Bringing celebrity style to Dubai

He has worked with celebrities such as Julianne Moore and Heidi Klum and styled shows for Ralph Lauren and other top designers.

Now Kithe Brewster is looking forward to working with designers from the region to style their shows at DIFW. The US based fashion editor and celebrity stylist has recently been appointed DIFW's creative director.
In an interview with tabloid! Brewster spoke about his work and the role he wants to play in developing the local fashion industry. Excerpts:

Why do you want to be associated with DIFW?

I have been fortunate to work with top international designers but I find it more fulfilling to work with young designers. I was amazed to see the passion, commitment and vision of the designers who participated in the talent hunt. I was particularly impressed that Arab women despite working within certain restraints are able to come up with such creative ideas. I am excited about sharing my expertise with them. I know that it is difficult for designers in this region to find the resources and training they need but I want to do everything I can to encourage and guide them.

What is your role as creative director of DIFW?

I will work individually with every designer to style their shows and offer my expertise to help make the production stronger. I will also host receptions at international fashion weeks to elicit support from the global fashion community. I am also bringing to DIFW talented young designers such as Rubin Singer, who I worked with at New York Fashion Week.
How important is styling for a show?

It is the most important key. Proper garment and colour coordination and the right accessories and make-up can transform the look and impact of a collection on the ramp.

Is there a celebrity in this region you would like to style?

I would love to style Princess Haya. She carries herself so well and comes from a family that is known for style.
Tell us something about your label ‘Kithe' that will premiere at DIFW.

I want to keep it a surprise. All I will say is that it is inspired by Dubai and is for the woman of Dubai. I have created a collection especially for DIFW as an enticement to get other international designers involved in this event.

In what way would you like to contribute to fashion in the region?

I am at a point in my career where I have done it all and now looking for something more fulfilling. I have worked with leading fashion magazines and top celebrities from the world of fashion, films and music and there is so much that I can do here. I want to play a role in establishing better fashion education here and to help develop the fashion magazines.

What the designers say...

Mille Rostock
This Danish designer launched her label ‘Mille Rostock' with a showing of her fall/winter 07-08 collection at the inaugural DIFW. Mille draws inspiration from her travels around the world and from the multicultural nature of Dubai to create her collections. She likes to mix feminine and masculine elements to create her signature look. "Being selected to be a part of the inaugural event gave me a great opportunity to showcase my work to the media and buyers. The autumn/winter collection I presented is now available at several boutiques in Dubai," said Mille. "I am back at DIFW because I want to be part of a community event and grow with it. I am happy to see that in this second edition of DIFW the focus is more on designers based in Dubai," she added.

Rabia Z
Rabia Z is of UAE and Afghan origin and has studied fashion design and business management in the US. As one of the winners of the DIFW Emerging Talent Hunt, she is excited about presenting her debut collection at the event. "I design clothes for the modern Muslim woman who wants to be stylish and trendy but dress modestly," said Rabia. "The fashion experts on the DIWC panel loved my concept and were extremely encouraging. Kithe Brewster has been in touch with me and has given me wonderful tips on styling my collection. He has also volunteered to get me some stylish hats from New York to complement my collection," she added.

Affascinare
Affascinare, which means ‘to fascinate' in Italian, was launched in Dubai in 2002 by Meher Mirchandani and Ridhhima Wahbi. Besides several boutiques in Dubai, their collections are also sold at prestigious stores in India, Singapore and Malaysia. After a successful showing at the Wills India Lifestyle Fashion Week in India last month, they are now set to present their spring/summer 2008 look at DIFW. "We are proud to be one of the first brands born and manufactured in Dubai and are happy to be associated with this excellent initiative to put Dubai on the international fashion map. We are looking forward to working with and learning from Kithe Brewster and other professionals on the DIFW panel," said Meher.

Show schedule

October 23
4pm - Walid Atallah
5.30pm – Andrew Majtenji and Amber Feroz
6.30 – Mille Rostock and Raakhee Raipanchla
8pm – Aisha Ramadan
9pm – Hassan Sherehyar Yasin
October 24
4pm – FFUE
5.30pm – Sharbani Mobar and Barkha Mulani
6.30pm – Winners of Emerging Talent Hunt
8pm – Lilli Spina and Stefan Buchmann from Prestige
9pm – Essa
October 25
4pm – MAHE Manipal
5.30pm – Honey Waqar and Palak and Pankaj Arora
6.30pm – Troy Costa and Lomar
8pm – Affascinare
9pm – Kithe Brewster and Rubin Singer