The Symphony Style File

Guess who is paying a visit to Dubai later this year...

2011-04-06T09:25:00.001+04:00

...Kim Kardashian!

New kid on the block: Karla Špetić

2011-04-05T12:36:00.001+04:00

Symphony, The Dubai Mall is extremely excited to be bringing young designer Karla Špetić's collection to the Middle East for the first time...

Karla was born in Dubrovnik, Croatia and immigrated to Australia in 1993 with a dream of design. With two suitcases and a vision for creating timeless designs with a unique twist, she began her foray into the fashion world. Karla studied at East Sydney Fashion Design Studio, graduating in 2005. Following on from her studies, Karla collaborated with 5 designers from the Fashion Design Studio to set up The Graduate Store in the Strand Arcade, Sydney CBD. Since 2006, Karla has been bringing a highly aesthetic vision and an innate sense of beauty in detailing to her designs.

Designer Karla Špetić

The subtle nuances and intricate design techniques of designer Karla Špetić s self-titled label has garnered the attention of the fashion industry. Karla Špetić’s label is a resplendent celebration of a designers’ journey with a unique vision. Sculpting distinctive shapes with a high-end quality finish is paramount to all her collections. Karla designs for a modern, fashion-conscious woman with an inimitable sense of style; poetic and timeless designs that transcend beyond seasonal trends. The results have seen her collections garnering such attention from the Sydney Magazine, who have named her as one of the "Top 10 People to Watch" and other editorials in VOGUE Australia, Harpers BAZAAR, InStyle, Grazia and Wallpaper to name a few.

Every element of Karla’s design weaves a beautiful story, a wearable art with a scope for a promising future. Inspired by every day surroundings, Karla Špetić's new collection entitled 'Borderlands' evokes the essence of Sydney suburbs. This season, Špetić was drawn to coloured terraces as individuals and grouped in their mix of mismatched rows, to form her bold collection.

The unusual colour combinations and contrast between old run down terraces with ornate detailing provide the essence for beautiful prints, camouflaged between heavy winter fabrics. The use of photographic prints is now signature to Špetić's collections, providing a backdrop this season are 'Front Porch', 'Factory', 'Suburbs' and 'Yellow House' prints which are layered and cropped amongst blocked colours. Špetić says, “This is where my choice of colour came from. Brick Red, Saffron and Teal paired with soft pink shades. These are predominant colours along with black.”

Multi paneled dresses offered in A-line and pleated skirt variations feature gathering and cut outs all awash with Špetić's prints. Silk blouses with teardrop cut outs, printed t shirts and everyday shirts can be mixed with sculpted skirts in heavy wool angora or silk with leather backing. The tailored double breasted blazer is offered in two lengths and is ideally paired with a waisted or low waisted trouser.

Špetić has interplayed fabrications of angora with silks and leather to create depth and unexpected elements which broaden the range. Špetić says, “The pieces are based on styles that I would see myself and my customers wearing. I took the idea of street fashion and easy pieces that you see styled by people on the streets.” “I like the idea of each individual person creating their own style and taking that as an ever evolving 'trend'. In this collection I was absorbed by street fashion and the way people style themselves. I found that very fresh and inspiring.”

Borderlands by Karla Špetić will be exclusively available at

Symphony, The Dubai Mall from mid-late April 2011

♥

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: +971 (0)4 330 8050

Karla Špetić 'Borderlands' at Symphony, The Dubai Mall
as featured in Harper's Bazaar Arabia, April 2011

Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates on new arrivals.

Style.com to launch new print magazine

2011-04-04T09:56:00.001+04:00

Whilst many magazines clamber to launch digital editions as the world asks "is print dying?" Style.com have done the exact opposite and revealed that they will be launching a glossy print edition this Autumn...

Six months after it took over Style.com, the Conde Nast Fairchild Fashion Group plans to launch a print edition of its coveted website in September 2011 - during the Spring/Summer fashion weeks. Although details have not yet been officially confirmed; the new mag is said to be a seasonal publication which will serve to surmise New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, complete with runway reviews, show photos and trend roundups. Unlike fashion week trade insider magazine The Daily, Style.com magazine will be a glossy that rolls out internationally; targeting 'the consumer' as well as the fashion industry insiders. Fairchild Editorial Director Peter Kaplan & Style.com Editor-in-Chief Dirk Standen are developing the new publication now. We can't wait to see the new print spin-off of easily one of the most respected fashion websites in the world...

Music Monday!

2011-04-04T09:21:00.000+04:00

Song of the Week: Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap

Every Monday we feature our 'Song of the Week' from the in-store Spring/Summer 2011 playlist at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Submitted by designer Chris Benz

It's competition time!

2011-04-03T12:27:00.001+04:00

www.symphony.ae a new website coming soon!

We will be launching a brand new snazzy website later this week with lots of lovely new features including a "Visual Diary" for when you're feeling lazy and don't want to read, a new and improved blog and the Magazine will also be online for the first time. To celebrate we wanted to do a fun competition for our lovely Symphony family...

Each day up until the website launches later this week we will be asking a fashion question on our Facebook and Twitter pages. All you need to do is answer it correctly and tag us in your post and you could win a complimentary 500dhs shopping spree at Symphony on us ♥

...First question coming up! Good luck.

Cosmopolitan Middle East is here!

2011-03-31T14:41:00.000+04:00

Ahead of hitting the shelves tomorrow, Cosmopolitan Middle East revealed their first cover today featuring none other than Khloe Kardashian! The news of Khloe's first Cosmopolitan magazine cover has created quite the buzz, and has been featured on the likes of The Huffington Post, Radar Online and X17 today. Khloe also posted the news on her blog. We can't wait to pick up the new issue tomorrow!

HUGE congratulations to Kerrie and the Cosmo team from the Symphony Style family

BoF: The Business of Blogging with Tommy Ton

2011-03-29T10:36:00.001+04:00

We love our Business of Fashion daily newsletter and felt so inspired by this Business of Blogging segment with Tommy Ton that we had to share it with you. Tommy discusses the inspirational journey which took him from his first fashion love (recording Fashion TV for his sister and being compelled by Tom Ford) to successfully carving a business out of blogging; sitting front row at Dolce & Gabbana, becoming BFF's with the influential fashion pack and creating a 'Tommy Ton / Jak & Jil' brand that makes his photos instantly recognisable....

The Business of Blogging

Tommy Ton

Posted: 28 Mar 2011 08:48 AM PDT

Tommy Ton in Parrot Cay

Source: Jak & Jil

In our second installment of The Business of Blogging, we speak to the uber-talented Tommy Ton, founder of Jak & Jil and streetstyle photographer for Style.com and GQ.com

PARIS, France — “It was the summer of 1997 and I was 13 years old,” recalls Tommy Ton, now 27, describing the moment when a self-professed comic book nerd from the suburbs of Toronto first became interested in fashion. “My sister asked me to record Fashion Television and all of a sudden Tom Ford comes on and talks about women, and his idea of feminity. He was so eloquent in his choice of words. It was love at first sight.”

From that moment, Mr. Ton embarked on what has been described as a something of a fairytale, becoming the world’s most influential street style fashion photographer today. But achieving such success is rarely that simple — or easy.

More than just a skilled photographer with a good eye and encyclopedic knowledge of fashion, Ton has proven himself to be a savvy digital operator with a potent mixture of ambition, work ethic and strategic thinking that has enabled him to discover and hone in on his special talent. His humility throughout it all has endeared him not only to the stylish women he has made famous, but also to fellow fashion bloggers and his growing list of paying clients.

Yes, Tommy Ton is building a business, and he’s proud of it.

At first, Mr. Ton says he simply became infatuated with fashion. “I’d bike to the library, tear out ad campaigns, and make collages of Gucci and Versace,” he explains over dinner during Paris Fashion Week. At age 15, he interned with the Toronto designer Wayne Clark and then in the women’s accessories department of Holt Renfrew, Canada’s leading luxury department store.

From the beginning, Ton has been a fervent but charming networker, not afraid to approach and build relationships with the industry’s top players. “I made an effort so Barbara Atkin knew who I was,” he says, referring to the Holt Renfrew’s highly-respected fashion director. This ultimately landed him a gig in the store’s buying office, furthering his understanding of the fashion business, but still not quite sating his fashion appetite.

“I was there in the Summer of 2004 when web magazines first started popping up,” he says. Ton started taking classes in digital photography and met with friends who did graphic design, before deciding to start Jak & Jil, which was initially conceived in 2005 as a lifestyle website focused on the product and people in Toronto.

“Then my guardian angel came along,” says Ton, referring to Lynda Latner, proprietor of vintagecouture.com. “She hired me because she saw my site and thought I could help her.”

In 2007 when Latner offered to send Ton to Europe to attend the shows in London and Paris, he had his first opportunity to experiment with street photography during fashion week, a trend which was just beginning to take off due to the pioneering work of Scott Schuman and Garance Doré.

“My first show in Paris was Balmain. I had no idea what Balmain was at the time, or what it was going to be, but all the girls were in that that show, like Daria, Irina, and Anja, and they played the Cure on the soundtrack. As soon as that show was done, it was raining outside…and I was dancing in the rain. I just felt so uplifted. I could not believe what fashion could do for you,” recalls Ton nostalgically. “To have that moment in Paris, at your very first show…it was magical.”

Using his “Canadian connections,” Ton also managed to get into Chanel, YSL, Dries van Noten and Rick Owens that first season. But in all the excitement, Ton says he didn’t know who or what to shoot. “I just shot what I thought was visually amazing. I didn’t know who Emmanuelle Alt was, or Kate Lanphear or even Anna Dello Russo.”

Almost immediately after this first trip, the Canadian fashion media took note of Ton’s photography, beginning with Flare magazine editor Lisa Tant. “Because of that trip, I got a page in Flare which gave me a validated reason to go back,” he says.

By 2008 Ton was already seeking a way to stand out from the growing hordes of photographers outside the shows who were mostly aping Schuman’s photographic style. “I thought, ‘I’m so tired of taking head-to-toe shots. No one can touch Scott at those photos — he is the king.’ I wanted my photos to stand out. That’s when I stated taking the candid shots.”

Ton’s landscape-style images focused in on the little details that caught his well-trained fashion eye — a towering Louboutin stiletto here, a pop of colour there on his favourite subjects as they walked into the shows. He rarely asked them to pose. Ton was developing a photographic style that that has now become instantly recognisable as his own, capturing the raw energy and excitement of fashion week. Fellow blogger Tavi Gevinson later remarked, “You always know what a Tommy Ton photograph looks like.”

He re-purposed Jak and Jil into a blog, and started posting two or three of his new style of photographs each day. This caught the attention of influential bloggers like Susanna Lau of Style Bubble and Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, who helped to spread the word.

Two and half months later, Ton received an email from the head of marketing at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, asking him to shoot their Spring/Summer 2009 campaign.

“I said yes, but I didn’t even know what my worth was,” says Ton. “After talking to my business friends in the industry, I threw a figure at Lane Crawford. It was a bit too much, but we negotiated, and I was proud of myself because I was able to get an amount that I was satisfied with and which they were willing to pay.”

With his reputation spreading, Ton’s confidence began to grow. “During the Fall/Winter 2009 season, people started to know who I was. Scott [Schuman] actually knew my work. I was officially blogging and shooting for Lane Crawford at the same time. That was the season I knew what I was doing, and I knew what I wanted to shoot. It was the beginning of something.”

Another important shift came the following season in Milan, when Ton was seated in Dolce & Gabbana’s front row, alongside Doré, Schuman and Bryanboy, an image that was plastered in the fashion media around the world, signalling the arrival of fashion bloggers. “That was a huge moment. It was all due to Anna Dello Russo. She was the one who told Domenico and Stefano: ‘These are the people who are changing things.’”

From then on, the front row tickets came in fast and furious. Everyone wanted Ton to shoot at their shows, knowing his images would be seen by thousands of fashion enthusiasts and influencers around the world. The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and others came calling. “They were emailing to buy photos,” he says.

Ton went from ultimate fashion outsider to insider almost overnight.

But the real turning point came a few weeks earlier when Style.com’s editor-in-chief Dirk Standen asked Ton to step into the formidable shoes of Scott Schuman, whose own photography career had gone stratospheric, in no small part due to the platform given to him by Style.com. Schuman had decided to leave Style.com to focus on other projects, and Ton now had the most high-profile streetstyle photography gig in the business.

“Being associated with Style.com is a huge deal for me. It’s what everyone looks at every day. People go to Style.com like you brush your teeth in the morning. It’s something you just do,” enthuses Ton.

By now, the time had come for Ton to seek professional representation. An introduction to elite agency The Collective Shift—which also represents top fashion photographers Inez and Vinoodh and super-stylist Melanie Ward—instantly felt like the right fit. Ton also signed on Trunk Archive to act as his image licensing agency, removing the burden of negotiating image rights and contracts on his own and dramatically increasing what he could earn from selling his images to the likes of American Vogue, Elle UK, and Vogue Nippon.

“Before, I was underselling myself, getting about $50-100 per image.” Today, Ton reports that he can earn from as little as $100 up to $2000. “The the thing I’ve learned is that you have to really consider whether it’s a one page image or a ½ page image or ¼ page image. It’s a really big deal when it’s one image over two pages in Grazia for example, whereas if it’s ⅛ of a page in Vogue, it is much less. I’m lucky to have Trunk Archive to deal with all that now.”

But image licensing only makes up about 30 percent of the revenue he earns. The remaining 70 percent comes from a variety of projects, including his gigs for Style.com, GQ.com, but also for retailers and brands such as Topshop, Selfridges, Sergio Rossi and Saks 5th Avenue.

Ton says he has made an intentional decision not to have advertising on his site. “It’s an association with your brand. I didn’t want my blog to be associated with any type of branding,” he explains.

But would he ever take pay for editorial placement on Jak & Jil itself? “Yes,” he says matter-of-factly. “But that requires a discussion between my agent, my client and me. The thing about the development of the Tommy Ton brand and the Jak & Jil brand is that everything is strategically selected and carefully monitored. We have to see potential growth in it, and understand what’s in it for us.”

When pressed on the criteria he uses for this kind of paid content, so as not to alienate his audience, he pauses to think. “It’s definitely gut instinct. It just has to be of the moment and relevant for the time.” His readers shouldn’t be able to tell the difference, he says, because the images he creates would be the kind he would post anyway. The standards are the same, and the images are just as powerful.

All the same, Tommy Ton also realizes this is his moment and it may not last forever. “I don’t even know if I will be able to earn the money I do now in a few years. I don’t know if I will be relevant or not. I am just lucky that people want to associate with me and their brand right now.”

And what about all that competition from the hundreds of streetstyle bloggers outside the shows? “You always have to stay on top of your game, and the only way to do that now is to have exclusive content,” he asserts. Recently, Ton has been invited to shoot behind-the-scenes at the Proenza Schouler studio and the Victoria’s Secret fashion show.

“I’m not making any money from it, but it gives me access no one else would have. I take a lot of pride in that. I am so, so happy I am invited to do these things,” he says, recalling that 13 year old kid watching Tom Ford on TV back in Toronto. “In some ways I still feel like an outsider, even though I am acknowledged by these designers. I am still in awe of what is going on.”

By Imran Amed is founder and editor of The Business of Fashion

xxx

Music Monday!

2011-03-28T17:53:00.001+04:00

Song of the Week: Daniel by Bat for Lashes

Each Monday we will feature our 'Song of the Week' from the in-store Spring/Summer 2011 playlist at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

This song was submitted by the Symphony team

Lady into Cat: the short film by Willow for Spring/Summer 2011

2011-03-28T11:41:00.002+04:00

Imagine the luxury of being able to stand still. To immerse yourself in the moment: to truly hear, smell, taste and see the world around you. To pause like a wild cat, be a majestic puma for longer than a moment, the mountain lion with senses so sharp she is the deadliest big cat in the world. Imagine feeling the earth beneath your feet, a breeze running across your skin, never again looking beyond the here and the now...

This season WILLOW has created a short film entitled Lady into Cat for the launch of its S/S 2011 collection. The inspirational work is about cherishing and respecting wild animals and the power of discovering the animal within us all.

“As we are not taking the collection to runway, due to my pregnancy and my inability to fly to New York, the film is an artistic expression highlighting the inspiration behind the new collection,” says Kit Willow. “It’s an alternative way to launch the collection, but it was also a wonderful opportunity to create an inspiring moving image.”

Capturing the raw Australian landscape was paramount and highly significant for WILLOW’s first moving image. Lady into Cat is directed by international fashion photographer Sharif Hamza who created Dior Homme’s film The White Room. Hamza’s work has been published in French and Russian Vogue, Dazed & Confused and LOVE.

Lady into Cat was styled Melanie Huyhn, of French Vogue, and stars Australian model Emma Balfour.

“Emma embraced the concept and, thankfully, the wild puma. Magically she was able to make a very special connection with this beautiful creature,” says Willow.

The Willow Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is available at Symphony, Ground Floor Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall, T: 04 330 8050 now ♥

RIP Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, DBE (27 February 1932 – 23 March 2011)

2011-03-23T19:12:00.000+04:00

"Give. Remember always to give. That is the thing that will make you grow." Elizabeth Taylor

The UAE Downs Syndrome Association x Symphony

2011-03-22T14:40:00.003+04:00

Symphony would like to thank everyone for helping us to raise a total of 15,000dhs for The UAE Downs Syndrome Association in support of World Downs Syndrome Day...

The UAE Downs Syndrome Association President

Sonia Al Hashimi at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

We would like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts. Whether you came and shopped for a cause, donated to the FishFayce photo booth or supported through spreading the word... Every little helps and we are eternally grateful for your support. We love our Symphony family!

The donation will go towards the speech therapy and occupational therapy which The UAE Downs Syndrome Association provides to the children so that they may go about their daily lives with greater ease. One of the characteristics of a person with Downs Syndrome is an enlarged tongue and the association intervene early to teach and train those little children to speak more clearly and this enables them to be better understood by those they communicate with which improves their quality of life. An essential service, as I am sure you will agree!

A special thank you to Sonia Al Hashimi and Melanie Rudd from The UAE Downs Syndrome Association for allowing us to be a part of such a great cause. We would also like to thank Sweet Stuff Dubai and The English Tea Party for the generous contributions of cupcakes and vintage crockery, FishFayce for their donation incentive, Social House, Pink Pepper Photography and all of our event partners for their help.

To learn more about this fantastic cause and charity please visit: http://www.uaedsa.ae/

♥

20th March 2011: An Event to Remember!

2011-03-21T16:09:00.004+04:00

SYMPHONY LAUNCHES THE NEW SPRING/SUMMER 2011 SEASON WITH AN EVENT WHICH MARRIES ART, PHILANTHROPY AND FASHION

THE NEW WINDOWS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2011 AT SYMPHONY, THE DUBAI MALL

Yesterday at 7pm sharp, Symphony, The Dubai Mall revealed the new VM creative campaign in collaboration with local Emirati artist, Moaza Matar. The installation, which features two spectacular windows and “pop up” sketches throughout the store, was created to compliment the new Spring/Summer 2011 creative campaign, forming a multimedia in-store installation – The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011.

THE GARDEN OF SYMPHONY: SPRING/SUMMER 2011

SYNOPSIS The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 invites you to experience Symphony’s new creative campaign shoot in a completely unique way. Two hero shots from the new campaign featuring ready-to-wear from Luisa Beccaria and Richard Nicoll are deconstructed and presented through three dimensional paintings consisting of three levels contrasting with a monochromic background.

Using canvas, paper laser-cut 3D butterflies, flowers and the actual dresses; artist Moaza Matar has transformed our store windows into a symphony of nature and art – the dresses feel as if they have been brought to life. They are asking you to wear them.

CONCEPT Springtime serves as the magnificent evolution from winter to summer; symbolising rebirth, renewal and regrowth. All of nature dances in the sun’s tenderness. As the length of daylight rapidly increases, as do our spirits; anything seems possible – a sense of warmth and opportunity is tapping at the door.

In the same way that spring represents new life and chance; as does the butterfly – just when the caterpillar though its world was over it was reborn and became a beautiful butterfly. Symphony has been transformed into a majestic garden of finery for all to enjoy... let the sun shine!

The Luisa Beccaria Window at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Richard Nicoll Window at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Philanthropy is extremely important to the Symphony concept, as such, we wanted to support World Downs Syndrome Day (March 18th 2011) and the activities such as The Downs Syndrome Walkathon which took place at The Dubai Mall by donating 5% of all sales made at Symphony on the 20th and 21st of March 2011 to The UAE Downs Syndrome Association. The total amount raised will be communicated in the next few days.

The FishFayce x Symphony x The UAE Downs Syndrome Association Photo Booth
which raised a total of 1310dhs through generous donations from our guests ♥

FishFayce Dubai set up a photo booth at the event and invited guests to take pictures and donate to the worthwhile cause, this incentive raised 1310dhs which will be donated to The UAE Downs Syndrome Association in addition to the 5% of sales at Symphony on the 20th and 21st of March.

Organic fresh juices and soft drinks were provided by Social House and guests treated themselves to Sweet Stuff Dubai’s irresistible cupcakes and cakepops which featured The UAE Downs Syndrome Association logo and were displayed on quaint vintage crockery from The English Tea Party.

The UAE Downs Syndrome Day cupcakes which were generously donated by Sweet Stuff Dubai were presented on beautiful vintage crockery from The English Tea Party, who also generously donated their services for the event

The Symphony emblem is transformed into a floral centrepiece.

Spring has officially sprung at Symphony ♥

The hero images from the new Symphony Creative Campaign for Spring/Summer 2011 featuring Richard Nicoll and Luisa Beccaria have been printed on huge hanging canvas’s inside the store and present the “full picture” which artist Moaza Matar used as a starting off point when she “deconstructed” the images for the window installations.

In addition to launching the new season, VM campaign and creative campaign for Spring/Summer 2011 with a special charity event in support of World Downs Syndrome Day and The UAE Downs Syndrome Association, Symphony also revealed its new in-store magazine, The Symphony Edit: Spring/Summer 2011 which features exclusive designer interviews, inspirations behind the latest collections and all of the hottest trends for the new season. The complimentary magazine is available in-store at Symphony, The Dubai Mall now.

The Symphony Edit: Spring/Summer 2011

A thousand thank yous...

We would like to thank The UAE Downs Syndrome Association for allowing us to be a part of such a fantastic cause as well as Moaza Matar, Prolab Digital, Fishfayce, Sweet Stuff, PinkPepper Photography, The English Tea Party and Social House for providing their services to this special event and worthwhile charity. Thanks to all of our clientele and Symphony family for joining us for this special occasion and for your generous contributions to The UAE Downs Syndrome Association. We look forward to announcing the total amount of funds raised from the event in the next few days!

For full event images please see www.facebook.com/SymphonyDubai

To watch the behind the scenes video from the new creative campaign

for Spring/Summer 2011 please go to www.vimeo.com/Dubai

The NEW issue of The Symphony Edit: Spring/Summer 2011 is OUT TODAY!

2011-03-20T13:26:00.000+04:00

In-store TODAY the latest issue of the NEW Symphony Edit: Spring/Summer 2011 Magazine. Featuring exclusive designer interviews, all of the hottest trends for the new season and lots of fun things for you to do and read. Pick up your complimentary copy in-store at Symphony, The Dubai Mall TODAY!

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 exclusively in Grazia Middle East

2011-03-20T11:48:00.000+04:00

Our friends at Grazia Middle East revealed the final 3 creative campaign images from The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 before anyone else on Wednesday the 16th of March 2011...

The NEW Symphony Creative Campaign for SS11 featured in Grazia Middle East

The complete collection of images from The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011, Symphony, The Dubai Mall's NEW Creative Campaign

...Which one is your favourite?

Badgley Mischka at Symphony

Belle Sauvage at Symphony

Calla at Symphony

Chris Benz at Symphony

James Jeans & Chris Benz at Symphony

Derek Lam at Symphony

Georges Hobeika at Symphony

Jason Wu at Symphony

Luisa Beccaria at Symphony

Prabal Gurung at Symphony

Richard Nicoll & FINSK for Symphony at Symphony

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011

COME SHOP FOR A CAUSE: Don't forget that 5% of ALL SALES at Symphony, The Dubai Mall TODAY will be donated to The UAE Downs Syndrome Association in support of World Down Syndrome Day.

To RSVP for our special event today please go to the Facebook event page

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

The final image from the Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 11 of 11 ♥

2011-03-20T09:11:00.001+04:00

Presenting the final creative campaign image from

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011

Prabal Gurung exclusively at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 10 of 11 ♥

2011-03-19T13:34:00.000+04:00

Calla at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 9 of 11 ♥

2011-03-18T12:00:00.000+04:00

Badgley Mischka at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Event Reminder!

2011-03-17T13:04:00.001+04:00

We will be launching the new Spring/Summer 2011 season this coming Sunday the 20th of March with a magnificent new art installation by local Emirati artist, Moaza Matar.

The installation entitled, 'The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011' will be revealed for the first time at 7pm sharp on Sunday. The event is in support of World Down Syndrome Day and 5% of all sales at Symphony on the 20th of March will be donated to The UAE Down Syndrome Association.

For more info and to RSVP click here

Must Have!

2011-03-17T12:23:00.001+04:00

Christian Siriano Spring/Summer 2011

We are head-over-heels in love with this jaw-dropping, dreamy gown which was recently worn by Nicki Minaj on Saturday Night Live

Tulle Strapless Ruffle Gown, 31,625 Dhs at Symphony

The gown is exclusive to Symphony in Dubai and there is only one piece available...

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 8 of 11 ♥

2011-03-17T10:49:00.000+04:00

Derek Lam at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 7 of 11 ♥

2011-03-16T09:36:00.001+04:00

Luisa Beccaria at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

EXCLUSIVE: Grazia Middle East x The Garden of Symphony Spring/Summer 2011

2011-03-15T15:59:00.000+04:00

Who wants to see the final three images of the Symphony Creative Campaign for Spring/Summer 2011 before anyone else?

As you know, we have been releasing one image from our 11 image creative campaign portfolio each day since the 10th of March leading up to our special SS11 Launch Event on the 20th in support of World Down Syndrome Day.

Today we are on the 6th image but tomorrow you have the chance to see images 9, 10 and 11 before anyone else...

GRAZIA MIDDLE EAST will exclusively reveal the final 3 images in the puzzle in their new issue which comes out TOMORROW...

GO BUY A COPY TO SEE THE FINAL 3 IMAGES FROM OUR NEW CREATIVE CAMPAIGN BEFORE ANYONE ELSE

♥

...Psssst! Don't forget to RSVP for our special event on the 20th of March 2010

See you there!

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 6 of 11 ♥

2011-03-15T09:49:00.000+04:00

Richard Nicoll & FINSK for Symphony wedges at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 5 of 11 ♥

2011-03-14T09:43:00.000+04:00

Chris Benz at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the recent devastating events in Japan

2011-03-13T09:42:00.000+04:00

xxx

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 4 of 11 ♥

2011-03-13T09:24:00.000+04:00

Georges Hobeika at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 3 of 11 ♥

2011-03-12T17:52:00.000+04:00

Belle Sauvage at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 2 of 11 ♥

2011-03-11T18:59:00.000+04:00

James Jeans & Chris Benz at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

The Garden of Symphony: Spring/Summer 2011 - Image 1 of 11 ♥

2011-03-10T20:27:00.001+04:00

Presenting the FIRST ever Official Creative Campaign image from the Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 shoot...

In the run up to our special event on the 20th of March 2011 at Symphony, The Dubai Mall to celebrate the new SS11 season and in support of The UAE Down Syndrome Association for World Down Syndrome Day (more info here) we will be releasing a NEW image each day until the 20th of March... There are eleven images in total to inspire you... We hope you love them as much as we do!

*Drum roll please*

Jason Wu at Symphony, The Dubai Mall

Up, up and awaaaaaay...

2011-03-10T12:34:00.001+04:00

The National Geographic Channel create a real-life version of Pixar's animated hit film Up

At dawn on March 5th 2011, the National Geographic Channel and a team of scientists, engineers, and two world-class balloon pilots successfully launched a 16' X 16' house 18' tall with 300 8' coloured weather balloons from a private airfield east of Los Angeles, and set a new world record for the largest balloon cluster flight ever attempted. The entire experimental aircraft was more than 10 stories high, reached an altitude of over 10,000 feet, and flew for approximately one hour.

The filming of the event, from a private airstrip, will be part of a new National Geographic Channel series called How Hard Can it Be?, which will premiere in fall 2011.

...Amazing!

Happy International Women's Day

2011-03-08T18:31:00.001+04:00

Wishing you all a happy International Women's Day!

We are celebrating with a special post filled with women who we admire: be it for their strength, beauty, style, achievements, talents - or in most cases - all of the above! Enjoy...

WOMEN WE ♥

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned

Queen Rania of Jordan

First Lady Michelle Obama

Singer/Songwriter Lykke Li

FACE Africa's Saran Kaba Jones and Whitney & Paige Port

Designer Charlotte Olympia Dellal

Designer Erin Fetherston

Designer Camilla Skovgaard

Actress Natalie Portman

TV Personality Oprah Winfrey

Missionary/Philanthropist Mother Teresa

Actress & Princess Grace Kelly

Entrepreneur Natalie Massenet

US Vogue's Creative Director, Grace Coddington

Japanese Vogue's Editor at Large/Creative Consultant & Blogger Anna Dello Russo

Designer Vera Wang

Singer Adele

French Singer & Actress Francoise Hardy

Artist, Heiress & Muse Daphne Guinness

Singer & Philanthropist Annie Lennox

Entrepreneur Ivanka Trump

Designer Rei Kawakubo

...We could go on forever! There are definitely many women that we have missed. So, who would you include? Tell us which women inspired you!

The Guardian has also posted this interesting interactive article - voices from women around the world

Happy Pancake Day!

2011-03-08T14:10:00.001+04:00

"... as fit as a pancake for Shrove Tuesday."

- William Shakespeare (All's Well that Ends Well)

Today is pancake day. Nom nom nom... yum! But how did pancake day start? We have a look at the history behind this delicious day and some of its traditions...

Pancake day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, was the last day before the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, and noted in histories dating back to 1000 AD. The popular celebratory aspect of the day had developed long before the Protestant Reformation, and was associated with releasing high spirits before the sombre of season of lent. Making and eating pancakes was considered a last feast with ingredients such as sugar, fat and eggs, whose consumption was traditionally restricted during the ritual fasting associated with Lent. It was a way to use up these rich ingredients which were not to be consumed during the proceeding 40 days of lent.

Pancake Race

Shrove Tuesday was once known as a 'half-holiday' in England. It started at 11:00am with the signalling of a church bell. On Pancake Day, pancake races are held in villages and towns across the United Kingdom. The tradition is said to have originated when a housewife from Olney (a village in Buckinghamshire, UK) was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the church bells ringing for the service. She raced out of the house to church while still carrying her frying pan and pancake. It remains a relatively common festive tradition in the UK, particularly in England even today. The pancake race involves participants racing through the streets whilst tossing pancakes into the air, catching them in the pan whilst running.

The Pancake Race, Olney, Buckinghamshire UK

The tradition of pancake racing started many years ago: the most famous pancake race, at Olney has been held since 1445. The contestants, traditionally women, carry a frying pan and race to the finishing line while tossing the pancakes as they go. The winner is the first to cross the line having tossed the pancake a certain number of times.

A Traditional Pancake Recipe

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 1/4 cups milk

1 egg

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.

2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Enjoy!

xxx

We are delighted to invite you to a very special event....

2011-03-07T14:57:00.002+04:00

Please RSVP on Facebook here

Can't wait to see you there!

xxx

Grazia Style Awards

2011-03-05T19:36:00.000+04:00

We are so delighted and excited to share the news that all three of our stores have been nominated for this years Grazia Style Awards...

The Nominations

Temperley London: Best International Designer

Marami: Best Boutique

Symphony: Best Boutique

We would really appreciate it if you could take the time to vote for us here http://www.ahlanlive.com/grazia/styleawards/survey.php?id=4546

it only takes 3 minutes and there are prizes up for grabs just for voting too!

Thank you so much in advance for all of your support Symphony Stylers!

We heart you to the moon and back!

xxx

Psssttt! In the Symphony vs. Marami clash - If you are wondering who we would vote for 'Best Boutique' we would have to say SYMPHONY - the newest addition to the Symphony Style LLC family and The Dubai Mall's first and only luxury multibrand concept boutique with soul ...but of course, its your vote ;)

Marami, Temperley London ME and Symphony are all divisions of Symphony Style LLC

Alice in Wonderland ♥

2011-03-02T08:35:00.000+04:00

Alice Temperley, designer of Temperley London and Alice by Temperley, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to the fashion industry. The English designer received her Honour from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

Alice Temperley's designs are available at

Temperley London

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 3398 169

xxx

LFW Review: Clements & Ribeiro

2011-02-28T17:40:00.002+04:00

Clements & Ribeiro Autumn/Winter 2011

The fashion crowd gathered at Northumberland House for Clements & Ribeiro's presentation accompanied by the constant whir of camera flashes and classical music. The duo's vision for A/W11 was one of an Indian Maharajah who had relocated to England by way of the louche cool of the Le Smoking look. Which translated as brown and burnt umber paisley prints, heavy grey wool embellished with large scale sparkles, upholstered-like brocade, prim twinsets, quilted smoking jackets, and mandarin collars. A colour palette of sober neutrals was broken up by flashes of cobalt blue and burnt red. The husband and wife's silhouettes were straight up and down columns with simple dark leather belts cinching waists to create curves. In silk these columns appeared Doric like in both their colour and elegance. Lengths were let down; skirts and dresses dropped below the knee or ended at the ankle and flowing trousers appeared modern in their relaxed sit on the hips and width in the leg. Close attention was paid to collars; with the aforementioned mandarin, Edwardian ruffle chin ticklers and classic shirt collars all making an appearance. The latter was detached from its namesake and heavily beaded to compliment the more austere looks of the collection. Ornate beading was also arranged onto knitwear elevating it to cocktail appropriate levels, and it’s this type of juxtaposition that made us swoon and wish for A/W11 already.

Reviewed by our lovely LFW mole Dearbhaile Kitt ♥

xxx

LFW Review: Bodyamr AW11

2011-02-28T16:30:00.000+04:00

Bodyamr: Autumn/Winter 2011

Bodyamr designer Amr Ali consistently creates gowns that women want to wear: a veritable mixture of glamorous fabrics in flattering silhouettes which are complimented with a very wearable colour palette. A Bodyamr gown is timeless - elegant and simple; simultaneously of “fashions past” and “fashions future”. Perhaps this is why Bodyamr is one of the best selling designers at Symphony? This season, Amr has embarked on an exciting shoe collaboration with Gianmarco Lorenzi; who has successfully managed to translate the Bodyamr pizzazz into iconic stilettos. We can’t wait to see this collection in Paris next week ♥

Photography by our lovely LFW mole, Becks Parnell ♥

BODYAMR STUDIO Spring/Summer 2011 is available at Symphony, The Dubai Mall NOW!

The AW11 collection will be in-store from September 2011. For more info about new arrivals at Symphony please be our friend on Facebook and join our twitter fam

xxx

LFW Review: Marios Schwab AW11

2011-02-28T15:53:00.005+04:00

A Look at Marios Schwab Autumn/Winter 2011

The AW11 Marios Schwab collection saw reformed ideas of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of classic ornamentation. Heavily inspired by heritage, Schwab engulfed the notion of the bespoke playing to the idea that, 'no machine can offer the romance of knowing a garment is unique.' Using the classic pearl detail, Schwab presented ornamentation on a wider scale. Pearls stemmed from the core of garments and defined shape on the body, which showed decoration as implicit in the definition of structure. Schwab pushed forward ideas of craftsmanship, using leather, buckles, straps and belts to emphasize the importance of the functionality of the shoulders and waist. Simultaneously, the collection had a subtle yet strong colour pallet of black, mustard, teal and deep red, which reflected ideas of early 20th century sophistication.

Photos and words by Lydia Garnett Symphony's LFW mole ♥

Oh Oscars!

2011-02-28T11:18:00.003+04:00

OUR FAVOURITE LOOKS FROM THE
OSCARS 2011 RED CARPET

We especially heart Camila Alves and Cate Blanchett's red carpet efforts this year. Alves looked wonderfully chic in the full-length black gown by Kaufman Franco; a designer who will be stocked at Symphony for the AW11 season (yay!). Blanchett looked effortless (obvs) in a beautiful pale lilac, leather pearl and crystal embroidered Givenchy Haute Couture gown. Both ladies achieved perfection in simplicity. We were also rather partial to the aubergine colour palette of Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman's gowns... Here are our favourites:

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott

Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Halle Berry in Marchesa

Hilary Swank in Gucci Couture

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Couture

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Scarlett Johasson in Dolce & Gabbana

...So? Who took your breath away?

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Mr Prabal Gurung has a message for you Symphony Styler's!

2011-02-24T10:03:00.000+04:00

For the Spring/Summer 2011 season, Symphony has the pleasure of being the exclusive stockist in the UAE for Prabal Gurung's beautiful new collection.

Gurung was born in Singapore and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. It was in New Delhi, India that his design career truly began. While studying at New Delhi’s National Institute of Fashion Technology, he apprenticed at several local production and fashion houses and designed with Manish Arora. In 1999, after seven years of traveling, Gurung moved to New York City.

He began his career in New York interning for Donna Karan while attending Parsons School of Design. In his first year, he was awarded the “Best Designer” title at the annual Parsons / FIT design competition. After Parsons, Gurung spent two years with Cynthia Rowley’s design team, which allowed him to gain even more invaluable experience on both the design and business end of New York’s highly competitive fashion scene. Soon after, he became the design director at Bill Blass.

After five successful years, Gurung left his post at Blass to launch his own collection, PRABAL GURUNG... Gurung has dressed a plethora of leading ladies including Michelle Obama, Demi Moore, Zoe Saldana , Blake Lively and Oprah Winfrey, to name but a few.

Prabal Gurung SS11: exclusively coming to Symphony, The Dubai Mall

For SS11, Gurung’s line embodies American sportswear in its purest form with a European edge. Sharp tailoring and restrained silhouettes are complimented by graphic prints and a bold colour palette. The pieces are beautifully crafted with quiet strength and femininity expressed through Gurung’s signature attention to form, structure and detail....

..But why have us tell you about the collection when lovely Mr. Gurung wanted to do it himself?! In this exclusive video straight from Gurung's studio in New York, the designer talks us through his favourite pieces from the collection which are exclusively arriving at Symphony, The Dubai Mall very, very soon!

JUST A LITTLE MESSAGE FROM PRABAL GURUNG TO YOU... NO BIG DEAL!

For news about the collection arriving in store make sure you follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook family

SYMPHONY

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

xxx

London Fashion Week: Temperley London Autumn/Winter 2011

2011-02-23T14:38:00.000+04:00

THE UNFOLDING PICTURE: TEMPERLEY LONDON AUTUMN/WINTER 2011

The Autumn/Winter 2011 season marks a return to the London catwalk, heralding the start of Temperley London’s 10th year in business following a series of four multimedia installations held in New York over the past two years.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes pics of the new Temperley London Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection...

heavily encrusted embellishments bring extravagant eveningwear back to centre stage

Designer Alice Temperley in the studio

the magnificent shoes in collaboration with Charlotte Olympia

Inspired by decorative Venetian fans, The Unfolding Picture is full of dramatic flourishes and extravagant visual reference. Intricately carved bone fans translate into delicate stitch work while a digital print on heavy silk is more literal, shown on sweeping, full skirts and luxurious silk twill day dresses. A muted, neutral palette of champagne, cream and mink is suffused with cinnamon, gold and bursts of rich venetian red.

Temperley London AW11, London, February 20th 2011:
The show was staged in the soaring, Norman Foster-designed atrium of the British Museum; a space that has never been used by a fashion house before...

Harking back to Temperley’s heritage with a focus on eveningwear, cocktail and knits, opulence reigns supreme. Delicate tulle dresses are appliquéd with three dimensional flowers and smatterings of crystals while heavily encrusted embellishments bring extravagant eveningwear back to centre stage for this celebratory ten year show. Chic, elongated silhouettes seen in draped satin dresses and fluid silk jumpsuits pepper the collection, showcasing a more relaxed elegance and a sleek, evening option.

Drawing on the past ten years of experience, Autumn/Winter 2011 is a coming of age for the Temperley brand. Attention to detail and texture synonymous with the line is still of key importance. The tenet of the brand continues to be to create beautifully hand worked and supremely feminine clothes for the modern day woman. The Temperley London Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection will be in store at Temperley London, The Dubai Mall in September 2011.

The new Autumn Winter 2011 Collection marks a poignant stage in designer Alice Temperley's career; it is the british brands 10 year anniversary, a milestone which was made all the more significant with Temperley's recent honour from Queen Elizabeth II in December 2010, when the designer was included on Her Majesty’s 2010 New Year Honors List and awarded an MBE.

Follow Temperley London Middle East on Facebook

Temperley London

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 3398 169 04 3398 169

xxx

IN THE STUDIO: JASON WU FALL/WINTER 2011/12

2011-02-22T16:55:00.001+04:00

Oh wow! What a beautiful series of pictures from Tommy Ton; creator of one of our favourite blogs: Jak & Jil.

We are extra, extra, extra excited to go and see the collection in person in Paris soon now. My oh my!

Click here for the full blog post and more delightful pictures:
IN THE STUDIO: JASON WU FALL/WINTER 2011/12

xxx

From The Brits to Burberry at LFW, Adele is in demand!

2011-02-21T20:43:00.000+04:00

When you have a voice like that all you need is a piano! This song just featured on the Burberry Prorsum AW11 runway. So beautiful...

Ps. We will be blogging straight from the Burberry London Showroom tomorrow, where we will get up close and personal with those lovely pieces you just saw on the live stream.

More info to come on Twitter and Facebook

LFW: ACNE Autumn/Winter 2011

2011-02-21T11:38:00.000+04:00

Basically we can't tell you how excited we are about this collection! Such a wonderful combination; the signature Acne-relaxed-androgynous look coupled with a new, fresh and playful colour palette.

We'll have one of everything thanks Jonny! Bravo ♥

The NEW ACNE Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is coming to Symphony, The Dubai Mall very soon! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to be kept in the (fashionable) loop

xxx

A Little teaser...

2011-02-21T10:50:00.006+04:00

Do you like our new look for the Spring/Summer 2011 season?

The wonderfully talented local fashion illustrator Moaza Matar did it for us ♥

We are so excited to launch the new Spring/Summer season at Symphony and everything that comes with that: NEW Magazine, NEW VM installation, NEW things to procure, NEW in-store playlist, NEW website and a lovely little event to celebrate with you!

More details to come very, very soon....

Make sure you follow us on Twitter and Facebook

xxx

Acne // Badgley Mischka // Belle Sauvage // Bijoux Heart // Bodyamr Studio // CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA // Camilla Skovgaard // CALLA // CHRISTIAN SIRIANO // CHRIS BENZ // Current/Elliott // Derek Lam // DAS Collection // ERIN FETHERSTON // FINSK FOR SYMPHONY // GEORGES HOBEIKA // Jason Wu // J. MENDEL // James Jeans // Jennifer Behr // Jonathan Saunders // KAI FRAGRANCES // LUISA BECCARIA // LOST PROPERTY OF LONDON // LUV AJ // Mara Hoffman // Mawi // MEREDITH WENDELL // ONE LOVE ORGANICS // PORTS 1961 // POWERSHOVEL CAMERAS // PRABAL GURUNG // RACHEL PALLY // Rupert Sanderson // Rodial // RICHARD NICOLL // SARA BATTAGLIA // Siman Tu // SKEEM CANDLES // SCOTCH NATURALS // Thakoon // Victoria Beckham Eyewear // Willow

We are live streaming the Burberry Prorsum show straight from London: Tune in from 8pm on the 21st of Feb 2011 ♥

2011-02-20T11:35:00.003+04:00

Jonathan Saunders Autumn/Winter 2011: London Fashion Week

2011-02-20T11:17:00.000+04:00

Symphony favourite Jonathan Saunders presented a strong AW11 collection in London yesterday. Inspired by prominent American photographer, Paul Outerbrigde (1896 - 1958). Outerbridge is known for his early use and experiments with colour photography; his work was published in the likes of Vanity Fair and Vogue Magazine's.

The Potting Shed by Paul Outerbridge, 1937

The bold use of colour and pattern in this new offering from Saunders was inspired by Outerbridge's graphic juxtapositions. Saunders also showed a handful of looks from his new menswear collection.

The Jonathan Saunders Cruise 2011 collection is available at Symphony, The Dubai Mall now!

xxx

London Fashion Week kicks off! William Tempest Screening, 18 Feb 2011

2011-02-20T10:41:00.003+04:00

On Friday night we attended the exclusive screening of William Tempest's new Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection at The Mayfair Hotel in London.

A still from the film: Le Bon's arresting gaze

British Bazaar's Senior Style Editor Carmen Borgonovo styled Amber Le Bon in an exclusive film for designer William Tempest and Mechante of London’s A/W 11 collection; Dia Anna was presented to a room full of fashion insiders...

Inspired by the 'Swimming Test': a method used in the 17th century by witch hunter Matthew Hopkins; a true "witch" was thought not to be able to drown.

Designers seem to be increasingly turning to the medium of film to present their collections, watch the full film here:

Afterwards we celebrated with the likes of Jameela Jamil, UK TV presenter who took to the decks for the night and of course the stunning star of the film, Amber Le Bon who told us that she nearly caught pneumonia filming those underwater scenes...

Amber Le Bon & Friend wearing William Tempest (obvs)

T4 TV Presenter turned DJ Jameela Jamil wearing William Tempest (obvs)

Cupcakes

Fun at the Mayfair Hotel

The screening for Dia Anna

William Tempest Cupcakes

Photo's taken by Becks Parnell, our little LFW squirrel. Stayed tuned for more LFW news and events.

xxx

Downtown Dubai’s new sculpture ‘Together’ celebrates Arab dignity

2011-02-15T17:34:00.001+04:00

Look, we don't mean to brag, but our offices, Symphony Style LLC HQ, are soooo situated in the coolest part of Dubai: Downtown Dubai...

☺

We have the pleasure of being able to walk to the mesmerising Palace Hotel to indulge in the spa's (amazing) hammam scrub, we can then skip over to The Address Downtown hotel for the best Chinese in town at Hukama. Not to mention the fact that the world's largest (and arguably greatest) mall is just a stones throw away (The Dubai Mall, obvs!) and all of this under the watchful eye of the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa. Really we are very blessed. With The Pavilion opening very soon and our own art space, The Ara Gallery following suit we can't tell you how excited we are that our little culture hub is placing the missing piece of the puzzle with the introduction of ART.

We are delighted to present you with Downtown Dubai's newest addition: 'Together' a new sculpture celebrating Arab dignity...

'Together' outside the Burj Khalifa

Syrian sculptor Lutfi Romhein’s new masterpiece presents sculptures of Arab man and woman in traditional attire. The 4.25 metre high sculptures complement Downtown Dubai’s evolution as a cultural and arts destination in Dubai.

Arab dignity and individuality are celebrated in full artistic flourish with ‘Together,’ a new sculpture unveiled at Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre megaproject developed by Emaar Properties PJSC and described as ‘The Centre of Now’

Sculpted by Syrian artist Lutfi Romhein, ‘Together’ features two sculptures – that of an Arab man and an Arab woman, chiselled to perfection. Clad in a flowing white dish-dasha, the male figure has been sculpted in Carrara marble from Italy, while the abaya-clad female sculpture is made of black granite from Sweden.

Commissioned by Ms Samia Saleh, the owner of Courtyard Gallery, Dubai, for Emaar Properties, both the sculptures are 4.25 metres high, and rest on a granite base, on Emaar Boulevard near the entrance to Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

They complement two sculptures that were unveiled earlier in Downtown Dubai: Al Sidra, a tree-shaped bronze sculpture by Kuwaiti sculptor Mr Sami Mohamed Al Saleh; and Horse 2007, a bronze sculpture by world-renowned figurative artist Mr Fernando Botero.

Al Sidra, a tree-shaped bronze sculpture by Kuwaiti

sculptor Mr Sami Mohamed Al Saleh

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The Arab world has a rich artistic and cultural heritage that are given modern interpretations by our talented artist community. Through our art showcases in Downtown Dubai, we are putting the spotlight on the region’s high creative and artistic standards. The unveiling of the new sculpture by the talented Lutfi Romhein will further strengthen Downtown Dubai’s appeal as a centre for the arts.”

Mr Romhein said the sculpture uses simple and pure lines to demonstrate the universality and simplicity of the duality of man and woman. It is also a cultural statement on the completeness of life, as well as a sculptural depiction of the similarities between man and woman, despite their differences. “Man and woman – they stand for the origin of life, as well as the door of life. They stand for strength and tenderness. They are different, yet so similar.”

Ms Samia Saleh said that the concept of using black and white for the sculptures also resonates to the Chinese concept of yin and yang: ‘They are not completely black or white just as things in life are not completely black and white, and they cannot exist without each other.’

‘Together’ was sculpted in Carrara, Italy, and was inspired from a small wooden sculpture that consists of two slender and tapering shapes that follow the same curving moments. After making the scale model, the marble block for the male sculpture was extracted from the Carrara Mountain, and the model was replicated on the block, point by point.

Born in Syria, Mr Romhein is an accomplished sculptor from the Arab world, who works extensively on male and female figures, as well as on chaises that stand out for their artistic splendour. His works have been commissioned by world’s leading galleries.

Downtown Dubai, anchored by Burj Khalifa, is one of the most prestigious lifestyle communities that features The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination; and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, in addition to luxury hotels, homes and offices.

The 3.5 km long Emaar Boulevard is billed to become one of the world’s finest boulevards, featuring regular lifestyle events such as the popular Emirates Classic Car Show Festival. Downtown Dubai’ hosts regular music concerts at its prime venues including Burj Park, which recently was in global spotlight for the Burj Khalifa New Year’s Eve Gala attended by more than 600,000 people and telecast live to over 2 billion people

Horse 2007, a bronze sculpture by world-renowned

figurative artist Mr Fernando Botero

xxx

Red Carpet War!

2011-02-14T15:34:00.004+04:00

In the battle of BAFTA's vs. The Grammy's or Actresses vs. Musicians we have to say that on the whole, the BAFTA's was a far classier affair; far too many looks from the Grammy red carpet left us scratching our heads (or in some cases covering our eyes)...

However, we like to focus on the positive here at Symphony Style HQ, so without further ado we present the looks that tickled our fancy...

We want some of whatever Jennifer Hudson is having! She's never looked better. LOVE her. Glowing in Versace at The Grammy's

Emma Stone is such a cutey pie. Looking scrumptious

in Lanvin at The BAFTA's

Florence Welch looks TDF in this stunning Givenchy Haute Couture

SS11 creation at The Grammy's

Gemma Atherton is the epitome of understated-chic in

Yves Saint Laurent at The BAFTA's

Hailee Steinfeld is cute-as-a-button in Miu Miu at The BAFTA's

Jessica Alba looks ridiculously glam

in this Versace number at The BAFTA's

The Designer and his Muse: Julianne Moore and Tom Ford

make the perfect style couple in his creations at the BAFTA's

Minnie Driver looks ethereal in Temperley London at The BAFTA's

We LOVE this feather gown by Jovani Couture on Nadia Ali at The Grammy's

Nicki Minaj deserves a mention for making us SMILE in this

feline get-up at The Grammy's. Purrrrrfect or Purrrrrthetic? You decide!

The Beib's new flame Selena Gomez looks so elegant

in J Mendel at The Grammy's

We die for Tilda Swinton. Look how effortlessly cool she is

in Haider Ackerman at The BAFTA's

Last, and by no means least (she might actually be our favourite) Thandie Newton is perfection personified in this amazing Monique Lhuiller gown at The BAFTA's

So, who stole the red carpet for you?
x

The Grammy Winners 2011

Record of the Year: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Album of the Year: The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Song of the Year: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Best New Artist: Esparanza Spalding
Best Pop Vocal Album: The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga
Best Electronic/Dance Album: La Roux by La Roux
Best Rock Album: The Resistance by Muse
Best Alternative Album: Brothers by The Black Keys
Best Contemporary R&B Album: Raymond V Raymond by Usher
Best Rap Album: Recovery by Eminem
Best Country Album: Need You Now by Lady Antebellum
Best Latin Pop Album: "Paraiso Express," Alejandro Sanz
Full List here

The BAFTA Winners 2011

Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: The Harry Potter Films
Best Film: The King's Speech
Outstanding British Film: The King's Speech
Best Director: David Fincher, The Social Network
Original Screenplay: The King's Speech
Film not in the English Language: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Animated Film: Toy Story 3
Leading Actor: Colin Firth, The King's Speech
Leading Actress: Natalie Portman, Black Swan
Full List here

Great Expectations

2011-02-13T11:22:00.005+04:00

Prabal Gurung's newly debuted Autumn/Winter 2011 collection was subject to Great Expectations in more ways than one...

Prabal Gurung, the Singapore-born and Nepal-raised designer, has catapulted to fashion-fame in the two short years since he first arrived on the scene. Gurung launched his first eponymous collection during New York Fashion Week in February 2009 with a presentation at the FLAG Art Foundation in Chelsea. For Fall 2010, he staged his first runway show in the Tents at Bryant Park; fast-forward two seasons and here he is: the world is watching.

The dapper Mr Prabal Gurung

Dressing countless celebutants at red carpet events (Blake Lively, Carey Mulligan, Leighton Meester and most recently Hailee Steinfield at the Golden Globes) and being selected as a finalist for the 2010 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund has meant that the designer has received the kind of sudden attention usually reserved for reality TV stars. Ever the master of grace, Gurung has taken this all his stride.

For Autumn/Winter 2011 Gurung referenced Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens Great Expectations (1861) as his source of inspiration; perhaps a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the scrutiny that has surrounded the designer in the last two years?

Karlie Kloss, Look 1: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

For those who are not familiar; Miss Havisham's character in Great Expectations is a wealthy spinster who lives in a ruined mansion with her adopted daughter Estelle - she is described as looking like a cross between a waxwork and a skeleton with moving eyes; serious subject matter for a designer who is a red-carpet favourite. Thankfully there are no monsters on Gurung's catwalk, instead Havisham's influence is felt through a striking palette of strong reds, head-to-toe black, white and dusty pink ensembles alongside notable midi-lengths, dégradé furs and ultra-rigorous fits. Frederic Fekkai lead stylist Didier Malige added in faux strands of magenta, lilac, and green to the models mussed up hair; creating a modern-day punk-Havisham perhaps?

Liu Wen, Look 7: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

Gurung has surpassed any Great Expectations that may have been placed on him and the only question now is: Which of these wonderful dresses will we spot on the Oscar's red carpet later this month?

Bonnie Chen, Look 28: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

Frida Gustavsson, Look 32: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

Karlie Kloss, Look 38: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

Daria Strokous, Look 39 Finale Gown: Prabal Gurung AW11 Runway, Feb 12 2011 NYC

The Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2011 Collection is exclusive to Symphony in Dubai. The collection is expected in-store at Symphony from early March 2011.

Symphony

Ground Floor

Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

xxx

A trip down memory lane...

2011-02-13T10:18:00.000+04:00

Hey! Remember when we brought over some of our lovely fashion friends: Raina Hein, Rupert Sanderson, Whitney Port, Camilla Skovgaard, Christian Siriano and Erin Fetherston for the official Symphony launch event on October 7th 2010?

We miss those guys! Watch this video of Rupert, Whit, Christian and Erin discussing their AW10 collections at Symphony, The Dubai Mall...

xxx

NEW TO SYMPHONY FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2011: LOST PROPERTY OF LONDON

2011-02-10T10:25:00.002+04:00

WHAT JUST ARRIVED AT SYMPHONY, THE DUBAI MALL?

...ECO-FRIENDLY BAGS FROM LOST PROPERTY OF LONDON

♥

Willow Eco Wash Bags, Small 240dhs & Big 300dhs

Elwin Eco Basket 875dhs

Belmont Eco Messenger 965dhs

Miles Eco Traveller Luggage Large 1500dhs (Small is 1200dhs)

Rivington Eco Rucksack 925dhs

Beeby Eco Clutch 650dhs

“I started life as a coffee sack, full of beans. Places to go, people to feed. But then I was empty, lost. And now? I am found. Transformed into a beautiful bag. One that pleases the eye and the conscience. I’m totally recycled, and I’d be happy to carry all your gorgeous things from A to B. So, if you love me, take me”

Lost Property of London takes abandoned fabrics and lovingly transforms them into stylish yet practical upcycled bags.

For Spring/Summer 2011, Creative Director Katy Bell has taken used fair-trade coffee sacks and turned them into vintage-esque rucksacks, beach baskets, travel holdalls, clutches and cosmetic bags. The Lost Property of London line is not only eco-friendly, it is reasonable in price and no two items are the same – each piece is unique and crafted by hand.

Lost Property of London love the environment, that’s why their products are created using as many eco design principles as possible. By making each item from recycled materials and hand-made techniques, they believe that every one of their products makes for a compelling conversation piece for those with a discerning eye for style and a conscience.

Lost Property of London is exclusively available at:

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: +971 (0)4 330 8050

ABOUT THE PRODUCTS:

The Willow / Upcycled Luxury Eco wash bag made from fair-trade coffee sacks and contrast fabric lining. Available in two sizes.

The Elwin / Upcycled Luxury Eco basket bag crafted from fair-trade coffee sacks and natural hide handles

The Belmont / Upcycled Luxury Eco Messenger crafted from fair-trade coffee sacks, soft grain leather, natural hide handles and shoulder strap

The Rivington / Upcycled Luxury Eco Rucksack made from fair-trade coffee sacks, soft grain leather and natural hide shoulder straps

The Miles / Upcycled Luxury Eco Holdall made from fair-trade coffee sacks, soft grain leather and natural hide handles. Available in two sizes.

The Beeby / Upcycled Luxury Eco Clutch made from fair-trade coffee sacks and soft grain leather; the perfect party companion!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER:

Katy Bell graduated from Central Saint Martins, University of The Arts London in 2006, gaining a BA (Hons) in Textile Design. Specialising in printed textiles, over a three-year duration she compiled a comprehensive portfolio of experimental and finished pieces, and also went on to complete the Business Studies programme as an elective of the course structure. Since graduating, Katy has fulfilled roles in the design studio of a number of well-respected design companies, creating designs for prestigious, international clients. Including Li and Fung, Crate and Barrel of New York, and Andrew Martin. Freelance work for her personal agent resulted in Katy being talent spotted by InDesign Agency in 2006, and her designs sold in New York to Calvin Klein and Jones of New York. Her Freelance work has continued to prosper, but a burning desire to launch her own business has inspired Katy to break out onto the retail fashion scene. For years, Katy’s fascination and eye for rescuing ‘lost’ items to make them ‘found’ was the conceptual underpinning of a truly exciting venture – and so, lost property of London was born. The culmination of an idea that was not before obvious to its creator – proving to be a totally organic process, and a logical progression as a creative business. Lost property of London is single-minded in its ambition, and hopes to capture the imaginations of discerning shoppers who frequently grace the polished floors of our favourite international boutiques.

Exclusive Sneak-Peek at the NEW Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign for Symphony

2011-02-03T10:28:00.001+04:00

It is with buckets of excitement that we present to you our exclusive behind the scenes shots from the NEW Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign shoot...

One of our favourite Dubai-based magazines, Harper's Bazaar Arabia was there to capture the fun and have published this exclusive diary about the experience. Make sure you go and pick up a copy today to find out what really happens on a fashion shoot!

(thanks Harps!x)

For Spring/Summer 2011 we wanted to create a body of work that was dreamy, summery and magical; inspiring images which would reflect the fun new collections we have coming in-store (soon) and also appeal to our discerning Symphony clientele; we hope we did you proud and that you will love the final images when they come out as much as we do!

In the meantime, we are thrilled to share these exclusive Behind the Scenes images* from the Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign... ♥

Derek Lam (a NEW brand for SS11 at Symphony)...

Everyone was in love with the detail on this dress!

The (Magical) Wardrobe *sigh*

Luisa Beccaria: an exclusive gown to Symphony for SS11

Jason Wu Cruise 2011: black gown with ostrich feathers..

available at Symphony, The Dubai Mall NOW!

Sunday on Sunday!

Dreamy Luisa

Petals and Tulle make us giddy with excitement!

Cute-as-a-button Richard Nicoll SS11 look

paired with the EXCLUSIVE FINSK for Symphony SS11 wedges

...Both NEW brands for Summer at Symphony!

Calla SS11 full length dress - another NEW brand for the summer season at Symphony

Orange Odyssey!

Badgley Mischka, a NEW brand for SS11 at Symphony

Amazing prints from Belle Sauvage: NEW to Symphony for SS11

A Prabal Gurung Runway look from SS11.

Prabal gurung is a NEW & EXCLUSIVE brand to Symphony for SS11

Georges Hobeika, NEW to Symphony for SS11

*Pictures by Shamsa Alabbar

We will be launching the new Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 season at Symphony VERY soon. As well as presenting the final Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign images, and a stunning behind-the-scenes short film, we are also excited to unveil the NEW magazine; The Symphony Edit SS11 issue and a lovely new visual merchandising concept from a talented local illustrator at the beginning of March 2011. Follow us on twitter and facebook for up-to-the-minute news and updates on the new season launch and events ♥

Symphony Spring/Summer 2011, Shoot Credits:

Styling, Concept & Direction: Salama Alabbar & Holly Williams, Symphony Style LLC
Photographer: Ben Cook

Agency / Photographer’s Agent: Jolianne at Arabian Eye

Photographer’s Assistant: Kishanth Srikanth

Videographer: Rupert Chesman

Hair & Make-up: Carolyn Gallyer

Model: Sunday at Bareface

The Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 Collections will be in-store from

Late February - Mid March 2011.

For more information please contact us:

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

E: info@symphonystyle.ae

xxx

Psssstt! Don't forget to be our friend on Facebook & Twitter for instant news on

new arrivals, exclusive events, promotions and other fun stuff

Read all about it!

2011-02-01T12:15:00.000+04:00

Harper's Bazaar Arabia delve behind the scenes of the

Symphony Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign!

Find out what really happens on a fashion shoot in the new February issue out today...

Styling, Concept & Direction: Salama Alabbar & Holly Williams, Symphony Style LLC

Photographer: Ben Cook

Agency / Photographer’s Agent: Jolianne at Arabian Eye

Photographer’s Assistant: Kishanth Srikanth

Videographer: Rupert Chesman

Hair & Make-up: Carolyn Gallyer
Model: Sunday at Bareface

We can't wait to share the final campaign shots with you soon Symphony Styler's!

xxx

Positive Energy... Our favourite kind!

2011-02-01T11:12:00.000+04:00

The ACE Hotel, NYC

Blast from the Past: OMG we want!

2011-01-26T12:54:00.000+04:00

In November 2008 Russian Vogue celebrated their 10th Anniversary with these adorable custom made Russian Dolls. Too cute!

Featuring: Celine, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Sonia Rykiel, Emilio Pucci, Ralph Lauren, Prada, Gucci, Jitrois, Konstantin Gayday, Maison Martin Margiela, Marc Jacobs, Valentin Yudashkin, Denis Simachev, Alena Akhmadullina, Moschino, Marni, Burberry, Dries van Noten, Giles, Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Paul Smith, Antonio Marras, Nina Donis, Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent

xxx

A breathtaking tribute to an inspiring artist... Lee Alexander McQueen

2011-01-19T13:37:00.001+04:00

Warning: This video may make your heart burst with beauty.

During the British Fashion Awards, Nick Knight introduced this short film tribute to Alexander McQueen. The 3.27min film was directed by Knight and set to an exclusive soundtrack by Björk styled by Edward Enninful, and features solely black models in the best of McQueen’s archives. Bjork and Mcqueen were serial collaborators, in 1997, McQueen designed the album cover for Björk's game-changing Homogenic. The cover wasn't McQueen's only contribution to Homogenic; he also directed the video for "Alarm Call" (one of the later singles from the record).

The 2011 Golden Globes: Our Favourite Red Carpet Looks!

2011-01-17T09:23:00.002+04:00

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

Emma Stone in Calvin Klein

January Jones in Versace

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

Leighton Meester in Burberry

Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab

Tilda Swinton in Jil Sander

♥♥♥

Organic Beauty

2011-01-12T10:46:00.000+04:00

We are really excited to be stocking two NEW and EXCLUSIVE Organic, Chemical-Free, Green beauty lines for Spring/Summer 2011: One Love Organics* and Scotch Naturals*...

One Love Organics (OLO) is a natural, ethical and environmentally driven cosmetics company created by skilled cosmetic artisans. Their products are handmade and hand-filled, using only the highest grade of ethically sourced raw materials to ensure the most effective, luxurious and guilt-free application. OLO's philosophy is focused on a few supreme products—not up selling a medicine cabinet full of mysterious jars. They give skin what it needs, using only ingredients that provide direct benefits. (Hint: water isn’t one of them.) And because their products are so pure, they work for everyone in the family, from the newest babies to greatest of grandmas.

Scotch Naturals WaterColors makes its debut as the premier non-toxic alternative to conventional solvent-based nail polish. Women around the world can literally breathe a sigh of relief – Scotch Naturals produces no noxious fumes or odors and delivers long-lasting, salon-quality colour without yellowing of the nails. The revolutionary water-based formula is not only free of the toxic trio – cancer-causing Formaldehyde, endocrine disruptor Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and reproductive toxin Toluene – but also (unlike others on the market) toxic industrial grade solvents such butyl and ethyl acetates along and fd&c colours including petrochemical lake and coal tars. Designed with the health-conscious refined woman in mind, Scotch Naturals is available in sophisticated colors and delivers a long-lasting, salon-quality shine without the harmful chemicals. Using a patented formula and manufactured in the

United States

, it is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable.

What to know more about toxic chemicals in beauty products? Watch this interesting little film entitled 'The Story of Cosmetics' which was produced by a lady named Annie Leonard for her 'Story of Stuff' project...

...Makes you think huh?!

One Love Organics and Scotch Natuals will be coming to Symphony at The Dubai Mall. Keep updated with new product arrivals, events and news by following us on Twitter and liking our Facebook page.

*One Love Organics and Scotch Naturals are exclusive to Symphony in the GCC.

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: +971(0)4 330 8050

E: info@symphonystyle.ae

Visual Dialogue

2011-01-12T10:15:00.000+04:00

If you haven't watched this yet you must! Such a beautiful film and some very clever advertising from intel! Bravo! I had the pleasure of meeting Scott at a book signing last year, he was a thoroughly nice chap and said that he always wanted to come to Dubai... Hope to see you here soon Mr. Schulman!
x

Just for Fun: A nice healthy dose of Inspiration!

2011-01-08T10:19:00.000+04:00

Amnesty International's "Haunting Face"

With Chalk Chess you can play anywhere!

Clockwork Love

Coolest Cupcakes Ever?

Desktop Bag Light

Emoticon Stamp

Flip Flop Art

Hidden Animal Teacups

Laura Spector and Chadwick Gray recreate paintings from Museum Storage facilities on the body

Library Information Desk

Music Balloon Speakers

Musical Note Seasoning

Painting with Maps

Painting with Toast

Pencil Tree

Puzzle Biscuits

Royal Mail Stamp Rugs

Amazing Safe Driving Billboard

Stunning Snowflake Photos

Toast Trivets

Typewriter Art

Underwater Sculptures

USB Walls from the Dead Drops Project in NYC

Awesome Hoover Advertisement!

Wii Cookies

xxx

A trip to Brighton in pictures

2011-01-03T18:53:00.001+04:00

Hello Symphony Stylers, Happy New Year!

We took a lovely trip to Brighton yesterday, the sun had his hat on, the air was crisp and the sky was mesmerising. Check out what we got up to...

A rather unusual Christmas Tree! The Christmas Tree of Memories!

Our friend's note to the Supermarket lol

A snoop at our favourite market; Snoopers Paradise...

Vintage Photographs

Vintage Projector Slides

Old School Knitting Magazines!

Decadence

♥

Vintage Tins

Masquerade?

Look at that sky!

Food for Friends ♥

Yum

Breathtaking

The eerie and beautiful burnt down west pier..

Larking around!

This reminds me of when Bella and Edward dance at the prom in Twilight ♥

The End

Happy New Year Symphony Stylers!

2010-12-31T17:24:00.000+04:00

Symphony Style LLC wishes you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!

Lots of Love,

All at Symphony Style

(Symphony, Temperley London, Marami and The Ara Gallery)

Congratulations to the lovely Alice Temperley!

2010-12-31T16:44:00.001+04:00

Designer Alice Temperley is made MBE in this season's honours. Synonymous with glamour and elegance, she counts among her fans actresses Eva Mendez, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, Jennifer Lopez and Halle Berry. Since the establishment of the first Temperley boutique in London's Notting Hill in 2002, she has opened stores in New York, Los Angeles and Dubai. Her Alice line, meanwhile, channels the rock'n'roll chic of Cool Britannia, including knitwear, leather and military-inspired outerwear.

*Taken from The Telegraph Newspaper

Temperley London

Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: +971 (0)4 3398 169

Temperley London Spring/Summer 2011

xxx

Seasons Greetings!

2010-12-24T17:39:00.000+04:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On behalf of everyone at Symphony Style LLC and the Symphony Snowman we wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and a prosperous and exciting New Year!

xxx

Exclusive look: Symphony features in the NEW Dubai Mall TV Commercial ♥

2010-12-16T16:50:00.000+04:00

The NEW Dubai Mall TVC featuring Symphony

♥

Symphony

Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue

The Dubai Mall

T: 04 330 8050

xxx

A special plea for help from Symphony x FACE Africa x Whitney Port

2010-12-15T12:29:00.000+04:00

A message from Saran Kaba Jones, from FACE Africa; the charity that Symphony supported with Whitney Port at the Official Launch Event in October 2010...

Hello All,

Two months ago, Whitney Port (designer and actress from MTV The City) visited Liberia to help raise awareness about some of the issues and challenges facing the country and to explore opportunities to support FACE Africa's programs. The trip was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Symphony, the Dubai Mall's first luxury concept boutique.

Whitney spent 3 days in Liberia and during her trip, visited and toured the Liberian Women Sewing Project, a new factory that currently manufactures t-shirts and other cotton knit apparel using fair-trade and eco-friendly practices (the first of its kind in Africa!) while providing economic opportunities to women. Whitney now plans to design a line of t-shirts and tote bags to be made entirely by the women at the factory.

Since her visit, Whitney has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for our projects and helped raise $10,000 during a charity auction with Symphony.

A few days ago, she teamed up with Tonic.com to raise $5,000 for a clean water well in a rural Liberian village. But we need your help!

We have only 3 days to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Please help use reach our goal and donate any amount possible. $1, $5, $10. Any amount will be highly appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please forward this email to friends and colleagues.

MAKE A DONATION

By making a donation, you will allow us to bring clean and safe drinking water and sanitation to hundreds in Liberia. To view photos from our recently completed project in Joezohn Liberia, please visit OUR PAGE.

Thank you in advance for your contribution!

Sincerely,

Saran + the entire FACE Africa team

xxx