Fashion on Film

The next fashion film up to bat is the story of the Gucci family. While some might roll their eyes at yet another fashion movie, this one is set to star Angelina Jolie as Patrizia Reggiano, who was sentenced to 29 years in jail for plotting the murder of ex-husband Maurizio Gucci, the grandson of Gucci founder Guccio Gucci. Fashion, betrayal and the beautiful Jolie — sounds like a work of art is in store.

Dress a Doggy

When models came down the runway with cuddly accessories, most assumed it was just for show — until news broke that Mulberry was, in fact, designing for pooches too. The shearling-lined coats come in buffalo plaid and a classic Mulberry check, both in-store and online. Fabulously dressed dogs are the new ‘it’ accessory. (mulberry.com)

A Fashionable Time

The UAE is the place to be if you are into fashion this month. Hollywood and Bollywood stars walked the Middle East International Film Festival’s red carpet all dolled up, Beyoncé is sure to wear a killer Cavalli-designed outfit at F1, and Dubai Fashion Week and the Arabian Fashion Expo highlighted local designers and artisans. International fashion editors: you had better be watching.

House Beautiful

Alessi, a leading producer of fashionable kitchen and tableware, is now stocked at Boutique 1. For those who value their surroundings as much as their garments, Alessi’s homeware is characterised by Italian industrial culture and offers a range of artistic everyday objects guaranteed to dress up any kitchen. (Boutique 1, 04-4483400)

Great Fashion Moments

Sharon Stone as Ginger in Casino

Sharon Stone sparkled from head to toe when she played Ginger, mob boss Ace’s (Robert De Niro) spoiled, drug-addicted wife in the endlessly entertaining Casino. Set against a backdrop of flashing lights and gilded five-star hotels, Stone’s character was the picture of 70s excess — furs, jewels and some seriously amazing, overly coiffed hairdos. Her retro, back-combed, thick, sunny blonde hair — either smooth and hot-rollered, or teased with flipped-up ends — was gorgeous despite her strung-out state. Hair aside, it was her clothes that stole the show. Decked out in every scene in the finest chinchilla furs, multi-carat jewels and arresting floor length designer gowns, Stone was the epitome of luxe. No one who’s seen the movie will forget Ginger collapsed on the floor of her walk-in closet crying in a rage over mounds of clothes, jewellery and shoes, vowing to leave her mobster husband. While the sartorial riches are forever captured on film, 0ne lucky bidder at a Christie’s auction was able to recreate the famous look of the flesh coloured, second skin Bob Mackie dress, which they reportedly took home for $65,000 in 2005.

Labelled

Dinz

Seated at a lunch the other day in honour of a visiting designer were Rima and Dina Zahran, founders of Dinz clothing, the thriving Dubai-based company designer brand. Apart from their perfectly coiffed hair and bright pink lipstick, the sisters stood out from the crowd with their multi-coloured, stacked bracelets affixed with evil eye pendants, peace signs and dirham coins. Both were wearing clothing from their collections, which include Dinz couture, accessories, Dinz tees, Dinz Bling — of which the bracelets belong — and T-shirts which come in a variety of colours and are embellished with ghutra scarves. Born and raised in Spain, the girls, who are of Arab descent, launched their fashion line in 2006. What started off as the two stitching and hand-painting plain white T-shirts with various materials obtained from their travels around the world, turned into a thriving business and Rima had to quit her job to keep up with demand. The Zahran sisters collaborate to come up with new ideas for their label, but they are very aware of their niche place in the market due to the incorporation of local customs in their clothing. Already stocked in local boutique Ounass and Harvey Nichols, the two have their eye on expansion and have just released their denim line, identifiable by the hamsa on the back pockets. (www.dinzclothing.com)