"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

Fulani Earrings $40.00 (Extra Large, Jumbo) luxorcouture.com

Fulani earrings are one of the most talked-about and sought after pieces of jewelry from Africa. When you walk into a room, they make an instant impression with their glimmering, twisted appearance. Hand-crafted in Mali, the Fulani gold is actually twisted bronze but was believed to be gold by the Fulani people for some time. The bronze is hammered until it is nearly paper thin, and then twisted to create the intricate look of the earrings. Since these are so popular, it’s hard to keep them in stock, especially since there are only a few people who make these now.

The Fulani earrings are created by Fulani craftsmen in Mali. One of the largest groups of nomadic herders in Africa, the Fulani customarily wore their wealth in the form of gold jewelry that they could carry with them at all times. The design has been worn for centuries, and it wasn’t uncommon to see women wearing these type of earrings with red rope around the post of the earrings to try and help alleviate the heaviness of pure gold. The women would typically get these earrings as a present on their wedding day, or on another special occasion.

Luxor Couture is a boutique that specializes in Fulani earrings. They have Fulani earrings starting from the baby Fulani earrings, all the way up to what they call the "Mother Load"  They can even recreate the look of   Authentic Fulani earrings with the red thread without stretching your earlobes.  

Exploring the World through the Eyes of Local Children

Luxor Couture was able to be a sponsor for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta during their Kiwanis Kids Cultural Challenge (KKCC).   The  Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta  hosted its 19th annual Kiwanis Kids Cultural Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011.


KKCC is a year long cultural program sponsored by the Atlanta Kiwanis Club, which challenges Metro Atlanta Boys & Girls Club members to explore a particular country, its geography, culture, dress and activities. Of course Luxor Couture was willing to lend a helping hand when it came to Egypt. 

KKCC enables Club members to display their cultural knowledge, art and performance skills and interactive talents while embracing the different countries and cultures of our world. The all-day event allows the kids to develop and advance cooperation and teamwork skills; develop oral, written, communication and research skills; and to instill in Boys & Girls Club members the importance of diversity and tolerance.


Several Clubs participated in the program this year, each representing a different country. Members from each Club participated in the contest by presenting what they learned about their country through creative displays, performances and interactive projects.

•This year’s winner: (EGYPT )

 

 

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Latest Collection at Luxor Couture: Oshun Honey

Oshun Honey is the newest arrival to the Luxor Couture collection .   The essence of this collection is the Goddess Oshun, which is symbolic of the Peacock feather.  This collection was designed with the goddess in mind;   it is sure to leave you feeling like pure royalty, and perhaps make you taste like honey.



Oshun or Ochun (pronounced O’shuun); a Yoruba goddess who reigns over love, intimacy, beauty, wealth, & diplomacy.



She is revered as being beneficent, generous and kind. Oshun is associated with the color yellow, brass, honey, peacock feathers and anything of beauty. This is where the Oshun Peacock Feather originates. With its beautiful resonance of colors and delight. The way it shimmers and catches the eye with its magnificent beauty.  When adorned with these beautiful feathers and their irresistible softness, it’s as if you’ve been wrapped inside a cocoon of honey.

The Goddess Oshun vibrates with beauty and awe just as Luxor Couture brings you the most beautiful treasures on this side of the world.  Luxor Couture embodies the Oshun Peacock feather in the most beautiful arrangements of earrings.  With its serene design of beauty and  perfection, one would feel as if they are Oshun embracing their feminine divinity at its height.  As you marvel at your appearance with these exquisite earrings, you too may begin to strut like the peacock when displaying its beautiful feathers.  But don’t be ashamed, everyone deserves to feel like a goddess strutting their stuff as they exude love and beauty dropping bits of honey along the way.  Luxor Couture is definitely here to awaken your inner Goddess!!

Oshun Honey Collection Available at: http://www.luxorcouture.com/earrings?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=461&category_id=15

 

Behind the Scenes with Luxor Couture

 Naptural Roots Magazine Photoshoot  2010

I was very excited to open my email one day and have Mahogany Boisseau, the spokes person for Naptural Roots Magazine contact me about being apart of their next issue.  I couldn't believe it.  I was suggested to them by Tawhida Tupak-el, a radio host on WRFG. Of course I would do it....who wouldn't.  Contracts were signed and I was on my way.  But hold up-I had to go into work that day.  Hummmmm- I suddenly felt a cold coming on. I felt very comfortable on the set, because I knew most of the people there-the potographer (TT Coles), the stylist (Jamila Crawford), the caterers ( Feed the People) and some of the models.  It seems to be a small world.  Well, I didn't get to take alot of behind the scence shots, because of contractual agreements, but here is  a short video from the photographer TT Coles. Hope you enjoy.

LeAnne (Naptuarl Roots Magazine) and I (Luxor Couture)

To order Naptural Roots Magazine Calendar featuring Luxor Couture
 email Custserv@napturalroots.com



Slick & Rose Videoshoot for PoP Fresh

Slick and Rose is an Atlanta-based duo that has gained national and international attention.  their style is a blend of Pop, Rock, New Wave, Jazz and Hip-Hop.  I was honored when they ask me to be apart of their styling team on their latest video POP FRESH.  Take a  looksy : )

October Rose

Nikki Slick

Runway Scene

Red Carpet Scene

The Lovely Jamila Crawford (Stylist and Model)

Job Well Done!!!



On Set with Sepsenahki Aahkhu

Sepsenahki Aahkhu
wearing Luxor Couture


 
 I was intived to adorn  singer and songwriter Sepsenahki Aahkhu for the making of  her latest video "Searching'. This was my first time working with green screen.   Green screen technology is the basis of the effects seen in everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to the weather forecast. The idea is simple. If you shoot a video with a single coloured backdrop (blue or green is often used) , studio technology allows you to make that color transparent - replacing it with any other video clip, graphic or still image.  So, I have no ideas what the video will look like, but I know it will be great.  I really love what I do.

My set up



Getting Camara ready!! Make Up artist (MUA) Folami

 

Checking things out!



Showing off the Luxor Couture



Lights, Camara, Action



MUA Folami doing touch ups



Getting ready for next scene



Sepsenahki Aahkhu  and  I