -In every season there has to be an “it” bag of the moment … looking into your latest collection which of your babies do you think has the potential to make it as an “it” bag, and why? My bags are very basic with a simple shape. However, they are unique because it’s the illustrations that make them. I believe that it’s so easier to find what you want when the bag is clear! -Name 3 celebrities who are on your wish list to see them holding one or more of creations. Ginnifer Goodwin, Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel.
Photos Courtesy of Mohammed langston
SHOP 2013 “IT” COLOR OF THE YEAR
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merald green had been always associated with luxury, and sophistication with its magnificent hue. It symbolizes life and eternal beauty in many cultures. “Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes a striking statement in everyday wear to Red carpet looks.
Seen on the S/S 2013 runways of Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Burberry, Vera Wang, Michael Kors Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore and more. And being equally strong and harmonious in beauty, Emerald dramatizes all eye colors as it beautifully enhances green eyes, is compatible to blue eyes, emphasizes the green undertone in hazel eyes and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper.
We’re following the Yellow brick road to the Emerald city!
From the rosy gardens of Alexis Mabille and Dior, to Chanel’s Shakespearian forest & multi-cultures of Giorgio Armani and Gaultier’s Indian Gypsies... Designers showed us one of the most exciting weeks in a while.
Dior As we watch carefully Raf Simons present his second Couture collection, now that he’s more comfortable, his beautiful creations sprung around on the garden like runway. And once again he went back to the Dior house origins with the 50’s classic cuts but still proving that this is a new age as it shift into more asymmetrical and exaggerated shapes. Giambattista Valli Held in the Italian embassy in Paris, the Italian designer’s collection had more control and toned down a bit compared to his signature touch of extravagance and full on craftsmanship and volume. Minimal curve hugging
evening coat dresses in Black and White abstract and smudged animal prints. Then, it bloomed into soft pinks and feathered petal princess like gowns floating down the runway. Chanel Inspired by “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Karl Lagerfeld invited the viewers into a neo-classical atmosphere where the models wandered around in a romantic forest like settings to the sounds of singing birds, it was all shiny daytime looks to evening’s. opening in sparkled tailored tweeds and closing with sequenced gowns. With two brides instead of one in a political statement just because Uncle Karl can!
Elie Saab Titling his show “An Ode to Delicateness” , and delicateness it was indeed. The designs came in many lengths and shapes in White, Lilac, Nude, Red and Black. Not forgetting the fashion crowd’s favorite “ Red carpet ready “ beadwork and appliquéd gowns. Alexis Mabille Being recently made an official member of the haute couture houses, Mabille decided to concentrate on the craftsmanship of his creations in a way to empress the Haute Couture organization. His love and use of his signature bows was less visible yet still hinted at in some of the pieces.
In general it was all girly, with ruffles and lace in sugar coated rosy colors.
craftsmanship, those masterpieces took hundreds of hours to create, which was obvious to see.
Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli presented a breathtaking magical show of hand-painted, topaz beaded and crystal embroidered with beautiful hand pipings that looked like bird cages. Although the color palette was limited in Black, White and Valentino Red with a little touch of florals, and the silhouette was a bit more controlled, like knee length dresses, structural capes and full skirted gowns. It was an organza celebration at the highest level of
Stephane Rolland In a continuation of his creative aesthetic, he sent a a monochromatic composition down the runway. Models strutted in exaggerated collars with deferent volumes and dramatic fish-tailed gowns. His use of midsection sheer panelling was lovely. And to top that, closing the show was none other than the legendary Carmen Dell’Orefice in an all white pant suite and a rippling cape. Armani PrivÊ It was a concentration on trib-
al/Art Deco patterns, geometric extravagant beadwork and bejeweled wands . Brought an ethnic feel to it, with high-intensity looks and mega-shine fabrics. He focused on pant suits which was clearly a trend of Spring 2013 Haute Couture week. Jean Paul Gaultier It was an exotic trip to colorful India. The show started with the models walking with painted feet and over the top beehives in colorful pieces striped horizontally,vertically and diagonally too, and then changing into his classics ( the silk bustier cone bra, the trench dresses and the tuxedoes ).
Dedicated to showcasing the
and it is our responsibility to encour-
best Omani and regional design talent,
age designers from this region to
Muscat Fashion Week played host to
be ambassadors to the wider world
a medley of established names and
through creative expression. Muscat
newly discovered faces of the future.
Fashion Week is the perfect platform
As the most exclusive Fashion Week
for them to do this.” This year’s
in the Middle East, guests experi-
line up saw Omani favourites Nawal
enced a true Arabian fashion extrav-
Al Hooti and Dibaj return once again,
aganza, but with an international twist.
having unveiled impressive collections
“The
talent
in February 2012, along with UAE-
for
based designers Kanzi. They were
2013 is very exciting,” says HE
also joined by Saudi Arabia-based
Sultan
Harthy,
Razan Al Azzouni, Oman design duo
Municipality.
Endemage, UAE-based Mauzan and
“We are very proud of our heritage
Qatar’s Toujouri, to name just a few.
standard
showcasing
their
Bin
Chairman
of
of
design collections
Hamdoon Muscat
Al
Flying the flag for Oman, Muscat Fashion Week veteran, Nawal Al Hooti, wowed guests as muted grey, deep blue and amber tones were adorned by traditional Omani beading and embroidery. Emirati design duo Reem and Hind Beljafla followed suit with an equally impressive collection of sleek, theatrical shapes in luxurious gold and neutral shades with a pop of bright colours and a multicultural influence. Glamorous gowns were in abundance when eveningwear designer Tatyana Aceeva’s red carpet worthy collections hit the runway. Blush coloured lace dresses flowed beautifully as striking teals and ruby reds broke up the softer hues. Finally, Moroccan designer, Zhor Raîs, celebrated the true spirit of Arabia as long silhouettes in soft creams, olive greens and a dash of yellow, emblazoned with intricate embroidery and cummerbund belts, brought the day to its glamorous end.
Following on from a successful launch night, Muscat Fashion Week, 2013, continued to impress the stylish guests. As one of the highest profile brands in the region, Qatar-based demi-couture label, Toujouri, lead the fashion pack as Creative Director, Lama El Moatessem, lit up the runway with her glamorous designs setting the bar high for the evening ahead. Hot on her heels and returning to the runway for their third consecutive year was dynamic design duo, Kanzi. Metal embellishments featured heavily on this sleek, modern collection of abayas, kaftans and flowing dresses. With an already extensive celebrity following, Razan Alazzouni’s star quality shone through as her largely monochrome collection drew a collective nod of approval from the crowd. Voluminous skirts and dresses were apparent throughout the collection that had spikes of red, lemon and cobalt blue. Last, but by no means least, Omani sisters, Dibaj, were at hand to infuse some local spice into the evening. Khanjar belts and folklore embroidered cuffs and hemlines gave a distinctly traditional feel. As the spotlights shone for the last evening of Muscat Fashion Week, the fashion pack took their seats for the final time as C’est Moi, Endemage, Ahmed Talfit and Mauzan prepared to unveil their latest collections. Following in the footsteps of their predecessors, the impressive line up of designers certainly did not disappoint in the eagerly awaited finale of this three-day festival of fashion. As darkness fell on the runway, guests were offered one last chance to view the collections and meet the designers in person at the prestigious Opera Galleria. With another successful year to its name, the question that remains pursed on everyone’s lips is, what will Muscat Fashion Week, 2014, have in-store?
It
was a true honor having among the VIP’s who appeared in the Muscat Fashion Week 2013 the renowned international journalist and Daily Telegraph’s award-winning fashion director Hilary Alexander attending this year on the lookout for hot new design talents.
By: Talal AlKhalaf
Choose The Right Size- Choosing the wrong size could change the whole look and make it unflattering, make sure you choose the right size that fits you. As for trousers, the length and type are very important especially when you decide to wear loafers, the length should never be below your ankles, you can fold them if necessary! Also trousers preferably should be skinny or tight if you want to wear boots or high-rise sneakers. Choose The Right Colors- Colors are basically the main fashion asset, you have to consider two things when you choose the colors of your clothes. First, choose the color that flatter your skin tone. Second, each season has specific colors you don’t want to look like you’re going to the beach while it’s raining outside! dark warm colors are for the autumn\ winter , bright colors are for the spring\summer it’s as simple as that. Balance Your Outfit- Pay attention to the details and colors of your outfit, you can change your outfit from ordinary to stylish just by adding the right piece or dash of color. Also don’t overwhelm your look
by adding too much details. For example, if you want a piece to standout like an embellished top, wear simple pieces that will help it to out stand, don’t mix it with another flashy or statement pieces. Blacks and whites always make a perfect balance. Be Careful With Matching- It’s so predictable and boring to match your shoes with your top or bag if you’re carrying any, be more creative and add that extra color to whatever you’re wearing weather it was a shoe, scarf , bag or even a tie. Mix Casual With Formal- Who said fashion can’t be both comfortable and formal? You can wear this style in so many ways. For example, wear a tuxedo trousers with high-rise sneakers or gladiator sandals and a simple dress shirt to the mall and then you can dine at a fancy restaurant! You can also wear a casual chinos or plaid shorts with a blazer or a vest and oxfords day and night. And guess what? With this kind of look, girls will be all over you. Never Abuse Trends- Seasonal trends are tricky and tempting at the same time, you have to consider a few things before following a certain trend, choose a trend
that suit you and your personality, never follow a trend just because it’s a trend or because someone wore it. If you like a trend don’t abuse it. For example, spikes and studs are very trendy but annoying when it’s all over you! Wear a small studded piece like a shoe or a wallet. Express Yourself- Fashion is a way of expressing yourself, you can present yourself the way you want through fashion. A simple thing as buttoning your shirt can make you look neat and smart, unbuttoning it can make you the cool badass kind of guy. It’s a matter of choice how you want people to look at you. In the end following these steps will never replace your own natural and unique touch, make sure you always personalize your style because it’s what expresses your individuality.
A
shabby chic café, founded in 2010 in the wonderful city of Khobar- Saudi. With a combination of great taste in food and interiors, Pastel surely made an outstanding reputation for itself amongst those with great palates. Full of all time favorite cuisine from around the world made freshly in the house, you will definitely have a hard time choosing from their mouthwatering menu! So if it’s the weekend, and you and your friends or family are looking for a cozy and comfy place to go into, have a cup of coffee, and relax, Pastel is the place! And I know some kids wont like that, but you wont be finding anyone who is under 10 years old around! However, the good news is, the little ones will be crazy to know that you can customize their own magical birthday cake for them, just make sure you contact the café prior to the occasion.
Photos courtesy of: Ghadah Filimban
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