The s*uce benches project is a community initiative that aimed to increase the use, appreciation and number of benches in the city! As part of this initiative s*uce invited various creative minds in Dubai to interpret or customize “pop-up” benches which were displayed at Art Dubai and select areas around the city including Dubai Internatonal Financial Centre and Al Serkal Avenue. Some of those who participated in the project include: Nadine Kanso, START, Khalid Shafar, Maria Dowlatshahi, Leila Al Marashi, Hind Mezzaina, Reemami, Zayan Ghandour and Michelle Roberts.

This was Zayan Ghandour’s bench for the project.

“I’ve always been a big fan of teaming the Puma T7  with girly dresses and long glamorous gowns, so when I was asked to redesign the jacket I immediately knew exactly what I would do with it! So much more than just a jacket, it would have to become the ultimate urban girls cool outfit.

First the sleeves were  removed so the T7  became a vest with white organza shoulder strips. The tutu skirt, which features in my AW12-13 collection, was zipped into the Puma vest at the waist to add the essential fun/girly element to the outfit.   Then came the metallic pink tweed jacket (again one of my favourite fabrics for AW 12-13) with the same organza T7 strip running down the sleeves and a flower-filled organza shoulder detail.  Finally, the remaining sections of the original sleeves with the organza strip were attached to the jacket sleeve, some Swarovski crystals were added and the look was complete!

I absolutely love this piece which can be worn as 1 full outfit, or as separate pieces that are mixed and matched in a variety of equally super fabulous combinations – like DIY couture!”  Zayan Ghandour

Once upon a tutu…

“I’ve always loved and been inspired by tutus and Repetto is one of my and my little girls’ favourite brands (they love the ballerina shoes!), so I was absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to Zayan-ify my own tutu.  I’ve incorporated several motifs from my SS13 collection: neon-embroidered plastic fabric, layers and layers of nude tulle and crochet appliqués of fairytale characters such as Bambis, birds, and bunnies. I basically thought, ‘what would Cinderella have worn to the Met gala?’

I like to play with contrasting elements, so the nude tulle waterfall skirt with peekaboo appliqués keeps the piece romantic and dreamy, while the neon-embroidered plastic side panels and cap sleeves give it a fun, playful edge.  The crisp, classic white tutu is there, but has been given a modern, fairytale twist and transformed, as if by the wave of a fairy godmother’s wand, to a fabulous, dreamy, contemporary creation. I also think it’s a very wearable piece and I would love to see it worn by a ballerina in a performance!”   Zayan Ghandour

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