I can't believe that it's been a month since I attended the Fashion Forward Dubai event.
What a fun and unique experience that was!
I actually heard about the event last year. I was intrigued yet reluctant. I honestly felt a little intimidated and I couldn't help it but compare myself to all the Arab fashionistas, who were going to be present and who are undeniably venturing into the ultimate glamour of being influencers. I didn't really consider going at the time, because I felt like the new kid in school. I hadn't gotten acquainted with the fashion scene in Dubai much. Even now, I still follow my own path.
Also, being a plus size fashion blogger already raises eyebrows.
But this year was different!


From the moment ♡Yours London arrived to the Middle East and Gulf, I became one of their biggest fans. Not only did I love the fact that it is a 100% plus size brand, but their collections are always following the latest trends. So, it came as no surprise that the moment they approached me to collaborate with them and to attend Fashion Forward I jumped out of my seat and was catapulted straight up to cloud nº 9! I have been looking forward to working with them and the opportunity finally arrived!

It was the first time that ♡Yours Middle East was going to be represented at Fashion Forward.
I was so exciting to see how the day was going to unfold and what the reaction of the attendees and media was going to be. My confidence was at its highest, thanks to this gorgeous floral maxi dress from ♡Yours' SS17 Collection. It was an instant favorite, from the moment I saw it at the store and tried it on.
There is this hashtag that is quite popular among the plus size and body positive community, which is #goldenconfidence. Confidence is everything. It complements your personality, your style and presence. It is like an invisible power suit that fuels you and makes you ready to conquer the world. You think I am exaggerating? I wasn't always so confident. Even till now, I have moments of doubt. But when you find ways to boost your confidence, hold on to them and go excel.
Humbleness and confidence.

Friday, March 24th 2017 - I was about to embark into something new. Between excitement and anxiety, I had to finally choose to embrace this opportunity and make the best of it, no matter what came along.  Checklist. Outfits ready, makeup kit for potential retouching, accessories, and duffel bag all packed.
Once at the venue, meeting with the ♡Yours team was a delight. I was so lucky that the photographer and assistant, who were assigned to work with me throughout the day, were friendly, professional and the mood was just light and fun. A perfect ambiance to make things happen and to make those shots reflect my true colors. The real me. I was proud that I was somehow representing the plus size community. Although the weather was not helping us that day (cloudy and rainy), we managed to pull it off and ended up with beautiful results. I too was - pleasantly - surprised.
Photo sessions, socializing, fashion shows and a delicious lunch break by the food trucks!

Another first for me was attending a fashion show in Dubai. This is my second year here in this buzzing city. Last year was a transitional year where getting settled was the priority.
Everything started looking a little bit brighter in 2017.
On the event schedule was the Emperor Presented by Reebok show: the collaboration showed both Emperor and the Zoku runner in a sports and fashion fusion. Creative freedom meets fearlessness.
I was even spotted by a paparazzo lol So concentrated.
I almost look like a magazine editor-in-chief, taking things very seriously...