tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79505420690212231382012-01-24T17:20:32.985-08:00An exploration of cross-cultural fusions through art, fashion, architecture, culture, design, history, society, lifestyle…& all things ParisianThe Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.comBlogger2741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-55797262325792826782011-12-15T07:59:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:00:22.320-08:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-38187896890372231332011-11-20T19:43:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:00:50.444-08:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-65919908638436445622011-11-20T19:16:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:02:31.623-08:00

Launched in 1949, Aramco World Magazine is one of the longest running English language publications dedicated to the Middle East and its Diaspora. Circulated amongst universities and embassies alike, the publication has long provided a much needed literary bridge between the Middle East and the West. As a child I would wait for each issue, which provided a diverse and faceted perspective on the

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-61330470694541121762011-11-20T18:43:00.000-08:002011-12-15T08:03:57.836-08:00

In 1969 Vogue sent the photographer Henry Clarke to Iran to photograph models Marisa Berenson and Lauren Hutton amongst the historic monuments of Persepolis and Shiraz. But for Diana Vreeland, at the time Vogue’s Editor in Chief, a trip to Persia wasn’t simply about capturing the latest fashions in an exotic location, but an occasion to showcase its contemporary arts and fashion scene. Vogue

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-39157651064833656712011-09-06T10:43:00.000-07:002011-09-06T10:43:39.485-07:00

http://www.dnariyadh.com/

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-88053858705842555412011-08-11T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-11T19:53:21.027-07:00

I recently teamed up with Deena Abdulaziz to re-launch the website of her cutting edge store/gallery, D’NA, in Riyadh. The culmination of 7 months of hard work, I will be collaborating closely with the D’NA team as the site’s new editor, shaping content that, like The Polyglot, bridges East and West. Abdulaziz is someone whom I have a great deal of respect for in the industry. In addition to

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-65786600843029058692011-07-05T12:24:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:25:40.096-07:00

Amongst the usual sightings at Gaultier’s Spring 2011 couture show, that included Catherine Deneuve, Pedro Almodóvar and Princess Marie Chantal of Greece, one Middle Eastern client took the unusual step to sit front row. Described by famed fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer, as ”big mink, veil with diamanté, and the largest red croc bag,” Madame Jana Al Wazzan is one of the few visible

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-53323338851739244532011-07-05T12:04:00.000-07:002011-07-05T12:04:08.530-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-9265264978073439762011-06-08T16:24:00.001-07:002011-06-08T16:24:58.204-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-44061614486643868772011-06-08T15:42:00.000-07:002011-06-08T15:47:43.310-07:00

An intriguing pop-up store brings the world to Beirut’s doorstep Beginning June 30th Beirut, arguably one of the Middle East’s most cosmopolitan cities, will host a unique retail experiment meant to bridge cultures through art, design and fashion. BEIRUT LOVES JAIPUR is the first in a series of pop-up stores showcasing a particular city’s design sensibilities. To be sure, the Levantine capital

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-24297120916666116752011-05-26T14:33:00.000-07:002011-05-26T14:47:29.653-07:00

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the positive feedback these last few weeks. As you’ve probably guessed by now, I don’t post regularly. I have been MIA working on various projects, including a new article for a publication which I will share with you in the near future. I’ve also teamed up with one of the Middle East’s foremost style icons (and a good friend) to launch a new

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-72207539166898886752011-05-26T14:17:00.000-07:002011-05-26T14:48:08.725-07:00

When the first travel guides were originally conceived around the 18th century, roaming the world was a luxury only the very wealthy could afford. Instead, they were mostly destined for home-bound individuals with a desire to experience exotic lands from the comfort of an armchair. Written in often flowery descriptive prose and accompanied by equally exotic illustrations, they were the

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British Vogue, May 2009 Back in 2009 British Vogue sent Stella Tennant to Damascus for a fashion story shot by Tom Craig. The result was an atmospheric spread of images that capture the allure of this ancient and cosmopolitan city. During her trip the aristo-model also kept a diary in which she noted her impressions: “I’ve travelled all over the world as a model, I have never felt so much of a

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-74851191725617260952011-05-26T11:48:00.000-07:002011-05-26T11:48:02.258-07:00

For those of you who were unable to pick up the latest issue of Brown Book magazine, (the Dubai-based publication which serves as an urban guide to the region), I’ve attached my piece on Mona Khazindar, the Saudi Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Arab World Institute in Paris. A fascinating and polyglot individual, Khazindar will co-curate the first Saudi Pavilion at the Venice

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-67991530680927414832011-04-21T10:23:00.000-07:002011-04-21T10:24:38.501-07:00

Backstage at Jean Paul Gaultier, Spring 2011 Couture: Crazy Horse performer, Psykko Tico, Farida Khelfa, Arielle Dombasle, and Tunisien Model Hana Ben Abdesslem. It’s not often that I write in the first person, but I wanted to share with you a recent comment from a reader regarding a post on Farida Khelfa, whom I’ve always considered a fashion icon. This site has always been about a diversity of

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-42590305215928762552011-04-19T20:46:00.000-07:002011-04-19T20:46:43.799-07:00

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the runway shows during fashion week, lies another world seldom reported on by the press: that of the fashion buyer. In the span of a week they spend appointment-packed days running from one showroom, rented apartment, and hotel suite to the next, filling in orders for the coming season (without-hopefully- going over budget). They are also prized for their ability

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-56757818883434765862011-04-19T13:58:00.000-07:002011-04-19T13:58:14.944-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-58657671800782999952011-04-19T13:28:00.000-07:002011-04-19T19:35:30.378-07:00

Isabella Blow captured by Donald McPherson in the Kuwaiti desert, December 2006 Back in 2001, Isabella Blow found herself collaborating with a young American photographer named Donald McPherson. “She was very good at making you feel important,” recalled McPherson in “Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion,” by Lauren Goldstein Crowe. The two first began working on shoots for V magazine, and went on to

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-71818866500601060592011-04-19T09:22:00.000-07:002011-04-19T09:22:33.504-07:00

Widely responsible for putting Kuwait on the fashion map, Villa Moda recently began shuttering its locations across the Middle East. This week the Polyglot looks back on one of its most stunning outposts. In March of 2006 Sheikh Majed Al-Sabah unveiled what could best be described as his most unique and luxurious Villa Moda outpost to date. Nestled in the heart of Damascus’s old souk, this

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-58679002907137480762011-04-16T10:56:00.000-07:002011-04-16T10:56:54.099-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-26581418894262686672011-04-16T10:55:00.000-07:002011-04-16T13:37:44.132-07:00

As the cosmopolitan and fashion savvy name behind cult blog The Overdressed, Bahrain-based Dana Al-Khalifa, has carved out a niche for herself with inspiring fashion shoots that capture her sartorial mood of the moment. Just back from a trip to Paris and Florence, Al-Khalifa spoke to Alex Aubry about growing up with a fashion icon, her love of vintage, and why she’s Erdem’s biggest fan. Portrait

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-15576487507442599332011-04-15T18:58:00.000-07:002011-04-15T18:59:07.604-07:00

Earlier this month Christie’s New York held an auction of rare fashion photographs from a private collection. Amongst the items was a portrait of Lisa Fonssagrives shot in Morocco by her husband Irving Penn, for Vogue in 1951. Another standout was Norman Parkinson’s “Wenda in Tunisia," 1954.

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-60802214153464860222011-04-13T21:33:00.001-07:002011-04-13T21:35:06.513-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-33213697505474134692011-04-12T20:48:00.001-07:002011-04-13T21:54:43.038-07:00

Hanaa Ben Abdesslem- French Vogue March 2011   Born in Tunisia and educated in Beirut, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem quickly rose up fashion’s modeling ranks in just two seasons. Recently she was featured in the March 2011 issue of French Vogue (Carine Roitfeld’s last as Editor in Chief), in a stunning photo spread shot by Karim Sadli. As one of the few Arab faces working in the industry today, models

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-4814983938050739312011-04-07T18:06:00.000-07:002011-04-07T18:09:59.817-07:00

Tatjana Patitz captured in Egypt by Patrick Demarchelier Vogue UK April 1992

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-27594387093179512762011-04-06T21:45:00.000-07:002011-04-06T21:45:56.953-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-27877524584302564022011-04-03T19:50:00.000-07:002011-04-04T14:48:52.073-07:00

Recently re-launched after an ambitious makeover, Khaleejesque is considered one of the most influential Ezines to have emerged from the Gulf. Alex Aubry spoke to the site’s founders about their plans to capture the region’s creative pulse. The original idea behind Khaleejesque was to create a platform to showcase art, culture and design trends emerging from the Gulf. Do you see the site’s role

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-48477227196463077102011-04-02T19:18:00.001-07:002011-04-02T19:18:47.595-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-24453637509664038752011-04-02T18:43:00.000-07:002011-04-02T19:21:47.350-07:00

The co-founder of chic handbag label Felix Rey, talks to Alex Aubry about her multi-cultural approach to design and using her brand to preserve the environment. Do you consider yourself a citizen of the world? I was born in New York to a Tunisian father and a Circassian/Palestinian mother, both of whom instilled in me a curiosity about the world. I traveled quite a bit as a child and attended

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-49892430141912668332011-04-02T17:57:00.001-07:002011-04-02T18:07:29.018-07:00

Mario Testino captures Christy Turlington in Moorish Splendor British Vogue, February 1993

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-46079445774391436062011-03-27T22:09:00.001-07:002011-03-27T22:09:44.370-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-64180170457521923462011-03-27T22:04:00.000-07:002011-03-27T22:08:43.340-07:00

Linda Evangelista photographed by Mario Testino UK Vogue May 1997

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-72290219602633948332011-03-26T19:47:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:55:01.955-07:00

London-based Iraqi-British designer Reem Alasadi has managed to blow the fashion world’s collective minds since launching her label two decades ago. Her hand-crafted clothing has appeared in the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Dazed & Confused, while luring Madonna amongst her many fans. Alex Aubry caught up with the Iraqi-born designer to discuss the realities of working in today’s fashion

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-38882287624096654472011-03-26T19:34:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:35:29.516-07:00

Recently, as part of London Fashion Week, Iraqi-British designer Reem Alasadi, was featured in a film high-lighting the country’s multicultural society. Alasadi, who has long been a favorite amongst fashion insiders, is one example of how designers of Middle Eastern heritage are reshaping the London fashion scene while having a global impact.

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-81513443703806587612011-03-26T19:06:00.000-07:002011-03-26T19:24:58.266-07:00

Ghada Khunji creates the kind of visually arresting images that have garnered her critical success in both the United States and Europe. Traveling several months out of the year to develop her body of work, Ghada’s photographs capture the dignity and humanity in her subjects, while transporting viewers to diverse cultures through her camera lens. In 2006, she received photography’s most coveted

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-23054263008932357292011-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:002011-03-27T07:58:26.966-07:00

Did you feel any slight nervousness showing in Bahrain for the first time, and what was the reaction to your work? I had butterflies in my stomach thinking about showing my work at home in Bahrain. I have been living abroad for 25 years. Bringing home my experiences, and anticipating the reactions people might have, was daunting, but the experience was extraordinary and positive. It was a

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-32918778793152136552011-03-26T18:50:00.000-07:002011-03-26T18:57:41.776-07:00

You live in Brooklyn, an area of the city that is home to artists and designers alike. What is it about living there that attracted you to the area?After living in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan for 10 years, Brooklyn was perfect - much more relaxed and serene, with its own unique flavor. It feels more like home here and its wonderful interacting with the people who have lived here most of

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-86451164532457768322011-03-26T15:46:00.001-07:002011-03-26T15:53:00.541-07:00

At 24, Lebanese-Armenian designer Krikor Jabotian is something of a wunderkind on the Beirut fashion scene. The talented designer opens the doors to his atelier for Alex Aubry, to discuss fashion mentors and the problem with the business of fashion today.What was your experience working briefly for Elie Saab?I first met Elie Saab in 2007, when he was the jury president at my final graduation

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-6063042549935173772011-03-24T19:15:00.000-07:002011-03-24T19:26:49.900-07:00

French Vogue, February 2010 Dree Hemingway, Lara Stone, Freja Beha Erichsen styled by Carine Roitfeld, photographed by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-51651056675378034732011-03-24T15:52:00.001-07:002011-03-24T18:36:50.960-07:00

Zena el Khalil is an installation artist, painter, curator, author and cultural activist. She first attracted the world’s attention with her blog Beirutupdate, which provided a personal account of the 2006 attacks on Lebanon. Born in England, she has lived in Nigeria, London and New York City before calling Beirut home. Alex Aubry caught up with el-Khalil to see how her life has changed since

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-29498053527739179682011-03-24T15:33:00.001-07:002011-03-24T15:40:08.030-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-28278314898349253472011-03-24T07:05:00.001-07:002011-03-24T07:15:01.236-07:00

Attending the Miral premier at the 67th Venice Film Festival, September 2, 2010.This month marked the United States premier of Julian Schnabel’s film Miral, based on an autobiographical novel by Palestinian author and journalist Rula Jebreal. The film, named after Jebreal’s daughter, revolves around the author’s childhood in East Jerusalem and has attracted considerable praise (and equal

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-27663673033810719222011-03-23T19:00:00.001-07:002011-03-23T19:01:14.906-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-58659227602533489922011-03-23T18:39:00.000-07:002011-03-23T18:40:03.623-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-7869833870615522232011-03-23T17:47:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:55:38.503-07:00

Vogue, May 2009

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-43285670357371696112011-03-23T17:17:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:51:51.779-07:00

Elizabeth Taylor’s interpretation of an Oriental Odalisque seen through the lens of Firooz Zahedi.A chador-clad Elizabeth Taylor captured outside the Shah Chirag Shrine in Shiraz.About a year and half ago I was researching a piece on Tehran’s contemporary art scene before the revolution. Many of the people I contacted were somewhat intrigued by my interest in bringing to life a period that had

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-40681441620282352802011-03-21T11:39:00.000-07:002011-03-21T12:04:05.123-07:00

I recently interviewed Mona Khazindar for Brownbook Magazine. As the Saudi-born curator at the Arab World Institute in Paris, Khazindar has been instrumental in changing perceptions and broadening the definition of contemporary Middle Eastern art to an international audience. A fascinating and cosmopolitan individual, Khazindar will be co-curating the first Saudi Pavilion at the upcoming Venice

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-76610208377007437862011-03-20T13:29:00.001-07:002011-03-20T13:30:25.758-07:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-34200975967245192592011-03-20T13:20:00.001-07:002011-03-20T13:24:08.465-07:00

Vogue, July 1973

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-1010611249721647602011-03-20T13:11:00.000-07:002011-03-20T18:04:27.470-07:00

Come this Spring the Middle East will have a new fashion glossy to add to its newsstands, with the launch Haute Muse. Created by Fatma H. Al-Thani, Noor R. Al-Thani and Muneera Al-Mosallam, the publication hopes to put Qatar on the fashion map.The first issue features Olivia Palermo on the cover, and will be launched at an exclusive event on March 26th in collaboration with the London retailer

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-73571975200203200692011-03-02T20:44:00.000-08:002011-03-02T20:45:26.817-08:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-12181828170057606322011-03-02T20:22:00.000-08:002011-03-03T07:17:29.279-08:00

From Shiraz to Persepolis, Henry Clarke captures models Marisa Berenson, Lauren Hutton and Cynthia Korman in Iran.Vogue, December 1969

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-19557416099614374792011-03-02T19:46:00.000-08:002011-03-02T19:47:57.999-08:00

The Polyglothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04194785804251375565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7950542069021223138.post-62162302469031275692011-03-02T18:12:00.001-08:002011-03-03T07:49:43.167-08:00

Few designers today make the kind of political or ideological statement on the runway, at the risk of shocking (read scaring) potential buyers and editors away. Yet fashion isn’t only a means of escapism. The best designers often act as a litmus test, gagging the mood of the moment; absorbing a year’s worth of political, cultural and social debates; then somehow translating them into codes for

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How Syria’s British-born First Lady is reshaping her country's image abroadOne would assume that all eyes would be on France’s first lady Carla Bruni at an international leaders' summit being held in Paris. But last July at a state dinner held at the Elysee Palace for international leaders attending the Union for the Mediterranean conference, the paparazzi were caught off guard by the appearance

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Redefining Syria’s role on a Global StageNot so long ago Syria’s first couple was personae non grata in Western capitals, long isolated by sanctions (both diplomatically and economically).So it came as somewhat of a surprise when President Nicholas Sarkozy of France extended a warm invitation to Bashar al-Assad to attend the summit for Mediterranean leaders last summer in Paris.But while the

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Photographer Henry Clarke captures models Marisa Berenson and Cynthia Korman in Isfahan, Iran. Vogue, December 1969

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The Polyglot is off to New York Fashion Week and will return with more cross-cultural encounters in the coming days.Thank you for your positive feedback over the last few months.

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Recalling the Lebanese Riviera of the 1960's

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Swedish-born Hollywood actress Ann-Margret plays an exotic night club dancer in “Rebus,” which was filmed in Beirut, 1968.© THE POLYGLOT/ALEX AUBRY (all rights reserved) CHICAGO-PARIS

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One of the more recent examples of “Orientalism” (by way of Edward Saïd), at work in the fashion world appeared in the pages of British Vogue. For its June 2008 issue, the publication asked Rana Kabbani, the noted Syrian cultural historian, to write a two page essay addressing the myths surrounding the Oriental harem within the Western imagination.Born in Damascus, Kabbani was educated at the

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Alex Aubry explores the Orient’s influence on generations of designers in the West, and asks the question, “when is ethnic too ethnic?”Looks from Paul Smiths’ Orientalist inspired Spring 2009 collection.One wonders what Edward Saïd, (the late Palestinian literary theorist, cultural critic, and political activist) would have made of the round of spring collections that took place in New York back

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Long before Lou Lou and Catherine came on the scene there was Victoire, a dark haired beauty who reminded Saint Laurent of his native Oran, in Algeria. The two met in the late 50’s at Christian Dior, where a young Yves became the house’s head designer and Victoire one its prized cabine models. They struck up a friendship that would last long after Saint Laurent left Dior.In 1962, the French

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Steve McQueenHarper’s Bazaar, February 1962

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Vogue April 1965

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19th century Western artists were fascinated by the Oriental Hammam and its rituals. One such artist was Jean-Leon Gerome, who painted this scene, The Grand Bath at Bursa in 1885 based on descriptions he had read. Of note in the painting are the women wearing stilts known as kabkabs or nalin which were worn to protect their feet from the wet tiled floors. In 2008 the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

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A mall is probably not the most auspicious setting to showcase the life and work of one of the Arab worlds’ most accomplished vocal artists; even if it is home to the flagship stores of Dior, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs.Yet on January 10th, 2009 an intriguing exhibit discreetly opened on the second floor of Bahrain’s Moda Mall, chronicling the life of Oum Kalthoum; hot on the heels of a block buster

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She may have dressed Mrs. O, but this young designer is grabbing the fashion world’s attention for other reasons as wellRelations between Iran and the United States may be tepid at the moment, yet that didn’t stop First Lady, Michelle Obama, from donning a double-faced silk crepe skirt on May 12th during a speech she gave at the Ronald Reagan building in Washington, D.C. That day, the world was

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A new generation of Egyptian designers and stylists formed abroad, are infusing new life into Cairo’s fashion scene. Amongst this group is Bosaina El Kahal, who divides her time between London and the Egyptian capital.Graduating from London’s Istituto Marangoni with a degree in fashion styling, Bosaina cut her teeth in the business styling shows for the likes of Manish Arora and Peter Jensen

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Princess Firyal of Jordan in Chanel haute couture, Spring 2007, with Giancarlo Giammetti , Valentino Garavani and Princess Rosario Nadal at the Italian designer’s 45th anniversary celebration in Rome, 2007.Princess Firyal of Jordan in Dior haute couture, Fall 2008 Princess Firyal of Jordan attending Lauren Santo Domingo’s wedding in Chanel haute couture, Fall 2007.© THE POLYGLOT/ALEX AUBRY (all

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Nazek Hariri, the wife of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, with Yves Saint Laurent and Bernadette Chirac, after the designer’s Fall 1997 couture show.Nazek Hariri dressed in Gaultier Paris, Fall 2000. Nazek Hariri in Valentino haute couture, 1993.© THE POLYGLOT/ALEX AUBRY (all rights reserved) CHICAGO-PARIS

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Ever since the couture shows turned into a media frenzy, most Middle Eastern clients have avoided attending them all together in favor of private viewings at the couture houses. While more regular customers increasingly chose to view the collections online, before having the house fly over a seamstress for the pre-requisite fittings.Despite this, a new generation of Arab clients are increasingly

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A number of haute couture’s Middle Eastern clients made the journey to the French capital this week for the Spring 2011 collectionsDania Ghandour, Christine Tawil and her daughter Karin TawilMichele Garzouzi and Josie El Hage

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Hana Ben Abdesslem at Chanel Spring 2011 Haute CoutureSince it was founded in 1946 by Eileen and husband Jerry, the Ford Modeling Agency has been responsible for producing some of the most iconic faces of the last century; including Suzy Parker, Lauren Hutton, Cheryl Tiegs and Christy Turlington. What Ms. Ford championed early on was the kind of beauty that has remained relatively the same over

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Farida Khelfa: Gaultier’s long time muse, former directrice of his couture salon and Paris fashion icon, walks the designer’s Spring 2011 Haute Couture show

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Vogue October 1968

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In 1974, Elizabeth Taylor boarded the first direct flight from L.A. to Tehran on Iran Air. Seen here at a party in Tehran.Back in 2009 Khane Cinema, Iran’s largest film organization, invited a number of Hollywood actors, directors and producers to Tehran. Amongst those in the group were actress Annette Bening, Field of Dreams director Phil Robinson, William Horberg, producer of The Kite Runner

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Vogue December 1971“In celebration of Iran’s 125th anniversary,” Vogue took inspiration from the frescoes of the 17th century Ali Qapu (or the Gate of God) in Isfahan, by juxtaposing Persian ideals of beauty next to the reigning stars of the day: French actress Dominique Sanda, Cher, and Vanessa Redgrave.

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There is an unusual site that greets those driving past the 3003-3005 stretch of Massachusetts Ave., in Washington, D.C. It is there that one will find the former Iranian embassy and chancery directly adjacent to the Iranian Ambassador’s residence; a historic Georgian mansion.The embassy building, a tall 1960’s modernist structure with an entrance framed by angular granite columns and glazed

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Belly dancer Zizi Mostafa provides after dinner entertainment for Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, (seen third from left), and her husband, Greek shipping millionaire Aristotle Onassis, (wearing dark glasses, on right), at a Cairo nightclub on the first day of the couple's private holiday to Egypt, 1974.

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A few months ago I received an email from Harper’s Bazaar, who had read my piece from May 2008 on Dodie Rosekrans, the well known Lebanese-American couture client who supported John Galliano early on in his career.Mrs. Rosekrans passed away in November of 2010, and Bazaar was doing a piece on the couture client for the upcoming February 2011 issue. As a thank you for assisting them with some

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Madame Lanvin on holiday in Egypt, 1920’s.At Maison Lanvin’s headquarters on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, there exists an archive boasting priceless examples of Ottoman textiles, vests from Morocco embroidered with heavy gold thread, and beautifully embellished Egyptian caftans. Most of these items were acquired by Madame Lanvin during her trips to North Africa and the Middle East, and

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Iris Apfel with her Tunisian hostess, Fawzia Gherab, in the late 60’sIris Apfel shopping for embroideries in the local soukGuests having lunch at the d’Erlanger’s white villa at Sidi Bou SaidIn the 1930’s Diana Vreeland was living in London with her husband Reed. While there, they formed a cosmopolitan circle friends, who would gather in exotic settings for house parties. The most memorable of

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Vogue May 1972

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Vogue October 1965

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In May 1972 Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made a four day visit to Iran. During their stay, they visited Tehran and the hills surrounding the Iranian capital. Each evening they were invited to a party in their honor. One such event took place at the home of Dr. Reza Fallah, where guests were entertained by oriental dancers and Persian cabaret

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How two sisters are reshaping Qatar’s image abroadPart of Mayassa’s role as head of the Qatar Museum Authority, includes attending cultural events and art biennales around the world to promote the Emirate as a cultural hub for the region. Image: Mayassa attending the Doha Party at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival in New York, April 25, 2009; Attending the opening reception of the Takashi Murakami

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On her days off as a model, visual artist and designer for her label Petit Lapin, Dana Boulos likes to discover L.A.’s hidden neighborhoods, interesting personalities and quirky dinning spots. This week she gives Alex Aubry an inspiring tour of her city’s thriving fashion, music and art scene.Taking in the views:One of L.A.’s best kept secrets is the Barnsdall Art Park, which was donated to the

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Vogue January 1972

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A peak inside Paris antiquaire Maroun H. Salloum’s eclectic quartersIn another life he could have been his own best customer.“I buy things for my gallery as if I were furnishing my own apartment,” sighs Maroun Salloum. “I want to keep it all, it’s bad for business.” Yet Salloum, a Seine-side Phoenician who spends most of the year traveling the world to find artifacts and objects that defy the

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