Designers we like... Manish Arora
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Manish Arora is an Indian fashion designer based in New Delhi, and is the creative director of the womenswear collection of the French fashion house Paco Rabanne.
Born and brought up in Bombay, (now Mumbai), Manish was studying Commerce, when he decided to change his career path, and applied for National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi and graduated in 1994, after winning the Best Student Award
Manish Arora is regarded by many as "the John Galliano of India", Manish is an alumnus of National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi; he started his eponymous label in 1997, and today he is known for a rich palette of psychedelic colours and kitsch motifs, in garments that combine traditional Indian crafts like embroidery, appliqué and beading with Western silhouettes. His label is available in 84 stores worldwide, and for the last five years he has collaborated with sportswear giant Reebok to produce the successful 'Fish Fry' line.
Photos we love... Postcard from Paris and another place.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Oh the skirt.... it goes on forever and the tower in the background creates a world that is so simple and laid back. The unassuming relaxed look fits so flawlessly with the rest of the people on the grass and makes us just want to say oh la la...OK will have to stop here... Paris oh Paris how do I love thee... let me count the ways...
Je ne sais quoi
...and wonderful shot of Paris
Fresh
This picture was taken in Liechtenstein
Her overall stance is what comes together to make this a perfect picture... she looks comfortable but stylish at the same time.
*Ksenia lives in Nottinghamshire
Beyond Fashion: Background story & behind the scenes pics of our upcoming collection
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
'Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.'-Cecil Beaton
Inspiration: Fulani of Nigeria
Where: Umbrella Studios, Leeds
Photography-Fotofillia
Make-Up- Ruth
Stylist- Linda
We have always been fascinated by the colourful, dressing of the Fulani people.They set their own standards, they push boundaries. Years back, I remember seeing some of them at the annual Tuk-Ham Festival in Kwoi Nigeria and thinking to myself hmmmm so colourful, so bright... I wish I could be so bold as to mix patterns/prints like that and clash without anyone thinking I had gone cuckoo. Fast Forward to 2011 and the trend is beginning to be acceptable, its seen on the catwalks and every fashion magazine. Bright colours are becoming the norm, a case of go loud or don't bother.
So we at Maali, we get pretty excited right, because we've always been viewed as 'eccentric' and truth is in Nigeria (where we are from) people are not that open to eccentricity, so most times we tread carefully but we are beginning to see a new generation of stylish and independent people cropping up. People who are not afraid to go against the norm, who embrace their individuality like the Fulani people and wear their clothes with confidence and pride.
So what do we do? We at Maali decide we are going to stay true to ourselves, listen to our heart and be creative. We decide to create what we want to wear, and provide for people like us the avenue to buy accessible and affordable clothing. Our target consumers are people like us, intelligent people that are not afraid to take risks, to mix our clothes (Maali) with vintage/second hand clothing, with high street clothes or any other designer brands out there.
We get inspiration from the Street, Music, Art, Photography, Film, TV shows. We are walking down the street and we think, 'this will definitely work with a pair of jeans' or similar and we jot it down. I have got a notepad in my purse, I jot down ideas I see on the street, I take pictures, buy unique postcards, and do my regular rounds in vintage and second hand/charity clothing stores.
We care so much about seeing our designs on the streets, and that is what we hope to achieve. I see that happening because, we have seen how popular our T-shirts got- although were meant to be promotional. They sold out quickly and people liked what we were saying, so we actually have decided to do (due to popular demand) more.
Our slogan at Maali is Buy Fashion... Live Fashion... Give Fashion... this is basically saying when you buy Maali, you are living the life (individuality) and giving to a cause (charity) because a percentage of our profits goes to Gweimen Centre in Kwoi Nigeria (An advocacy centre for those living with HIV/AIDS).
We want to be a street brand for the youth, to represent the quirky- eccentric boy or gal who is not afraid to think outside the box, who is not afraid to defy fashion. I can almost tell who will stop at the Maali shop in the market to look at our designs or buy from us; I see it from the kind of shoes they wear to the bags they carry.
These are the kind of people we want to cater for, "the individual" who is beyond fashion...
Look out for our look book... but for now you can catch a glimpse of the behind the scenes pics from the photo shoot. It was fun, happy and exciting. Stay Maali (blessed)
Where: Umbrella Studios, Leeds
Photography-Fotofillia
Make-Up- Ruth
Stylist- Linda
We have always been fascinated by the colourful, dressing of the Fulani people.They set their own standards, they push boundaries. Years back, I remember seeing some of them at the annual Tuk-Ham Festival in Kwoi Nigeria and thinking to myself hmmmm so colourful, so bright... I wish I could be so bold as to mix patterns/prints like that and clash without anyone thinking I had gone cuckoo. Fast Forward to 2011 and the trend is beginning to be acceptable, its seen on the catwalks and every fashion magazine. Bright colours are becoming the norm, a case of go loud or don't bother.
So we at Maali, we get pretty excited right, because we've always been viewed as 'eccentric' and truth is in Nigeria (where we are from) people are not that open to eccentricity, so most times we tread carefully but we are beginning to see a new generation of stylish and independent people cropping up. People who are not afraid to go against the norm, who embrace their individuality like the Fulani people and wear their clothes with confidence and pride.
So what do we do? We at Maali decide we are going to stay true to ourselves, listen to our heart and be creative. We decide to create what we want to wear, and provide for people like us the avenue to buy accessible and affordable clothing. Our target consumers are people like us, intelligent people that are not afraid to take risks, to mix our clothes (Maali) with vintage/second hand clothing, with high street clothes or any other designer brands out there.
We get inspiration from the Street, Music, Art, Photography, Film, TV shows. We are walking down the street and we think, 'this will definitely work with a pair of jeans' or similar and we jot it down. I have got a notepad in my purse, I jot down ideas I see on the street, I take pictures, buy unique postcards, and do my regular rounds in vintage and second hand/charity clothing stores.
We care so much about seeing our designs on the streets, and that is what we hope to achieve. I see that happening because, we have seen how popular our T-shirts got- although were meant to be promotional. They sold out quickly and people liked what we were saying, so we actually have decided to do (due to popular demand) more.
Our slogan at Maali is Buy Fashion... Live Fashion... Give Fashion... this is basically saying when you buy Maali, you are living the life (individuality) and giving to a cause (charity) because a percentage of our profits goes to Gweimen Centre in Kwoi Nigeria (An advocacy centre for those living with HIV/AIDS).
We want to be a street brand for the youth, to represent the quirky- eccentric boy or gal who is not afraid to think outside the box, who is not afraid to defy fashion. I can almost tell who will stop at the Maali shop in the market to look at our designs or buy from us; I see it from the kind of shoes they wear to the bags they carry.
These are the kind of people we want to cater for, "the individual" who is beyond fashion...
Look out for our look book... but for now you can catch a glimpse of the behind the scenes pics from the photo shoot. It was fun, happy and exciting. Stay Maali (blessed)
Make-Up Session
Model's changing room/trailer
Tea break
Touch Up
Photos we love...The Bride
Sunday, 12 June 2011
The Angry Jilted Bride...
The jilted-but-relieved-retrospective-bride...
*Yimi Lives in Krakow
Photos we love...Carefree in Milan
Saturday, 11 June 2011
For the weekend, we decided to post (back to back) photos that we love.... Have a happy Saturday and look out for tomorrows photo story...
Just love this picture, need I say more... the dusty pink shoe on the orange car and Joan's playful pose just seems so right... it draws us into that world... and makes us long to be there...do you feel it too...
Effortlessly Cool
*Joan Lives in Milan
A new discovery... Eureka!
Friday, 10 June 2011
Walking briskly past the Oxfam shop or (what used to be) in Leeds City Centre, I noticed something different, so I paused and looked up... lo and behold a different looking shop and then... my curiosity made me go in. Soooo glad I did!
There were rows and rows of vintage/pre worn clothes of different styles and era, it was sheer bliss... Didn't know where to start so I had to catch a deep breath, organise myself and start from the beginning. Ended up with two blue dresses, because I couldn't go through the whole shop on this first discovery. Vintage Retro shop has not seen the last of me yet, will be my regular shop stop... and will come back to tell. Look out for my vintage look posts.
There were rows and rows of vintage/pre worn clothes of different styles and era, it was sheer bliss... Didn't know where to start so I had to catch a deep breath, organise myself and start from the beginning. Ended up with two blue dresses, because I couldn't go through the whole shop on this first discovery. Vintage Retro shop has not seen the last of me yet, will be my regular shop stop... and will come back to tell. Look out for my vintage look posts.
Photos we love... Elegancia
Thursday, 9 June 2011
What I like about this picture is the structured look of the black outfit between the two white pillars, and the break of monotony provided by the mustard bag and brown boots. Spectacular picture I say... love the vibe of the picture, and I am sure you will too...
Classic Beauty...
This picture is similar to the first, also adding a splash of colour to jazz it up...
Resort 2012 Collection Photos...
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Resort 2012: In between seasons, designers show their resort collection. It is like a pre-season line of ready to wear clothing that is shown after the February shows and before the September shows in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Will post pics of the designs we like or are African inspired. Also get ready to shop Maali for your 2012 look.... our look book is coming out soon...
Burberry Prorsum's Resort 2012 African Tribal Print
Burberry Prorsum's Resort 2012 African Tribal Print
Photos we love...Afro Chic
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
This is a head shot, but we love this picture to bits- from the Mohican fro to the clip at the side of her hair to the eyeglasses. The picture speaks volumes...
Natural Sista...
*Leena Lives in Lancaster
We are excited about our upcoming photo shoot...
Monday, 6 June 2011
We will be working with, Leeds based photographers -Fotofilia for our first look book and we can't wait...
Fotofillia is a partnership between professional photographers' Caroline Michael and Gracie Rogers.
Specialising in what they like to call 'fast-life photography' Fotofillia began working together in 2007. "Equally consumed and dedicated to the cause, they have snipped and snapped their way into the world of advertising, fashion, music, editorial and events."
Fotofillia has produced an extensive portfolio of work including commissions for Audiences Yorkshire, Aqua Couture, Arla Foods, Eureka! The National Children's Museum, Electronic Poet, DJ Magazine, HBOS, ITV and Republic (retail).
To see their work and learn more about Fotofilia, visit their website@ http://www.fotofillia.com/
Photos we love...
Sunday, 5 June 2011
This is going to be a new thing on our blog. Once in a while, we come across pictures we really like (of family and friends) so we have decided to start randomly posting them... and to start... will post this picture... fell in love with it as soon as I saw it... and I'm sure you will too...
Black Barbie Doll
*Yimi Lives in Krakow
Black Barbie Doll
*Yimi Lives in Krakow
Maali opens @ Kirkgate Market
Friday, 3 June 2011
Visit Leeds
So make sure you visit Leeds, visit Kirkgate market and visit Maali... Stay blessed!
Extend your trip and take advantage of all that Leeds has to offer. From stylish shopping and decadent dining, to contemporary arts and a vibrant nightlife, Leeds is abundant with things to do.
Visit Kirkgate Market
Kirkgate Market leeds: With over 600 stalls this is Europe's largest indoor market, around 250,000 people visit the market every week, and Micheal Marks opened his 'Penny Bazaar' in 1884 in the open air market here, which ultimately led to the foundation of Marks n Spencer in 1890.
http://www.leedsmarkets.co.uk/Visit Maali
Excited! Maali is featured on the Leeds market website.. .http://www.leedsmarkets.co.uk/news/maali-opens/
...If u are in the area come pay us a visit @ Stall 11B, Row A, 1976 Market Hall within Kirkgate market. The nearest entrance is via New York street.
So make sure you visit Leeds, visit Kirkgate market and visit Maali... Stay blessed!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
