Awestruck in Abu Dhabi

An extra excursion on my trip to Dubai, I knew a visit to Abu Dhabi could not be missed. I couldn't have been more right. 

The capital and wealthiest of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is much more conservative and less designed for tourists as Dubai, yet offers equally unforgettable sights.

The greatest of these sights being The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named after the beloved Sheikh Zayed whose wisdom and kindness united all seven emirates. 

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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon

Hands down one of the grandest and most beautiful religious and cultural landmarks I've seen, The Grand Mosque was exquisite down to every last detail. From hand cut precious gems that created the floral designs on the walls, to the Swarovksi chandelier, to the largest hand sewn carpet in the world. No corner of opulence was missed. 

The stark white marble of the structure quickly took my breath away. The sheer size and grandeur of the corridors and gold decorated pillars that lined them commanded respect. 

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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi by Christel Gellidon

My favorite of all the details was the gorgeous Kufi style calligraphy that was intricately designed into the beautiful mosque. 

The main wall inside is decorated with the 99 names of Allah, in the calligraphy of famous calligrapher Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi, who also designed the currency of the United Arab Emirates. On this visit I learned that since the Islam religion forbids depicting the image of Allah, calligraphy became the art of the culture. A beautiful craft to depict the most sacred of words and beliefs. 

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Abu Dhabi Marina by Christel Gellidon

After soaking in the beauty of The Grand Mosque, our journey brought us to take in the views of the Abu Dhabi Marina.

A serene atmosphere at the intersection of the traditional and modern sides of the Emirate.  

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To end a visit full of extravagance, we continued on a visit to The Emirates Palace. An ultra VIP hotel that seems so much more. Here VIPs were the common customers while the VVIPs enjoyed a separate and private entrance to the establishment all together. 

Thankful that they let us, common tourists sneak a glimpse, the Emirates Palace did not disappoint on its promise of opulence. Everywhere you turned the inside was dripping with gold. Gold gilded ceilings even a Gold ATM that dispensed gold keepsakes rather than cash!

A hotel fit for royalty, indeed. 

Going Gaga in the Gold Souk : Dubai

I had been reading about the legendary gold souks of Dubai long before my trip. The souks, or markets of Dubai are located in the older part of town in Deira.

When I finally visited this market of my dreams, the tantalizing array of gold and jewels far exceeded anything I envisioned.  It was more than my senses could take!

Photo by Christel Gellidon

A born and bread lover of opulence, I was in sheer awe at the extravagance and intricacy of the art being sold at the gold souk.  

While Dubai is well known for its wealth and unmatched luxuries, I had never seen jewelry, or masterpieces rather, so breathtaking.  

Photo by Christel Gellidon

A necklace seems to be an understatement for the massive gold bibs as I will call them, that lined the windows of every shop. These things were pure gold, some encrusted with precious stones that stretched from the neck to the waist. Each with a unique design, down to the most intricate detail. Our guide informed me these beautiful pieces were traditional wedding jewelry for Arabic women. 

I had the pleasure of trying on one of these beautiful pieces. 

18k pure Italian gold. A mere $55,000. 

That thing was heavy I tell you! But I still didn't want to take it off. 

Difficult not to feel like a Sheikah in such royal jewelry. A girl could get used to this kind of bling!

Thank you to Hussein and his team at the Al-Romaizan shop for allowing me to try on, a such a high roller piece of merchandise, when it's generally not allowed. This was just one of their many amazing pieces of jewelry. 

One day I vow to return to these halls of wonder and buy a gold bib!

She will be mine. Oh YES. She will be MINE. 

But until then the glitz and glimmer of my memory will have to do. 

Ralph Lauren Channels Arabian Inspiration for SS15

Ralph Lauren channels some Arabian Inspiration with camels gracing his Spring Summer 2015 ads alongside new comer Sanne Vloet, looking ever so chic in the desert. 

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Image from originally from here

The safari influence is in full effect making the collection's neutral shades and sleek lines give new meaning to the Desert Safari. 

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Spot on timing for this trend inspiration was my own safari inspirations from my recent trip to Dubai this November. An unforgettable first visit to the middle east.

I spent one evening dune bashing my way through the Dubai desert. Which I must say was incredible fun and exhilarating ride! Riding camels through the desert, a traditional Arabic mean under the stars, followed by dance performance by a dervish and a belly dancer. 

Here are some of my own photos from this amazing experience. 

CHANEL CRUISE 2014/2015 DEBUTS IN DUBAI

CHANEL CRUISE 2014/2015 DEBUTS IN DUBAI

Yesterday Karl Lagerfeld debuted the Chanel Cruise collection for 2014/15 in an ultra chic and exclusive fashion show held on a private island, named THE ISLAND, in Dubai. The setting alone speaks volumes for this fashion powerhouse’s ever evolving vision. It’s not just relevant but a force to be reckoned as it continues to command design driven fashion amongst today’s many market driven assortments. 

With private boats that escorted the A-list guests to The Island, custom Chanel tents, cushioned floor seating and Arabic fare that set the mood of the evening, it was sure to be nothing short of magical. It was simply beautiful how the Lagerfeld not only chose Dubai as his venue, but incorporated the very culture and heart of the Emirate into his collection and presentation. This collaboration between the culture and fashion is the very ideal that gets me excited about fashion.

AH this even is everything I dream of. High Fashion. An Exotic Destination. Exclusivity and Luxury. Oh a girl can only dream to one day be invited to such an event.

It will happen. One day.

The collection was moving, with vibrant prints, lush textures and flowing lines. The Arabic culture clearly played a huge inspirational role as illustrated by the harem bottoms, intricate mosaic-like patterns and the heavy, ornate jewelry.

The undeniable signature piece was the gold quilted Jerrycan handbag. Structured. Editorial.  Boundary blind.

Lagerfeld continues to leave us awestruck.

With my first trip to the Emirates planned for this coming November, this show has only fueled my excitement to discover the rich heritage and fashion Dubai has to offer.