Showing posts with label Alison and Marie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alison and Marie. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

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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Monday, July 11, 2011

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:
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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Saturday, July 9, 2011

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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All on Bras for a Cause here
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Sunday, July 3, 2011

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 ;)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Roxanne Alison Peters & Sharon-Ann Marie Alder on Bras for a Cause

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Every time I hear the word "kitsch" I get all excited! Yes, I'm that weird 30-something who's hung up on her music from the 80's, who can't resist checking up on some old flames (right!) like Saved By The Bell's Mark-Paul Gosselaar and who just wishes she could go back to the good old days, minus the horrific hairstyles (God that was bad) and the pimples.

So when I got to Alison and Marie's interview, I thought this is it; kitsch and chic all at once: let's bag this! Literally.

These two cousins' first collection is a blend of Dubai's culture where they were raised, with vibrant colors all wrapped in unique classic clutches. And I'm not being cavalier with the word "unique"; each piece is hand-made and each design is limited to two pieces only. Now if that doesn't make a girl feel special, I don't know what does!

This particular collection is inspired by the Hand of Fatima and the Evil Eye which developed from being simple ornaments on a purse to becoming the clutch itself.

And these creations are as unusual and charming as this pair of designers. Indeed, when you get answers like "Child-Woman/Drama Queen" and "Artist/Thinker" to the same question you know you're up for a special ride. And the story even gets better when you discover what's underneath these answers: two talented ladies with a big heart.

Read for yourself...


The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence
Roxanne Alison Peters, 26, UK and Sharon-Ann Marie Alder, 35, Indian. Both live in Dubai.

What’s your design background?
R- Undergrad in Fine Art and Masters in Arts Management.
S- Designing chic quirky clothes and accessories for myself. 

Describe yourself in three words
R- Artist , Thinker and a Lady.
S- Child-Woman, Dreamer and a Drama Queen.

Alison and Marie - SS2011

Who’s your favorite designer?
R- YSL, Marc Jacobs, Elie Tahari.
S- Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Mcqueen, Marc Jacobs.

What kind of music inspires you?
R- Sade, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu...
S- Music from 'Glee'.

What’s your favorite movie?
R- Annie.
S- Confessions of a Shopaholic.....mannequins talk to me!!!!!

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?
R- Something within the Creative Industry.
S- Luxury PR, That’s what I have done and love doing.

The Brand


Describe your label in three words
Kitsch, Chic and Bespoke.

When did you establish it?
November 2010.

Who is your target audience?
Women who dare to be different and most importantly who love themselves.

Alison and Marie - SS2011

Tell us a little bit about your creative process: how long does it take for you to create a new collection, what inspires you, how do you choose colors, fabrics, themes?
The entire process takes anywhere from 2-3 months. We do everything together...inspirational travelling, designing, brainstorming, putting our thoughts to paper and finally into production. We use the color trends for the upcoming seasons as inspirational guidelines. Our themes are usually around ideas we believe in and love ourselves. Our creations are things we adore in conjunction with fantasy.

Alison and Marie - SS2011


The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?
It’s for a cause that is close to our hearts. My dearest friend is a 'Survivor', a fighter; she is an inspiration to many women, and not just Cancer patients but regular women like you and me that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Most often it’s a beautiful blue sky with the most fabulous rainbow!

What did you design, a bra or a t-shirt?
Both! :)

What inspired your design?
T Shirt – We were inspired by the fight that all the survivors have endured. The angel wings are also a symbol of respect for all the great individuals who lost the battle of Breast Cancer.
Bra – The design is vintage incorporating the Alison and Marie lace. The color theme which is a variant of crystals from dark to light metallic tones. The shades form dark to light is significant of coming out of the dark towards the light of hope – survival.
We used our trademark crystals and embellishments, as every woman should look fabulous!

Alison and Marie - SS2011

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?
Whilst designing for a survivor/supporter/patient we keep several things in mind:
-They must feel special whilst they wear our t shirt/bra, as they are fighters of a disease/cause. Angels of hope admired by many.
- Every woman wants to be told and feel that she is beautiful. We want them to feel even more beautiful whilst wearing our t-shirt and bra. Unfortunately the survivors of today are limited to beautiful lingerie. We wanted to give them a different option. It was all made with extra care, love and hope.
-Comfort was a very important factor.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?
It is awareness of the cause. Designers are creators. We are creating for a good cause, to make every survivor even more beautiful than she is!

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?
The ME fashion culture is one of the most emerging and developing at the moment. Middle Eastern designers today are the most sought after and coveted world over. The women in this region take risks with fashion and convert those risks into trends all over the globe. It is slowly becoming the center of the fashion world. We are honored to be in the heart of it all!

Is this event the first time you present your work to Arab audiences? If yes, then what are your expectations and hopes with this first-time participation?
YES. We hope that this participation is a stepping stone to the bigger picture. It is a great opportunity to meet other creative individuals in the industry and celebrate this good cause together. We hope that our creations are appreciated and enjoyed by all.

As you know, there is a category for aspiring designers in the competition. How would you like to inspire young designers through your participation in Bras for a Cause?
We would like to inspire young designers by reminding them to Reach for the Stars! They will make it :)

Alison and Marie - SS2011

Following that experience, would you consider expanding on your Bras for a Cause design and creating collections that speak to cancer survivors in the future?
Most definitely. As we mentioned, this is a cause very close to our hearts and we would love to support and be a part of Bras for a Cause on an on-going basis. We would also like to create an exclusive line of items for the cause and donate all sale proceeds to a Breast Cancer charity.


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