The Confashion Confessionals: Confashions from Kuwait

One cannot deny that fashion blogging in Kuwait was in a way pioneered by Confashions from Kuwait.  The blog was created as a fashion outlet for the anonymous writer in 2007, and from then on it has been the go to website for any local fashion news.  What makes Confashions appealing is how informative and accessible her posts are.  My favorite posts are usually are “The Just Like…” feature where she scavenges the high street shops to find trendy designer like items, and her introduction of talented local designers.  So whether you are trying to find a Kaftan for Ramadan or looking for a cheaper version of a Givenchy, Confashions from Kuwait will point you to the right direction.

When did you start your blog and why did you decide to start blogging about fashion?  

The idea of Confashions from Kuwait came about in April 2007 when I realized that I needed an outlet for my passion for fashion. I initially wanted to start my career in the fashion industry, but found the opportunities very limited in Kuwait. So I settled for a “normal” job and started blogging about fashion and shopping, which turned out to be somewhat satisfying. I try to offer a Kuwaiti perspective when posting about fashion and lifestyle. 

How did you get into fashion, and when in your life did you start to get interested into it?

I started to show interest in fashion at very early stage. I was 10 or 11 years old. I used to play dress-up with my sister and pretended that we were modeling for a magazine photo shoot; it was funny because we actually developed our photos, and created a “one copy magazine” which we sold to parents. That was really hilarious, but I guess that’s where my love for fashion all started. 

Do you ever get disenchanted by the fashion world and do you have any dislikes within the industry?

Yes. Sometimes I feel like everything is moving in a very fast pace, in that we forgot to step back and enjoy the beautiful things being created and designed. Everyone is obsessed about what’s hip next. I just wish sometimes the cycle would slow down a bit.  

Who are your fashion icons?

At the moment, I find myself musing over the legendary Iris Apfel’s eccentric style and her love for colors. I’m also obsessed with Taylor Tomasi Hill’s and Dree Hemingway’s avant-garde approach to fashion. They’re not afraid to try out different looks every time. These are women who are savvy about what works for them, and I think that's one of the key things for developing your own personal style.

Iris Apfel

Taylor Tomasi Hill

Dree Hemmingway

How do you define your style?

A little bit of everything. I can’t stick to one style as I get bored easily, so I try incorporate something different to my look. I tend to mix vintage with new, girlie with gothic, avant-garde with a hint of classy, high-street with high-end brands. But at the end of the day, I have to be comfortable with what I’m wearing (physically and mentally).

What's your favorite city for shopping?   

London is definitely my ultimate favorite shopping destination. And this may sound like a cliché, but I have to say that I love London because of the STREETS. You can walk everywhere and discover amazing shops while walking, and the variety is just beyond amazing! You have the London markets, the vintage shops, the high-end luxury department stores, the concept stores, the quirky-cool under-the-radar boutiques in Chelsea.  Everything is easily accessible and different in its offering, and very experimental.

What is your favorite city for aesthetic? 

For aesthetic, I love Paris. It’s so rich in art and culture. There is always a myriad wonderful things to do and museums/exhibitions to see, and of course I love the food.

What's your favorite shopping destination in Kuwait?

Boutique 4: I absolutely love this concept store. They carry an eclectic and an unusual mix of fashion and interior accessories. I last bought Fornasetti wallpaper, but if I could afford it, I would buy everything

AlOthman Boutique: A high-end Multi-brand store with a great edit of trendy women's fashion. Their client care is unquestionably the best. 

Zara of course is the best of the high-street so far. Topshop used to have this status, but lately it hasn’t been keeping up with the trends as much as it used to. 

What were your favorite collection from the Fall 2012?

Haider Ackermann

Prada

What was your latest purchase?

Givenchy's Shark-Tooth Necklace

Prada S/S 2012 Classic Car Heels

Isabel Marant printed jeans (got them at a discount so they’re my latest Sale bargain!)

What are your favorite items of clothing, shoes, and jewelry; and why are they so special to you?

My Marios Schwab LBD. This was my fastest purchase in the evening-wear category. I bought it from Saks NY and we were already late for our flight! Even the sales lady was puzzled at how fast I made the decision to buy. I didn’t have the time to try it on. I just saw it and bought it. It’s a very simple fitted LBD with long sleeves. The detail is all on the sleeves, I love how the designer used the crystals as if they’re little tiny icebergs sewn next to each other. I was worried that it won’t fit well, but it turned out to be one of my best purchases.

My Delfina Delettrez skull emerald green necklace, and my Delfina heart-shaped earrings. Her designs are very quirky-cool. I got the necklace back in 2009 when the designer exhibited her limited edition jewelry collection for the first time in the Middle East at Al Sabah Art & Design Gallery. It’s such a shame the gallery closed. It hosted one of the best exhibitions in Kuwait. 

My current favorites (more like obsession) are Nicholas Kirkwood for Peter Pilotto sandals. They’re so colorful and fun to wear. Plus I love almost anything designed by Mr. Kirkwood. 

My other favorite pair are my Isabel Marant sneakers, I purchased the sneakers from Matchesfashion and I was so nervous that I unconsciously hit the “buy” button twice, thank god I noticed that on the confirmation e-mail before they shipped the sneakers to me.

H

Images via Confashions from Kuwait, Style, and Google.