stephane rolland autumn/ wInter

From sketch to catwalk, GLAM brings you highlights from Stephane Rollands show, and an exclusive interview with model of the moment, Hanaa Ben Abdesslem.
BAckSTAgE BuDDIES: kanyE wEST, kiM kaRdaShian, STEPhanE ROlland and fan BingBing

Coveted Couture
2012-13

aute Couture Fashion Week is when fashions finest venture to Paris to showcase their magnificence to the rest of the world. One would imagine that it might be difficult to standout, but this clearly isnt a worry for couturier Stephane Rolland, whose star shone ever so bright at the unveiling of his A/W 2012-2013 collection. Art, movement and wearability comprised the three integral components of Rollands latest collection. Renowned for citing art as inspiration, he continued to explore innovative techniques for ultra-modern embellishment. This seasons collaborations included silicone furs, rock crystal shoulder ornaments, and varnished Macassar Ebony belts. With a celebrity guest list including Kanye West accompanied by his glamorous girlfriend Kim Kardashian, who was of course decked out in a superb Stephane Rolland creation; and a couple of catwalk sensations such as Chinese talent Fan Bingbing, and Tunisian model Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, the event was the hottest ticket in town.
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model of the moment, TUNISIAN Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, TALKS TO orna ballout about TAKING THE FASHION WORLD BY STORM

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ouve come a long way since your debut on Vivienne Westwoods runway last year; how has your journey been so far? Challenging, exciting and fastpaced.

How did your tryst with modeling begin? It began at the age of 5, when I would tip-toe through my house, imagining I was walking on a catwalk. Ever since, my mother has always claimed I would be a model one day. Whats your view on fashion in the Middle East? There are many talented designers and creative ideas. The fashion industry in the Middle East is emerging and its very positive. As a Muslim, do you find it difficult working as a model? And if people do have misconceptions about your work, how do you plan to change them? I dont feel that being a Muslim makes it difficult to work as a model. Modeling is difficult because its hard work and there is so much competition. My efforts in changing the misconception people have of the modeling world will be reflected through information, my communication and being a role model. Youve graced the runway for an array of top designers, what do you think gives you the edge over other models? Every model gives her ultimate best but I personality makes a difference. Inevitably I believe it is projected and can be seen by all. What has been your favourite catwalk moment? My favourite is the start and the finish! Whats the most challenging aspect of the job? Always having the impression you are living in an airplane! Who is your idol? I do not have an idol but people close to me I look up to. How do you stay in such great shape? A healthy nutritional lifestyle, exercise and sleep. Share your top tips for other Middle Eastern girls interested in modeling. Take modeling seriously and not just as a hobby. Be determined and never give up. Get a good manager and agency. Be yourself and never stop believing in your pursuit.

coordination: Modas Touch

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