A Spectrum of Opinions.

Since I wrote that I was less than impressed with Noor's Boudoir Collection, everyone seems to be calling me up or approaching me to ask what I thought about Spectrum. In a nutshell, although there were some dull moments in the show as well as some issues I had with the service at the door, I can say that Noor got the memo and is starting to design the way she was meant to be.

The gold effect on the runway was created with sneaker prints in gold paint. That was a lil ratchet.

Sometimes designers want to please the crowd and fit in. I feel that was the main problem with the Boudoir Collection. Noor was trying to appeal to Carnival-loving clients. She wanted to be overtly sexual and daring and unexpected. It was a flop. It did not feel natural. Then she showed her Maasai Collection in the middle of this year and we began seeing her feel more confident with who she is as a designer. Personally I own 3 pieces from the Maasai Collection! The clothing breathes beautifully and feels very cool against the skin. The designs from Massai were sexy with exposed backs under draped sheaths of printed lightweight silk, and the graceful slope of the silhouette down the middle of the neck to wrap gently along the rib cage and to the small of the back--- THAT is sexy. Not leather panties or whatever that was before.

Classic Noor Silhouette

I had my fingers crossed for spectrum. The set and the location were not good, nevertheless, the turnout was magnificent. Noor manages to bring all kinds of fancy names to the yard. Latoya Woods opened the show in a fully beaded white wedding dress. I can't begin to tell you how I hate to see wedding dresses in fashion shows. (Unless they end the show and are so friggin amazing that people lose their mind and jump to their feet howling). However I was less distracted by the dress and the fact the veil refused to co-operate, and more taken by how horrid this beautiful woman's hair and makeup was. Latoya Woods is one of the most gorgeous women in the entire world! The power of a bad wig I tell you!

A bit let down, I have to say that the show recovered nicely after that. Noor's signature draped kerchief dress made several appearances down the runway, each time draped in a subtly different way, but every one of them well done. That's the Noor brand to me. That kind of sleek, goddess-like silhouette. Many more jewel toned separates and dresses followed. There were no innovative shapes or design elements, but that's okay. The clothing was wearable, flattering and tasteful. There were definitely some misses, but they were easy to overlook as I found the Collection to be overall quite fine. I will heading to the boutique soon since I have my eye on a pair of green trousers.

My favourite look of the night

As I see Noor getting closer and closer to the designer she is meant to be, I have to say that the styling of these shows remains consistently poor. It is very difficult to see the potential of the individual pieces under such horrible hair and makeup, as well as the way the pieces are put together and how the jewellery and shoes do not accent but fuddle the look. When you go to her boutique and see the clothes on the rack they are way more appealing. That's unfortunate though, because the runway is supposed to create the image for buyers to covet. Also, I do appreciate the use of real women and non-models in a show, but in a country where even our models are (let's face it) non-models themselves, I felt it took away from the presentation. Most of them could not walk and if the wig couldn't help Latoya, who were you kidding thinking it would look good on anyone?! Also, I feel like Penny and Giselle have had their moment. They had this moment a couple decades ago. I would so much prefer to see them in front rows and not on runways.

I would be careful with this belt and kind of embellishment.
It borders looking cheap and we know it's not

If I am to offer any advice, it would be to edit. The menswear was completely out of place at this show. They could have been featured in a separate room in some other type of showcase. They had nothing to do with the Egyptian theme and some pieces were not constructed as strongly as others. It showed. Editing the womenswear as well I would recommend. For a show with such a slow-paced gait, we did not need to see so many kerchief dresses. It became monotonous. I would also advise editing when it comes to embellishments. In a country where "Shiny thing" can be stereotyped as (dare I say it?) "Coolie-ish", I would do a little more research to make sure that the embellishments look rich and are applied in designs that are most fashion forward.

Warning: Do not try this hair and makeup at home.

To end on a positive note, I am definitely seeing Noor move forward more and more with every collection. Each has outshone the last. She already has quite an influential fan base, so I look forward to even better work in the future.

Thoughts on Noor Boudoir

I have been evading this blogpost like a bullet.

I had been to Noor's store before, and was so taken by the fine silks and exciting bright embellishments on her garments. There was a definite influence of her Pakistani background in the clothing, with rich colouring and seductive sheers. When I was invited to attend the showing this past Monday, I was thrilled to see what new magic she has been cooking up.

The runway set up was quite charming, as they transformed (what I find to be ) a shabby Ballroom into an appropriate space for fashion. I loved how there were crystal chandeliers hanging sporadically from a rustic and tattered ceiling. The contrast of glam and worn-out had me expecting to see a collection reflective of that aesthetic. Well, I was right about that.

Sadly, I was sorely disappointed by the collection. I hate to say this, because just last night I met Noor at another event, and she was so nice. I know that this designer has a rich cultural influence, and a huge following of sophisticated women. I thought I knew what her message and aesthetic was, but that collection totally threw me off. It did not look expensive nor modern. It did not relate a clear sense about who her client is. It looked amateur- but Noor is no amateur! I still remain confused.

There was a strong sense of Esmeralda the gypsy, and some strangely placed strips of black leather and silver zippers. There was also some bedazzled bras and body belts. :S I cannot imagine the woman who would wear these things, and neither to where. On a positive note, when the silhouette was kept simple and clean, I feel that it was strongest. Sometimes you really have to draw a line between creativity and sellability. I feel that was the principal weakness here. I hope that for the store, that most of what was shown would be edited and adjusted. The fabrics were lovely for the most part, but I feel they could be put together in a different way so as to appeal to her clientele.

Even Styled differently I can't see this on anyone

I have no idea where this poorly tailored jacket came in

Those zippers.. The horror!

This column dress was repeated in various patterns.
It was probably the truest design to what I feel Noor is-
Classy, colorful and Ethnic inspired.

The Simpler Silhouettes were more successful

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