In stunning chartreuse, silver sequins, royal blue, delicate shades of soft and coral pink, and the prettiest embellished gathered waists, Wafa Saifi’s contemporary kaftans are incredibly graceful and fun, and I fell absolutely in love with them, merging the most beautiful eastern and western elements using chiffon, sheer georgette, crispy crepe and stunning sheeted sequences into a relaxed yet sophisticated line, and happily, Wafa has shared her story and inspiration with us!

1. You’ve lived in Dubai, Sri Lanka, New York, and come from an Indian background! How has your incredible diverse experience shaped your design and collections so far?

Its made me a really culturally aware person and I think that’s where a lot of my inspiration for the collections comes from. Its also made me a bit of a travel junkie! I currently live between Dubai, Singapore and Mumbai and I am constantly inspired by the people I come across and the beauty of it all. Which I think has culminated in a label that is a whimsical mix of Eastern and Western sensibilities.

2. How would you describe the typical Wafa Saifi girl?

I think she’s a quirky mix of Boho babe meets jet setter glam.  She owns her space and is not someone that is a slave to the trends.

3. What would your ideal project be?

Something that allows me to travel! Lol. Though on a more seriously note, I would love to do a limited addition collection for a store like Barneys or Colette.  Something where I could collaborate with another artist and produce a collection that actually helps support a charity like the ‘Global Fund for Women’ or ‘Give India’.  Fashion for a cause, that would be the ultimate project!

4. You’ve showed your collection at Miami fashion week in 2010, what was that like?

It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!  It was the first time I showed a collection outside of India or Dubai so I was completely out of my comfort zone.  The strange thing is though, that I feel like thats where I found my true strength.  You are surrounded by all these unique talents and everything’s a buzz, you just feed off each others energy.

5. What are your thoughts on the future of fashion in the middle east and where it’s headed?

I think we are headed in the right direction! The Middle East is proving to be such an amazing market especially since people are willing to be more experimental now, its not all about the big brands anymore.  There’s new amazing labels popping up everyday because the market is hungry for fresh ideas.  Just one request to all the buyers out there, please support local talent! :)

{images: wafa seifi}

Raoul’s pretty 60′s inspired collection is reminiscent of an exhilarating mid-afternoon summer breeze, with the brightest oranges, grass green, and navy, mixed with pretty neutrals, elegant camel and tans, metallics and leather, pretty mod dresses, necktie blouses and pleated mini skirts, lond-sleeved short dresses and maxis, and with an unusually warm first few days of february, already thinking and dreaming of the months ahead.

Have a lovely, lovely weekend, wherever you may be! xo

{images: raoul cruise lookbook}

Completely infatuated with the minimalist beauty of these wonderfully hand-crafted leather bags and accessories from hiddengem studio, in classic hues of camel, black and brown wallets, laptop sleeves, passport holders and satchels are beautifully elegant for the workday and perfectly practical for a long adventure.

{p.s} shop hidden gem studio’s range of accessories here.

{images: hiddengem studio}

An incredibly enchanting sea of lace, organza, filigree and pretty neutrals, a-line dresses and gowns and florals, valentino’s spring/summer ethereal haute couture collection is reminiscent of eighteenth century france’s age of enlightenment and inspired by the femininity and charm of marie antoinette.

{images: valentino haute couture s/s 2012, photography by alexis dahan via w mag}

A recent project to redesign a chair based on a historical figure’s childhood motivations, was happily assigned the legendary alexander mcqueen, who has created the most beautiful, thought-provoking artful collections unlike any other; and sarah burton’s grand pre-fall collection for mcqueen is filled with lavish museum-worthy gowns – full-sleeved victorian confections, floral embroidery and black mousseline, velvet and emerald, always lace and tulle in the purest couture, and less elaborate yet still glamorous, cropped pants and white poplin shirts, gentlemen-inspired jackets in perfectly feminine silhouettes.

{images: courtesy of alexander mcqueen via style.com}