16 BEST WISHES FOR 2017!!

Dubai Fashion News team wishes you all the best for this new year 2017. Our dream is becoming a reality with this magazine, the podcast and your warm reception.

We asked our beautiful and savvy Dubai fashion community what they wish for, what quote they live by and where do they want to go visit this 2017 that is so full of promise in January.

From fashion designers, media personalities, models, fashion PRs, influencers … Here is what they say.

Amato

Furne One is the fashion designer behind Amato Haute Couture. His imagination is overwhelmingly fabulous, full of games, history, theatre, movies that translate into feminine silhouettes, textures, fabrics, and some shocking elements. Beauty above all.

Check his work here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

I believe that failure can sometimes become the best ways to learn. I’ve had failures in my life but I never failed to get back up and learn from them. If I had given up so early, I wouldn’t be who I am now.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

I’ve always dreamed of creating a ready-to-wear line and it finally came true in 2016. After a few years testing the water, Amato Pret-a-porter has finally arrived in Dubai. This year, we are making a big move to the Dubai Design District, with our new studio and flagship store.

Amato is gearing up to take our ready-to-wear line to a whole new level. With the power of today’s social media, I plan to expand our reach and hopefully gain a new audience to really push Amato Pret-a-porter out to the world.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

I love traveling to Europe. My ideal holiday would be Autumn in New York. Winter in Salzburg. Spring Versailles and Summer in Lake Lugano.

Nadine Kanso

Creative force behind Bil Arabi. Beautiful jewellery that uses the graceful shapes of Arabic calligraphy to send strong messages about identity, culture and belonging. Check her page here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

“Live and Let Live”

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

I wish to see peace in the Arab world, for humans to behave like humans!

People to have compassion, love, and tolerance… to be less pretentious and arrogant.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

I had great trips this year and visited new places…for 2017 I would love to visit Argentina!

Anita Buys

Media personality, presenter, DJ at Virgin Radio and the Arabian Radio Network. She has done it all: TV, Radio and now, she is stepping into writing. Check here her blog www.hernameisanita.com and her Youtube Channel.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

“Sometimes you have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting. Have faith that things will work out, maybe not how you planned,but just how it’s meant to be.

— Unknown”

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

I wish to get a lot closer to achieving my goals. I’ve just recently turned 29, so I plan to make my last year in my 20’s, the best year ever inshallah 🙂

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

Chicago – USA

Leila Antakly

General Manager of Wilhelmina Models Dubai and free spirit. She studied Luxury Goods Management in Milan and worked for Vogue Italia in New York. She loves photography, filming, and has a blog called NINUNINA. She is involved in philanthropic projects around the world.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Be the change you wish to see in the world.  I love this quote.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen? Industry speaking, I wish to see more wonderful productions getting done here in Dubai that involve collaborations between international brands with strong local talent/designers and creatives resulting in edgy and original visuals.

On a personal level, I wish there would be a re -election in the U.S.!

Place you would want to visit in 2017? For something different I would love to go visit orangutans in Borneo. Otherwise I hope to go sailing as I love the sea and would love to go to Afrika Burn in South Africa!

Photo credit Ziga Mihelcic.

Faten Ezzat

Dubai based model and curious mind. She is now preparing herself to become a professional personal shopper. Check her modelling page here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Be True to yourself Be transparent. The camera will notice you authenticy.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

I love Fashion and every time I am in any photo sessions I love helping with the theme, the clothes, and how to combine colours and style. When in the malls, strolling in front of the shop windows, I feel that mannequins talk to me. So, I decided to start a personal shopper course. I am very excited and have many projects in mind. Most importantly I am happy every day because I feel I help people to find their style and boost their confidence. My motivation today is to become a personal shopper and be able to take on all the projects within my mind in this 2017. I want to reach high and hope to be known for the results of my work.

Place you would want to visit in 2017? Thailandia – Mexico – Georgia

Cathleen Nicol

Mastermind behind CNicol, the luxury handbags. Cathleen won the last Independent Handbag Designer Awards in the category Trina Turk Best Resort Style Bag with her Pippa maxiclutch.

More info about this award winner handbag designer here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

“Don’t wait for what you want to happen for you, go out and get it.”

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

Personally my wish is for my husband, kids and I to continue to be happy and healthy and professionally, for C.Nicol to grow into other markets, as well as the UK.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

We have a family holiday booked to France in 2017 but I’d love to go back to New York or Tokyo again, I loved both those cities so much.

Buffi Jashanmal

Smiley, determined and super energetic. Buffi studied at Parson School of Design and at the London School of Fashion. She competed on Project Runway, launched her own fashion line, wrote a book called Buffi’s Dress Design. Now she is all about health and fitness. Enjoy her good karma!

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

JUST DO IT! Nike said it best, and I say this all the time. Whether it is work, going to the gym, meeting friends after work if am tired,  .. Just do it – simple and to the point. There is nothing else to be said.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

To continue to learn, grow, be open, have fun, and to be present. This has been a really tough year, for everyone. Life is tough, but it’s about being happy most of the time, and dealing with the s@#$ as it comes to you and always learning from it, and laughing at it. It all comes down to being kind, being happy … and when you keep it simple like that, you realise none of the other stuff matters.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

I am very lucky to be doing a lot of travelling over XMAS with friends and family. Visiting Zurich for the first time ever first week of Jan! Excited for the cold nights tucked up in front of the fire with good wine and good food.

Natasha Shawe

Founder & Managing Director of Tish Tash, the go-to Marketing and Public Relations agency when it comes to Beauty and lifestyle. Their portfolio is now big but the care and love for the brands they represent shows in every event, press release or collaboration.

Want to know more? Click here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

In a world where you can be anything. Be kind.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

Professional success aside, my husband I really hope to start a family in 2017 and enter that exciting new chapter in our life!

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

Japan. It’s been on my list for so long and I really hope I can make it happen in 2017!

Essa

Born and bred in the UAE. This Fashion designer has won plenty of awards from the industry and the hearts from the many clients he works for. Essa’s unique view on the Arab aesthetic and his experimental approach to materials and shapes have won him a loyal army of followers. From his Sharjah Atelier, he creates the magic and break or make the rules of his fashion kingdom.

Want to know more? Click here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Fashion is a responsibility… not a choice.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

For 2017… I need to see the mood of the world change into something incredibly magical.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

Korea would be amazing.

Kat Lebrasse

Editor, stylist, and model behind the famous blog lebrasse.com. Kat is known for her style and we agree she is the chicest girl in town!

Her advice on fashion styling, shopping and things to do around Dubai can be found at her corner in the web here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

I wish for my blog to continue growing at a steady rate, to have more time to create, produce and curate valuable content, and for my family to be happy and healthy.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

How can I narrow it down to just 1!? I think Bali, Indonesia and Porto, Portugal are at the top of my list.

Zeynab El-Hew

Regional Marketing Manager of Dior, Fashion blogger @fashion_pirate and also this year is launching her own “pirate” clothing line. This girl is pure energy and power. Basically unstoppable!

Check her insta here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

You will never have this day again, so make it count.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

To get my fashion Pirate line out and set up a fashion pirate team to build the company !! While Next year I will also be having a crazy year as I’ll also be planning my wedding!!

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

Two places!! Mexico!! Definitely on my bucket list!! And Kenya to visit the giraffe hotel!!

Benn Robinson

Fashion & Interior stylist, serial expat travelling the world and creativity by tons. He has styled for Vogue Italia, Esquire, Harpers Bazaar, Shortlist and Grazia.

Check his work in his website here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Your mind is a powerful thing, keep positive thoughts in it and your life with follow in suit.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

In 2017 I wish to have a healthy balance of work and travel, there is lots more of the world I need to see and take inspiration from.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

I would like to head back to New York and spend some more time in Paris as well as discover some places I haven’t visited, such as Morocco.

Nosheen Bakhsh

A kind heart. Nosheen is the founder and creative director of Sheen Jewellery. Coming from Saudi, she is always trying to help. A percentage of every sale from her page goes to a charity helping children in need, education, or women empowerment. Check her page here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Everything happens for a reason. Trust the timing of things.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

In general, 2016 was a great year with personal milestones achieved but a tough one for the world. I hope the coming year leaves behind pain and suffering and brings joy, stability, peace, and prosperity.

As a jewellery designer, I derive inspiration from diverse cultures and personal experiences around the world so I hope to continue travelling and see my business/passion – Sheen – grow and expand into other countries.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

I cant pick one! Greece, Turkey, Italy, Morocco.

Sally Soheili

Founder of SOH, the place where Beauty meets Art at the Galleria Mall in Al Wasl Rd. Art Gallery and Beauty Saloon all in one. A fun and different concept that freshens up the long list of same-same, so-so spas available in Dubai.

Make your booking or check the list of exhibitions here.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by?

Terence: “Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto”, or “I am human, and nothing of that which is human is alien to me.”

Maya Angelou helped me understand that further, that if there is an action good or bad taken by a human being, then I have in me all the same components to do the same action. The key is to intend to use our energies constructively instead of destructively.

“If a human being dreams a great dream, dares to love somebody; if a human being dares to be Martin King, or Mahatma Gandhi, or Mother Theresa, or Malcolm X; if a human being dares to be bigger than the condition into which she or he was born—it means so can you. And so you can try to stretch, stretch, stretch yourself so you can internalize, ‘Homo sum, humani nil a me alienum puto. I am a human being, nothing human can be alien to me.’ That’s one thing I’m learning.” ~  Maya Angelou

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen? If I tell you, it may not come true. Lol.

I want to become a better version of me, constantly growing, learning and giving back to those around me.

From a business perspective, I would like to see SoH grow and expand into its next level of potential. I would like to see more SoH’s in other locations and more creative collaborations with other brands.

Place you would want to visit in 2017?

Tibet! It has for long been on my wish list of places to visit and I do hope that it comes true in 2017.:)

Gosia Golda

Founder and Director of MMGeventz.com, MMGModels.com, MMGartists.com and MMGTalents.com. Yep! Four agencies under this amazing woman. Four agencies where you can find a lot of talent. From models, to photographers, hair stylists, make-up artists, stylists, event organizers, fashion shows coordinators … You name it! Whatever you need, Gosia has it covered!

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by? 

Be grateful for this beautiful life. Follow your passion and make business out of it.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

More compassion amongst people. You don’t know others story so don’t judge. We are all diverse and its beautiful. I am very happy with everything that’s been happening and my only wish is for the good things to continue happening.

Place you would want to visit in 2017? 

Peru and more of South America.

Miriam Abadi

Influencer, flower lover and Harper Bazaar´s Best Dressed.

Your favourite motivational quote, the one you live by? 

“Do one thing a day that scares you”. I believe if you stay in your comfort zone, it is impossible for you to grow … You need to have the courage to go beyond your limits.

What do you wish for 2017? What would you want to happen?

The war in Syria to end.

Place you would want to visit in 2017? 

Argentina!