During my trip to Kuwait not only was I able to overindulge myself in a myriad of culinary experiences, from Kuwaiti to Persian to Indian, Lebanese and Japanese, but whenever we weren’t eating or shooting, I was actually able to do some shop scouting. Luckily for me, we managed to make some time in our busy schedules to visit the most popular and compelling boutiques in the city.

I had already been hearing plenty of buzz about a concept store called 4.

Everyone kept telling me it was the must-go-to place in Kuwait and that I couldn’t miss out. So I went.

Ever wondered what an exceptional shopping experience felt like? 4 is a cult concept store where fashion meets art meets style in a unique creative space that gives exposure to both renowned and upcoming fashion designers and artists from all across the world.

The instant you set foot at 4, you get hit with this industrial-inspired aesthetic combined with an eclectic mix of bold design elements and cutting-edge, avant-garde fashion pieces that immediately enliven your senses.

I couldn’t keep my eyes off the decor! They have an incredible selection of fine furniture and design pieces, some limited edition, by artists such as British based Established & Sons, Spanish artist-designer Jaime Hayon, Frank, Zaha Hadid and Rick Owens bronze range (antlers + skull sculpture) as seen above.

I’m obsessed.

4 is actually one in eight shops worldwide to have exclusive distribution of the Austrian fashion label, Carol Christian Poell. I got to see the mens collection- each piece is literally a wearable work of art. Revolutionary and innovative don’t do him justice.

Other fashion-forward brands present at the shop include Gareth Pugh, Haider Ackermann, Ann Valerie Hash, Rad Hourani, Todd Lynn, Ann Demeulemeester, Margiela, Visvim and in the shoe department they’ve got Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau and Alexandre Birman, to name a few.

Need I say more?

All of the clothes available at 4 are chosen piece by piece by the owner, Nouf Al Bahar together with her sister, two individuals who know the value and clearly treat each one of these garments as artistic objects. Objects which not only distinguish themselves by their stylish functionality, but also by their ability to attract the attention of all the right people.

Even the fitting rooms and restrooms are proof of 4′s enthusiastic attention to detail and creative passion.

Loving the crossword puzzle wallpaper!

I was told by the owner that they’re currently planning the expansion of 4, to double its size, into a new extension that will be showcasing a dedicated gallery space and restaurant and even a new beauty concept.

I can’t even begin to imagine how this concept store can get any better than it already is!

A big thanks to Nouf for giving me that amazing tour of her stunning concept store and I definitely look forward to going back to see the new 4!

All the best on your new venture!

Now what would a photoshoot be without it’s behind-the-scenes snaps?  It’s where all the fun and monkeying around happens (I’m speaking for myself of course).

Thank God for my makeup is all I’m gonna say! (Fatima you rock!)

So, other than our superstar photographer Djinane Alsuwayeh, I also had an unofficial (stalker) photographer all throughout the shoot (kidding!), but I kinda did, really. Besides being a total hottie, she’s an aspiring photographer so I’m more than delighted to post up some of her cool shots and of course Djinane’s as well, to wrap up my recent photoshoot experience in Kuwait.

(PS- no camels, deer or ducks were harmed during the shooting of this Lookbook. Sexy Suzy (the camel) might have gained a couple pounds and risked turning green from so much grass feeding in one afternoon, but that’s about it).

Dana, Djinane, Shayma, Deema and Abdulla- I had a blast working with all of you guys!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR8jOJZERhs[/youtube]

The Closet Candy F/W 2011 Lookbook is finally out!!!

And ladies, take a good look cause all the trends you should be watching out for (and should be on your lust list) this Fall season are right in front of you. It’s the perfect inspiration to give that wild animalier touch to all your outfits, with a hint of ethno-chic. Ooh Sexy!

Check it out!

View the full Lookbook here.

FYI if you want to get your hands on any of these gorgeous pieces, they’re selling out quickly so be sure to check-in at Closet Candy’s online boutique here!

I’m back and dying to post pics from the fabulous Lookbook we shot in Kuwait this past week!

It was a very busy few days between doing the fitting, getting all the outfits + accessories right, deciding the venue etc. But everything worked out as planned.

We had an awesome team of people working with us from photographer to professional makeup artist and everyone else who contributed in making the shoot a total success!

Of course I can’t reveal any photos with the actual looks cause the Lookbook is yet to be finished and published, but I will post snaps from behind-the-scenes, the team in action and the actual venue.

Hope you enjoy these and don’t forget to check back soon to see the final product!

makeup goodies

super bronzing powder

the makeup artist using the airbrush technique

on our way to Wafra Farms- the area where the venue was located

 

camels chilling along the highway

choosing the location for each outfit and sorting out the sequence of our polaroids

the team in action

testing the light before the shot

the fuel that helped us make it through the loooong day

shooting inside the corral

Sexy Suzy, the friendliest camel ever! We <3 Suzy

the guys setting up the lighting

the photographer doing her thing

( A big thanks to Deema for letting me use some of the cool pics she took from behind-the-scenes! )

Hello from Kuwait!

I can’t begin to tell you how much fun yesterday was. Well, ever since I got here has been loads of fun, really. Catching up with old college friends, feasting on delicious Middle Eastern food, wandering the aisles of random Kuwaiti supermarkets, meeting great new people and of course, working on the Lookbook.

As I anticipated on my last post, I’m currently in Kuwait to shoot the ClosetCandy Fall/Winter Lookbook. We spent all of Sunday shooting and I’m super anxious to begin posting some of the behind-the-scenes snaps we took throughout the day, which I will be doing very soon, so be sure to stay tuned!!!