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

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-05-2007, 06:30 PM

I do think Sahar's costumes are both whimsical and novel. Yes, she does use all those motifs you mentioned, plus as far as I know, she was the first designer to come up with the "butterfly" costume and now Aida Nour, Pharaonics of Egypt and lesser well known/well made designers are using that mofit as well. Aida Nour also did a spider costume but I think Sahar's is still the best. I think sometimes Sahar comes up with new ideas that get appropriated by other designers (and it works the other way around and with other designers as this is the nature of fashion in general). For example as far as I know, Sahar was the first to put pins/accessories on her costumes now you see Aida Nour, Mandour and Eman doing that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lauren_

These aren't too novel (well, maybe the purple bows one). But she's done spider webs, lips, giant decks of playing cards, Marilyn Monroe print fabrics, beads that hang like bunches of red cherries off black & white piano fabric. You know -- whimsy.

That's what I meant by a dancer who's looking for something different.

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-05-2007, 06:34 PM

Yes, Sherif and Sahar are great. Going back to your reference about Sahar's grapes costume: I mentioned that sometimes Sahar comes up with original ideas that other designers copy (I know the one you are talking about as I considered buying it) (which is totally the nature of fashion and is no way a criticism)-the grapes costumes was actually first designed by Amira El Kattan. So this is an example of Sahar borrowing an idea from another designer. Also, regarding the deck of playing cards costume (you have seen Hanadi perform in this costume), Amira tells me that she actually came up with that design at least 10 years ago for Nelly when she did a big show. So I guess designers will borrow ideas from each other.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MariaAya

My favorite ever Sahar costume, that i've seen from near and was drooling was the one that looked like grapes (metal balls made them) at bra and at the top of the skirt also.
Everytime I go to Cairo i check Sahar's costumes, and she know that we are more friends than I'm a customer as my priorities are to give money for privite lessons to Dandansh for example than buy a 700 euro costume.

I find the whole conversation without reason as it falls into the same category of the Haute Coutere designers. I always wonder why a bag can cost 500 euro lol. At least with costumes you are gonna get your money back.
And this is the importand. I cant understand a dancer that buy an Eman, or Sahar costume just to dance to a small dirty club, but for sure I understand one that dance at an Egyptian wedding that they know where from the costume is. Its a matter of image, and taste also.
Yes I do like her costumes as a change to the more covered ones, a girl have to change image and be unexpected in dance and costumes ;)
But unless I loose 20 pd and have a custome made (and the money) I dont see me buying one.
But the woman is doing a great job, and she and her hubby are great

Maria Aya

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-05-2007, 06:39 PM

Yes, that's true as I mentioned in a previous post (and probably more than once) her costumes don't translate that well in photographs. I was also told by another Egyptian costume designer that Sahar's costumes aren't that well made. Well, I have worn my Sahars and I can honestly say that so far they have stood up to the rigors of dance and even though many of the crystals are glued, they don't fall off any more frequently than sewn-on beads or sequences. Regarding your comment about the zipper, I wonder if its really amateurish or if the Egyptians just have a different way of sewing it? Anyway, despite the variety of opinions and criticisms, I still love my Sahars and continue to order from her. Unless I get a crappy costume, I will continue to be her loyal customer!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dameshe

the thing about sahar's costumes is that they always look much better in person than in photographs. in most cases they just aren't really detailed and loaded with gobs of sequins and fringe, and that simplicity doesn't always carry over well in photos. i have gotten so many compliments on my sahars when i've worn them, and they really are soooo elegant and beautiful in person. in pics they always look kinda ehhh...

i wouldn't say they look home made, BUT i was told by a skilled seamstress (i was taking sewing lessons from her) and a fashion designer friend of mine that in terms of sewing they aren't made all that well, especially not for the price they are going for. they have this habit of cutting a little slit in the back of the skirt and putting in the zipper that way. they BOTH told me (seperately) that that is a real amateur technique and they would be "laughed at" and "never taken seriously" in the western fashion world. the fabric is just decent lycra which goes for about $8 a yard in new york. they both also pointed out several other flaws in the sewing that i would have never noticed...so it's all relative. i still love them because they are minamalist they DO look beautiful in person and sahar has a really unique and creative sense of style!

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-05-2007, 06:42 PM

I've never taken my bra apart to confirm this, but I was told by Hallah Moustafa who took apart one of Fatima's bras (at the request of Fatima) because Fatima wanted Hallah to construct bras that "looked" like Sahar's and in order for Hallah to do this, she had to take them apart...At least this is what I remember from my recollection with Hallah this past spring...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dameshe

Actually the bra's aren't made from synthetic bone. that shelf-like aspect of the bra is ALL just a thick layer of HOT FIX GLUE. my sewing teacher and i took apart one of mine and that was all it is....

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-05-2007, 06:46 PM

Well, I just took the plunge and ordered the black and white striped costume as well as the purple costume!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LILI GAMAL

I Love Saharrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Who Can Afford Them Please Get Them..........

More Power To The Label Whores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

damiena · 07-05-2007, 07:19 PM

I love the purple one, but the brown and blue is my hands down favorite - that is one of my favorite color combos!!!

beafarhana · 07-05-2007, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

Well, I just took the plunge and ordered the black and white striped costume as well as the purple costume!!

Wahey!!! You know we'll want pics, don't you?

dameshe · 07-05-2007, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

Yes, that's true as I mentioned in a previous post (and probably more than once) her costumes don't translate that well in photographs. I was also told by another Egyptian costume designer that Sahar's costumes aren't that well made. Well, I have worn my Sahars and I can honestly say that so far they have stood up to the rigors of dance and even though many of the crystals are glued, they don't fall off any more frequently than sewn-on beads or sequences. Regarding your comment about the zipper, I wonder if its really amateurish or if the Egyptians just have a different way of sewing it? Anyway, despite the variety of opinions and criticisms, I still love my Sahars and continue to order from her. Unless I get a crappy costume, I will continue to be her loyal customer!!

don't get me wrong!

i love sahar's, always will. my comments weren't to diss sahar in anyway. i do feel that her costumes are better made than almost all the other costumes out there--the cut and style are fab. she is a rare talent and i love what she does. i have had both my sahars for two years, they are still sturdy, comfy and in tact, no missing beads that i have discovered.

...it was just really interesting to hear opinions from designers who are TOTALLY out of the belly dance community--they both have worked in the fashion industry in new york for several years-- and they both immediately pointed out certain very similar things to me. (neither of them know each other and i met with them individually.) as someone who didn't know any better, it changed my opinion on their value to some extint. it doesn't mean i wouldn't buy again, but it IS something to think about....

about the zippers-- what they both said was that the proper way to sew in the zipper was to sew it into a back seam, not just cut a slit and stick the zipper in and that they should at least use an invisible zipper if they are going to do it that way. now my black one is cut so that it has a back seam, but my white one, and the others i had to sell, just have the slit.

of course, they both follow western design and sewing techniques and were trained in new york. it's possible that there is an 'egyptian' method of sewing, but i'm not sure about that. i think really professional techniques are standard across the board, but i could be wrong.

nevertheless, i didn't mean to imply they were very poorly made, just not made as well as they could be for the price, based on what i was told.

regardless, please post your pics when you get your new ones! i look forward to seeing them.

(wait, did you order one or two???)

dameshe · 07-05-2007, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

I've never taken my bra apart to confirm this, but I was told by Hallah Moustafa who took apart one of Fatima's bras (at the request of Fatima) because Fatima wanted Hallah to construct bras that "looked" like Sahar's and in order for Hallah to do this, she had to take them apart...At least this is what I remember from my recollection with Hallah this past spring...

hmm....well, it's entirely possibly that they make some of the bras differently, or using different techniques. mine was diffinately hot fix glue...

floreatmanon · 07-05-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

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???

LOL! I hear you! I've never been label conscious, either with costumes or otherwise (well except for furniture and appliances). I go for quality and style rather than "who" made it. I bought a costume made by Vicky Horiuchi (sp?) many years ago. She was a fantastic costume maker in the Seattle area. I've danced in that costume probably a hundred times and I'm telling you it is indestructable and still looks good to boot! I get what I like - and I like quality with a little razzle-dazzle thrown in for good measure!

floreatmanon · 07-05-2007, 11:16 PM

Speaking of razzle-dazzle, I generally like a lot more than these costumes have. She has some good ideas though - something about that purple with those bows, I really like. Just too cute! And that black and white Tina Turner number will be fierce for the right dancer. I'm not feeling the pink although I like the retro-halter vibe. The burgandy works better in my opinion - has more bling

Thanks for posting the photos!

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-06-2007, 01:56 PM

Dameshe: Coincidentally, I ordered four of them and three just came via fedex this morning. Well, as usual, I am blown away by the amount of work she puts on my costumes. They are just litered and covered in crystals. She puts more crystals on my costumes then the other designers put plastic beads and sequences on their costumes! She makes my costumes with full accessories and sometimes jewerly. One of the costumes is Monroe's Bouquet from Safti's site and she included rhinestone lips earrings! My bra has about 15 pins wheras I think Safti's model has half that amount. Anyway, I have nothing bad to say about her. Based on my experience, every costume is magnificent and exceeds all my expectations and the communication with Sherif and Sahar is wonderful. I don't know how much work she puts in her "ready mades" or "off the racks" as I've only custom made everything with her. My custom mades are fantastic. I would rather pay Sahar $1,300 for one of her costumes then pay Eman $1,300 for three of her costumes. But this is just my preference.

Regarding your zippers, having said that, I actually just checked them. But my untrained eye (I can't even sew a button) can't distinguish between good and bad zipper technique. To my ignorant eye, the zippers look fine. I guess I am paying for the all the crystal work, the label and the uniqueness of her designs.

Which Sahars did you sell? I know the white one. You posted pics of yourself wearing it on tribe and your web site. That's a nice costume. You sold that one? Which else-you also had the pink/brown; lime green and burgondy mini??

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-06-2007, 01:59 PM

I want to post pics, but I have noticed that in the Sahar threads that I have created on bhuz, I have sensed hostility from bhuzers regarding Sahars designs. My fear is that if I post my costumes, I will leave myself open to more criticizm. I know that when I perform for the public, I can't help how they will respond, nor do I care. But I feel by posting them on this thread, I am almost inviting more attack. So if I don't feel comfortable, I may just e-mail the pictures privately to whoever wants to see them...

Quote:

Originally Posted by beafarhana

Wahey!!! You know we'll want pics, don't you?

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-06-2007, 02:01 PM

I can't confirm or verify one way or the other unless I took my bra apart. Of course, I won't because I won't be able to put it back together again unless I take it to my seamstress who will charge me an arm and a leg!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dameshe

hmm....well, it's entirely possibly that they make some of the bras differently, or using different techniques. mine was diffinately hot fix glue...

ChristinaRizkallah · 07-06-2007, 02:02 PM

The burgondy one has more bling but because of my chest size (34 D) I don't think I can wear that bra nor do I think it will give me the support I need. I love the purple ribbon one and the black and white one. In fact, I just ordered those yesterday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by floreatmanon

Speaking of razzle-dazzle, I generally like a lot more than these costumes have. She has some good ideas though - something about that purple with those bows, I really like. Just too cute! And that black and white Tina Turner number will be fierce for the right dancer. I'm not feeling the pink although I like the retro-halter vibe. The burgandy works better in my opinion - has more bling

Thanks for posting the photos!

dameshe · 07-07-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

I want to post pics, but I have noticed that in the Sahar threads that I have created on bhuz, I have sensed hostility from bhuzers regarding Sahars designs. My fear is that if I post my costumes, I will leave myself open to more criticizm...

awww, i'm sorry about that. i totally don't want to contribute any negativity in that regard. again, i really do love sahar, and i'm totally jealous and salivating to see your new ones, if you'd be willing to show them to me!

i just felt it was important to note those things i mentioned because they were pointed out to me and given the prices of the costumes, it's worth considering. i pointed them out as a consideration, that's all. i hope you weren't offended or upset with me because i said it. i should have just kept quiet!

~~~~

dameshe · 07-07-2007, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

I can't confirm or verify one way or the other unless I took my bra apart. Of course, I won't because I won't be able to put it back together again unless I take it to my seamstress who will charge me an arm and a leg!

no no no!!! it's not worth taking it apart just for that. it was alot of work to put it back together, and my teacher helped me with mine...

dameshe · 07-07-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristinaRizkallah

Which Sahars did you sell? I know the white one. You posted pics of yourself wearing it on tribe and your web site. That's a nice costume. You sold that one? Which else-you also had the pink/brown; lime green and burgondy mini??

ok, here is a listing of all the sahar's in my life...

black one - mine
white one - mine

i purchased to sell;

blue butterfly - sold to a dancer in ny named naraya
pink and brown - lotus, dc
green flowers - lotus, dc
hot pink with green feathers - on hold for lotus, dc
champagne and blue - ava fleming
black and red - yowalka in my dance company
purple miniskirt - dancer in canada (can't remember her name)

oh, there was a yellow one with pink feathers. NOBODY liked that one, it had kind of a "chicken" look because...well it was yellow and had these floaty feathers. i cut the feathers off and it looked fab, so i just kept it for myself. so actually i have three now, black, white and yellow....i'm a little sad about not selling anymore though. it's so funny, when i first brought them back in 2005, nobody was interested. within the last year though, the buzz began to grow, and dancers have started to go crazy for them and i started to get inquiries.

what sherif wanted was that i purchase 20 costumes at $8000 every 3 months and there is no way on earth i could do that.

i'm a professional graphic designer and i was setting up a website using my own time and money, having pro pics made and everything, for free to sell the costumes, but i don't think they got the concept of what i was trying to do. i thought with a professional site dedicated just to her costumes with professional pics that highlighted how special the costumes were (because their pics really don't do them justice) would be very effective in getting them out there.

i think they also didn't understand that many dancers here really can't afford the costumes, when most (as someone here pointed out) just dance in a stinky nightclubs and restaurants and not on a big stage like dina. i was trying to negotiate a lower price point so that dancers here could actually afford them, but it just wasn't happening. after we went back and forth a few times i think we mutually decided to just give up on the deal, but i think mostly it was just a communication thing. they just didn't get my ideas completely about how to introduce them here.

i really think that with a good site, with great pics and a slightly lower price, every dancer in the u.s. would soon be clammoring for one.

contd...

dameshe · 07-07-2007, 12:46 PM

...but then after i talked to my friends and they both pointed out those flaws it made me feel like maybe it wouldn't have been worth it anyway in the long run. again, that's not to say the costumes aren't awesome because they are, but it made me feel less bad about not setting up the business deal. i'd feel kinda guilty for selling costumes for $1000+ knowing what they said...

that's also not to say that they aren't worth paying a little more for the unique style, the creativity, the "OH MY GOD WHERE DID YOU GET THAT COSTUME" expressions, and definitely the crystals and the delicate beadwork...in many ways it's worth it for those details.

anyway, enjoy your new ones! you know where to find me if you decide to sell them!!!!