Smoky Not Smudgy 2013

Afternoon Blog Readers!

Ok firstly I'd like to apologize for this late post on the event mentioned above. I truly get stuck into a spiders web every day and just seem to delay things that don't need 100% attention. Also this is our opinion of pieces and the event please no one take it personally.
Secondly some of this post was written by me but most was written by one of our PA's: Muhaddisa Walji

Some of you may know the 6th annual smoky not smudgy took place a few weeks ago on 2nd November 2013 at Imperial College, London. A successful event organised by a committee of female students to raise money for orphans and needy children; aimed at fashion bloggers and modest fashion lovers, many argued it was the best one yet. Doors opened at 11am as crowds slowly poured in, the room was buzzing with happy sales and selfies. Ive never seen so many scarves in my life; beautiful prints and colours, the place was a hijabi's dream. Featuring hijab styling and makeup masterclasses, luxury services, the hugely popular souk bazaar and not to forget the incredible fashion shows, Smoky Not Smudgy was the perfect ladies day out.

Fangirling was a must this year as we got the chance to meet many loved fashion bloggers, youtubers and instagrammers. Some of the girls included were @lifelongpercussion @nabiilabee @saimasmileslike @arabolish @hijabhills and lots more. Inspiring women from around the world, these ladies have set modest fashion as being trendy and elegant, giving confidence to those muslimah who find it difficult to dress modestly yet fashionably. 

On to the most exciting part of the event, the fashions shows! This year, SNS put on a casual, daywear collection as well as an evening and party wear collection. TPP fortunately got the opportunity to be the exclusive photographer for both catwalks. Designers once again managed to stun the audience with their show-stopping pieces, a wide variety of fabrics, cultures and creativity were used to create these incredible couture garments; specially made to be worn modestly which by the looks of the attendees' effortless, on-trend outfits, would be no problem at all. 
The following ladies are the ones who I got to know more that day:
Yasmin from Deenicreations: @deenicreations
Rani from Rani Homemade Cakes: @rnehar01
Rosie from Rosie Henna Designs: @rosiehennadesigns
Farrah from Bespoke Henna: @bespokehenna
Nadia from Maleka Abayaz: @malekaabayaz
 and many more but didn't get to speak to them. The first fashion show was very plain and day wear type. I don't remember the order it went in and some of the names as I didn't have a list.

LaLay was a designer who designs headscarves, some might call it a Hijab but for me personally Hijab isn't just the headpiece its the full attire (Even when people say you wear a hijab I say no. Find me annoying but ow well) Her scarves were very much for the catwalk style I don't know if I will see people walking out with them however the designs of the scarves were lovely!!
Musleena was a designer with a simplistic style! I love few of her pieces and could see people even celebs wear it that's how lovely it was!
Nahara's pieces was very plain with a splash of colour this is defietnly for those who want to dress simply all over but have a hint of something else.
Quite Ethnic designs was very out there! It was plain t-shirts with ethnic inspired images! I don't think I'll ever be able to pull it off ever but I do think I see a lot of the younger generation wearing it
Rukia is a designer from Islamic Design House who has/is now doing her own collection. Her designers were very unique it was clothes with images inspired from Bangladesh. I did love it because the images I saw imprinted on the outfits just took me back to the lanes of Bangladesh!

I am only putting my favourite outfits from each designer. All images will be on our Facebook Page after I have watermarked all of them...

Here is the Day Fashion Show:

LaLay

Musleena: 

Nahara:

Rukia: 

Quite Ethnic: 

This is written by Muhadissa and her perspective of Smoky Not Smudgy: 

Unfortunately I was not able to attend the afternoon show therefore I won't be able to talk about them however, the designers of the evening show were no less than extremely talented individuals; each collection as stunning as the next. Some of the designers included AfaBee - simple elegance would best describe her wearable pieces, it was all about the materials that were used. MalekaAbayaz also showcased her incredible bespoke designs which oozed sophistication. Aura and IslamicDesignHouse featured a few of my favourite items of the night; Aura took the middle eastern fashion trend to a new level as their flowing abayas transported us to the land of the fairies. The sheer fabrics used would amaze at any party or gathering due to their striking colours, shapes and embellishment. On the other hand, IslamicDesignHouse adopt a more subtle and discreet approach to hijabi fashion, as their renowned collection yet again overwhelmed us all. Autumn/winter colours were clearly kept in mind with gorgeous shades of burgundy and teal to help us through the cold. Strand of Silk had really amazing (expensive!!!) pieces! All their items were to die for but when I looked at prices it put me off as I like admiring things that are 'getable' (Sheuly's opinion) Finally, Rizwan Ahmed's collection also managed to be modelled, with his signature stunning evening cultural party gowns, certainly perfect for bridal occasions if you're going for the heavily embellished look.

AfaBee:

 Aura:

 Biah

 Maleka Abayaz

 Islamic Design House

 Strand of Silk:

 Rizwan Ahmed

Sheuly view: The Souk was very good and busy! I know some ladies compalined because some men were coming in but as 'people' we must understand it was a university not a hall. The building was shared and they hired only certain part. I am sure if they hired it exclusively tickets for customers would've been more and then someone would've complained how 'expensive' it is!
Two things I didn't like is the layout of the souk. Ground floor was good but as a business if I was place upstairs in seperate rooms I would've been well pissed off because I would want my money worth. I personally didn't see anyone directing people to upstairs but my friends said they were directed there so I think I missed that. Other thing is food, they had yummy food just not enough of it. I went after the first fashion show and it was nearly finished...! Other then that I loved every minute! Thank you for all those who recognised me and said hello it's lovely meeting some of my online supporters!

Also met Saima from SaimaSmilesLike who is exactly how she is online: curazy ;)
Nabila from NabileBee, I'll be honest I've never actually come across her youtube just blog but meeting her she so funny and her accent is too cute! Hope them B'ham and us London will be doing something in the near future! Those are the only two fashion bloggers I spoke to.

Follow @smokynotsmudgy on twitter and instagram and check out their website for more information about the event: www.smokynotsmudgy.com

Sheuly | Muhaddisa
Photographer | Personal Assistant