Word on the Street - Behind the Collection - Part 1

Most of you are familiar with "Word on the Street", my first collection of printed scarves that I will be launching on May 10, 2012 here in Vancouver BC.
As the launch approaches, I have decided to publish 8 posts to start the countdown. The first four posts will introduce you to the inspiration behind my collection and the other four will be dedicated to some fun details about the photo shoot, the fabric, color palette and some tips on how to wear a scarf from this collection.

So today, I will be introducing you to my first inspiration, Damascene Mosaics:

Why?
As this is my first attempt to design a collection, I wanted to go back to my roots, my Damascene roots to be more specific. I picked the wood mosaics because of my long time fascination with this very intricate craft and also because it is an unmistakable traditional craft specific to my beloved city, Damascus.

How?
The idea was to create the feel of the craft through the use of familiar shapes and repetition, also, I wanted to explore the many aspects of one shape through the use of different colors, sizes and positioning, grouping.

The outcome? 
Each piece is unique,each piece says a different word, but all in the same language.

Word on the Street - Behind the Collection - Part 2

Photo by Mona Sultan

Pick of the Week - Billie Boutique

Billie is a Montreal based clothing boutique that carries a great selection of international brands hand picked by owner Véronique Saine.

The place is very tastefully designed, it has a very sensual vibe that screams "elegance". The fitting rooms are spacious with large mirrors, and beautiful rosewood pink boudoir like walls.  

What I loved the most about the space had to be the display, especially the t-shirts that are carefully grouped and laid in open drawers.

If you happen to be visiting Montreal, make sure you visit Billie for a good dose of style.

Visit Billie's lifestyle blog billiegirls.ca for inspiration and styling tips. 

Billie 1012 Laurier West Montreal - 514.270.5415 

Photos by Mona Sultan

Mona Sultan - Launch

I am so thrilled to announce that I will be launching my first collection of printed scarves entitled "Word on the Street" on May 10th 2012.

As some of you may know, I am a Surface Designer based in Vancouver BC. I offer custom design services for textile and wallpaper and now, my dream of having my own line is finally coming to true! 

My love for scarves started early on in my life when for some strange reason, I decided that because my neck is long I needed to hide it!

Well today, I've learned to embrace my long neck and The Scarf has become my go-to accessory.

The idea of creating my own scarf line came from my struggle of finding scarves that look different, that stand out, but also, I was looking for ones that are not too stiff and not too heavy, there's nothing worse than a droopy scarf that you need to fluff up every 5 mn. 

Basically, after so many years of wearing this key accessory, my standards were way higher than they used to be and the market was not satisfying, so I decided to solve the problem myself! 

The collection consists of 6 different designs digitally printed on beautiful silk/cotton blend fabric. It is inspired by Damascene mosaics, street fashion and 2 very inspirational women that I've been following online for a while now: Garance Doré and Eleonora Carisi. 

This collection is dear to my heart as it is dedicated to my beautiful city Damascus, the City of Jasmine.

"Word on the Street" will be available for purchase May 11th on monasultan.com. Stockists list in Vancouver BC will be announced in May.

Please stay tuned for more!  

Wish List - Spring

Isabel Marant Jacket - Shop here

Photo Via Harper's Bazaar

Illesteva Sunglasses - Shop Here

Photo Via Net-a-Porter

YSL Gold Cuff - Shop Here

Photo Via Harper'sBazaar

Pick of the Week - The Volts

Fullum & Holt

La Fée Verte

Gaya Handbags

Sid Neigum

Design and Conquer

Aqua Di Lara

As I told you in my previous post, I am in Montreal this week and have attended The Volts Media Event yesterday afternoon, it was truly amazing. From the tasteful PR by Agence Télégraphe to the great idea of sending every guest a leather bow that was to be integrated into each one's outfit, everything was impeccable.
The Volts not only features international designers, but also Canadian talents. Yesterday's event marked their first "Canadian week" sales, basically a full week opportunity for members to buy local labels for a fraction of the price!
I took PLENTY of photos, I chose a few to share with you on this post.
If you would like to buy some of the pieces on this post AND have access to weekly flash sales, you can join The Volts here.

A guest whom I think did the most creative integration of the bow. 

Photos by Mona Sultan

Love the Look - Camo Pants

Photo via garancedore.fr

I am not necessarily the biggest fan of camo, but I absolutely LOVE the outfit on this photo. I believe that the very unusual combo of the pink Louboutins and the graphic tee makes this look very contemporary while the classic blazer pulls it all together. 

On a different note, I am in Montreal right now, I will be attending The Volts Media Event this afternoon. 

The Volts is a high fashion retailer that provides its private members great deals on cutting edge fashion from around the world. What I really like about The Volts is their dedication to bring not only the best quality at a good price but also their careful selection of very versatile and fresh pieces.

So stay tuned for The Volts Feature post on Friday, with more information on how to join. 

Proenza Schouler- Camera Bag

Photos via Proenza Schouler

Get the Look - Caroline B

I am absolutely enamored by Caroline B's style because she's got a minimalist yet edgy look with a touch of feminine, and mostly leans towards neutral colors, and that's exactly how I like to dress.

I chose the above look simply because it's perfect for spring! And just for fun, I added the green DVF bag for a pop of color. 

Current / Elliott pants here

Chloé Booties here

Inhabit Sweater here

DVF Bag here

Alexis Bittar Bangle here

Little Black Jacket by Chanel

 

 

 

Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld teamed up for the launch of Chanel's "Little Black Jacket" campaign, featuring the all time classic worn by famous personalities like Vanessa Paradis, Claudia Shiffer, Yoko Ono and Gaspard Ulliel to name a few.  The book entitled The Little Black Jacket: Chanel’s Classic Revisited will be released this fall, can't wait!

Pick of the Week - LYNNsteven Boutique

McGinn - Olivia Dress in Rose 

 UZI - Navajo Kimono Top in Ivory 

Corey Lynn Calter- Holly Maxi Dress in Cobalt

LYNNsteven is one of my favorite clothing Boutiques in Vancouver for very simple reasons: 

it has a very chic and refined feel to it and carries a tasteful selection of local and international labels picked by owner Nicole. 

When I met with Nicole last week, she took the time to pick 3 pieces from the Spring new arrivals (above). As for me, I couldn't help but fall head over heels for a beautiful hot pink Ela M.I.L.C.K. clutch. 

Another reason why LYNNsteven tops my list is its beautiful historic space. Well preserved and stunningly designed by McFarlane Green Biggar Architecture + Design, it welcomes plenty of light through the glass front of the store while a massive book column used as a changing room stands 10 feet tall and mimics the exposed brick walls in the background. My favorite detail? The floor tilling which reminds me of old roman mosaics.

Photos by Mona Sultan

Vintage Comebacks

1924-26 - Chanel

1947 - House of Dior

1967 - Balenciaga

3 beautiful dresses from 3 different decades. did you notice how, all 3 styles have made a comeback for the SS12 season: the roaring 20's, the full skirt and the train detail.
My favorite is the Balenciaga dress, what's yours? 

Photos via metmuseum.org

On my List - Sam Edelman Sophie Sandal

Photo by Mona Sultan

I came across this pair of sandals while at Lynn Steven Boutique, one of my favorite boutiques in Vancouver. This sandal has the perfect heel height for everyday. I also love the color blocking and the anklet detail. 

Check out more colors on samedelman.com.