Thursday 17 October 2013

To you with the broken heart



To you with the broken heart and tired eyes pretending to be okay.


 Dance out there in the rain
To the rhythm of everything
That is and was,
Listening to the songs
In the raindrops.

They're playing the world 
My darling.

Do you hear your story in there?

That delicate fragile thing
Whispering your heart out
As it falls
Falls
Falls to the ground?

We are human my love
Only human.

You can't stop gravity
So let it fall.

Catch the fragments
Of your tale 
In your outstretched palms,
Then let them go.

Some things are not made
For holding on to.

Some tears
Are meant to be.


Friday 6 September 2013

Things I obsess over: Hanboks!

Hellooooo!

Yes, I'm alive. I'm just a blogging ghost unfortunately >_<But today I actually felt in the mood to ramble about something, so why not do it on here because, well...my sister's kind of sick of listening to me ramble. Which I tend to do when I obsess over something. 
What is this current obsession you ask? Hanboks! 

Hanbok is the term given to traditional korean clothing, and refers mainly to the clothes worn in the Joseon dynasty- which I'm told was between the 14th and 19th century (little history lesson from my wikipedia search lol). They're not worn in Korea anymore except for on traditional occasions and celebrations. 


I'm a korean drama addict, I love them. I say love but it's more like GAAAAAHH I LOVE THEM! Like, come between me and watching an episode at my designated episode watching time and there will be war, kinda love.


Anyway, some k-dramas are period dramas set in the Joseon dynasty. I used to just dismiss these for the modern dramas until my sister suggested we give them a go. And let me tell you, they are badass. The kings/the queens/the revenge storylines/the ninja style fighting scenes/the outfits. 


More importantly the DRESSES. It was while watching these that I fell in love with the hanboks the women wear. They have these big poofy skirts and these lovely cropped jackets over the top that are sometimes heavily embroidered. And not just the dresses, the beautiful hairpins and the gorgeous hairstyles, the awesome hats/veils. I especially loved the awesome wigs the gisaengs (female enertainers) or queens would wear. 
 



























And from a fashion designers point of view, I'm always obsessing over the beautiful tailoring, and aaah the colour combinations too, I just think they're gorgeous. There's nothing tight and fitted about them at all, it was all about the beauty of the adornments the women wore not their figures. 

Definitely been feeling inspired by them for a design I'm currently working on.

Well enough of me talking, here's some pictures below so you can see what I mean!What are your opinions? I'd love to hear them :P

Asma
xxx


 

(The hair!)

 

(The hats!)


(From Jang Ok Jeong, the drama I'm currently watching)




(Oh the hair pins and that embroidery)


(Some current modern designs of hanboks for weddings)


Tuesday 23 July 2013

Wings


Top and skirt: Afa Bee
Belt & jewellery: Primark 


I have new found motivation, and a head buzzing full of ideas. Haven't felt like this in weeks. Alhamdullilah.

I Came across this quote today that helped snap me out of my lazy stupor:

"You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?" -Rumi

Nuff said. 

Friday 19 July 2013

Sketch with me?


So I'm really bad at this blogging thing.

I forget I have one, and then when I remember I have no idea what to post :/

So I thought I'd show you guys how I sketch, coz, well, why not :D

This isn't one of my best, I kind of rushed it in a few minutes so I'm not proud. It's of a past design I've already made so nothing new to show, just wanted to show you guys my technique :) Oh and i'm no way neeear professional, I haven't studied fashion so everything I know, including the sketching, is self taught- so if you're serious about learning fashion illustration don't take tips from me! It's just how I do it. Youtube some tutorial vids, just practise plenty and eventually you'll find a drawing style that suits you. :)



Step 1: lightly sketch the shape of a body. I start with the head then move downwards. As you can see in the picture, I just make the body parts using shapes

2: Start to lightly fill in the shape of your outfit design in pencil again

3: Draw in your design using a pen- I usually use black fineliners because it's easiest

4: Rub out your pencil linings! Can't have that showing :P

5:  Lightly colour in the base colours- by base colour, I mean you colour the whole thing evenly without adding shadows etc. I use watercolour pencils for this because it's all I have at the moment. But there's special felt tip style marker pens that are best for this, or any pencil colours will do!

6: Add the shading in areas where it's necessary

7: finish it off and neaten things up, and you're done!



If it wasn't obvious to you already, I um...suck at teaching anything *nervous grin*

I'm really hoping the pictures suffice :D

Off to cook for iftar now, chow darlings

Asma
xxxx

Sunday 14 July 2013

Fabric and breakdowns



My room is a mess of fabric samples and sketches. That picture you see up there is like the clean section of my floor right now. You can see the wood underneath, for one 0_0
Don't get me wrong, usually this is my idea of bliss. Alone in my room, headphones plugged in and world plugged out, playing with material, working on designs and sketching them on paper; is my version of the perfect afternoon in.

Usually.

But when you try and turn your hobby into a career, things get crazay. Allow me to explain better:

Me + Pressure = BREAKDOWN 

And breakdowns go a little like this in my head:

"OMG what if nobody likes this one.."
"What if they don't like this colour?!"
"Am I thinking too much?"
"WHERE DO I GET MORE OF THIS FABRIC?!"
"I. HAVE. SO. MUCH. TO. DO."
"This design SUCKS!"
"Oh gosh, why am I working so slowly?"

Etc. -__-


Because suddenly things are expected of me, and I can't handle the possibility of letting people down. It's one of the things I hate most, just the thought of someone being disappointed in me fills me with dread- trust me, I was the kid who broke down in tears if the teacher so much as looked at her angrily.

So while I'm meant to be in my happy zone right now, it's more like I'm in "constantly criticising myself" zone.

I just hope I can get things perfect soon so I can breathe again!

Peace and love,

Asma xxx

Thursday 11 July 2013

Bright Summer Bee



Day 2 of Ramadhaaaan! :D

And I've been trying to keep myself uber busy to distract me from the rumbling tummy, soo far so gooood! I don't know about you guys, but I think I'm always pleasantly surprised to find my levels of concentration and willpower are always heightened when fasting, I end up getting waaaay more done then usual Alhamdullilah. We're fasting until after 9pm here, but I'm happy to say I did not feel like a zombie until 7 yesterday, so hoping I can hold on today aswell :P


I'm not one for outfit of the day posts- mainly because I have to dress up for these pics! No joke, usually I wear whatever is clean in my cupboard, and comfortable, and I cannot be bothered to accessorize and stuff more than once a week because I'm just a lazay ass. I really admire girls who can put the effort in everyday because I don't know whereeee they get the energy.

Really, you guys are too cool, send some of that swag my way? XD If I did OOTD pics on a daily, you'd think I was a hobo. For reals. I much prefer styling other people, just cannot be bothered when it comes to myself- again, I cannot express how lazy I am!

But today was one of those "hey, why not" days (maybe it was the hunger talking), and I made this maxi dress so felt like styling it to show y'all.

I'm being bright so I can match the weather hehe ^_^

Hope you likey, 


Peace out

Asma xxxx



Scarf: Market stall in Whitechapel
Dress: Afa Bee
Abaya: Afa Bee
Belt: DIY with gold rope
Bag: ASOS






Saturday 16 March 2013

Cold, trains and coffee breaks



Days out with my sisters are always the best pick me ups. No matter what life throws your way there's nothing more reassuring than knowing you have people to share the good and the bad with you. Including this freezing cold weather -___-

Afa Bee xx


Thursday 7 March 2013

Spring begins


There’s something about this time of year that makes you sick with holiday blues. Exams start looming in, coursework deadlines appear, and work starts taking its toll. Spring begins to blossom, teasing us with bursts of sunshine on random days, giving us a taste of that summer feeling in the air.

You know the one. It tastes like freedom. <3

These are two skirts we made last summer when we were obsessing over print. Chiffon prints, maxi skirts and sun. Take me on holidaaaaay :(

-Asma xx


Scarf: Newlook
 Necklace: DIY Topshop earrings on a black cord
Ring: Primark
Top: Afa Bee Jersey hi-low tee
Trench coat: ZARA
 Maxi skirt: Afa Bee



Scarf: Newlook
 Necklace: H&M
Top: Primark
Shirt: H&M
 Maxi skirt: Afa Bee


Sunday 24 February 2013

Lately

Lately I haven't been feeling myself at all.


Trying to finish a degree that my hearts just not in anymore. Kind of in a state of loss, not knowing what I'm doing or where I'm going with my life, it sort of drains the happy out of you. But khair insha'allah ><

My sister agreed to take some pics for me this morning as a pick me up (bless her <3). This is a top and skirt I made a while back- I only just realised now that they go kinda nice together, yay for colour blocking! Lol

I love these maxi skirts and oversized top combo's- they're ridiculously comfy and I can never get enough of the drapes. 

Hope you likey

Asma xx




Top: Afa Bee
Maxi skirt: Afa Bee
Shoes: New Look
Scarf: New Look




Saturday 2 February 2013

To a home I've never known




To a home I've never known

I ask my father of his childhood
And watch his face light up as he speaks of you
The memories slip off his tongue
The sunshine leaks from his words
There’s a longing in his eyes
As he gestures with his hands
Painting a picture of a time when he loved you
Of the way of life he never thought he’d lose.

In twenty one years you have become another life
But still he remembers your beauty
He tells me of mangoes so sweet
They would put the ones I am holding to shame
The smell of fresh sea air in the morning
A young man under a scorching sun.

He doesn't speak of the soldiers
He won’t tell me of their guns
Of the murdered sons, the raped daughters
Of desperation and the scent of fear
Of a small boat in the darkness lost at sea
Of parched lips praying for the sight of shore
Of terror and loss in a strange new land
And struggling to begin again.

Still faithful to your memory
He paints you in your former glory
And in my head you could have been a kingdom
If my father’s words were all I had known.
He gave me all your vibrant colours
But the rest of the world showed me your worst.

-Asma
 (Barawa, Somalia)

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Animal prints and velvet...



Laaaaalalalala what a wonderful daaaay!



Oh wait, we’re in London. Gloomy is the word.
^^
So last night we decided to play around with the camera and take some pics, since we realised we barely ever do :O There are quite a few designs that have NEVER made it onto our facebook page because we’re ridiculously lazy about taking photos *guilty* We’re just not really picture taking people to be honest- probably because we don’t have much skill for it! Trust me, our photography needs mega practice :/
But we’ve made a pact to actually update our fb page and blog with pics more often :D So here you goooooo; the Maha skirt ( from the previous post) paired up with our new top design, Aafreen.
The front of the top is animal print, and the back is black velvet. We felt like experimenting with 2 contrasting materials here :P
Hope you likey,

Asma, Fatima & Alia
xxx




Top: Afa Bee
Skirt: Afa Bee
Scarf: New Look
Earrings: New Look
Rings: (assorted) H&M, Primark, Dubai.

Saturday 26 January 2013

On toughening up!


I noticed that for some reason, everything I write in my journal tends to be the most depressing stuff ever. Seriously, EVER. -___-

Probably because the only time I write things down is when I’m feeling bad. I guess at the time it helps to get all the chaos in my mind on paper. But as a result, now every time I look through my journal to read what I’ve written over the past few months I’m like “WOAAAAAH! Where the happy at?!” :O

You could sum me up as a hugely over sensitive softie who worries about everyone and everything, and who cries waaaaay too much. Yes; I cry in movies, I cry reading books, I cry when I’m mad, I cry when I’m sad- sometimes, I have absolutely NOOO idea WHY the tears are there. All I can say is, my tear ducts are rebels and I cannot be held responsible for their silly actions *sigh*


It sucks the most when you’re trying to argue a point with someone and out of frustration the waterworks arrive- trust me nobody takes you seriously if you burst into tears in the middle of an argument, been there. Epic fail. 0_0

Basically things get me down really easily. And right now is no exception. Lately I’ve been struggling to keep my head up above all the things I have to do in my life. Handling pressure is not something I do well! In fact, my instant reaction to things being hard is to curl up in my bed, YouTube, and ignore everything for as long as I can. Until I can’t do that any longer- then I just burst into tears. Yet again. (stupid cry baby -_-)

But after 20 years of being this pathetic, I figure it’s time to toughen up! LOL. Um..easier said than done obviously! But I have so many regrets in my life that pretty much are a result of my lack of action, and I need to get myself together if I want to get my life together right? So starting today, no more wallowing in self-pity and wishing I’d done things different. I’m actually going to GET THINGS DONE. Well, um, try to ^_~
Insha’allah I keep it up!

Alia took this picture of the view outside our bedroom window at fajr, and I love it. Have you ever watched the sky when the sun’s coming out? We’re pretty obsessed with it here at afa bee I tell ya! But Subhanallah there’s so much beauty in its changing colours as the light bleeds through into the night sky. Every morning it looks different.

And no matter how hectic life is, in that moment, when the day’s just emerging, I feel at peace.

So here’s our fajr view with some advice I gave myself in my journal, incase anyone else is feeling like me right now ^.^

Peace and Love,

Asma xxx


Thursday 3 January 2013

The. Very. First. Post. :O

So this blooog has hung in cyber space like an abandoned puppy for the past few months. However, upon re-establishing our responsibilities, we have taken it in once again and intend to actually post stuff! Well um...ATTEMPT to post stuff? :)Since this blogging thannng is entirely new to us, we don't know where to start. Hence, it seems only logical to start with whatever has been popping in our recent lives.

So um....


*silence*
Asma: what, you got nothing?

Alia: Don't look at me! what happens in your life?
*Both look at Fatima*
Fatima: Huh? What? ME?

....Okay...soooo...maybe our lives aren't that interesting! 


Nothing much goes down to be honest haha, but no worries, we plan to just exaggerate the little events to entertain ya ;D

So as you may know (and if you didn't, ya do now!) Afa Bee is the name of our clothing label, and we have been majorly slacking designers lately- Uni & work must come first :(

SUCKS.

But we're waiting for the day when we can just focus on our baby, this summer insha'allah, and we're designing and sewing pieces until then that will be part of our official collection. Oooooh me likey the word official, makes it sound cooler than it is heehee ^.^


So here's some pictures of two of our latest designs: The Maha skirt, and The Safia top :D


Peace out,
Afa Bee






Skirt: Afa Bee
Top: Afa Bee
Scarf: New Look
Jacket: Miss Selfridge
Jewellery: Primark