All New 2007 Sahar Collection (with pics!!!!)

[mamarama]

I like the purple one too, But have no idea how my babies would stay in it! Those literally, over the shoulder boulder holder styles are seriously dangerous too!

[nitara]

The simpler ones are giving me sewing ideas, too.

I really like the purple one and the frilly orange one.

Thanks for posting all these Sahar threads, Christina!

[naiyahayal]

I like them all except the pink one. But so far, my favorite is the one I should be getting soon from Dahlal's "Harem" -- simple,elegant, classic black with tons of clear crystals. Almost paid for & well worth waiting for! I did like the ones that used to be be on Saft's site better, though -- I thought they were more elegant. I had just gotten the nerve to order one,and they were whisked away -- but I guess they can still be ordered directly? I really, really want that Tigress in the Moonlight. MMMMMMMMMMM would need to sell quite a few Pharaonics to get the $$$!!!

[Lauren_]

Originally Posted by danidance

The black and white is cute but way too naked. Seriously - the boob-pop-out-bra design is just annoying to me.

BTW - several of these look very easy to make - drape a piece of fabric around your lower half and clasp with something cute and sparkly. done.

Oh, like this $1,790 Carolina Herrera wool wrap skirt?

http://tinyurl.com/3yqnz3

Oh, wait, they forgot the sparkly bit. How much do you think it would cost if they added a sparkly clasp?

I'm not surprised that couture exists in BD fashion just like IRL. I'm not buying into it in either place. BUT I've been dancing long enough I can spot a Pharonics, a Sim, an Abla, a Zaki from 50 paces. I can see where a fashion-forward dancer who wants to look *different* and avant-garde would enjoy the playfulness of some of Sahar's designs.

Not my cuppa tea, but I'm not a fashionista in daily life either. (where's that durned shrugging smiley face???)

[danidance]

If you do decide to spend 1750 on a wrap skirt let me know, I'll buy the Vogue carolina herrera pattern and make you one for 175.

Okay, the black and white stripey guy is a Golden Era type thing right? Samia? Tahiya? In fact come to think of it - isn't the bra shape Golden Era-esque though just a bit Victoria Secreted out for today?

[meissoun]

Just a little reference to "real bellydancers" and how they are supposed to fit into the dresses.
I think we all agree, that we come in ALL shapes and sizes, so a "real" dancer doesn't have to be bigger than this model!

Actually, I view myself as a very "real" woman and dancer and I possibly weigh less than the model... especially around the breasts. So for me there is no chance of wearing these costumes because I simply don't see how on earth I should stuff in the cotton to fill them and make them wearable for my A-size boobs...

MEISSOUN

PS: Yeah, I COULD make these myself!

[tattood1]

i'm warming up to the stripe one. under black light it would be amazing!! tina

[Marianna]

Ok, when I said "real" belly dancer, I didn't mean that you must be big to be a "real" dancer. So don't get offended! What I meant is that the majority of the dancers (I guess I shouldn't use the term average, either) is probably bigger than these models.(and these models are early twenties, and have not had any children).

Of course every BODY is different, and different style costumes will be flattering to your figure. For me Pharaonics works real well, but the Madame Abla design would make me look bottom heavy. Well, I guess I am, but it would emphasize it way too much. Those waist straps would never work either. Bella also seems to flatter my figure - I think it does everone's :)

But I think the more simple a costume is the more flawless your body should be - and unfortunately we're not all flawless.
But anyways, I'm not trying to badmouth these designs, no,no!! I'm just saying they are too simple FOR MY TASTE and I can't see that I would ever spend over $1000 for them.

Marianna

[Nisima]

Originally Posted by Whisper

Why do these look home made?

Seriously - when I grow up and become a 'real' belly dancer and not just a student, am I expected to pay hundreds and hundres for a look that I could do myself JUST for the label? How many dancers apply this to the every day clothes they wear. Not sure I could ever be a label whore...I've just been frugal all my life.

Maybe it's just the idea in my head that when you drop many hundreds to wear a 'professional' belly dance costume, there should be more to it and at least look sturdy...The pink just looks thrown together from existing shorts and left over fabric???

Hi, Nisima, YES, they do look to me too homemade or "economy" type costumes, and not sturdy enough. I'm not frugal, a costume doesn't have to be "wall of fringe" and I like clean lines but I just won't pay for a label if the costume doesn't look well-made, period, end of story! I've seen a bit of costuming in the last 20 years and can appreciate different styles, but almost all the bras (esp. black & white stripe) look like "escapage of boobage" is imminent; I dunno, maybe that's just the trend in Cairo now, but not my c-cup size girls! no way.

[Lauren_]

Originally Posted by Marianna

But I think the more simple a costume is the more flawless your body should be - and unfortunately we're not all flawless.

SO true. I cover my flesh with beads & sequins so you can't see what it's doing!

But anyways, I'm not trying to badmouth these designs, no,no!! I'm just saying they are too simple FOR MY TASTE and I can't see that I would ever spend over $1000 for them.

That's me too. I felt the same way about Eman Zaki at first, though, and I've come around to loving lots of her designs, so I'll never say never...

[Sashy]

<but almost all the bras (esp. black & white stripe) look like "escapage of boobage" is imminent; I dunno, maybe that's just the trend in Cairo now, but not my c-cup size girls! no way.>


ROFL

.....sorry,could not resist!

[ChristinaRizkallah]

I did a search on the internet regarding those accessories/pins that Sahar uses because originally I thought I would purchase the components (fabric, and pins) and have the costumes made for me by a professional (just not Sahar). Well, the fabric is easily obtainable. I was surprised that I couldn't find a lot of those accessories on line that she uses. I have no idea where she gets her rhinestone stars and other accessories that she has used to adorn her costumes. And for the ones that I did find, such as the red swarovski rhinestone lip pins (which is featured on one of my costumes) they are really expensive! Sahar literally covers my costumes with those accessories. Also, sometimes I find them on line, but they are not as nice as the ones she uses, such as her spider pins, etc... So I don't know where she gets her accessories and they actually cost a lot! Plus I love the way she constructs her bras. She inserts synthetic bone while other designers use buckram. Her bras are so stiff, they can stand up on their own. And I like the shape of the cups and the fact that the bras keep your boobs separate in the center.

Originally Posted by stardancer

3 yards of glitter dot: 25.00
1 yard of lycra: 7.00
1 rhinestone star pin: 5.00
That it was designed by Sahar: Priceless....

No, in all seriousness... There are alot of Sahar costumes that I really think are gorgeous.... like the red one Dahlal had over Valentines day. Very sexy. However, I just can't justify spending 1200.00 for something with barely any crystals and plastic beading. I wish they were cheaper so I could get one. It's the same way with couture clothing though..... that name is worth alot of $$$. *sigh* I need to be rich..... I like the purple bow one. Christina, you should buy that one so maybe someday one of us can get it used from you....

[ChristinaRizkallah]

They do look like they are easy to make (I wouldn't be able to make it cuz I can't even sew on a button), but when I took my spider costume (like Dina's) to be altered, my seamstress looked at it and said she could do the same exact thing! Luckily, for my bras, Sahar actually makes them very modest so my boobs do not pop out in any of them (thank God)!

Originally Posted by danidance

The black and white is cute but way too naked. Seriously - the boob-pop-out-bra design is just annoying to me.

BTW - several of these look very easy to make - drape a piece of fabric around your lower half and clasp with something cute and sparkly. done.

[ChristinaRizkallah]

Her bras are actually supportive and sturdy and of course, you would tell her your back and breast measurements and she would adjust the cup of the bra accordingly. The only time my bra came out too small was for my first costume. Then I sent her one of my bras and she used that size to construct all my future bras and they are very supportive indeed!

Originally Posted by mamarama

I like the purple one too, But have no idea how my babies would stay in it! Those literally, over the shoulder boulder holder styles are seriously dangerous too!

[ChristinaRizkallah]

My favorite grouping of Sahar costumes is her 2005 line-those are the Safti Craft costumes. You can still order them, but not from Safti, maybe from www.shoplikeanegyptian.com or direct from Sahar. Either way, they will cost a lot more than they did on Safti's site. Also, when you get your Sahar from Dahlal, as I remember you telling us about it, post pics PLEASE! I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

Originally Posted by naiyahayal

I like them all except the pink one. But so far, my favorite is the one I should be getting soon from Dahlal's "Harem" -- simple,elegant, classic black with tons of clear crystals. Almost paid for & well worth waiting for! I did like the ones that used to be be on Saft's site better, though -- I thought they were more elegant. I had just gotten the nerve to order one,and they were whisked away -- but I guess they can still be ordered directly? I really, really want that Tigress in the Moonlight. MMMMMMMMMMM would need to sell quite a few Pharaonics to get the $$$!!!

[ChristinaRizkallah]

Yes, I am thinking about that one, too!

Originally Posted by tattood1

i'm warming up to the stripe one. under black light it would be amazing!! tina

[ChristinaRizkallah]

There are several reasons why people may not like Sahars, but it wouldn't be for the fact that they are not well made. You may not like her minimalist use of bead work or her styles in general. But the quality is fantastic. You just have to see them in person or own one to know what I am talking about. Her bras are really, really sturdy and I am a D cup and she will construct a bra for you based on your size so that all cup sizes that can Sahars.

Originally Posted by Nisima

Hi, Nisima, YES, they do look to me too homemade or "economy" type costumes, and not sturdy enough. I'm not frugal, a costume doesn't have to be "wall of fringe" and I like clean lines but I just won't pay for a label if the costume doesn't look well-made, period, end of story! I've seen a bit of costuming in the last 20 years and can appreciate different styles, but almost all the bras (esp. black & white stripe) look like "escapage of boobage" is imminent; I dunno, maybe that's just the trend in Cairo now, but not my c-cup size girls! no way.

[Nisima]

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

There are several reasons why people may not like Sahars, but it wouldn't be for the fact that they are not well made. You may not like her minimalist use of bead work or her styles in general. But the quality is fantastic. You just have to see them in person or own one to know what I am talking about. Her bras are really, really sturdy and I am a D cup and she will construct a bra for you based on your size so that all cup sizes that can Sahars.

Actually, I have seen Sahars up close and personal; on one the bra didn't seem all that sturdy to me but I wouldn't say it looked homemade the way these pictures appeared to me. The one I saw definitely had "minimal beading" and that's fine, but what surprised me was that the bra wasn't a flattering cut on a modest bosom (made her look actually smaller on top) and the skirt had an off-center high slit with a large ruffle that looked overwhelming on a slender frame even though she is not short. What surprised me is that the dancer had this costume made when she was in Cairo, and I expected somehow more of a customized look. I have seen this dancer in many other costumes that showcased her tall slender graceful figure a lot better. I did another Sahar, "Valentine" in person on an absolutely perfect figure (maybe size 10 and average height) and then everything worked beautifully, in red velvet, tasteful cutouts, big gorgeous rhineston pin, just yummy. So overall, my personal up close impressions have only been 50/50 - I wouldn't risk custom ordering one from overseas and paying $1,200 for any costume unless I'd seen more of the line in person to get a feel for design and workmanship myself - it's a lot of money to spend unless I had more confidence in the designers line overall and 50/50 isn't enticing me, that's for sure!

[antimony]

I don't really see what is so novel about her costumes. Although I know she is the only one doing those bras that come down like gathered fabric coming down vertically over the breast (like the pink one and the dark red one) but I don't really think there is anything too novel about them. For example, compare the pink costume bra to this bathing suit (note: the link goes to a swimwear/lingerie shop) It's a shame they don't sell a matching coverup, or you could probably construct a pretty cute costume out of it. Replace the string band with something more sturdy, and sew evening gown cups into the top, and you'ld have a pretty cute costume bra.