Aker Unveils its Spring-Summer 2012 Silk Scarf Collection

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Sneak Peak at Tekbir Spring-Summer 2012

For those of you who may not know, Tekbir is the first company in Turkey to cater for the hijabi woman. They have attracted large audiences with their fashion shows and their long-standing history.

I have personally had the honour to work with Tekbir and meet part of the team alongside many other companies...

In the recent years, despite having a very large group of customers (this is obvious by the number of stores throughout Turkey and slowly spreading around the world), there are those who criticise their designs for being too mature.

As someone who has seen what is involved in selecting the styles, I beg to differ. Each season (every six months) Tekbir prepares approximately 250 designs, then reduces this to around 100-150 designs. The selection process is based on many factors including the selections and suggestions of their franchisees.

Most importantly, Tekbir, unlike most of the other popular brands catering for hijabis, tries to comply with the rules of hijab. All their skirts are full length. Probably the only hijab-friendly company that does not carry anything less than full length maxis. Their coats/trenches are usually less fitting than other brands. Sadly this is the main reason most young ladies consider their styles to be outdated. Even if this were true, not every company can/should cater for the young generation. Then where would we middle aged women dress from yeah? I can confidently say that Tekbir has something to offer for all ages.

Therefore, it would be unjust to judge Tekbir's line based on the 30-40 styles printed in their catalogue. Unfortunately being overseas, we do not have the opportunity to see all the designs that are available on the market, hence making us more appreciative. :)

Anyhow, let's look at a few of the new season photos that were sent to me, shall we? :)

This is my favourite of the photos sent to me. I believe they have used crepe/chiffon type fabric. Nice and flowing, perfect for the warmer seasons.

I love animal print, hence loving the silk scarf. :) I also really like the trench.

I have to say that this is a failed attempt at a plus size garment. Despite this failure, Tekbir is probably the only brand that has a wide range available for plus size women in hijab. They usually do carry better styles, but I just wonder when all these companies will realize women who carry a little extra meat do not want to look like they are wearing a potato sack?

Absolutely love this colour! And how cute is the trimming!

What do you think? Anybody have any experience wearing/buying Tekbir garments/scarves?

To follow Tekbir on Facebook: click click cliiiickkkk

You can also follow Tekbir's young designer, also one of the second generation directors (family company) Esra Karaduman. She graduated from a designer college in London and speaks English. So you can ask her questions, make suggestions or just drool over her lovely outfits when she posts photos. :)

Designer Esra Karaduman's Facebook: what are you waiting for, just clickkkk

Posted on 9:27 AM / 0 comments / Read More

My vote goes to KAYRA for their 2012 Spring-Summer Collection

Turkish fashion house Kayra, which caters for hijabis has just posted a video on their facebook page with reflections from their 2012 Spring-Summer collection.

My jaw dropped. I instantly fell in love with the colours, style, class, glamour... and I thought: that is what I want to look like!!!

To be honest, about 3-4 years ago, when looking into which brands to import to Australia, Kayra was on the list, but eliminated due to their very backward style... until two years ago I wouldn't take a second glance at their items despite the amazing quality of their products, only because I thought their styles targeted an older audience.

However, as of mid 2010 their styles took a turn for the better, and they seem to be doing great as a result. In fact, I can say in confidence that they have some of the best styles available for hijabis. At that time, another friend who was selling hijab friendly clothing (Sorayya Design) started to import Kayra to Melbourne, and her success was not a surprise with gorgeous products of such quality. 

Back in 2010 I was advised by the director of another fave brand of mine (which I was unable to import at the time due to financial reasons) that their designer had transferred to Kayra. I could see the similarities back then, but particularly last season and this new season, Kayra is just doing an amazing job. I can't get over how gorgeous the new designs are, and have never wanted to wear something so badly. :) 

Although I promise to put the brakes on my nafs so that I do not overdo the shopping when I get to Turkey (I am hoping, praying, this year inshaallah). I have to work very hard, and I don't intend on blowing it all on clothing... only that which I see necessary shall be purchased. I don't like hoarding.

So yeah, take a look at the video and let me know what you think... I can't wait! Just can't wait! I want to look in the mirror and see me wearing many of these. :P Call me crazy, I call me woman. :)))

Posted on 2:27 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Armine Spring-Summer 2012

It's March of 2012, so fashion houses are getting ready to launch their spring-summer lines.

I shared a photo from the Tugba Venn brand spring-summer launch in yesterday's post, and mentioned that it seems there is going to be a change in fashion catering for hijabis (by Turkish fashion houses). 

A few days ago I came across four styles from Armine's 2012 spring-summer collection, and noticed that this is not true for them. It seems they are determined to continue with their classic line. That's fine, it seems this works well for them, so why not continue along that line? :)

Looking at the four styles from their new season range, I cannot really say I love or hate... It's still too soon as they usually launch well over 60-70 every season, so four styles are not really enough to determine... While we wait for the new styles to hit the web, here are the four that are currently available to us:

Personally I am loving the trench with leopard print frills and belt, however, that hijab just is not doing it for me. The hijab on its own is a maybe as I like the colours, but I think it's just a little too busy and a bit too much with the trench. A nice plain hijab would probably be the best with this trench. The "less is more" rule is definitely true here. However, Armine has bumped it's prices up further this year, so I would definitely wait for the 50% off sales (if you are in Turkey that is!). Currently, this trench carries a 390 TL (approx. $230 AUD) price tag. When we convert it to AUD it's not a huge difference for us, but there is a 100 TL difference from last year for those living in Turkey. Now I say that's a whopping price increase. Anywhooo

Definitely not liking the trench. The front just looks weird, whereas I usually love Armine cuts. It's probably just this style. The hijab is very similar to many previous season hijabs by Armine as well as other hijab brands. Do I like the colours? Sure do!

This is probably one of their most humble designs this year, but I absolutely love it. Gimme anything in nude tones and I'll take it! I absolutely love the scarf and colour. If I were a size 10 or anything less than that, I would definitely rock this style. I say size 10 and less, because I think this colour really emphasises one's size, and I usually tend to use it in my hijabs and accessories rather than plastered all over my body. :) But that's just me! :)

Hijab.. mehhh... Trench... I am liking it... Liking the colour too... 

But seriously, if you ask me, judging by these four styles only, I say Armine has huge competition ahead, and unless they have anything better amongst the rest of their new season range, the other brand names will be the ones leaving a mark this year, not Armine... sadly...

So, while I wait in anticipation to see what's next... What do you think?

I think I really want the first one with leopard print trimmings, but will only consider buying if I can lose some more weight ahahah C'mon, it has to look good if you are spending that much money. :)

A happy Friday to you all. May Allah grant any wishes you have, with pure and sincere intentions... for the sake of this day.. Jummah mubarak!

Posted on 9:22 PM / 0 comments / Read More

Turkish Brand Watch: SETRMS

Turkish brands have slowly started to release their 2010-2011 A/W catalogues online. The season was opened in September, but they prefer to delay their catalogue to prevent other companies from stealing their designs before they manufacture them. It's pretty common in Turkey, so I understand their caution.

Anyhow, there are a few brands I will be introducing in the next few posts, but today's brand is SETRMS.

The name comes from the Arabic word "satr" (meaning: cover, to cover...).

SETRMS is an Ankara brand. I've been observing and researching them for the past 2 years, but I only purchased from them (for my shop) last July. I like their style (even though some are really ewwwww) and quality. They have a very very large range in their showroom, but only display 10-15 in their catalogue for the reason above.

Before going on to the photos, I must add that I found Ankara brands to be of higher quality and classier than Istanbul brands. So I will be sharing more Ankara brands with you soon...

Here are some of my likes from the SETRMS 2010-2011 A/W Collection:

This is my favourite from the catalogue. I absolutely love the frill detail!

I do like the jacket, but I'm more interested in the shirt. Looks oh so sweet don't you think? :) But I hate what the photographer has done. So much for creative potography :/

Absolutely love this. I would love to see them re-create this style for their 2011 S-S collection using a different type of fabric.

I wouldn't wear so much white, but I love it. It looks nice and crisp... and cold :)))

The fur isn't so much me, but don't you just adore the pleats on the bottom? This looks hot though... even with the faux fur :)

I would not buy this in the faux leather look, but I would definitely consider if they tried out the same design in a different fabric!

Simple. Elegant. But I don't like the stunned mullet look on the model's face. I do talk too much, but c'mon! That's the first thing that strikes me when I look at the photo. :)

Nice. An Ankara Classic. Nothing more to say...

Has anyone tried SETRMS products yet? If you haven't then you haven't been to my shop yet LOL But nah, seriously, if you have tried any, would you like to share your thought and experiences regarding the brand/item you purchased from them? Also, which is your favourite SETRMS from this collection? Care to share? :))

Oh, and I also like how SETRMS chose to use plain scarves unlike their other competitors who use the print scarves. I think the plain ones look quite good actually even though I'm a print scarf freak myself. :)

xoxo

Posted on 9:11 AM / 0 comments / Read More