My sister sent me a link about Turkish fashion week the other day.  As usual, a link leads to a site that leads to another site and then maybe a blog, perhaps an online store…the cycle goes on.  After hours of exploring, I came across an interesting announcement on a blog, “Christian Lacroix 100% Silk Scarves Today @ ideeli.” I found it interesting to see that societies that are more rigid or strict don’t just take the easy road when it comes to dressing.  I’m not going to lie…if I had to think about how to cover up every inch of my body and still look trendy, I would pull my hair out.  Islamic women are clearly skillful in throwing in commercial style, trends, brands and designers into their every day looks.

In Islamic societies, fashion is not overlooked.  It is in fact, very much alive.  Though Islamic women dress much more modestly, the latest trends still make their way into these cultures (in their own unique ways of course).  While scrolling through some Islamic style blogs, I was surprised to see how similar my ideal looks for a casual Friday, date night or a weekend stroll were with theirs.  The fashion in these regions are far from dark hues and baggy shapes.  Every year, the runways of Islamic Fashion Festival hail colourful shades from all across the colour spectrum and silhouettes that are more shape defining.

Designers and retailers are beginning to (or if not already) cashing in on this, as in the case of Christian Lacroix’s silk scarves.  It’s interesting to see how fashion unfolds in its own way around the world and very refreshing to know that not all fashion trends are governed by what the West considers the norm.

Image Source: IndiaTimes.com, TaFreeMela.com,  WeLoveHijab.com

One of the biggest trends seen last night was ruffles.  We saw some edgy, roughly cut ruffles…

Zoe Saldana in Louis Vuitton; Jennifer Morrison in Luis Antonia

As well as some soft, cascading ruffles.

Anna Kendrick in Marchesa; Chloe Sevigny in Valentino; Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

The bling was on on the red carpet.  Celebrities showed their glamour with beading, jewels, sequins and stones.

Toni Collette in Elie Saab; Olivia Wilde in Gucci; Heather Graham in Elie Saab; Jennifer Garner in Versace

Some created a flattering shape with a jewel-clinched waist.

Courtney Cox in Victoria Beckham; Fergie in Elie Saab; Julie Bowen in Georges Hobeika

Coinciding with a major trend we are seeing in fashion, designers dressed stars in sharp shoulders.

Mariah Carey in Herve Leger by Max Azria; Anna Paquin in Stella McCartney; Cameron Diaz in Alexander McQueen

Lace-details peeked their way into dresses.

Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior; Carey Mulligan in Nina Ricci; Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive

Stars in hues of purple looked royal on the red carpet.

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta; Rose Byrne in Lanvin; Jane Krakowski in J. Mendel; Leona Lewis in Roberto Cavalli

All the blush tones were far from boring.

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci; Emily Blunt in Dolce & Gabbana; Elisabetta Canalis in Roberto Cavalli

Maybe it was the rain, but some daring ones chose to keep it short.

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo; Julia Roberts in YSL; Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera; Ginnifer Goodwin in Vionnet

The one-shoulder never fails to deliver an elegant look.

Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace; Amy Poehler in Jay Godfrey; Jennifer Aniston in Valentino; Maria Menounos in Romona Keveza

One of my favourite trends was the sculptural look that some stars rocked.  Some showed rigidity with their architectural dresses….

Christina Aguilera in Versace; Kate Hudson in Marchesa Bridal

While others took a softer turn with their dresses looking almost like origami.

Sofia Vergara in Carolina Herrera; Maggie Gyllenhaal in RM Roland Mouret

Finally, there are always the few mega risk takers that truly stood out in the crowd.

Tina Fey in Zac Posen

Jayma Mays in Badgley Mischka Couture

And of course, one of my favourite dresses of the night…

Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix Haute Couture

Image Source: JustJared.com, NeonLimelight.com, Style.com, UsMagazone.com