Showing posts with label Mia Jafari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mia Jafari. 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 ;)

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Angelique Sabounjian on Bras for a Cause

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When we think "Fashion" our minds immediately jump to "clothing". That's the first thing we think about. And then, for some unknown reason, at least in the case of us women, it takes us about five little seconds to shift to accessories. I will not dwell on the rationale behind that mysterious thinking course, but needless to say I was excited to see Bras for a Cause, just like any refined woman, rallying designers from all walks of Fashion.

It will be really interesting to see how each artist, depending on their line of work, expertise and backgrounds, approaches the challenge. After all, even when it comes to apparels, few labels do lingerie.   

Naturally, when I heard über chic Angelique Sabounjian was on board for both a Bra and a T-shirt design, I could not help but be a little intrigued. Pleasantly intrigued, that is. At the end of the day, her elegant label Tasché does offer the finest leather handbags and accessories, but lingerie and clothing remain unusual creations for her.

So who's on board for some brain picking?


The Designer behind the Brand

Angelique Sabounjian

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence
Angelique Sabounjian; 30 years old; Lebanese/Canadian; Residing in Beirut, Lebanon.

What’s your design background?
Jewelry packaging design and Product design. 

Describe yourself in three words
Patient, Free spirited/unconventional, Humble.

Who’s your favorite designer?

What kind of music inspires you?
Jazz, Classical, Latin jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?
La Dolce Vita, and all Fellini movies, Woody Allen movies, Pedro Almodóvar movies, The curious case of Benjamin Button…among many others.

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?
1st choice would be an artist, either a painter or a sculptor. 2nd choice either a chef or sommelier or food and wine critique.

The Brand

Describe your label in three words
High-end, clean cuts, practical.

When did you establish it?
2008.

Tasché Original

Who is your target audience?
Women between the ages 16 to 65.

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?
Each collection takes around 1 to 2 months, and I’m inspired by my daily life, everything that surrounds me, people, friends, music, art, architecture, food, books, magazines, movies, and the list is long. I choose the fabrics & colors according to my inspirations. I don’t like to follow a certain trend. Each phase of my life has inspired each of my collections.


Tasché Original


The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?
Because this is one of the many causes that I would love to contribute to.

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

What inspired your design?
The bra’s design was inspired by my handbag designs mixed with an 80’s era style and Jean Paul Gautier’s bra for Madonna.

Tasché Original

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?
I designed the piece that is easy to use both for cancer survivors and non-cancer fighters.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?
First of all since most women are interested in fashion it can get through to them more easily and second it empowers cancer survivors by not making them feel like their left out of fashion.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?
In my opinion it is the place to be a fashion designer because talent and appreciation is at its peak. I’m constantly amazed to see all this talent and creativity in the Middle East it is so inspiring to me hence, for me it’s a way of giving back what I’ve been offered and ‘touched’ by.

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?
Some of my designs have been displayed in the UAE at Sauce and on Aura B. In KSA and Kuwait, they have been presented to private sales and events. My previous experiences were very positive and welcoming. Bras for a Cause stands out to me personally because it’s dear to my heart and it’s not just a fashion event.

Tasché Original

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?
It’s an honor for me to be able to inspire young designers, I would want them to believe in themselves and let their creativity spread out.

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?
Of course I would love that, because as I mentioned earlier my past background was product design and for me just to be able to design any type of product is pure pleasure, especially if it was going to help a lot of women.


To keep track of all our exclusive interviews, bookmark CeleBlogs


Saturday, June 25, 2011

Exclusive! CeleBlog: Mia Jafari on Bras for a Cause

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There are artists out there, in all walks of art, who master their craft to perfection. They perform to excellence and their skills are undeniably recognized and acclaimed by their peers and the general public alike. Most of them impress with their superior technique and a sparkling imagination.

But isn't it wonderful when such imagination can take us on a trip to an entirely new dimension of colors and shapes?

That's what Mia Jafari can do for your eyes. With a palette collecting the brightest colors, her designs resemble the fabric of dreams. Literally. When I close my eyes, this is what I wish the world would look like!

I was very excited to discover the mind behind all the fun and textures. And indeed, her answers are as fresh as her choice of colors.

Read for yourself.

The Designer behind the Brand

Name, age, nationality and current country of residence
Mia Jafari, 28, UK.

What’s your design background?
I studied at Central Martins and Goldsmiths College, University of London.

Describe yourself in three words
Patient, Unorthodox, Relentless.

Who’s your favorite designer?

What kind of music inspires you?
It varies but at the moment I’m listening to a lot of Jazz.

What’s your favorite movie?
Annie Hall.

If you hadn’t been a designer, what profession would you have chosen?
Doing something with Animal Conservation.

Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

The Brand

Describe your label in three words
Delirious, playful, alive.

When did you establish it?
2010.

Who is your target audience?
A woman with a playful, liberated spirit.

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?
For the current collection, the idea was taken from Persian carpets, and then luxurious commodities. I looked at Tatler and Vogue and Cartier — I collected this huge library of luxurious objects. Cocktail glasses, earrings, anything beautiful. Once I had created this library of objects, I began to weave them into the carpet designs. The process took 6 months!

Mia Jafari's Strawberry Sour Scarf

The Event: Bras for a Cause Middle East

Why did you decide to participate?
I feel this is a very important cause to support (plus I have always wanted to use my playful prints in underwear!)

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

What inspired your design?
I wanted to fuse my colourful prints with seductive underwear to make underwear fun and playful rather than just sexy. I’ll be lots of bright prints, embroidery and embellishment!

Did you take a different approach when designing for cancer survivors (or their supporters) or did you consider them as any other client?
All women want to look fabulous so I considered only one client: a fun loving woman with a great sense of humor.

What role do you think fashion can play in the fight against cancer and empowering cancer survivors?
An important part in drawing awareness to the disease but also support survivors to feel fabulous.

How do you view the Middle East as a fashion platform and audience to your creative vision?
I have been truly amazed by the fabulous boutiques and style in the Middle East. I love the fact that the Middle East is such a melting pot of so many design influences. Middle Eastern women have a great sense of style which is fun, sexy, experimental yet elegant. They are never boring!

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 have presented to Arab audiences. I hope the Arab audiences enjoy the humor and playfulness in my designs.

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 would like to inspire young designers to follow their own vision – to find their own sense of style and to embrace it.

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?
I don’t like the idea of singling out cancer survivors, what makes them different from a non cancer survivor in spirit? Rather I would like to create a collection that supports the awareness of the disease to as many people as possible.

Mia Jafari's Midnight Mojito Scarf

Embroidery detail inspired by Mia Jafari's Cupcake Dress

Yes, I know what you're thinking: after only a couple of chats with Joe Challita and Mia Jaafari it has become clear the competition is looking seriously tough and gorgeous as ever! One thing is for sure, I don't envy the judges right now.


To keep track of all our exclusive interviews, bookmark CeleBlogs

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Bras for a Cause Squad hits again: The secret keeps unraveling

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Previously on Bras for a Cause:
Three of the amazing fashion designers dedicating their talent to this event were revealed. 

In tonight's episode:
We're going public with six more names.

Before I go any further, let me just remind everyone that there are categories in the competition that do not require any design background. Anyone is welcome to join the fun and who knows, you might even discover a few things you never  imagined you could do. So don't be afraid! Take a dive with us!

Your bookmarks:



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If you haven't left this blog to start sketching your own design yet it means curiosity has got the best of you. And rightfully so. I won't tease you any longer! Here are the six  fabulous people we're disclosing today:

From where my heart is, Lebanon: Sarah's Bag

From Qatar: Toujouri

From Egypt: Amina Khalil

From Bahrain: Noon by Noor

From my home, Dubai, UAE: Rana Mouawad

And from London, UK: Mia Jafari 

Stay tuned for more amazing names to be revealed throughout the campaign! 

Prepare to be dazzled!

Better yet, why don't you dazzle us? 
Come on people!
Join the Squad!
And let everyone know you're in by clicking on "Like" here ;)
(sketch, sketch, sketch... I can hear sketching all over the place!)