Click to open image Bajocchi Jewellers
3/30/2011
The Bajocchi  name has been synonymous with beauty, quality and integrity since the 1900. The tradition of their jewelry started in Rome at the court of Pope Gregory XVI, where their oldest ancestor, Wenceslao Bajocchi a very talented artist, worked as an expert engraver and ivory carver.

Towards the end of the 19th century, Wenceslao's son Paolo travelled to Egypt and established himself as a goldsmith in Cairo. Together with his three sons they opened their first shop. They made and sold jewelry of undisputed beauty and originality that soon attracted the Egyptian aristocracy and high society.

The Bajocchis were jewelers, goldsmiths, watchmakers and Numismats (expert coin dealers). In the early 20th century they followed the French school of jewellery, which consisted in the creation of jewelry with elegant designs and high level of craftsmanship. With their own in-house workshop they produced jewelry of exceptional esthetics and flair. These were the “Belle Epoque” years.


Right after the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamoun in 1922, the Bajocchis became the first to design jewelry with neo-pharaonic style. Today the cartouche has become the symbol of Egyptian goldsmith, and is bought by millions of tourists. 

For five generations (more than 110 years) the Bajocchis maintained their tradition and professionalism. Until today they are well known  for their exquisite high quality Italian design. 



Bajocchi jewelers are specialized in several fields starting with diamond jewellery. Their jewelry consist of Italian design fused with a neo classical style. The diamonds used in their creations are rigorously of the best cut, color and clarity; giving them a very unique shine. Their solitaires are selected with great care and accompanied by the latest generation of gemological certificates that engrave with laser the number of the certificate on the stone.

They are also specialized in all types of colored stones such as Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires, as well as Salty water and fresh water pearls.


 Over the years the Bajocchi made it a priority to always satisfy their clients by providing all kind of services such as the modification of existing jewelry and the creation of customized designs.

Being one of the few to still have the knowledge in the creation of antique jewelry, Bajocchi is the right place to go for vintage lovers seeking to repair their old jewelry. 


Click to open image
3/16/2011
By Nazly Sharaf


Wedge Mania!






Wedges are one of the IT trend for this season! Known for being of great comfort and not to mention numerous styles, these multi-seasonal shoes are classified under the platform category. They were first created in the 30’s by Italian designer extraordinaire Salvatore Ferragamo. The first wedge shoes lacked a distinct heel and had cellophane straps. Ferragamo was the first to create the therapeutic wedge and wedge heel in the mid 30’s. Materials used by the Italian master included cork, due to the shortage of both leather and rubber at the time. Cork sole wedges were an instant hit  for Ferragamo as they were both light and durable.



 


Due to hard times women had to put comfort and durability before style, therefore wedges became the most popular form of shoes during WWII. Due to shortage of leather goods and rubber, the “wedge” quickly replaced the skinny heel.  As the 70’s approached wedges had an uplift and a new look!  Eccentric, vibrant and loud, were all characteristics that influenced the designs of wedges. Platform wedges was the must have staple for both men and women


Over the top designs surfaced during the 70’s, the crazier designs the better. The 90’s marked the birth of wedge sneakers! They were found everywhere in rave concerts, even the notorious spice girls made them BIG!

                                                                            

 As the millennium approached, wedges got a new summery update. Heals made out of cork, strappy ankle wraps, flip flop wedges, a variety of heel option could be found all around shops. Winter wedged boots and booties also became a instant hit and still remain a favorite.

Wedges are not only a fashion statement, they also have health benefits! They offer better support than stilettos or high heels, and help maintaining balance reducing the chances to fall while walking. Last but not least, reducing foot and ankle pains or any other problems due to arch support!

There are endless designs of wedges that have been created over the eras, seen everywhere on runways and sported by A-listers worldwide. Familiar faces such as fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, to modern day fashionista like Victoria Beckham are all fans of this fad. Nowadays, wedges differ in height, style and design according to yearly trends. Ferragamo not only brought to life comfortable heels to the fashion world, but he also made an epic change that will forever be cherished!

                                                                                 


 

 


Photo : courtesy of intheircloset.com/topshop.com/iwantigot.geekgirl.com

                                                           

Click to open image Fashion in TV shows: from decade to decade
3/2/2011
 By Ingie Oda Pacha

Lately many TV Shows have been extremely updated about fashion trends, and many girls today watch these shows just so they can get inspired by their favorite characters. In the past recent decades, fashion has not played such an important role in TV Shows, however the characters were still a source of inspiration for many and a very good way for designers to start their careers  and attract many buyers. Now let us take you back to the sixties, where the mix of fantasy and comedy was very much adored.

Bewitched 1964

        


My Living Doll 1964
 




Now let us scroll through the seventies:


Anna and The King 1972




The Love Boat 1977

   






And now the eighties...

Kate & Allie 1984

   



21 Jump Street 1987




Nineties...

Clueless 1996

    



Dawson's Creek 1998


 




Friends 1994


   



Sex and the City 1998





Now we will finally focus on the decade we just ended...


One Tree Hill 2003

 



Gossip Girl 2007


 



  





Click to open image History of the Designer Fragrance
1/19/2011
By Dina Eldib 

This week we will explore the history of the phenomenon of designer fragrances.


Did you know that 1 bottle of Chanel No.5 is sold every 30 seconds worldwide? This perfume was created by Earnest Beaux in 1921 for Coco Chanel. It was said that the  blend of jasmine and rose was meant to smell artificial.
Chanel No. 5


1924 saw the introduction of Amour-Amour by Jean Patou, which was especially designed for American dancer and actress Louise Brooks. The fragrance was seductive and fruity just as its muse was.

 

Amour-Amour


In 1925, Guerlain launched Shalimar, which was again re-launched in 2001. This fragrance is oriental with hints of iris, vanilla, and rose for a timeless finish. Guerlain uses a secret ingredient called Guerlinade in every perfume bearing their name.


Shalimar


Rochas introduced Femme in 1944, up until that point perfumes were heavy, expensive, and reserved for special occasions. It wasn’t until 1947 that Dior launched the popular Miss Dior that could be worn more easily on a daily basis.

Femme


Givenchy was inspired by Audrey Hepburn in 1957, and the perfume L’Interdit was created as a gift to the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star. Givenchy had also designed Hepburn’s costumes for both Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina.

 L'Interdit 

Lastly, Jean Paul Gaultier created the scent Classique in honor of his muse Madonna in a timeless bustier bottle inspired by the bustier Gaultier himself created for Madonna’s Blond Ambition Tour.

Classique

 

Today, there is not a single designer or celebrity that has not launched their own fragrance. Perfumes are an expression of the self and are an essential piece of people’s everyday routine.


Photos courtesy of perfumania.com

Click to open image Vartan & Co.
1/5/2011
By Ingie Oda Pacha

Ancient Egyptians have always been recognized for the uniqueness of their jewelry. They manufactured remarkable pieces using strictly natural materials (stones, pealed bones and wood). They would use paint in order to avoid falling in the same pattern. Back then, jewelry was as important to men as it was to women, especially because of its importance in Religion.



During the Christianity period, the most famous pieces were crosses, leaf branch, and pigeons. However, with the arrival of Islam, Jewelry was banned for men; and thus became more of a specialty product and no longer just a symbolic one. In the early 20th Century, jewelry was essential among upper class women in Egypt. The “richesse” of their custom made outfits and rare jewelry pieces to always be distinguished. Back then, women dressed up for all kind of events, and going to the theatre meant wearing their finest and most exquisite gems.



In 1920, the Kazandjian family opened Vartan Jewelers in downtown Cairo. La Maison-Mere has ever since been located in Sekkat El Manakh. Throughout the years, the business has expanded and the company is now much more dynamic. Throughout these 90 years of achievements and success, the enterprise has not been held or managed by anyone but members of the Kazandjian family.



Ever since its early days, Vartan Jewelers became well known among upper class Egyptians, targeting women with a need of the most prestigious items jewelry has got to offer. Their stones and other gems are known for being amongst the finest of the country. They deal with creative designs in gold & platinum as well as in precious and semi-precious gems.



The many years of experience makes Vartan Jewelers one of the most trustworthy and prestigious houses of jewelry in Egypt. Their continuous promise to deliver high end quality of unique and creative items gives them a great competitive edge.
Click to open image REMEMBERING 2010
12/22/2010
 MOST MEMORABLE FASHION MOMENTS OF 2010

Before closing the year and starting fresh in 2011, we at IFW have round up for you the most memorable moments that have hit the fashion world in 2010. Enjoy!


FEBRUARY 12th, Iconic Fashion Designer Alexa
nder Mcqueen is found dead at his London flat.

Photo courtesy of style.com

FEBRUARY
25th, Prada unveils its Fall 2010 collection with plus-size models such as Rosie
Huntington-Whit
ley and Alessandra Ambrosio, proving that curvier models are as sexy as skinny ones.

Photo courtesy of corridor40

MAY 11th, Karl Lagerfeld unveils his short movie at the same time as Chanel's Cruise collection taking place on the streets of St Tropez.


Photo courtesy of Posh24


SEPTEMBER 12th, Lady Gaga shocks the public by attending the
MTV Video Music Awards wearing a dress made entirely out of raw meat, to be named " The Meat Dress".


Photos courtesy of mtv.com

SEPTEMBER 16th, London's famous department store Selfridges opens the biggest shoe gallery with over 5,000 pairs of shoes.


Photos courtesy of selfridges.com


NOVEMBER 1st,  Vogue.com hosts the first Fashion Night In, making it the biggest online event of the year.

Photo courtesy of vogue.co.uk

NOVEMBER 23rd, H&M launches an exclusive line with Lanvin, making it the biggest sought after collaboration with worldwide customers queuing for hours before opening hours.
 

Photo courtesy of H&M.com


DECEMBER 17th, Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue Carine Roitfeld resigns from her post after 10 years of hard work.

Photo courtesy of style.com


Click to open image Aviator Hats!
12/8/2010

By: Nazly Sharaf



This winter’s must have staple are aviator hats! Hate them or love them this is definitely one of this season’s essential items! Aviator hats date back to the 1920’s. They are recognizable since they have been sported by iconic figures in history such as aviator pilot Amelia Earhart! To pay homage to such an influential figure sometimes aviator hats are also referred to as the Amelia Cap.



Over the years Aviator hats have been worn differently by prominent figures and seen on various runway shows. This trend has been seen repeatedly throughout history, so its no shocker that it has actually made a comeback! Not to mention that this specific type of head garment has developed greatly throughout the years. Designers innovated the image of the classic leather aviator hat by experimenting with several versatile fabrics and textures including wool, plaid, fur, suede, velvet and more!

Not only were aviator hats seen on pilots but they were widespread during both World Wars! Initially the idea and purpose behind aviator hats is pretty simple. They were created as a winter accessory to help keep one in winter. As opposed to nowadays where wearing a pair is solely to make a fashion statement.

Aviator caps are widespread trend seen all over the runways and catalogues of some of the most renowned brands in the fashion industry. Luxurious high-end brands including Hermes have made massive sales by designing them. This accessory has gained favor by both males and females. And have been seen worn differently whether it’s a classic leather pair or even one consisting of fairly vibrant colors and patterns.

Defiantly, retailers have not hesitated one bit with selling these exclusive caps. They are on popular demand and from the looks of things this is one trend that is here to stay leaving its mark!



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