Cavalli Club after Party



The  hippest and the hottest  place where fashion and dining meet, Cavalli Club is the  new lifestyle venue  in the Middle East.
Created by renowned designer Roberto Cavalli, this destination hosts an Italian restaurant, bar and a boutique shop, all encased within black quartz and six meter high Swarovski crystal curtains.

Roberto Cavalli is very much connected with the realms of beauty and expense, indeed, if opulence was looking for a spokesperson, dizzizit! Cavalli perhaps belongs in Dubai more than any other designer on the planet. He is loud, garish and over the top. He is gilt-edged, gold-leafed self-promotional extravagance without even the slightest hint of irony. And that’s exactly the point


Italian designer Roberto Cavalli takes his signature blend of luxurious eccentricity to new heights with the Cavalli Club in Dubai. Opened in May 2009, the 1,500 capacity club caters to those with an appetite for fine dining as well as a fashionable club scene.

The club, which is located off of a private entrance at the highly regarded Fairmont Hotel, features classy décor that’s bound to impress even the most experienced jet setter. Swarovski crystals adorn the club’s nearly 20-foot walls along with its numerous grand chandeliers and curtains, reflecting off the lustrous black quartz floor. The lily-shaped dance floor serves as the nucleus, a central sector containing a constant stream of movement and sound. And of course, Cavalli’s signature animal prints can be found well throughout the club.


The Cavalli Club is truly an exquisite hybrid between fine dining and entertainment.

With meticulous attention to detail, every element is thought out and executed perfectly to create a unique and ideal place for relaxation and enjoyment. The Cavalli Club’s innovative schedule offers light lunch, lunch, aperitif, pre-dinner, dinner and disco set; truly catering to the guests and allowing the experience of a luxury Club from day to night, in true Cavalli style.

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

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.

EZRA SANTOS: GRAND SOLO SHOW 2010

EZRA SANTOS: through the eyes of a Blogger, Fashion Critic &Friend
Ezra Santos spells affluence and class.
His sartorial and illustrious reference is an endearing quest for producing the finest haute couture silhouettes, eternally imbued with luxurious edge.He doesn't aspire to be an avant-gardist at the cutting edge of fashion...he is fashion, himself.
No grand rhetoric, no glib spiel , only the essence of appropriate elegance and utmost mastery to the last detail, that is EZRA SANTOS.. the hallmark of Dubai's Fashion Czar, known for his eponymous label and superlative threads.

Ezra Santos' fashion is only second to quality and " more about quality than fashion", says he.Done in good taste and refined style, he doesn't make extreme fashion statements, innovative yes, but there is a sense of muted elegance and subtle aesthetics in every hemline of his creations.


Undeterred by the risk elements, he has always eschewed the expected "EZRA SANTOS",the normally low-key fashion artist rewinds his design ethos on a grand scale of haute couture, from luxe evening dresses to wedding gowns on his first solo show at the Madinat Jumeirah, April 27, 2010.


Friends, colleagues and the world, say, he is not playing to the gallery - true, but this is the quintessential EZRA SANTOS. The fashionist and a dear friend who over the years, has remained affable, warm and unusually so talented, preferred private spaces on his personal and professional worlds to the glitz of fashion functions and social dos.


His graceful and gentle personality brushes aside notions of eminence and haughtiness in Dubai's fashion firmament.


Ezra's passion for fashion started on his learning years with all unconditonal support from his family, graduated from the Philippine Women’s University with a fine-arts degree in interior design, which shaped the designer he was to become.


Ezra’s rich design and fashion career began in 1986 when he worked at Arabesque, a fashion shop in Philippines and moved to Saudi Arabia in 1987. He learned the Arab culture, the essence of women’s dressing, the fashion tastes of the people and the true meaning of haute couture, applying many of these elements to his works that attributes to his five -year stint in the country.


Ezra returned to Manila in 1992, but didn’t stay long. He was once again offered a job at Arushi, a premier fashion house in Dubai.

After nearly a decade’s stint at Arushi, Ezra opened his own shop in 2004. “It was a calculated career move, and I haven’t looked back since,” he says. He faces stiff competition in this largely cosmopolitan city, but seeks to hone his skills every step of the way. He takes additional fashion courses at different places, including the prestigious Central St. Martins in London.


"I always make designs from my heart and choose inspirations that touch my soul. I do not have ready-made ideas and never launch a project till the urge inspires me" he says.


His love for fashion is already rooted and embedded deep in his blood, for the perfectionist that he is, Santos is undoubtedly one of the top fashion designers in the Middle East. His collection: In the Beginning, took him almost a year, and cannot rest till everything is just right, from designs to cutting and execution ,fabrics to embellishments.


Although he may not throw tantrums like some other artists of repute, he expects things to roll with oiled efficiency in his working mantra. "I am a very disciplined and organized person," he says.Hundreds of working hours had been spent on gowns that are embellished with shimmering stones, intricate embroideries and exquisite beadworks. Highly sought- after- pieces that will wound themselves around royal figures, prima divas and prominent women who flaunt them with a flourish. Ezra Santos definitely understood the true essence of haute couture, hand finished, it is a visual feast and pure art...a luxury that transcends.

Ezra Santos was one of the highlight designers during the Swarovski Crystallized Fashion Event late last year and his penchant to draw traditional dichotomy between women as goddesses and temptress brought him to create and interpret a Brazilian muse with his sober and unbridled creativity.The Mardi Gras diva in multi layers of green,azure blue and yellow gown with Swarovski brillants enthralled spectators and received good reviews.

Ezra's pieces de resistance of his collection will be his attempt to revolutionize the butterfly sleeves, pushing his ability to reinvent, contemporize the national dress-the Philippine Terno, emphasizing the fundamental values of precision, elegance and perfection which elevated its world- class status through the patronage of Madame Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the Philippine's former First Lady.


Through his technical innovation and feat of research albeit unconventional approach to consruction, the skillfully playing risque of the iconic sleeve would surely spark excitement among critics and fans. Will Ezra Santos tackle and accomplish this no mean feat renaissance challenge?...exciting it is.

Friends & HERMES

Luxury and style came together in an evening of sheer indulgence at the recent birthday party hosted by fashion designer and blogger Butz Fuentes. The intimate soiree, held at JUNSHUI- an Asian Fusion, was marked by a mood of soft relaxation. As sparkling wine and scrumptious hors d'oeuvres did the rounds, the select guests were treated to Junshui's savoury and mouth watering buffet,from tempura to sushi,Malaysian curry chicken to Thai's hot sumptuous array of delicious dishes...a culinary feast indeed, pampering riches in gastronomic experience.
Lending glamour to the select gathering was stunning Christina Barrientos, who was the epitome of elegance in her classy black fusion. Conversations and bubbly flowed freely throughout this intimately mellow soiree making it a memorable gathering of Dubai's " beau monde".

                                                                                                                                                         

Held at the only seven star hotel on earth, the elegant and fabulous Burj Al Arab in Dubai on March 12,2010..a day after my birthday.In this photo:L-R/ Michael Cinco, Val Taguba,Ezra Santos and Christina Barrientos,

The affair was attended by my innermost circle of friends who always been there through thick and thin.From left: Albert Andrada, Bandoix Flores, Izhcka Zeta,Angelo Estera,(standing) me,BUTZ FUENTES..then Furne One, Michael Cinco, Val Taguba, Ezra Santos and Christina Barrientos.

My friends love luxury..so what could be the best celebration on my day  than the expensive, haute and royal BURJ AL ARAB?....

                  

The limousine complimented our attire: Black Glam & Haute Sartorial.Knowing them, I was sure they won't disappoint me, and I was very happy they came up at their bests!!!...and more.

Ezra Santos- atelier owner, dubbed as a fashion czar...talented and versatile fashion designer, Santos  epitomize glamor ,and had been chosen number one  Best Dressed 2009.Well traveled, his total look resonates  subtle chic luxury with Hermes as his arm candy.

Celebrity Designer Michael Cinco always creates controversial collection.... film stars, divas and socialites are clamoring to be seen and be photographed  on parties, balls and red carpets  in a Cinco gown...which denotes highly created and skillfully work of arts. Participated the Miami and Dubai Fashion Week 2010 and always on top watch lists......

Bandoix Flores is a constant lover of Haute Couture and good life, his eclectic sense of fashion reflects his flamboyant lifestyle and sense.....uniquely his own.

             

Val Taguba creates feminine form and finely crafted well embellished gowns .Highly work oriented , his new atelier is always abuzz with workloads in glitzy and chic collections.                                                                                                                                                                    

Izhcka Zeta

BUTZ FUENTES

Albert Andrada had been working for ruling royalty for a decade, his works are fresh and elegant fit for princesses and queens.Well traveled and highly educated, his love for fashion and style complimented his urge for luxury and branded toys...like his limited edition Louis Vuitton.

Angelo Estera's edgy yet beautiful pieces of fashion designs, made every piece a much sought after "must wear".Clients love his works, more on young, hip and trendy.