Tuesday 13 March 2012

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi UAE

So after more than 2 years of planning to book a tour and not a stay, it finally happened a week ago. I have heard so much about this hotel that expectations became so high only to realize it wasn't as grand as described. Ok, before you raise that eyebrow, yes it was capital AMAZING inside out; it was just when stories and a crazy imagination go too far.hahaha.

Emirates Palace is the only other 7-star hotel in the world aside from the famous Burj al Arab in Dubai. Owned and managed by Kempinski, the hotel opened, oh God, I wasn't listening to our tour guide.lol. And don't expect me to give you further details. Let us just say they are not that interesting.hehe.

Tours are available everyday except Fridays. Costs 100 AED and needs to be booked(02 6907108)

Ground and outside shots

The tour is just on the "palace", which is this picture. Wings are not included. It's in 3 parts: the auditorium, the ballroom, and the room.




token for the ladies

and then my camera's biggest nightmare- dim light.
On the way to the auditorium. I love how high the ceilings are. The floor on this area and almost all parts of the hotel is carpeted


the auditorium





the ballroom
  empty.

if i heard our Chinese accent tour guide right, this is the heaviest chandelier in the world? Imagine it falling on me.LOL




I hate that this hotel does not have a centerpiece.
  the ceiling is 24 karat gold
 all floors look the same and if you are not careful, you will lose yor way. This is on the 7th floor





only the palace suites are allowed to be viewed, and yes, i know what's on your mind looking at this picture. i forgot to ask him that.:)

 This is the Palace Suite:a private elevator, 3 bedrooms, a dining room, and a living room

half bath

the bathroom of the smaller room


all products are by Amouage, oh, Arabic luxury.

the small room


living room


dining room



the master's bedroom

a rather disappointing small walk-in closet. I don't think Carrie Bradshaw was happy staying here in the movie,lol

but I love floor length mirrors



 the bathroom



and talk about a room with a view.


room rates. can i just stay on the baby cot?hahaha

 Raf Simons x Linda farrow sunnies, H &M necklace, Zara shirt(i don't think it's visible), Balenciaga sweater,  Marc by Marc Jacobs pouch, Zara pants, Marc Jacobs sneakers.

Saturday 10 March 2012

Marni x H & M: One Day After(Dubai Mall)

I was at the Dubai Mall yesterday to check the whole collection, and as expected, it wasn't well received and is still available aplenty. Perhaps these reasons:

1. Who is Marni?
2. or what is Marni?haha


I was thrilled when I heard about this collaboration because I love Marni and Consuelo is one of those designers that i have faithfully  followed ever since; but even I can not buy a single item on this collection. I get the look, it is very me in some ways, but I really don't like this idea of mass produced designer clothing(and i said that like i buy haute couture,hahaha). And I hate this idea that  i should be careful I will not come across somebody wearing the same thing. I'm already used to wearing clothes by low-key and under-the-radar designers and the last thing I want is somebody that can identify it and say "Oh, he is wearing Marni x H&M",lol.

Is the collection sold-out in other cities?



This t-shirt reminds me of the brand's collaboration with artist, Richard Prince.


This is the most spot-on Marni piece, also a bit Dries van Noten-ish.

I love this parka, especially in brown, but it is too expensive at 799 AED. I can buy a Dior Homme defile jacket at Saks 5th Avenue outlet at that price tag.:)

i love this bag too.

Womenswear. Shop at theoutnet.com for real Marni pieces at 70 off instead. Same price range minus the fast fashion quality.

but I love,love  this jacket.:)









Dubai is a label-whore place-- it's all about the LOGOS and that bag that costs a car. I think i saw 1,000 Birkins, 100,000 Louis Vuitton(all types), Lady Dior and Chanel bags in a matter of 4 hours inside the mall.lol. And here is Marni: polka dot dresses, weird looking outfits, and logo-less. How can this compete?

I don't think this country is ever going to mature in its fashion sense like other cities. Sure, big labels have arrived and choke the city up and New Money can really afford these amazing pieces, but where is individuality and experimentation? People looked too polished and clean that it becomes boring. There was this really good looking guy yesterday  in crisp white shirt and blue jeans properly fitted, BUT was wearing a red Hermes H belt and a red loafers with a very big LV hardware. God help us!!!