Noor Al Shaikh's Sophisticated Reportage



Noor Al Shaikh wearing a Pearl Crochet Necklace by Daydream Nation

Noor Al Shaikh is Bahrain's newest TV style icon and we have been so taken with her style lately that we asked her if we can sit down with her for an interview to learn about her background, interests and views on fashion:

Q-You graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University, with a degree in Fashion Marketing, what directed you to this field and how did this experience influence your career choice now that you are the co-host of “Hala Bahrain” On BTV?

Noor-It all happened by chance! I was working as an brand co-ordinator for GUESS with Al Hawaj and then I was asked to do a fashion report for Hala Bahrain for their fashion segment, and when I did I was asked to produce the fashion segment and talk about them. So, it started that way; I first came in as a guest at the studio to talk about styles, fashion designers, and trends. Later on I was asked to present the fashion segment and it all began from there until I was asked to present the show as a co-host and since I just love learning new things and doing something different I couldn't refuse! What I really enjoy about this show is that I can still carry my style on set by being my own stylist and putting together the outfits that I am going to wear on a daily basis.



Above and below Noor wearing the Dakala Tunic by Rabbit on the Run





Q-What has been your favorite style/fashion segment on the show?

 Noor-I would say Victoria Beckham! I'm just so obssessed with her style and hair and choice of clothes! I did more than two reports about her until I was asked to stop that! hehe it was kinda too much!

Above & below Noor Al Shaikh wears Baum Und Pferdgarten Merylin Tunic and Daydream Nation Necklace

Q-Who is your style icon(s) , your source of inspiration?

Noor- As I said I do love Victoria Beckham's style but Rachel Zoe is my favourite! I love her being a stylist and how she can dress people so well!



Noor wearing a Giia Neckpiece



Noor wearing a Giia Neckpiece

 Q-Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Noor- I would say Missoni, and Stella Mcartney...and Lanvin's Tee!



Noor wearing a Batwing Silk Jersy Top by Samantha Cole and an Antique Berber Silver Pendant by Elissar Haikal

 Q-Describe your personal style?

Noor- I might be so into fashion and style but you would always catch me wearing leggings and shirts, I love wearing comfy clothes and really simple styles; just floaty plain dresses and maxi florals! But I love dressing people in layered clothing, and fashionable items more than wearing them!

Q-How do you feel about being described as a style icon?

Noor- I love it, it means a lot to me...I love being able to wear fashionable clothes for people to see but when I'm off air I go straight to my leggings!

Q-Are you affected by international fashion trends or local mini trends? What has recently caught your eye in Bahrain (fashion-wise)?

Noor- I would say both. I get all my style updates from people.com and try to mix them up with whats "in".  Jumpsuits have been around for ages, but recently girls in Bahrain have been wearing them alot and I just love it on them! I love how they mix it with vests, and antique chunky jewelry!

Q- What is your opinion on fashion in Bahrain and the GCC nowadays?

Noor- They are so stylish! I mean they are more confident and they take risks differently now, whatever is in , they would wear it.


Above and below Noor wearing a sequinned tunic dress by Sophie Hulme

 

Q-What is your favorite season and why?

Noor- Winter winter winter! I love the over coats, the trench coats with heels and a classic bag with an updo hairstyle; complemented by a maroon lipstick and of course dresses with stockings and those knee high boots!

Q-If you had to pick one piece of clothing from your wardrobe what would it be? Which really makes you the happiest and feel good when you wear it?

Noor - LEGGINGS!!! Did I say that enough , they are just toooooo comfortable and always always put a smile on my face!

Noor wearing a Daydream Nation Tunic

Q-If you could share a styling tip for this season with our readers what would it be?
Noor- Leather jackets are so in.  They could be worn over dresses, with jeans, or mini shorts with leggings, and fur vests they just make a simple dress look so stylish! Don't you just love the winter maxis with vests?!yummy!

Q- What do you like most about shopping at Avenue Collection?

Noor- I love how the pieces are so simple but when you wear the piece you look like you just walked out of a magazine cover! Very unique collection there's no shop like this one! I love how u can't even find something similar in another shop xx Awwww and I definitely love the staff!!! Super sweet!!!

Q- Any last words?

Noor - Don't over do the "Meow" trend , its just not worth it, stay away from leopard tops mixed with leapord skirts with leapord shoes with leopard bags , but do a leopard top with plain pants , leapord shoes with a lace "beige" dress! So divine!

Above Noor wearing Baum Und Pferdgarten Heloise Tunic

As Seen On...Noor Al Shaikh co-host of Hala Bahrain

The beautiful and glamorous Noor Al Shaikh , co-host of Bahrain TV's morning program "Hala Bahrain" has lately been wearing styles from Avenue Collection on the set of this ground breaking show.  We absolutely adore the way she has been styling her outfits!

Remember to watch "Hala Bahrain" on mornings Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 11am to see one of Bahrain's  real fashion icons!

Above, Noor wears MEEM Olsen Dress in white, with Norwegian Wood Fringe Belt

Above, Noor wears Baum Und Pferdgarten Elmine Lavender Dress & Purple and Cream Alligator Cuffs from Unearthed LA



Above, Noor wearing Marquito & Blowman Sphere Dress and Bohemia Belt





Above, Noor wearing Jolaby silk ruched dress coat



Rabbit On the Run ... Winter 2010

Our favourite oversize tunic and dress brand is now available at the boutique, the best thing we love about Rabbit On the Run is that they are for any stylish fashionista who wants to throw on a chic look and rush out the door. Their styles come in one truley universal size that fits the shape of most women , and whats more is they look flattering no matter what your size! Grab one of these babies soon because they are going to "run" out of the store real quick!

Dakala Tunic

Khan Dress








Introducing: MEEM

Count Jacket by MEEM

 London based independent fashion label "MEEM" designed by Memoonah Latif is the latest hip brand to hit our boutique. We had an interview with the creative designer behind the brand:

Q- How did you become a designer?
MEEM: Designing is something that I was really passionate about since I was a child so the natural process was to follow my passion. My earliest memories are using my mum’s sewing machine to make bits and bobs for me and my sisters.

Q- What is the first thing you designed personally or professionally?
MEEM: I've designed lots of things whilst growing up; some were pretty horrendous, (now that I think about them) but probably the first thing that was designed properly was a long blank maxi skirt-it went with everything!! I remember how I would go to the local market and buy lots of cheap fabric to make clothes that i had seen in a magazine or on TV, the dress would only last one wear or two but i did have an amazing wardrobe as a teenager!!!!

Q-What inspires you/your work?

MEEM: I take a lot of inspiration from my environment- anything can inspire me, culture art, and people in the street as well as nature. Everything I design is designed for me first; if it works I put it into my collection. I wouldn't design anything I would not wear.

Olsen Dress by MEEM

Q-What area of your work do you enjoy the most?

MEEM: The most exciting part of my job is fabric sourcing, I'm a designer that is definitely led by the fabric first, and then the story comes after!!! I absolutely love playing with the fabric, seeing how it stands and drapes, then I start sketching, pattern cutting and toiling. I can spend hours in my studio just coming up with designs late into the night!



Moth Tee Dress by MEEM

Q-What is the most difficult part of your job (as an emerging designer)?

MEEM: - I think the difficult part of my job is what comes after designing!! the business side, as an emerging designer your funds are limited so you have to be careful that you don’t spend too much time in the studio (as not everything I design can go into production due to costs and time limitations). But sometimes even the business side is fun as you meet lots of lovely people and get to see your collection in parts of the world you would least expect!

Q-How would you describe your own personal style?

MEEM: I think I'd describe my personal style as -"Bohemian charm", Just think hippie meets glamour, you've got the idea, over sized dresses, baggy cardigans, super skinny jeans, amazing costume jewelry, leathers and sky scraper heels are key!!

Pocket Shirt Dress by MEEM

Q-What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?MEEM: It has to be tailored black blazer, it can go with everything and change any outfit!!!

Q-What is the favorite thing about the city you live in?

MEEM: I think what’s so great about London is that fashion is everywhere, you can just sit in a coffee shop and people watch, and go back to the studio with so many ideas in your sketch book. So many cultures and different people all in one place! Ultimately fashion starts in the streets before it heads anywhere else!!

Q-What is next for your label?

MEEM: Plans for my label-world domination??? No, only kidding, I'm just very grateful to be doing what I do!!! As long as people wear my designs, I’ll just make sure I keep upping my game!! You’re only as good as your last collection!

Q-What is your favorite piece from this collection?
MEEM: My favorite piece from this season’s collection is the Olsen dress. It can be worn in so many ways, day or night, lots of chunky jewelry with super high heels and skinny jeans or with a thick belt and tights, it’s up to the individual to style it up. It’s just so effortlessly stylish, definitely a piece I will wear for a very long time!!