EZRA SANTOS HAUTE COUTURE SHOW 2010

Embroidered Gowns.Sculptured Bodices.Voluminous Skirts
Highly Crafted, Haute Stitched.....


Ezra Santos' fashion chronicles maturity in over-the-top creations revealing luxe exuberance that defy definition or easy stereotyping. Embedded in the magnificent chaos are striking clues about the way the designer thinks and works.

                                   DUBAI FASHION CZAR- EZRA SANTOS


The STYLEMONGER attempts to reveal the "genius" of Dubai's fashion arena...on his first solo show.


My senses are still reeling from the assault of colours, dazzling images and glamorous silhouettes when a suggestive explosion shaped on a hanger that catches the eye...a sign.. a revelation, that writing something about him is to return to his style sanctum.


"In the Beginning" collection showcased at Jowhara Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, April 27, 2010 is his personal favourites from his narrative style journey, his struggles, his angst, his emotional quotients.

                                                              the Snake Temptress
The show opener-cum- show stopper bomb-blast serpentine long trail blazing "terno-isque" gown in reptile prints lined with deep blue degradation to verdant green Swarovski crystals. With high octane fast beat music and zero-fault choreography by Kevin Oliver, came a fervid imagination transforming the female body into an Edenic figurative snake symbol of a Temptress holding a crystallized swarovksi apple, in a forest teeming with flamboyant pink trees, imaginative butterflies and riotiously coloured flowers.

Then came the butterfly sleeves collection, flaunted ensembles in architectural vituosity, a revolutionized version of the "holier- than- thou" national dress of the Philippines, conceptually edgier with a futuristic accent on metallics, geometrics and optical illusion

....for these alone...EZRA SANTOS achieved his long cherished dream challenge, that I could proudly say others dared not to...the temptation of catching and taming the butterflies of Eden, alas, he did it!!!! I was dumbfounded and humiliated.......

The wealthy innate talent of the designer hit me with enormous surprise (or shock) value of his creations which were sights to behold. What makes that mind tick? Where does he find inspiration? How does he translate his amazing ideas into sure-shot ramp sizzlers?....only EZRA could tell!!!!

My journalistic imperative to find a ‘story’, a pattern and a rationale in Ezra Santos is predictably at odds with instinct to defy labeling.His work is individualistic and something that is not easy for others to achieve, crossing bounderies from mere tailors to leading purveyors, Ezra Santos is udoubtly a cut above the rest.

The theme he chooses for a collection could be anything that fascinates him at a given point, exploring new grounds. The work process testifies to a method in his own style coming out with utmost audacity to create something fabulous, stunning and uber luxurious.


Then came the the glamorous part of the show- the essence of being Ezra, the style architect and conjurer of anything but fabulousness, his forte- haute couture.


photo credit:Eros GozeUsing the lucid and difficult to handle materials like satin duchess, pure faille and taffeta, he masterfully crafted interesting pieces which formed the basic definition of his career.






Gowns were precise in drapes, accurate in fits and crafted to the last minute details.The splurging of Swarovski brillants and diamants satiated his high -end clients dream of glitters and translucent display of excess luxury..almost ethereal and impalpable.

As the iredescent dream comes to an end, I conclude Ezra Santos is an intriguing study in contrasts. The manner is down to earth but the ambition is soaring. The imagination runs wild and unfettered but there is complete mastery over form and structure.

The references are eclectic yet the sensibilities of an artist shines through in every fantastic creation.

The elements are muted and subdued, but the interpretations are chic, witty and intelligent. Even the lurid colours have a language and an inherent creative logic of their own.

EZRA SANTOS deserves to be Dubai's Fashion Czar...and beyond.

Photo Credits: Eros Goze & Chefmico Gallegues

Behind the Smile - Tooth Whitening Facts & Fiction

A brilliant, white smile is often coveted and rarely achieved. There are currently dozens of at-home whitening kits, toothpastes and mouthwashes claiming to remove stains, and of course dentists ready to bleach your teeth to blindingly-white shades.

Trying to figure out what is real and what is fantasy in the world of cosmetic dentistry can be a challenge, and top New York Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Entin has answered some of the common misconceptions about the practice of teeth whitening -

True or False? - The Truth About Teeth Whitening

"All teeth whitening gels are not the same"

TRUE: Not all whitening gels are the same. Even though most of them contain carbamide peroxide ("bleaching agent") they differ in the percentage of it used in a particular gel. Percentages can range from 5% to 45% or even more.

"All teeth can be whitened equally"

FALSE: The thicker the enamel layer of the teeth, the better is the whitening result. Most tooth stains are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are those that are within the chemical structure of the tooth itself – they cannot be bleached. Extrinsic stains are the result of outside staining like coffee, smoking, and red wine. Those stains can be bleached, so ask your dentist what kind of discoloration you have before you start a whitening procedure.

"I have to get the strongest gel so that my teeth can get whitest"

FALSE: You should consult your dentist for the proper strength of the gel. This should be done to avoid harming the teeth.

"Whitening toothpastes can bleach teeth"

MAYBE: Whitening toothpastes can bleach the teeth but only to an extent. Dr. Entin recommends that they be used in combination with whitening gel.

"Veneers, crowns, and tooth colored fillings will be whitened just like my teeth"
FALSE: All of the above are made from porcelain or resin composite and they cannot be bleached

"Tooth whitening can have side effects"

TRUE: There can be side effects if the proper instructions are not followed. There is increase in sensitivity, gingival burning, in some cased pulpitis (inflammation of the nerve and pulp inside the tooth). However, all of that can be avoided by consulting a dentist prior to the whitening process and strictly following your dentist's instructions.

"Dental insurance will pay for teeth whitening"

FALSE: Most insurance companies do not cover teeth whitening because it is considered to be a cosmetic procedure. Procedures like that are not covered most of the time.

"Whitening kits given by the dentist are the same as the ones purchased over the counter"

False: Over the counter kits contain a less active bleaching ingredient than the ones provided by the dentist, therefore it takes more time to whiten the teeth with over the counter kits.

"Once my teeth are whitened, they will stay white forever"

False: On average, tooth whitening can last six months, depending also on lifestyle habits like consumer foods and beverages that can stain the teeth.

For More info Visit - www.lumineersNY.com

Christian Louboutin Winter Tales Fall 2010 Lookbook

via Monica Rose

Obsession du Jour

Say hello to perfection...
Charlotte Olympia Dolly Canvas Pumps
$715

Danni Minogue's Yummy Mummy Glow!

Dannii Minogue was glowing yesterday as she unveiled her new fashion line at Selfridges in London. Project D, which goes on sale in June, is in collaboration with designer Tabitha Somerset-Webb, includes day dresses, cocktail chic and red-carpet-ready dresses. Dannii's burgeoning bump was looking effortlessly chic in her sparkling sequined dress which fitted beautifully, she said herself, "This one's stretched sequin thankfully so it goes over the bump! Being pregnant has completely opened my mind to having to really try different shapes and things I haven't worn before. You've got to dress cleverly around it but I've managed to get into my dresses without any alterations."
Danni spoke about her reasons for launching the new range, "Fashion has been a passion of mine since I can remember and I hope that every woman who slips on a Project D dress will feel glamorous yet effortless.
"Our philosophy is to make feeling confident with your wardrobe easy. We will do the hard work and get the details on the dresses right, so all you have to do is enjoy them.
"To me a dress design never comes to life till it is slipped on - who knows what adventures the dresses in this collection will get up to?"
The Autumn/Winter collection will be the first from the range & will also be followed by an accessories collecting plus a new fragrance later this year.
Get The Glow!
Get Dannii's fabulous glow with some gorgeous bronzer, go for one with a warm pink tone through it to give that healthy complexion look Dannii is pulling off so perfectly! Try out Benefit's 'Dallas' bronzer, it has the perfect pigment balance between bronzed & rosey making it suitable for even paler skin tones, just sweep over the cheek bones with a large brush, start on the apple of the cheeks & focus most of the colour in that area by smiling in the mirror as you apply it.

Jemma & Jodie Kidd - Sisters Are Doing it For Themselves!

Jemma Kidd will be joined by a very special model when she demonstrates her range on the show tomorrow. Supermodel sister, Jodie Kidd, will be on hand to help show off the best of Jemma’s beauty range live on QVC on Thursday 29th April.
Close friends and sisters, the pair have grown up to dominate both the fashion and beauty arenas. Whilst Jodie excelled as a model, Jemma became an international make-up artist and award-winning product designer.
Jemma is one of the UK’s most celebrated talents and sought after backstage artists, and has worked extensively at New York and London fashion weeks and with leading fashion designers, photographers and famous faces such as Matthew Williamson, Naomi Campbell, Peter Lindberg, Rankin, Jerry Hall, Jade Jagger, and Sienna Miller.

Skin & Bare It: The Brand New Online Beauty Show From Jergens Naturals Starring Anna Richardson

Check out Jergens Naturals brilliant new online show 'Skin & Bare It' which stars CH4 talent Anna Richardson, went live this week across the web.
What would happen if you swapped your body care regime with someone else? Find out as we see two people swapping their beauty regimes over the course of 3 weeks. The new online show puts the nation’s body care regime to the test and looks at it under the microscope whilst you watch the transformation!

NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment

NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment nourishes and hydrates chapped lips, while giving a sheer yet noticeable tint. Infused with SPF 15, the rich and creamy texture protects lips throughout the day. Wild Mango Butter, with superior moisturizing benefits, leaves lips feeling soft and supple, while repairing dry or scaled skin. Vitamin E, Polar Berries and Acai Oil provide antioxidants and long lasting hydration for the lips.

The convenient slim-stick can be applied directly to lips or with the NARS Retractable Lip Brush for more control. No matter the usage, NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment is sure to provide kissably soft lips.

Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment
Aurore Seashell pink
Greta Mauve
Paloma Cantaloupe
Lara Pastel pink
Angelique Strawberry
Bianca Pearl

Rihanna Inspired Makeup Tutorial

This makeup tutorial is inspired by a Rihanna look I saw recently. Its a fun makeup look that's a little different then your everyday smoky eye and it uses lots of bright colors.

Eyes
Cork e/s (brows)
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Mac Melon pigment
Mac Rose Gold pigment
Mac Texture e/s
Mac Swiss Choclate e/s
Mac Gorgeous Gold e/s
Make Up For Ever #75 e/s (bright pink)
Make Up For Ever #92 e/s (purple)
Make Up For Ever Aquablack liquid liner
Ardell lashes #120

Face
Nars Laguna Bronzer
Mac Enough Said blush
Mac Gingerly blush

Lips
Mac Bateaux lipgloss
Nars Greek Holiday lipgloss

Sam Bisso Photography

Absolutely amazing work...I am stunned...

The Tale of Two Soirees I

The Venue: EWAAN @The Palace
Emaar Boulevard, The Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai






The Palace The Old Town is a luxurious 5-star hotel that seamlessly combines traditional Arabic design with state of the art facilities to create a fantastic experience for its guests.
The Palace is located on the edge of a lake on the Old Town Island, next to Burj Dubai in the Business Bay district.

Built on the edge of a lake, The Palace - The Old Town is a harmonious blend of Middle Eastern heritage and contemporary Duba.Located on the Old Town Island, The Palace is a resort within the city, at the heart of a traditional Arabian village, faced with a striking symbol of modernity.


The luxurious hotel is ideally situated in the Downtown Dubai area, within short distance from all major business and financial institutions and leisure attractions. The Palace is directly connected with the Souk Al Bahar, facing The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa , the world's tallest tower and just a step away from The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping centre in the world.

the splendid EWAAN- Arabic/Asian FusionThe Arabian all-day dining restaurant Ewaan evokes a truly regional theme evident in the regal arches and wooden trellis. The setting is of vivid Arabia making of Ewaan the most perfect venue for a traditional Oriental experience, brought forth by its luxurious drapery and flamboyant accessories.


Arabic and Oriental dishes are served from live cooking stations and buffet along with coffee on the outdoor terraceThis is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque spots in Duba
Ewaan is a buffet affair, and the sheer size of the selection sparks immediate glee at the prospect of an evening’s style and substance.

Some of the finest style blocks and refined palates in Dubai's fashion luxury got together and attended an appreciation party hosted by the new princess on runway, RAHIL ROSE HESAN.The charm and conversation complimented the luxe ambience of the arabic-asian restaurant.

In the continually hyper style landscape of the mélange that is Dubai, the evening soiree was truly the ‘luxe for the senses’.We arrived in the large foyer of this radically mute, elegant, earth-toned building. The Palace is one of those hotels where little things stand out; as we walked down the well-lit corridor – into the restaurant where we are all to convene.
There’s Ezra Santos in white and black ensemble complete with Hermes zestfully talking about the tension- filled last minute editing, additional styling and accessorizing to his 60 pieces couture collection on 27th of this month,
Michael Cinco on the top form with his Gianfranco Ferre/ Marc Jacob's ensemble; Val Tagub,Angelo Estera who will be participating the Philippine Fashion Week this May, Furne One whose successful collection catapulted him to the season's hottest designer, and the head of Warda Couture-Badoix Flores,the perfect co-host of the evening who is also all- gear for the next Dubai Fashion Week where he is definitely joining.

We settled down with smiles and banter. In, came the exquisite food from buffet bars, as we let the food mellowed us, the conversation started to flow. Furne One revealed to us that he has been invited to participate in upcoming LONDON FASHION WEEK, he is overwhelmed by this wonderful opportunity as the first global Filipino to be featured at the prestigious fashion week.
Not to mention his first major solo show this October at SHANGRILA MAKATI,Philippines. “It has many firsts....he muses, and looking forward for busy and hectic year ahead.
We had special guests, Samar Assaf, the witty,sharp and pretty banker from HSBC,whose fashion know- how added to the style/fashion conversation that evening...and Madame Therese Assaf, the grand old lady who is an artist and flawlessly showed us what a diva pose is all about.

To my mind, they have achieved this gloriously, bringing the place alive with personality

The Tale of Two Soirees II

the Tale of Two Soirees part II


Venue: the Creekside Japanese Restaurant
Sheraton Creek Dubai

style GOURMET
Host: Albert Andrada- Royal Fashion Designer/Fujeirah


The inconspicuous entrance of asian-japonais modern structure in lacquered origami, imparted a sense of arrival. The restaurant name announced outside in red logo, gives a tranquil feeling, a little bit like rising up into gastronomic heaven on a Japanese bygone era.This informal Japanese restaurant combines a light and airy feel, in a casual but modern design. It offers the freshest sushi and sashimi with the Chefs in action at Teppanyaki tables , Sushi Bar and Wok station.
Let the brilliance of the interiors not distract you from the subtleties of the Creekside food haven, understated but deeply luxurious, the overall effect is one of an amazing lightness of being, vibrant cool and relaxing.. This is probably due to the expansive windows opening up, showing a new respect for the modern architectural building’s contours.

Yes, the charm of the Creekside restaurant is in the details, in the subtlety of interiors,of food indulgence translating each raw and fresh element preparation into art.…all the nuances…being designed as a ‘whole experience’.

Everyone has a piece of their heart left here, since most of the intimate dinners in the past were held in this all in one japanese food paradise, and they would not compromise on anything. We have our own favourite seats, a tapped into this positive energy and combined it with the Zen design philosophy – offering memorable experience, to create narrative dreams.

The restaurant is not all about seeing and being seen,it's all about the bountiful supply of raw materials waiting to be transformed into culinary delights, for cooked or otherwise, seafood offers a variety of tempting delicacies.And when spiced up with the diverse flavours of the Orient, it becomes a foodie's dream.


The subtle sashimi (not to be confused with the popular sushi) is a favourite in many kitchens, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and even Korean. It is often draped over a garnish and served with simple sauces. What gives this Oriental food from the depths of the sea its distinctive character is a harmony of tastes. Freshly ground herbs and subtle spices combine seamlessly to make the meals lighter and healthier.

Sashimi is my favourite cuisine. It focuses on the freshness of the ingredients. Its classical minimalism is art on the plate and seduction on the palate. Very Zen like. However, you must ensure that the sashimi is very fresh. And food done on the trepan grill is not only drama which I love but it's also flavoursome and healthy. A truly unbeatable combination.