What are trends, and who decides what’s in vogue? Read on to find out
Fashionistas and designers tell us what to wear and how to decorate our homes, but how do they decide what’s stylish – and what’s not?
A trendy design is a combination between utility – the way people choose items according to their needs – and our natural instinct to gravitate to beautiful things.
Dr Taha Al-Douri, professor and assistant dean of interior design at the New York Institute of Technology Abu Dhabi, says, “Design is a natural human instinct. Any choice you make,
from the food you buy to the films you watch, is design-oriented. We all think about beauty, consciously or unconsciously.
“People listen to fashion designers or architects because they have a certain level of credibility, and are renowned for having good taste.He adds, “Generally, people who follow trends and fashion are a small proportion of a population. Prescriptions such as ‘the colour of the year’ are options offered to you. If you like it, you might take it on, then more people will like it, and then it becomes popular.”
Colour expert Pantone has a colour matching system which identifies every hue with a specific number. Download the myPantone app, snap a colour you like and it will tell you what hue it is. The system is used to identify colours across a series of industries, from construction to printing.
For the past 15 years, the Pantone Colour Institute has scanned catwalks, films, TV shows and art galleries and analysed the socio-economic conditions of the world, then chosen a colour it thinks will attract the most global attention for that year.
For 2015, it chose a deep red hue called marsala, because of its natural earthiness, elegance and tastefulness.
So what’s trendy for 2015?
For interiors, go for natural materials, says Dr Taha. Modern life is stressful, so people crave a calm, soothing space. Opt for leather, wood and glass, and choose variations in texture instead of colours.
Deal seekers can head to Ikea Yas Island where Scandinavian designers offer sleek, affordable options. Contact: 02 493 5888 www.ikeauae.com
Luxury-lovers can shop at Purity, which delivers for free to the capital. The Sabi sofa by Paola Lenti (pictured on the previous page) starts at AED 25,800. Contact: 04 325 3737 www.purity.ae
We asked the fashion gurus at House of Fraser Abu Dhabi in World Trade Center Mall on Hamdan Street to give us their opinion. Fashion buyer Elham Chengini told us that sweatpants are back in the good books, as is denim in any shape and hippy-style floral prints. Contact: 02 627 7558 www.houseoffraser.ae
High street stores such as H&M help you be fashionable on a budget. Various locations around Abu Dhabi, including Marina Mall. Contact: 02 695 8101 www.hm.com/ae
Dee Azlan, a make-up artist and photographer for Doll Up Studio, says, “The make-up trends for 2015 centre around perfect skin and contouring. Finding the right foundation is key. Sleek, clean, neat hair goes well with this make-up trend. This year is all about looking powerful and modern with a touch of femininity.” Contact: www.dollupstudio.com
To find the perfect foundation head to Mac Cosmetics. Various locations including World Trade Center Mall. Contact: 02 612 0876 www.maccosmetics-me.com
Laura Volpi
