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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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 ;)

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Rana Al-Basri Mouawad on Bras for a Cause

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Bras for a Cause is a charity event, and by nature, it calls for the humane, kind and generous side of us. It is without a doubt the perfect platform for Rana Mouawad, the founder and creative brain behind Maison Rana, a label resulting from the fusion between art and fashion.

The term Maison in French translates to "house" but can also mean "home". And this is what Maison Rana is in essence, a home. A home for artists to shine and grow. The concept is simple: a fashion label that creates prêt-a-porter collections which are inspired by artworks such as paintings, sculptures or photography while maintaining a transparent connection to the original art pieces.

Indeed, like any other designer out there, Rana Mouawad finds inspiration in the things she loves; in her case, art and culture. But unlike any other designer out there Rana Mouawad's creations openly carry the name of the artist who inspired them. 

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

A label with the social responsibility to promote other striving artists is rare and truly commendable. It is refreshing to see a young, ambitious woman not only championing culture and the arts in her work but also willing to share a piece of her success with those who inspire her.

You will recognize this quality in a few moments when you read about her favorite filmmakers. It will also immediately strike you should you visit her Facebook page where she openly acknowledges her friends and those who helped her. 

Scoop Alert!

The refreshingly generous designer reveals "Maison Rana will be exhibiting at the "Pret a Porter Paris" Exhibition at PFW this Sept :-) You're the first to know".

Congratulations are in order! ;)

Now aren't you just a teeny bit more curious?
Uncover Maison Rana as Ms. Mouawad herself discloses yet a few more secrets.

The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence

Rana Al-Basri Mouawad, 35 in August, I’m Iraqi, Living in Dubai.

What’s your design background?

Just the love and passion for design, colors and clothes. 

Describe yourself in three words

Passionate, Committed, Ridiculous when it comes to details.

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

Who’s your favorite designer?

Many! I love weird cuts, and I love a story behind a dress… in love with the work of Ralph Rucci, Alexander McQueen, Karen Karam, to name a few.

What kind of music inspires you?

Depending on the mood. Recently, I’ve been listening to Classics and Jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?

Many again! Sorry for that, but I love movies and watch a lot of them during the week, especially international ones! The Godfather, City of God (Brazilian Movie), The Circle (Persian Movie), No Man’s Land (Serbian Movie), and I love the work of Mahmoud Kaabour, and his recent documentary Teta Alf Marra.. Absolutely fabulous! .

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

I am very lucky that I have already worked in the profession that I love which is advertising, marketing and communication. It gives you a great perspective on brands, image and production. Now, I am living my other passion that is fashion.

The Brand

Describe your label in three words

Creative, Special, Stylish.

When did you establish it?

2010.

Who is your target audience?

A woman who knows her sense of style and likes to experiment and try new pieces.

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

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?

Every collection in Maison Rana is inspired by art or culture (the art could be a painting or sculpture or photography, etc.). I try to translate the artist’s work and what I love about it or the city I visited and its beautiful culture into the designs, be it in cuts, draping and color palette. It takes me months to come up with a new collection, so I always try to multitask and work couple of collections at the same time, to give each collection the time I need for it. Insane but never been happier in my life.

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?

The cause hits home for me.. I had few family members who battled breast cancer and I am blessed that they won the battle. I really believe that women are not powerless and we will win against this, by loving, supporting and helping each other.

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

Couple of T-Shirts.

What inspired your design?

One is about super power. The other is just another way of expressing the support outside the boundaries of the pink ribbon or the pink bracelet.

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?

Not really, I wanted to design something for the cause of course, and to translate the message on a t-shirt…but I always had in-mind the style aspect. I wanted to make sure that the result is something that women would buy for both the support of the cause and also because it is something stylish and they would wear. I wanted to make sure it is an addition to their wardrobe, and not just a timely purchase that will be given away… (Basically making sure it doesn’t look like a promotional t-shirt)...

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

Fashion can do a lot… in addition to financial support, the empowerment comes from having these survivors always in-mind, and so altering some designs to make it comfortable for the survivors to enjoy as well.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?

The Middle Eastern woman is very stylish and fashionable. I strongly believe that. However, there are some women who are still battling to find their sense of style, and therefore resolve to copy. I believe that my audiences are women who love to experiment, believe in culture and art, and interested in knowing the story behind what they are wearing.

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

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?

This is the first time I participate in a competition. I honestly have no expectations because I am participating to support the cause, and not to ensure a win. I am here because I hope that a competition like this can start a movement (at least in the ME) to push us as designers and buyers for boutiques to consider collections or designs for survivors of cancer, and to push the envelope on Breast cancer support, finding a cure, pushing early check-ups and importantly eliminating the stigma of thinking of death or of body scarring when it comes to this disease.

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?

I hope that through my participation, aspiring designers see that it is important to support something they truly relate to or believe in, not only for the design aspect, but also for them as individuals… to give back to their community through something they are good in. It is a great opportunity to pay it forward, as they say.

Windows of Life collection (S/S2011)

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?

This is something to consider, at least having the survivors’ challenges in mind when designing a new piece and making sure they are considered.

To keep track of all our exclusive interviews, bookmark CeleBlogs.