Henna Heals ( Atlanta's House of Henna)

This is just a random blog about how I'm feeling about being a henna artist.  If you are familiar with me (Monica Smith) or Luxor Couture, than you know that I just started doing henna around about 6 months ago. I have some artistic talent, so learning the designs and pattern were not difficult at all.  Well, one day last month a lady called me up and told me that she just went through chemotherapy and she lost all of her hair.  She wanted me to do a henna tattoo on her head.  I was nervous and excited at the same time.  I have never done a head before.  I Googled some pictures and added in my skill and creativity.  She loved it and I was satisfied with my work.

My first Henna Crown

 As I researched some more, I found out that putting henna on heads is a BIG thing.  These tattoos are called Henna Crowns and many women who have lost there hair are getting them. Our hair is our crown and glory and when that goes, we may feel ugly and depressed.   I scrolled few a few pictures and watched some videos and these women are gorgeous.  Hair or no hair true beauty is what we feel on the inside.  All of then bald women were beautiful.  The henna crowns look like jewels.  I've seen some henna designs that extend down the back and shoulders. Some designs even extended to the middle of the eyes. 

Just last week, I was able to do another henna crown.  This time the women wanted me to put a dragon on the back of her head.  This work is very fufilling.  I'm very happy that my hubby gave me some extra space in the shop to do my thing. 

The Dragon is a symbol of strength

Adding bold flowers (traditional henna style)

Adding and embellishing the empty space

Next, the focal point in the front

We are done!!!!!!

                                                 

Let Us Adorn You at Atlanta's House of Henna
1083 Euclid Ave. NE
Atlanta, Ga. 30307
678-437-5632

                                                       Henna Crown Photoshoot

 

Real Origins of African Fabric

They say “Tribal” is in now? Well, according to Luxor Couture, it never went out of style.   If you know us, then, you know that we don’t deal with mandated trends of the runway.  We deal with culture.  Colorful African prints are popping up on runways all over. Gwen Stefani's Spring 2011 collection for L.A.M.B. was all about African-tribal prints. Her collection included printed maxi skirts, harem pants, shirts and crop tops.

Even Burberry Prorsum’s creative director Christopher Bailey added Ankara/African prints onto parkas, dresses, high-waisted skirts, tops and jackets. He even redesigned the classic Burberry trench coat usings African print.

Did you know that the origins of African print as we know it today was establish in 1846 by a Dutch entrepreneur by the name of Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen?????  Vlissingen mechanised the production of Indonesian batik cloth. This technique in known today as African print.  In the 19th century, Batik print fabric was a very popular trading goods for ships stopping in West Africa. This Holland product soon was in high demand and spread like wild fire throughout  Africa. Since then, the popularity of its printed fabrics has spread to such an extent that Vlissingen's compan, Vlisco, is now an authentic part of the cultural fabric of West African countries like Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast.

One of the most popular, and my favorite prints is the Angelina print. I remember seeing this print come out in the 60’s hippie era or the Black Power era. 50 years ago Toon van de Manakker was inspired to create this design by seeing a 19th century noblewoman’s tunic with beautiful silk embroidery.   After Manakker created this design, it became an icon.

While the design has often been copied, Vlisco continues to produce the only true original. The traditional tunic style, based on that of the noblewoman’s tunic, has become the classic way of wearing the ‘Angelina’, but many tailors and seamtresses are thinking out the box.  This beautiful print is not just for the basic tunic any more. View the posibilities.

 

Luxor Couture "Afro Chic" Purse

 

Luxor Couture "Afro Chic" Dress

For more Afro Chic attire and accessories visit : Luxor Couture

New Henna Artist in Little Five Points (L5P) Atlanta

If you have a business, one way to keep ahead of the curve is to always learn new skills. Monica Smith, owner and chief artisan of Luxor Couture knows this all too well.  She considers herself a life-long learner and one of the skills that she has developed is learning the art of henna.  Here is her story.

I always want to improve on my business.  You should always be looking for ways to improve and learn new skills.  Motivational Speaker, Brian Tracy stated that all skills are learnable and that we are probably one skill away from doubling our income.  I took this information to heart.  I was just thinking one day that I should do henna; then it dawned on me that henna is not offered on the infamous Euclid Ave. in Little 5 Points, Atlanta.   This is when the light bulb went off.   There is a market here that no one has tapped into.  "I'm going to do this", I told myself.  During my Thanksgiving break I decided to take a henna class.  I called around and I finally got in touch with an Indian lady.  She said she would teach me for $50.  I went to her home and she showed me how to do basic designs.   When I created my first designs, I was not please with what I saw on the paper.



First Henna Customer

My instructor told me that It would take about 2 months with practice.  After my first lesson, I was determined to make this work.  I learned the history of henna by buying books, I even made my own henna paste.  I was ready to go. I watched Youtube after Youtube studying how they make their designs.  I practiced and practiced, but I still wasn't happy with my product.  I put down the henna for 4 days and when I started again, my drawings were looking a little better.  I felt confident enough to at least draw a flower on someone.  I decided to even make a few Youtube videos myself. 

I wanted to let the world know that I was doing henna art and I needed some willing bodies.  I posted to Facebook, Instagram and in our shop that Luxor Couture was offering Free Henna.  People came and I was able to get in some practice.  I also decided to spread the word of my henna art, by having a henna party.  Buy having this party, I would surey get the practice I needed.  I wanted to experience of doing henna back to back and working on my speed and designs. 

I still have a lot of work to do.  Each country has it's own style and I would like to master all of those while incorporating my own style. I truely love henna.  It is a beautiful art form.

Moroccan Design

Schedule Your Appointment Today!!!

  

Vintage Couture

A great way to update vintage clothing is to pair it with modern accessories. This is a great way to sport your vintage style without overdoing it. Adding chic modern accessories to a vintage outfit always will complete your look.


I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with Kerrie, a freelance stylist, image consultant and personal shopper. She was our model for the day and I was very excited to style a stylist!

We met at Poor Little Rich Girl which is a very popular vintage boutique located in College Park, Ga. This was an excellent backdrop for the theme of our photo shoot.



1980s



Top: Lord and Taylor
Bottom: 1980s Levi hig-waist jeans
Boots:Vanderbilt
Accessories: Luxor Couture Tribal Bone Necklace

1950s

In the 1950s the house coat was used for just lounging around, watching TV ,cooking, baking and doing our wifely duties; but not anymore!

Throw that apron away, put on some heels and a bold necklace and you are on your way to the office, the park, or even an art gallery.

 Dress: Vintage hand-made
Accessories: Luxor Couture  (upper Picture)Turquoise beaded necklace
(lower picture) Goddess Breastplate



1980s

Fame was very popular in the 1980s. I loved it when Debbie Allen tapped her stick to the floor and said "Fame cost right here is where you start Pain and Sweat!!!"

This particular black dress is actually a dancer's dress so not only can this dress grace the stage with Alvin Ailey dance troupe, but it is versatile enough to wear to a wedding, first date or walk in the park.

Dress: Dancer Skirt
Accessories: Luxor Couture Samurai Warrior Necklace

Why Buy Vintage???

UNIQUE: You're least likely to find someone else wearing the same thing.

GO GREEN: When you buy vintage clothing you a recycling.

QUALITY: Vintage clothing was made with superior expertise and details.


                                                     Why Buy Luxor Couture???
                                                     Because you are worth it!

                                                       www.LuxorCouture.com

Where to Buy
Tribal Bone Necklace
Turquoise Beaded necklace
Samurai Warrior Necklace
Goddess Breastplate

Stylist Information
Kerrie Virtuousone
email: VirtuousStyls@gmail.com
Website: http://virtuousstyls.com/



 

The Mane Love Affair ( A Celebration of Hair)

The 1^st Annual Mane Love Affair, was An Affair to Remember!!!  This event celebrated and honored the beauty of men and women loving their natural hair.  The event was hosted by Courtney Adeleye of CourtneyNaturalHair and Ebony Clark.  They treated their guests to complementary parking, dinner, sample goodie bags and a photo shoot.  The event was held at "The Loft" at Castleberry Hill. This location offered an open space with a stage, buffet, round top tables and an open bar. The red carpet was literally rolled out.  There was a professional photographer that captured each guest as they entered. Women came from all over the U.S. to attend this event.  They each had their own unique styles.  There were sleek teeny weeny afros to the long and silky.  There were so many beautiful women there that represented all complextions and hair textures.

Me styled by Luxor Couture

The buffet offered a delectable selection of tasty hors d’oeuvres. Grilled shrimp, steak kabobs, crispy spring rolls and bruschetta tomatoes on garlic bread were just a few of my favorites.

During the event there was a panel discussion that consisted of 6 women celebrating their natural hair.  Each woman represented a different hair length and texture. Each woman gave interesting testimonies about their triumphs, goals and concerns about their natural hair. But as your know, when it comes to women wearing their natural hair, the subject of the stereotype of “good hair” seems to creep its way into conversation.    The overall message was to embrace your natural hair regardless of hair texture or length. The panel discussion was highly informative and inspirational. After the panel discussion, the DJ open up the dance floor and the ladies joined together laughing and doing the Cupid Shuffle.

Panelist

I

The Haute Kinky Hair Girls

http://www.hautekinkyhair.com/

Me and Courtney

Want this Look?
Where to Buy
Red Thread Twisted Fulani Earrings    Afro Chic Purse 

If you missed it this year, make sure you make it next time. 

Kelli Rae

Brand Ambassador 

for 

Luxor Couture

"It's a Wrap" ( Be Bold with the Latest Trends)

Years ago in Africa and still today, women wear head wraps to represent their people. They wear many styles that are displayed in bold, bright colors to represent different meanings in their culture and to boost spiritual strength. Men wore head wraps to represent status and wealth. Now head wraps are worn amongst all Americans all over the world both by men and women.


They can also be seen in other countries such as Asia, India, and Afghanistan. Even some parts of Jamaica men are known for wearing head gear or turbans. In East India, the turban symbolizes faith. Different colors have different meanings, for example, white (pure) the most holy and green represents paradise. So you see head wraps have been around for thousands of years and will continue to be apart of our fashion trends for many years to come.

Finishing touches

From bold to neutral earth tone colors, make a statement with the right head piece. Polish off your look with your favorite scarf as a head accessory.

 To have the perfect wrap is to tuck as you go to make sure it is tight, secure on your head. Be creative,have fun and start your masterpiece. First place the scarf or fabric where you want to wear it,tie a knot as tight as you can handle it.Then twist,braid one end of the scarf in any direction you would like. Remember to tuck and wrap as you go to make sure its tight. Then you can put it into a bun or a design; whatever you want to do.Once you have that end secure start on the other end the same way. After you have both pieces in place, go back and make sure you have every piece of fabric tucked away. Now go and make a statement!! Enjoy



Style by J. Ali
In-House Stylist for Luxor Couture

"I don't follow trends; I make them!"

 

Handbags & Clutches & Purses... Oh, My!!

Don't you just love handbags!?  I know that many of you out there share this addiction.  If you have bought a purse and it is still in your closet...with the tags on.... Join the club. I used to be into designer bags, like Coach, Juicy Couture and even LV.  You walk down the street and you get to feel really special when someone says, " I like that purse", because they know you have spent $300-$700 for it. If you walk the streets of Atlanta, you will see many designers purses; some real and some Real Fake. 

Nothing beats being original and one-of-a-kind.  Luxor Couture specializes in the exotic.  We have a huge collection of handbags, purses and clutches.  Now that I have my own boutique, I love shopping (another addiction) for unique and exotic bags.  My favorite materials are fur (sorry PEDA), leather,mudcloth and bright African fabric. So come on all you handbag addicts and get your fix at LUXOR COUTURE.

Made in Mali

Cow horn and hide




Silky Dashiki Print


 

3 looks in one