Hijablicious meets Jawaher

Jawaher is a new initiative from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, which celebrates the elegance and glamour of Arabian women today. I was invited by Jawaher to preview the newly launched collection and to see for myself the fusion of Swarovski crystals when coupled with Middle Eastern Attire.


Jawaher highlights the fashion connoisseur in the Middle East with pieces that have been created by world-renowned designers using crystal as a creative material to show a light fuelled allure. The designers, including Allessanra Rich, Sohad Acouri, Zaid Anton and more, have all sought out to create items to reflect the kind of glamorous lifestyle we all aspire to have, while still keeping with Middle Eastern tradition.

The launch was no small affair, upon arrival I was given the opportunity to preview the Autumn/Winter Swarovski Jewelry collection which was spellbinding. The Chrystal based Jewelry was presented with Middle Eastern influences and the attention to detail and sparkle was visible from afar, it was like being in accessories heaven! Swarovski Element no longer just produce traditional pieces they once did, but have now branched out into Middle Eastern and Asian influenced designs which can be worn with almost any outfit.

 Sohad Acouri, a renowned designer from Lebanon had designed a silver belt made from divine rocks and cosmic silver stone crystals, fixed with beads this was just spellbinding to say the least.
In addition the renowned Elizabeth Emmanuel, who designed princess Diana’s wedding dress, was also at the preview event as was Diego Dolcini, the Italian luxury shoe  who has designed for Gucci amongst others.

The main part of the evening and the most awe inspiring was most certainly the Fashion Show. Needless to say Jawaher outdid themselves beyond my expectations. The attention to detail on almost every part of the Abayas and the intricate patterns and Crystals which were not only adorned onto some of the pieces but also in some cases woven and embellished within the garment, left every woman spellbound in the audience. The simplicity of the flow of the Abaya’s as well as the elegance which oozed from the detail kept everyone talking, no one could decide which one appealed more, as with each garment that came onto the catwalk, it seemed to outdo the previous piece even more, I was in true Abaya heaven!

I left the event adamant to relook at my Abayah collection, inspired by the simplicity and elegance of the most beautiful and traditional of Muslim garments, a woman can not have enough, that’s for sure. Now to save up for an exclusive Jawaher piece!

From October 20 - November 1, the Jawaher collection will be on public display in London at the SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED™ lounge at 24 Great Marlborough St, London, opposite Liberty.
More pictures can be found on the Hijablicious Facebook fanpage, these are just a few previews!
 
 
 

 
 

All pictures are exclusive property of Hijablicious and subject to copyright.©

Below is an exerpt of Hijablicious's review in the Muslim Weekly

Accessories storage soltutions

One of the common questions I get from readers is regarding hijab and accessories storage solutions. I get asked whether I can suggest tips on what the best way is to store them and what I use personally.

It really depends of the type of accessories you have, what accessories you use and the kind of storage you would find easy to use on a daily basis.

I'm a MASSIVE accessories fan!! I can't get enough of them, I love pins, brooches, flowers, bands etc you name it, I've been collecting them for years now and my true love lies with vintage brooches, which I love collecting.

Since I began Hijab Styling sessions and dressing people for events I realised I needed some form of storage which I could easily transport with me to venues and events.

Another on of my obsessions is shoes!! And I was completley overwheled when I was given the most amazing Art Decor stlye draw storage box set as a present which was perfect! Ive posted some pcitures below of how I store my hijab accessories which fits perfectly on my dressing table and I can take out and about with me.

The storage solution allows you to seperate everyday brooches, occasion brooches, pins, band, jewelled headpieces and flower and father ornaments for the scarf, you can access them easily and also clean them without much fuss.

I will soon post up a similar post for how to store hijab's for all those who have asked me Insh'allah.

Fashion with a conscience!

How many of us consider where our scarves are from or where a portion of the profits from sales of the clothing we buy goes? Many of us buy clothing and scarves without giving a second thought to how our money is being invested or spent. There are many charities available where we can donate our money for very worthy causes however there are very few clothing companies which have an affiliation to certain causes to who they pledge some of their profits.

A few months previously I came across Haya having seen the group on facebook. I was intrigued by the individuality of the scarves which were being sold and the vibrancy in the colours and patterns available. There are many hijab stores emerging on the market however it’s hard to find contemporary and unique designs, hence why Haya caught my eye. Its founder Shirin tells me more about Haya, launched in June 2010 and the message behind it.

Shirin explains that she begun wearing the hijab last year and struggled to find scarves that were in-line with the fashion today and that were made of good quality fabric. She purchased most her scarves from her various travels and that’s when the idea of launching Haya formed from. She envisaged creating a Hijab line which provided women access to scarves from all over the globe! Her aim is to inspire women to express their individuality through Haya scarves.

It is obvious through speaking to Shirin that her vibrant background and travels are the primary inspiration behind Haya. She goes on to tell me that ‘I’m lucky to call several countries/regions home - the Middle East, Canada and the UK!. I lived in Canada for eight years and it’s a special place for me. I moved to the UK after getting married and have added London to my ever-growing list of places to call home’. All these experiences and countries have encouraged her to keep an eye on fashion trends and experiment with colour, textures and styles of hijab.

Just as importantly as her scarf range is her desire and vision to give back to those in need through supporting local charities and campaigns. Shirin has always wanted to blend her passion for scarves with raising funds for charity. Her chosen charity Restless Beings works on two fronts: prevention or relief poverty through development over a sustained period of time; and to raise awareness of human rights violations of silenced communities. All the profits from Haya’s first collection were donated to this grassroots organisation for their Uighur Women’s Rights Campaign. Haya’s aim is to provide hijabs with a conscience and is proud to support Restless Beings with their incredible work. Haya’s second collection will support the Pakistan flood victims, 5% of the profits will be donated to the cause. Having spoken to Haya and the causes its supports it really hit me how important charity is and how often we seem to forget this. The Quran reminds us: "Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance that We have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." (63:10).

Review 1

Pink Flowery Business 3SC-FRBZ-01 £8.50

I love the feeling of this scarf, it’s very difficult to find good quality and attractive chiffon scarves. The scarf is lightweight and its pattern is bang on this autumn’s trend. It can be worn teamed up with an evening dress or even with a nice tunic or mac for a more urban autumn look. I have placed another plain scarf beneath it which is hidden and then layered the chiffon scarf on top to give it a bit more volume and more elegant look.

Review 2

Blue Beach 3SC-BEAC-01 £8.50
 

This is such a lightweight and beautiful hijab, it drapes well and the material is soft and flowing,  it also has very intrictae flower detailing that makes it stand out and it is really beuatiful to wear during the summer or for an evening out, there is plenty of material for coverage and it look nice with flower accessories. Im definatley wearing this with a black maxi dress as I think the scarf just adds the single touch you need.

All Styling courtesy of Hijablicious

Haya’s website is currently under construction however scarves can be purchased via the facebook group which provides fans with updates and images of the scarves:. Order requests can be mailed to info@love-haya.com

GIVEAWAY AND DISCOUNT!

Haya have teamed up with Hijablicious to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a plain silk-chiffon scarf! All you have to do it ‘like’ Haya on facebook and email me letting me know which plain silk-chiffon scarf you like best.  Closing date is 10^th October 2010. Entries to samia@hijablicious.com

(Please note the opinions and thoughts expressed are my own) http://www.hijablicious.com/

Join Hijablicious on facebook and twitter www.facebook.com/hijablicious for updates/giveaways and reviews and to get in touch you can email me samia@hijablicious.com

The Muslim Weekly segment of the review is below:

 

Author- Samia Khan (All rights reserved -Subject to copyright ©)