Onyx By Aneesa Solomon X Cape Town

Last week I spent a few days in the city my heart truly belongs to - Cape Town. As you all know, I have been associated with the Onyx brand for the past two seasons. Naturally, I was on board when Aneesa briefed me on the itinerary for the this season's shoot. I feel it is important to bring fresh ideas and influences to a brand whilst maintaining the brand's identity. Aneesa's aesthetic is simple but timeless and this translates clearly in her work. Onyx isn't a trend oriented-brand, in my opinion, but rather the brand you would go to for a timeless piece that is going to stay in your closet for seasons to come and still be relevant. Maybe this is why I resonate with the brand. I find myself gravitating more towards classic, versatile pieces than trendy items. Onyx is, for lack of a better word, Old Money! 

We started off the morning getting to know each other. I'm sure the rest of the team where well acquainted as they're all from the beautiful Cape. Nabilah Kariem the other model who is infact a modest - wear blogger was such a delight to work with. I had been following her for a while so I was glad to have met her. Razana Omar, the talented makeup artist who worked magic on my face. If you don't believe me, the pictures speak for themselves. Nuraan - the beautiful lady responsible for my curly tresses and Shezan and her sidekick Ederees who made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera.

As per usual the food spread was nothing short of amazing! Special mention must be made of the most delectable doughnuts from Save Supermarket. Aneesa transported them all the way from Pietermaritzburg but it was well worth the effort! I'm craving one now while writing about it. I'm sure there are many flavours - we had the chance to taste the nutella-filled doughnut enrobed in a rich and creamy chocolate with a generous sprinkle of crushed oreo biscuit and a drizzle of white chocolate to top it off. How moreish does that sound? If you get the chance to pop into the bakery in one of their many stores... Definitely try it out and let me know what you think!

The new collection will be available for purchase from early next year. Please visit the website www.aneesasolomon.com for more details or to place an online order. Alternatively visit the Onyx page on Facebook.

Onyx By Aneesa Solomon Winter Collection Part: 2

Hi everyone. I trust you all are well. I did a post about my photoshoot for Onyx recently, if you haven't read it, please do so :)

I'm so excited to share some of the final images with you. This season was a little different from the previous shoot I did. The mood was more serious and the tone was a little darker, but still as beautiful. The entire collection is up on the website (www.aneesasolomon.com) and Facebook page  (Onyx) so please have a look at it. Also, for everyone in Durban, Onyx has collaborated with my good friend and relative Mora Ammo for a pop-up showcasing on Saturday the 6th of June 2015 from 2-5pm at 43 B Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville. Please pop on over to view their latest collections (which are absolutely stunning)!


Onyx: www.aneesasolomon.com
Facebook: Onyx

Mora Ammo: Instagram - @moraammo
Contact: 0820788999
BBM: 5590670C

Onyx by Aneesa Solomon Winter Collection Preview

Hello lovely readers...

I trust you all are well. This week I had the opportunity to work with Aneesa Solomon for her label's winter collection. I'm no model, I'm actually really camera shy, however, working with Aneesa and the incredibly talented Sally Blackman ignites a spark from within, and my inner Sasha Fierce (Beyonce's alter ego) radiates. It is so important to have good rapport with colleagues in order produce sterling results. All in all, I think we pulled off the photoshoot quite successfully. Me being the eager beaver that I am, I arrived at the studio forty five minutes earlier than expected. Not that I minded though - Sally's studio is based in Shongweni - with view of the hilly terrain in the horizon, I don't know who would!

I got to meet the lovely Lindsay Nixon of Nixon Makeup, who worked her magic on my hair and makeup.We settled on an intense, sultry look which Lindsay brilliantly translated into a smokey eye for my makeup and voluptuous waves for my hair. By the time she was done with me I felt a little less girly and a lot more sensuous.

Think signature cuts with a cosier touch. This season, Onyx drew inspiration from every day essentials. The colours are muted and add a luxurious feel with the soft knit accents. In this season's collection we see a lot more of Aneesa's personality shining through, which is important as a designer. Personally, I like to connect with the person behind the label and get a feel for their personality - I feel this range communicates exactly that!

The hero piece of the collection is the belted-knit abaya which is a cloak with a knitted jersey, and a waist belt to complete the look. How often do you see abayas and knit wear paired together? I remember thinking "wow, I've never seen an abaya and a jersey look so good" at first glance of the range. However, the more classic side of me loved the simple turtle neck abaya, which was styled with various belts. My most favourable pairing was the classic black and white duo,  or the Chanel - inspired combination, which was the turtle neck abaya and a pearl belt. Simple. Classic. Elegant.

I haven't received any of the official images yet, but here's a few behind-the-scenes pictures and a couple selfies I took as the day progressed. I will post more pictures as soon as I receive them.

Sally Blackman Photography: 031 765 7362

Lindsay Nixon: 082 554 3006

Aneesa Solomon: www.aneesasolomon.com / Facebook: Onyx

Onyx By Aneesa Solomon Part: 2

It has finally arrived, the final images from Onyx by Aneesa Solomon. I did a post some time back about the photoshoot I did for the brand and posted a few behind the scenes pictures which you can view HERE
Onyx by Aneesa Solomon is an abaya range created for the modern, fashion conscious woman. As a Muslim female in this day and age it becomes increasingly difficult to embrace current trends whilst still maintaining an Islamic identity. Thankfully with the latest range of abayas from the Onyx range it is no longer is impossible.

The summer range boasts a kaleidoscope of bright hues with vibrant patterns and sleek silhouettes and has something for all personalities. From flamboyant prints for the extrovert to understated black on black for the more demure self. The beauty of these abayas is in the flow and elegance of the garment with cinched waists and trendy waist belts which can be worn with or without the abaya. Furthermore, each garment comes with a scarf to be worn on the head or how ever else you prefer. Each garment is meticulously crafted with great attention to detail and limited stock per style thus ensuring a unique purchase each time.

As a Young Muslim woman I struggle to maintain my identity but these abayas which look more like dresses, makes it that much easier to dress modestly whilst looking chic. I haven't quite transformed but when I do, Onyx will definitely be my first stop! My favorite from the collection is definitely the black on black lace kimono abaya which fellow blogger Shaheeda (of style by shaheeda) modeled.

The new summer collection is available on the website (www.aneeasolomon.com) and Facebook page (Onyx) for viewing and purchasing.

Hair and makeup: Trisha Kissonduth of 'How Do I Look Imageology' 072 444 0376

Photography: Sally Blackman - www.sallyblackman.co.za (031 765 7362)

Also do let me know your thoughts on the collection via Twitter @zaida_omar

Onyx by Aneesa Solomon Summer '15 - Behind the Scenes

I was approached by Aneesa Solomon to represent her abaya collection, Onyx by Aneesa Solomon. The photoshoot was for her new summer range which will be available from January 2015 on her website or Facebook page.

 I was excited and nervous at the same time as I didn't have any prior modeling experience but agreed anyway. Upon arrival, I was greeted with mimosas and sumptuous snacks before myself and fellow blogger Shaheeda Mahomed of 'StylebyShaheeda' were briefed on the day's programme. The day commenced with hair and makeup which was done by the wonderful Trisha of 'How Do I Look Imageology'.

When we began shooting I was nervous and uncomfortable but as the day progressed, I was so relaxed and all my inhibitions melted away, owing to the fact that Aneesa along with Sally Blackman (the photographer) were such a pleasure to work with.

The garments are beautiful and elegant. Each item in the collection is perfectly executed from design to tailoring therefore, I struggled to choose a favourite because I fell in love with them all!

I can't wait to share the images of the shoot with you but for now, here's a few 'behind-the-scenes' pictures...

Delectable, far-from-healthy treats

The lovely Trisha doing my makeup

Mandatory selfies with Shaheeda

Contact Details:

Trisha of 'How Do I Look Imageology' - 072 444 0376

Sally Blackman - www.sallyblackman.co.za ( 031 765 7362)