Zuhair Murad is a fucking genious!

So I'm in love with the creations by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad. The above dress on Carrie Underwood is from his ready to wear collection so just imagine what his Haute Couture is like! Zuhair has an amazingly decadent designs that offer a touch of el sharqiyye along with glamour and sophistication. I would love to have him make me something someday. Only if I had the money...I guess I should start skanking in order to fund my need for a Zuhair Murad outfit...

Traditional Lebanese Costume

I was prompted to post from reading this entry from Hijab Style about hijab fashion in Lebanon. I found one girl's comments in particular to be quite alarming.

Here is what "Sayma" said: Hey, thats so true. Its a shame that only 60% is muslim. And the muslims out there are very modest too.

What the f*ck??? I hate when people say stupid comments like this. Totally 7aram!

And here is my response to the "Sayma" as well this author: What do you mean it's a shame that Lebanon is only 60% Muslim? I don't think it's a shame at all, in fact it's a big reason why Lebanon is so interesting versus some of it's neighbors, like Jordan (which is so boring). Ayib mish helwi!

Just keep in mind that New TV caters to the lowest common denominator hence why the reporting is either frivolous or even worse, benignly annoying. Don't expect anything noteworthy or educational on this channel...the channel is for shock value only.

When I was in Lebanon in 2005, I did see several hijab fashions present including the more western looks along with the Iranian chador which is popular amongst conservative Shi3a in Ouzai. I will say that it seemed like the hijab was not quite as popular in Beirut especially among Sunni girls.

And there are traditional Lebanese costumes. Unfortunately, no one seems to wear them anymore. Here's some links for you to consider:

Lebanese traditional costume.

Costumes of the Levant.

Hopefully, I've educated some people today :)

Dina fears the art of belly dancing is dying out

Ya Dina, ya Dina! Conservative Islam is big in Egypt. Very big. Bigger than Ahmad's "hoo haw" underneath his galabiya. So big, you might bleed to death by just looking at it.

It wasn't always this way. Egypt use to be one of the more liberal countries in the region and a testament to the heady days of Egyptian liberalism can be found in cinema before the 1980s.

One of the casualties of this new wave of conservatism is the art of "el ra's asshar'i" or belly dance. Check out the article from UAE's The National: Belly dancer fears her art is dying.

In less depressing news, Dina was featured on W magazine. I love the photo spreads!!!

Cairo by Philip-Lorca diCorcia.