Oriental Moon have a look!!

[caroline_afifi]

I received a TXT earlier from Houda Amrani (fabulous dancer in the UK)
She went to Oriental Moon Yesterday and ordered a costume from them. She was really impressed and was mad she did not go to them when she first arrived. She said the full collection was fantastic and so was the service. She had already ordered costumes from another designer and was really annoyed with herself. I always believe it is better to check around first before ordering but when you have limited time you tend to panic.
I cant wait to see what she got too!

Barbara,
Lorna Gow has the floral one you ordered and it is beautiful!
I also saw the one you ordered when i was there last month ir is so pretty and has the charm and elegance of the old style costumes but with a very contemporary feel to it.
I cant wait to go in three weeks..

[TayoDancer]

I have ordered one too. Will let you know when it arrives. I like their costumes, but I would request them to be made as a skirt rather than pants. I would only wear pants for saiidi. I have seen dancers wear jeans for a cute melaya or shaabi number, so the denim costume could work...on some...definitely not me :)

[Azhia]

Originally Posted by perizaad

Okay, talk about weird bra shapes- what's up with this one? An otherwise ok costume....

It reminds me of that Victoria's Secret plunge bra...exact same shaped cups for these very type of tops!

[lizajuk]

I love this fabric...no no resist you do not need another dress!

and I note they are doing a collection for men. I suppose designers would always do that if asked but this is surely recognition that men belly dance and perform!

[firefly5]

Yes, that fabric is gorgeous, I love it!

[Candi]

Now look what you've done-I've seen a costume i must have. i notice they say they'll be at Raqs B (UK) in June or an agent will.Anyone with further info/knowledge about that please.I'd like to speak to person about it and I'm not going to Cairo again till November.I've had too many expensive Cairo costume disasters to go any further without speaking to someone!!

[caroline_afifi]

Originally Posted by Candi

Now look what you've done-I've seen a costume i must have. i notice they say they'll be at Raqs B (UK) in June or an agent will.Anyone with further info/knowledge about that please.I'd like to speak to person about it and I'm not going to Cairo again till November.I've had too many expensive Cairo costume disasters to go any further without speaking to someone!!

If you are in the UK I can sort it for you. I go in two weeks with a never ending order. I have to say, most people I know who have ordered from the site have been happy. They really make an effort to be helpful.
They ask for a photo so the designer can really look at your shape instead of just numbers.
A friend of mine went to him. He did not measure her but just stared. She was worried what she was going to end up with but she was amazed at how well it fitted. She is little and a bit round, not a straight size 10 either.

[Mahabellydance]

Hmmm, I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about most of these costumes doesn't feel very bellydance costume-ish....I will be watching their future collections for sure.

[lizajuk]

Originally Posted by Mahabellydance

Hmmm, I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about most of these costumes doesn't feel very bellydance costume-ish....I will be watching their future collections for sure.

I think that's because we in the West often stick to a traditional look and often that's what employers such as retauranteurs want...a nice fringed bedlah and one and half circle skirt. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that look but Egyptian bellydancers like everyone else in the world loves a new look - to go out on stage and everyone sit back a bit going ooo ah.... They did it ( and still do) with Eman's etc and maybe now it's someone else's turn.
I still love my Madam Abla ( the bedlahs have gone as my waist line went ...oh hello.... it's come back a bit!) but I can't wait for this OrientalMoon cozzy!

[Candi]

Originally Posted by caroline_afifi

If you are in the UK I can sort it for you. I go in two weeks with a never ending order. I have to say, most people I know who have ordered from the site have been happy. They really make an effort to be helpful.
They ask for a photo so the designer can really look at your shape instead of just numbers.
A friend of mine went to him. He did not measure her but just stared. She was worried what she was going to end up with but she was amazed at how well it fitted. She is little and a bit round, not a straight size 10 either.

Thanks Caroline thats really helpful and I appreciate the offer but i'd like to look at some costumes before I commit myself.I also need to finish loosing weight before I splurge-so thats why I was thinking I'd like to look at some costumes at Raqs B in June. i've got enough costumes to alter and to sell as it is.

Your absolutely right Lizajuk about restaurant owners and the GP expecting a "traditional" looking costume. I have 2 costume wardrobes one for restaurants and one for when i'm dancing for dancers. The dancers would think my restaurant costumes old fashioned and the restaurant goers would think I'm not wearing a proper costume

[lizajuk]

Originally Posted by Candi

Thanks Caroline thats really helpful and I appreciate the offer but i'd like to look at some costumes before I commit myself.I also need to finish loosing weight before I splurge-so thats why I was thinking I'd like to look at some costumes at Raqs B in June. i've got enough costumes to alter and to sell as it is.

Your absolutely right Lizajuk about restaurant owners and the GP expecting a "traditional" looking costume. I have 2 costume wardrobes one for restaurants and one for when i'm dancing for dancers. The dancers would think my restaurant costumes old fashioned and the restaurant goers would think I'm not wearing a proper costume

Stop it stop it.(covers eyes and ears)..you know where your costumes end up.... either in my wardrobe and swanning back and forth across the Atlantic. now if you get an OM you finish with

[caroline_afifi]

Originally Posted by Candi

Thanks Caroline thats really helpful and I appreciate the offer but i'd like to look at some costumes before I commit myself.I also need to finish loosing weight before I splurge-so thats why I was thinking I'd like to look at some costumes at Raqs B in June. i've got enough costumes to alter and to sell as it is.

Your absolutely right Lizajuk about restaurant owners and the GP expecting a "traditional" looking costume. I have 2 costume wardrobes one for restaurants and one for when i'm dancing for dancers. The dancers would think my restaurant costumes old fashioned and the restaurant goers would think I'm not wearing a proper costume

Totally right about the two wardrobes. I was going to get rid of some of my more 'dated' dance fashions then I thought...hang on, I may just need this!
I have spoken to a few designers and shops on this issue and they do get dictated to by the customer. A trip down al Haram will tell you what is really en vogue in Cairo. I have had a good look around the net to see whats out there and there are some truly yukky costumes. I am not too keen on some chosen outfits for the Oriental Moon Website either, they do so much better. I will be having a serious word with them when I go. I know lots have said they love the collection, but I KNOW they have more gorgous creations not on that site!! everyone who goes comes back feeling the same. I hope they are at Raqs B. I did ask but they were told it may not be worth it financially so they would have to find a willing agent.

[Mahabellydance]

Originally Posted by lizajuk

I think that's because we in the West often stick to a traditional look and often that's what employers such as retauranteurs want...a nice fringed bedlah and one and half circle skirt. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that look but Egyptian bellydancers like everyone else in the world loves a new look - to go out on stage and everyone sit back a bit going ooo ah.... They did it ( and still do) with Eman's etc and maybe now it's someone else's turn.
I still love my Madam Abla ( the bedlahs have gone as my waist line went ...oh hello.... it's come back a bit!) but I can't wait for this OrientalMoon cozzy!

Yeah i totally agree with you there I like to show my students old performances of the great Egyptians like Fifi, Mona, Suhair, et al. and they don't get that the costumes are from several decades ago - they totally assume it's recent footage otherwise. I'm a HUGE fan Eman Zaki & Hallah Moustafa who do some classic and contemporary/modern designs. I even like the cute themes and theatrics these two designers do. I even loved the mini fad! I think for me I found this stuff I found a bit too difficult to discern from street/beach/general dressy wear. Just didn't find the glamour or ah factor. Maybe it was the photography or the site didn't tell me the story. The denim one I couldn't help but think "uh oh Cher just called and wants her outfit back" - loool, sorry but couldn't help that one *ducks from the Cher fans* I do think Cher is awesome for a lot of reasons though.

Well maybe it's all just too hip for me right now.

Maha.

[Lauren_]

OMG. I've wanted to dress like Cher since I was like 10 years old!

Now I need the denim costume.

[Mahabellydance]

Hee hee! I'm actually listening to Proud Mary with Tina, Cher, and Elton right now! ;p

[caroline_afifi]

Some of the Egyptian stuff around now is a bit 80's revival, but hey, so are the local fashion shops in Liverpool.
Check back in April to their website and I think you will see something different.
The good thing about them is they change their collection every few months... I cant keep up. It is a case of get it or it will be gone off screen. The very popular models will stay for a while I think.
The Nilegroup festival is just around the corner so all the new stuff will be available.
I agree, the styles are becoming very laid back but they are very comfotable to wear and light to carry around. I would have to back comb my hair to match the denim though!! I am told it is one of their most popular models...yikes!

[rakkasah_barbara]

I just got an e-mail from them saying my costumes should arrive in 3 days, how exciting!

B

[damiena]

Barbara - those are the two that I like the best! Please let us know when you get them and post pictures!!!

[Zana]

Originally Posted by lizajuk

Stop it stop it.(covers eyes and ears)..you know where your costumes end up.... either in my wardrobe and swanning back and forth across the Atlantic.

Shhh! Don't discourage her! We like to have Candi's costumes swanning back and forth across the Atlantic. (Well, apart from customs and postage.)