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 Sadly this is the main reason most young ladies consider their styles to be outdated.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

Leopard print the hijabi way :)

I had a lovely evening today with friends whom I had missed for the last couple months...

Delish home made tacos topped with bacio gelati ice-cream (100% halal hehe), and add amazing friends to that... what do you get? The perfect combo for the best night ever. :)

It was enough to warm me up on such a cold and chilly night.

So anyways, I though I need to be comfy and warm.. but I wanted to look chic even if casual. :) I had been dying to wear my leopard print platforms (I had posted in a previous post probably in Februry or something?). I thought great opportunity as I wont be walking much in them LOL. I actually do not like too much animal print as it is so easy to overdo it. You need to know where to draw the line between trashy and classy I guess... I thought wearing my leopard print shawl with it wouldn't be too much as there is a huge distance between my shoes and hijab (like 1.64 cm heheheh). Yeah, I don't think it looks too over crowded and I purposefully wore the black stockings under it. I thought it's a nice touch for winter. :P

I guess I should note that I don't think I'm a professional or whatever at styling (although being a fashion stylist would be a dream job)... If I am happy with what I see in the mirror, and it looks altogether, then that's good for me. That is what I go by to decide if it's the right look for me. You need to know your body and know what is flattering to it.

Like sometimes I do the wrong stuff (for example the jacket from my previous post... it's so wrong for me, my shape when combined with that dress, but seriously I had no choice - so it didn't bother me lol), but that's ok. :)) Having random bad hair/hijab days makes you appreciate the good ones. :P

How did I get to this? Seriously, I've lost the plot. :) I'm starting work today (it's after midnight in Oz) inshaallah, so mabrouk/congrats to me. :) It is also the first day of Love HFW (Hijab Fashion Week) today (30 May 2011). I guess it has all got me hyped up and excited. It's normal for me to go all weird with so many things happening.

Anyway, yeah, leopard print hijabi outfit... I would have worn my leather jacket, but I didn't want to take it off as it's too cold... so yeah that's why I wore the woollen cardi.

Mwah to ya'll! Stay tuned for fashion filled Hijab Fashion Week as of today.

Hijab: edb Collection, Long Cardi: Target, Very Maxi Skirt: Glassons, Platform Shoes: Forever New, Clutch: Kate Hill

Can you tell it's all about the clutch? :) My new obsession!

P.S. I'm on Twitter :) You can find me @GonulEdibeTaban (Hijabi and the City)

Posted on 8:58 AM / 0 comments / Read More

Halal Dance Party

Yep yep yep! Another ladies dance night took place on Saturday this weekend. I don't think there will be another for quite a while, so I thought I shouldn't miss out. :)

I actually noted that it is a "halal" party, but after last night I am wondering just how halal (Islamically acceptable/permissable) it is. I think us muslim women sometimes go too overboard at such events and push the limits of the code of our faith - that includes moi!

Such ladies only events are opportunities go a little "overboard" with our make-up, outfits, and even taking the hijab off and getting our hair done etc (must note: you arrive to and leave from the location with hijab -- wanted to note it just in case LOL I believe there are non-muslims reading my blog too, so best to be safe than sorry).  They are usually feel good and fun events. :) I gotta admit all the women were beautiful mashaallah and had put in effort to look great.

I have to say the highlight of the event was the Zumba performance. I really enjoyed it. Like most, I too was frustrated with the speakers that kept on going all weird... the choice of music wasn't too pleasing... but all in all, I enjoyed myself, because my loved ones and friends were there. Great company can make any thumbs down event awesome. :))) Oh, and I also won a travel voucher worth $500. How convenient! Alhamdulillah. I jumped and yelled out in excitement hehe I must have looked so funny, I wish someone had taken a photo hahahaha

Aaaanyways, time for the outfits:

Hijab: Armine (from edb Collection), Dress: Portmans, Crop Jacket: Sussan, Platform Shoes: London Rebel

In all honesty, I would have preferred to wear a fitted black blazer or a beige blazer with this dress, but I do not have either, so I had to stick with this one. Oh well, I can't be perfect all the time. :))))

Posted on 8:08 AM / 0 comments / Read More