Fashion Weekly

Bahrain’s ready to rock

July 16 - 22, 2014
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Gulf Weekly Bahrain’s ready to rock

Bahrain’s newest clothing brand is aiming to strike a chord with music-lovers in the kingdom with its wide range of custom T-shirts, inspired by artists from an eclectic mix of genres.

Amplified, brought to Bahrain by Northstar Commerce, a division of Al Hilal Group, boasts a number of celebrity fans including Elijah Wood, Rita Ora, David Beckham, Rihanna and Bullet For My Valentine.

With such a popular following, several distributors in the kingdom are vying for the coveted distribution rights.

Paul Carney, manager, at Northstar Commerce, said: “We have chosen Bahrain to launch the brand due to its long history of music lovers, be it Rock, Pop or hip hop, we will then roll out across the region.

“Our hall of fame collection honours the greatest iconic figures in the world of music. Its vintage styling and quality are a true salute to the legends that have inspired generations.

“In total, we have around 200 bands and artists. This is the great thing from Hall of Fame to current bands and artists, it’s for all age groups rock, pop and rap, something for everyone I suppose. We like to think we have it covered.

“The designs are based on each band’s/artist’s logo, concert theme and album covers. It’s a 100 per cent licensed product and every item is unique with a vintage finish.”

The T-shirts boast contrast stitching and raw edge detail around the neck, sleeves and bottom hem-line.

Using soft, quality materials, Mr Carney says the T-shirts are designed to be as comfortable as they are stylish with their slim-fitting design, made from 100 per cent cotton.

The brand’s hall of fame collection features some of the biggest names in rock history, much to the delight of aficionados of the gene both young and young-at-heart.

The Ramones, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Pink Floyd, Guns N Roses and Black Sabbath are just some of the names that feature.

The brand was founded in 2004 in the music hot-spot of London’s vibrant Camden Town. Amplified clothing quickly established itself as a leading music lifestyle brand specialising in retro brand graphics, re-worked by a team of in-house designers and contemporary artists.

Amplified is currently distributed in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Russia and Japan.

The T-shirts cost between BD16.500 and BD19.

At the time GulfWeekly went to print, the final pages of a distribution deal for Bahrain were being signed. Watch this space for updates.

* The brand will be launched online in the next couple of weeks. Visit the Facebook page for your chance to win a Hall of Fame T-shirt, hit the like button and the winner will be announced in GulfWeekly on August 6.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/moojamaonline

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Seventh Heaven, a multi-brand fashion retail store, launched an exclusive jalabiya collection by talented Bahraini designer Noora Abdulghani in time for Ramadan.

Gulfweekly Editor’s secretary, Zahra Abbas and I visited the store last week to have a peak into this exclusive offering.

The fabric is luxurious and the detail is exquisite on all the trimming. The embroidery and embellishments keep to the traditional culture while using fresh modern elements.

The palettes used were everything from emerald green with gold, bright orange with shimmering silver and gold trim to muted greys and soft pinks that would make any lady feel like royalty.

 Zahra’s favourite was the green gold jalabiya that had a pink and gold trim with handmade beading and sequins on the front.

The store supports local talent and promotes young Bahraini fashion designers by showcasing their designs in Aali shopping complex.

Noora Abdulghani made her debut on the fashion scene in 2010 by designing couture bridal gowns. She started her career as a banker but her passion was fashion design which led her to create her own label.
The jalabiya collection by Noora Abdulghani occupies a dedicated section at Seventh Heaven in Al Aali shopping complex.

Inspired by traditional Bahraini designs and International fashion trends, Noora’s designs are created with a sense of individuality and creativity, made of the best fabrics, combining sleek, modern and feminine flair with embody and an authentic Arabian theme.

* With Ramadan in full swing L’Occitane en Provence makes giving the perfect gift even easier with a wide range of discounted gift boxes for everyone.

L’Occitaine: BD47 (save 16 per cent)
Mer & Mistral set containing:
Mer & Mistral Edt 75ml
Mer & Mistral Shower Gel 175ml
Mer & Mistral After Shave Fluid 75ml
Mer and Mintral Set: Fresh and aquatic notes blend with an aromatic accord of pine, cypress and rosemary. A pure and simple fragrance with a breath of the mistral wind.

Other deals I’m privy to:
Zara Home – Up to 70 per cent sale
Massimo Dutti – Final reductions up to 70 per cent
Bershka – Up to 80 per cent
Zara – Winter & Ramadan Collection available
Calzedonia - (Sale Up to 70 per cent and swimwear collection)
Tilly’s Closet at Jawad Dome, Barbar – 30 per cent off on summer collection
Schutz Seef Mall – 30 per cent off on summer collection
A new collection is in stores now (Tilly’s Closet and Schutz)

 







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