BRAS FOR A CAUSE ANNOUNCES WINNERS!

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Last night, Bras for a Cause's winners were finally revealed! 

I honestly believed all entries were deserving of this worthy competition, and most of them were even outstanding. It was hard to believe some of the contestants were first time designers!

So naturally, congratulations were in order :)

rouba abouzeid : all around the blogosphere‎ Bras for a Cause Middle East WINNERS ARE REVEALED! Congrats to all the participants! It was a beautiful gallery and all designs deserved our votes ;) A big shout out to all the winners! Well done! Can't wait to see those pieces on the catwalk ;)
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But last night, Bras for a Cause also shared a fantastic surprise:

Bras for a Cause Middle East We've announced all the winners! (...) Note the Designer Piece entries will ALL be auctioned off at the fashion shows In Beirut and Dubai. Stay tuned and congratulations to all the winners!!
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Now that's two fashion shows you do not want to miss! I know I won't ;)


Here are your winners again, in case you missed them on Facebook:

Everybody Wants Me Category Winners:
1st Place: Nada Adel #11
2nd Place: Nour Tohme #4
3rd Place: Nadia El Medany
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Her Bra Mastectomy Bra Category:
1st Place: Mai Abbassi #8
2nd Place: Rana Muallem #12
3rd Place: Engy El Shorbagy #10
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Training Bra Category:
1st Place: Zeina Tawfik #12
2nd Place: Yasmin Khlaifat #7
3rd Place: Hasleen Anand #1
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Such a Tee-s T-Shirt Category:
1st Place: Dina Yassine #2
2nd Place: Dana Qabbani #33
3rd Place: Hanane Fathallah #35
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Two of our favorites in the Training Bra category made the cut: Yasmin Khlaifat and Hasleen Anand. We couldn't be happier for them and wish them all the best! Well done ladies ;)

Bras for a Cause Middle East 2011 - Winners

And with more Fab'n'Glam to come, I can hardly wait for the closing ceremonies which promise to be even more exceptional. After all, we've had a peak at the designs, so we know our expectations are high, with good reason ;)

Basically, we all have to try and be a little bit more patient. Now that's one requirement I know will be even harder than using Illustrator for the first time! ;)


A final word goes to the organizers and the jury for their amazing efforts and bringing us a remarkable event; certainly one for the books.

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That's BRAll Folks!

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As the Looneys would say...

Today is the last day to vote for your favorite Bras for a Cause design(s):

The clock is ticking!

You have until tonight 12:59am (Beirut time) / 1:59am (Dubai time) to gather as many votes as possible and lend your final hours of support to your favorite designers!

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LAST HOURS : VOTE NOW!

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That's it. In a few hours, the voting gates will close on what has been a wonderful and very interesting Bras for a Cause competition. Let's sum up with a review of all the designs featured on this space:

• Joe Challita
• Mia Jafari
• Tasché's Angelique Sabounjian
• Maison Rana's Rana Al-Basri Mouawad
• Alison and Marie's Roxanne Alison Peters and Sharon-Ann Marie Alder
• Nadine Zeni
• Sartori Sartori
• Sandra J
• Hasleen Anand
• Yasmin Khlaifat
• Sana'a Habib
• Janeth Manneh Hachem
• And of course, my very own 1, 2, 3 designs ;) lol

You can always review Bras for a Cause for previous and upcoming posts related to the event.

Now, all that's left to do is wait for the judges' verdicts.
We'll know everything on July 14.

But that's not the whole story, of course.

Keep an eye for the upcoming events in Beirut and Dubai, featuring fashion shows of those fabulous designs you've rooted for, as well as the Breast Cancer organizations that will be receiving the proceeds collected from this outstanding and unique campaign.

All beautiful and glamorous for a great cause! ;)

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DOUBLE BILL Special in Today's TwO Do

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Today's TwO DO is quite simple: rally as many people as possible to vote! 

With only TWO DAYS left to support your  favorite Bras for a Cause designers, the time has come to DOUBLE the efforts and make sure every single soul you know, in person or virtually, has casted their votes. In other words...

Now is the time to cash in on all those complete strangers who added you on Facebook. 

Even if that means messaging that creep that keeps on stalking you from one social network to the next and who somehow got your top secret Goggle+ profile and added you to his "Sexy Circle". 

Even if that means introducing your grand-mother to Facebook and becoming her own private tech support. 

And even if that means, Oh-Horror, finally accepting your mom and dad's friend requests. Yes, they will be able to tag you, they will see all your photos and they will comment on your statuses. But they will also vote for your favorite Bras for a Cause design and that is worth all the sacrifices in the world!

So today, in the spirit of everything that is 2, I offer you a

DOUBLE BILL: TWO INTERVIEWS 

One bra. One t-shirt. 

Two gifted young ladies.

Two aspiring talents. Indeed, they are not participating in the Designer Piece Category, but a quick glance at their designs could fool you. They are as exceptional as any trained stylist and they were gracious enough to answer our questions. Enjoy!

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THE DESIGNER

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence.

Sana’a Habib, 26, Lebanese, Lebanon.

What’s your design background?

Graphic Designer and Owner of El Sa’s J, Silver Jewelry. Feel free to visit our Facebook Page or call +96170730672.

Describe yourself in three words.

Ambitious, artistic, and a dreamer.

Who’s your favorite designer?

Elie Saab.

What kind of music inspires you?

Irish, oriental jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?

Face/Off.

Why did you choose to participate in this competition?

Because it’s good to hope and fight.

If you hadn't been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?

Psychiatrist.

THE DESIGN

Describe your design style in three words.

Blossoming, alive and artistic.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long did it take for you to create the design, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

To be frank, ideas do not need time to come up to our minds, when I read about the competition, the Bra blossoming flower came up to my mind quickly and then I sketched it, colors it and scanned it with a little bit of processing on Adobe Photoshop.

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?

A t-shirt.

"When Life Blossoms"

What inspired your design?

Spring.

THE EVENT

Why did you decide to participate?

Because hoping and fighting are the best ways to conquer the world.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

Fashion is always hopeful for women in all cases and at any time.

What are your expectations and hopes for this event?

High hopes.

------------- Part 2 -------------

THE DESIGNER

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence.

Sarah Anou, British, London, England.

What’s your design background?

No design background, but I have always been interested in fashion as a form of art and expression.

Describe yourself in three words.

It’s better to ask those around me (laughs).

Who’s your favorite designer?

There are too many to choose from. I love old classic styles as seen on Jackie Kennedy, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. I appreciate more modern creations by YSL, Dior, and Vera Wang. I love Middle Eastern designers such as Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad. But it always comes back to the classics like Chanel. You cannot go wrong with Chanel. It’s a wardrobe staple for every woman.

What kind of music inspires you?

I think you can find inspiration in every kind of music. It depends on the mood you’re in. Music has this amazing ability to enhance moods and open up your mind.

What’s your favorite movie?

I can’t choose! Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Casablanca, Rebel Without a Cause, A Street Car Named Desire, Chocolat, ET, The Godfather, have I said Casablanca already? (laughs). The list goes on. I’m currently having a love affair with foreign films. I can’t get enough.

What is your profession and why did you choose to participate in this competition?

I actually have a degree in journalism and I’m currently working on a project which is aimed at fashion in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s such a big industry and these places are slowly beginning to take their place and make their presence felt on the international scale. It’s an exciting time to be in the design world.

I wanted to participate in this competition because I have always been fascinated by the design aspect of fashion. And this is such a good cause. You have to really think about these women who have and are going through breast cancer and how much difference a garment like a bra can impact on their health and with their confidence. It’s such an important cause, one that I think everyone should get involved with because I have learnt things about breast cancer I never knew before.

❝ I’ve spoken to some women who said they felt less womanly after their battle, especially those involving surgery to remove the parts with cancer. I wanted to restore that confidence back. They might never be the same again, but they can make themselves better, greater and stronger. ❞

THE DESIGN

Describe your design style in three words.

Vintage, classic, comfortable.

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?

I designed a bra.

What inspired your design?

Old school vintage style from the Hollywood and European golden era.

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long did it take for you to create the design, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?

I've been working on it for a couple of weeks now. I spent a long time looking through old magazines, films; costumes etc to get a feel of something truly feminine and classic. Then it was a matter of looking at how to merge those ideas with something that would also be comfortable, secure and be able to give its wear a feeling of confidence and femininity. I think the concept of making these women still feel feminine was key for me. I’ve spoken to some women who said they felt less womanly after their battle, especially those involving surgery to remove the parts with cancer. I wanted to restore that confidence back. They might never be the same again, but they can make themselves better, greater and stronger. That’s important to cancer survivors.

Choosing colours was so difficult! But I think I picked the right one in the end….hopefully (fingers crossed) (laughs). On the other hand choosing fabrics was amazing!!! I wanted everything from silks, satin’s organza detailing; some chiffon…the list goes on. I went to a top fabric store here in London and went insane wanting everything (laughs). But at the end of the day, I had to focus on how the material would feel against the skin, especially those who’ve had surgery. Your body, especially the skin, would be sensitive. It was important to recreate a sensation against the skin that is soothing, comfortable, luxurious, and fresh. This part was such an important area for me because in researching what survivors have said themselves, I learnt things I didn’t know before. And all of that knowledge helps you in the actual design process. It makes you consider if you really should have this here or there, and how would that feel as well as look if we tried to create this shape or that etc. I was seriously humbled by what these women had gone through. It motivates you to make something special.

❝ It was important to recreate a sensation against the skin that is soothing, comfortable, luxurious, and fresh. This part was such an important area for me because in researching what survivors have said themselves, I learnt things I didn’t know before. ❞

THE EVENT

Why did you decide to participate?

It’s such an important cause. People need to become more aware of its signs and how to get better and all the stages in between.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?

It can empower cancer victims and survivors alike to express themselves artistically. Sometimes its difficult to say what you mean, and fashion is one of the greatest forms of art expression. It also has a global reach.

What are your expectations and hopes for this event?

That people learn things they didn’t know. That money can be raised for an important cause and those affected in any way, shape or form by cancer learn that they are not alone; there are people out there who are willing to help them.

So there you have it. Two very different young women, just like all the other designers who participated in making this event a great success, all with one thing in common:


The commitment to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer. 

A disease that could affect anyone. A disease that can be defeated through widespread awareness as early detection is key in saving lives. 

And that is why it is so important for all of us to get involved and actively support campaigns such as Bras for a Cause. 

Don't forget to check the other designs, with previews and more interviews here, here and here. You won't be disappointed!

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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN & A TASTY SELECTION JUST FOR YOU

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That's it. It's the final countdown for all of us at the Bras for a Cause Squad, and that means you too:

If for whatever reason there's still anyone out there who hasn't voted yet because, I don't know... Maybe you were on a spiritual retreat somewhere. Maybe you were in a coma for the past 10 days. Who knows. It doesn't matter. What matters is that now is the time. You have until July 12. Yes. That leaves only three days to make sure you've supported your favorite design(s). Yes, you can vote for as many pieces as you'd like, in all categories. So, go nuts!

Then it will be the judges's turn to make their move: they are entrusted with the difficult job of selecting the winners who will be revealed on July 14.

And I don't envy them right now! 

All the designs are simply fantastic and it won't be easy picking. You think I'm being too subjective? Check for yourself some of the designer pieces here: I couldn't possibly manage to choose between Joe Challita's stunning Queen (here), Mia Jafari's sweet reveries (here, here, here), Rana Mouawad's brilliant statements (here, here), Angelique Sabounjian's subtle beauty (here), Nadine Zeni's sexy shout-out (here), Alison and Marie's inspired visions (here, here), Sartori Sartori's feminine touch (here) or Sandra J's shining twinkle (here).

Judges, I sympathize, believe me and I wish you the best of luck with that heavy responsibility.

As for humble me, I was asked to represent one design from either Her Bra, Training Bra or Such a Tee's categories. 

I immediately stepped away from all the t-shirts because for one, I have three designs there (curious readers out there, check here, here and here, and click on "Like" while you're at it, thank you very much in advance) but mostly because two of my friends are participating too (find their amazing work here and here and don't forget to "Like" please) and I didn't want to have to choose between them.

The next step came almost naturally.

I simply asked myself, "If I were at a lingerie boutique, which bra would I buy"? 

And without a moment of hesitation, I immediately clicked on Cupcake Fantasy by Yasmin Khlaifat. 

First of all, it has a pastry name. That can only be a good sign. It is inspired by the layering of cupcakes which I find so tasteful (pun intended) but more importantly it is one of the very few sexy full bras I've seen. Ever. And I've looked, trust me.

Cupcake Fantasy

It is glamorously shaped, yet maintaining that practicality fully busted women like myself always look for. 

I should have probably started by mentioning that finding the right bra has always been a challenge for me. I am always stuck between "something that can support all that (overweight) baggage I carry all day" or something "cute and sexy". Why it is so difficult to find both in one design, I'll never know.

Well, this one's a winner!

It is sensual and feminine but also comfortable. The large shoulder straps will definitely carry any weight without marking my skin with that awful red scar I get every time I wear thin laces. And clearly, the breasts will be fully supported all the while looking so darn cute!

Cupcake Fantasy

The back looks as convenient as the front: large enough for good support but also to avoid those ugly excess fat most bras will shape on the side. Love handles may be cute around the waistline, they are a definite no-no on the back! And just look at that charming design! The back is as lovely and sexy as the front. 

Beautiful and convenient.

Comfortable and flattering.

If that doesn't make any woman, a fortiori full-figured ones like me, happy; I don't know what will.

Bottom line: This is pretty and wearable and I want it now!

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UP & SEXYSMART

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So the designs are up.

And they are all fabulously sexy and glamorously smart!

Bras for a Cause's awesome gallery is now available for everyone to stare in awe ;)

And we can't get enough of our favorite designers!


In order of appearance on our blog, please put your hands together for Joe Challita's exquisite bra:

Joe Challita - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Mia Jafari's sensually dreamy bras:

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation 

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Mia Jafari - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Angelique Sabounjian's simple yet always chic bra:

Angelique Sabounjian - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Rana Al-Basri Mouawad's empowered and feminine super shirts:

Maison Rana - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Maison Rana - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Alison and Marie's fabulous bra and inspiring shirt:

Alison and Marie - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Alison and Marie - Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Other fabulous designers, soon to be featured on CeleBlog have also submitted outstanding work. I will spare you the descriptive opinions and let you see for yourself:

Nadine Zeni's powerful expression shirt:

Nadine Zeni- Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Sartori Sartori's sexulicious bra:

Sartori Sartori- Bras for a Cause Original Creation

Sandra J's fashion-statement bra:

Sandra J

And we still can't wait to see what Shrekahnth has up his sleeve!

So now is the time to start picking favorites and get ready to cast your voice (or in this case "click"): VOTE NOW!

And while you're checking the gallery, why don't you swing by my designs ;) And knock yourself out clicking ;)

They are hardly as glamorous as those you've just seen but they're my humble attempt as designing a "bra" without having to design an actual bra which is what I secretly wish I could do! ;)

I simply featured the word "bra" within qualities I felt projected what Bras for a Cause is all about:

aBRAcadaBRA: Fashion for a Cause
When fashion becomes magic
"bra" and "bra" are positioned in such a way as to suggest the word aBRAcadaBRA is actually a bra

zeBRA: Sexy for a Cause
Because breast cancer survivors are still first and foremost women

emBRAce: Love for a Cause
This is a call for all breast cancer survivors to embrace the new woman they have become and love her but it is also  to stress the importance that everyone should get involved in the fight against cancer, armed with love, because love is our strongest weapon

Thank you so much for taking the time to follow this blog and the daily updates on Bras for a Cause.

I have now returned to a more natural blogging rhythm but I promise to keep on bringing you the latest on this fantastic event.

In the meantime, and to stay posted on all new blog posts, follow me on Facebook ;)