Ghubar Magazine has been acknowledged as one of the most influential French publications. Founded by 23-year-old Sarah Diouf, the magazine not only informs you of the latest trends or the season's must haves, it embraces diversity and gives a new light to the word beauty. In an interview with editor-in-chief, Sarah Diouf, we discussed influence, inspiration and personal opinion.

What was the inspiration behind the name Ghubar and how did the idea of creating and publishing a fashion magazine form? 

Just for the record, this question just made it to my top ten (laughs).

Ghubar means Dust. It's in Arabic. At a time where fashion was going way too far on the color subject, we wanted to remind (people) that any form of art is only here to enlighten our path, not to set human beings apart. We are just passengers and all called to go… it's a cycle; what comes to dust, goes back to dust. You can apply this to seasons, trends and also the magazine, who digitally disappears every month to leave place to another issue. I have always been attracted to image and all types of visual forms of expression. Plus, most people tend to forget but beside books, magazines are also a powerful way to teach and learn. And lessons are definitely better memorized with beautiful images. 

"Ghubar has for mission to break with this uniform image reflection of a society which is not anymore." What uniform image reflection of a society are you referencing as a mission statement? How has this affected the fashion industry and how does Ghubar break those standards?

No matter how you dress - do you fit in the beauty and fashionable standards if you're a size 6, Indian and short? Hard to figure it out. Well, the world is colorful, so are the people who like to dress. Maybe it's time to stop discriminating and actually go more "real".Of course, we read all those papers because somehow they make us travel and dream. But sometimes, it feels so good to see a real woman or just someone we can identify to. Ghubar is trying to bring something different with new representations of people. We still want to make people dream, but in an affordable way. We mix colors, styles, prices, everything. It's online fashion for all. 

Being based in Paris, what has your experience been as an editor and working to expose creative talent in the fashion industry?

Our location has offered us a lot of opportunities and opened a lot of doors more easily - but abroad. Coming from Paris when I am in New York, for example, is a real plus that I won't deny, nor neglect. Here, it's another story. But we definitely succeeded in making our place in this industry. Ghubar is recognized as something. Big - I can't tell because I am way too deep in it. But wherever I go, I have the chance to meet and exchange with some of the most amazing and talented people and being confronted to someone else's creativity is for sure one of the things that I enjoy. 

From personal observation, how influential is the nature of fashion on the culture of Paris? 

Paris IS Fashion. I am not sure how we can split one from the other.The city and the fashion can't live without each other, and are 100% part of the culture. Paris is a city where everything is beautiful within the eye of a discoverer, but Parisians are terribly lazy. The combo gives birth to what I called the "effortless chic" - which is totally Parisian, it's a way of life. 

What's the most Spotted Trend?

Issue #33 Cover 

This season, I would say the hat. Mad Men style for Him and wide-brimmed dramatic for Her. Black. Always. 

What's the Must-Have Unisex Item?

A Colorful clutch case. I did shop this huge one on asos.com months ago, and I think it's going to follow me over next Spring. Mboko (Ghubar's editor-at-large) got one too. I think it looks so chic on men. 

A designer to Watch? A brand to Buy?

My latest crush was for Gat Rimon (www.gatrimon.com), it's a french brand which always offer great collections and well tailored pieces talking to all fashion tribes : casual, minimal, preppy, rock, bohemian (…). Their summer 2012 collection is all we love : silk, maxi dresses, & bright colors. 

Your favorite place to shop?

During the past two years, I have been shopping online a lot (asos.com, Nastygal.com, net-a-porter.com), but I love vintage and statement pieces. I do not have one and only favorite place to shop, but many I pick things from wherever I go. 

As Ghubar continues to grow, what can readers expect next with the magazine?

For 2012, I cannot tell you too much, but for sure, they can expect something better and a big surprise. 

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The first annual Taryn Andre by L.Basnight fashion photography calendar has been released. Although we were informed of the project months ago, we weren't given any specifics as to what exactly they were working on. Imagine our surprise when we discovered it was a calendar! Featuring designs and accessories by Taryn Andre, shot by fashion photographer L.Basnight, the twelve month calendar is an exclusive release with models native to ATL, including Mink Ming. This may be the best stocking stuffer this season and yet, we're already ready for the second release!

Purchase Your Calendar Here: calendar/taryn-andre-x-lbasnight

All Images Copyrighted By L.Basnight

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Brand: to give a product a distinct identity by means of characteristic design, packaging, etc.

Luxury brands have geared their designs to consumers whom find pleasure in the art of getting dressed. Generally they understand the label’s history and importance to fashion, as well as have an appreciation for quality. Recently, luxury brands have found safety nets in relating to the average consumers by designing lower-priced collections for mainstream stores. However, just how consumer friendly are they?

We’re expected to be excited for the much repetitive title “luxury brand for mainstream store” and believe in the exclusivity pitched by numbering the amount of pieces available for a period of time. While we’re made to believe it is for the greater good of the average consumer, it’s really to aid the pockets of the “politically correct” designer labels. The fact of the matter is, the everyday consumer will not spend $250-$300 on a single piece of clothing because it’s a high-priced label. The designs are not exclusive if they’re being produced for the mass market and available in 250 stores. The labels are not for you to buy as they are intended to make you believe you can afford them – marketing 101.

This isn’t a protest against all designer brand relations to the average society nor am I saying if your favorite label decides to go public, you should not support it. I’d like you to be a well-informed consumer and succumb purchasing clothing because it’s your personal preference. Luxury brands need a platform to relate and for now, that’s the mainstream market. What will be the game changer?

At the end of the day unless you have Old Navy prices, you are not consumer friendly. 

All Images Copyrighted By Scarlett Spade 

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Digital To Analogue Pop Up Shop
December 13^th – 15^th
5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Digital Analogue is an event scheduled to provide you an experience not possible in the digital whelm. Featuring products exclusive to this experience from Fresh.i.Am, the pop up shop will also feature performances from YoPablo, No Eyes, Nikitta Gale, and Bosco with spins from Blkkmorris.

Itinerary
———-
dec 13th + YoPablo + No eyes digital exploration x Scoutmob
dec 14h + Photographer Nikita Gale x F.i.A confessional booth
dec 15th + Closing night with Bosco and Friends

RSVP Here: http://www.facebook.com/events/267058810010369

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The spring 2012 collection features designs from over 30 artists, available in both men and women.  In stores January the 15^th, the collection will also be made available online at www.bloodisthenewblack.com .With seven years in the business, the collection now retails at Urban Outfitters, Karmaloop, Asos, Delta (Japan), Dakota 501 (Australia) and Neu (Taiwan).

The video campaign, as well as the lookbook was shot by Dan Monick. Hangouts, random dance parties and miscellaneous adventure parallels to the spring/summer nights we’re looking forward to.

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City of Savages is a streetwear brand based in Atlanta. We had an opportunity to collaborate with the brand on a campaign. The images feature signature crewneck sweaters with branding messages, such as "Live Free or Die" and "City of Savages." We look forward to more collaborative opportunities.

All Images Copyrighted By Scarlett Spade

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Model, Michael McCloud, is our new fresh face interest. Based in New York, the unsigned model has a charm and charisma on camera only naturals posses. Starting his own company, World Models, McCloud seems to be as seamless off camera as he is in front of it.

All Images Copyrighted By Michael McCloud

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The secret to walking in heels is a chunky platform. With dyed cow hair covering the heel and a black patent leather ankle strap, these were a COCAINE must-have shoe. Not to mention, they're just in time to pair up with the ugly sweaters for the Christmas parties this season.

..... ain't nothing new but the shoes 

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