Category: Toronto Stylist

we said yes.

9/2/2018

Dedicated to my Mother

.."who has taught me that a marriage is what you feed it. Braise it with boundless love and affection and it will be spoiled. For now we know how to love ourselves & we too know how to dance with time."

Saira Hussain
Photography: Liat Aharoni

To the friendship that blossomed through that one broken door. Sealed with electronic letters filled with poetic verses by two young who shared a handful of common factors. Culture, community and a surname. Two solid hearts waiting for the other; day to day calling cards, expenses which one could not afford - it all lead to this, our story. Unwritten till date because it was better perceived in harmony by its composers, Ayaz & Saira Hussain.

You have been my strength through life's misconceptions during the undertones of my father's words as I grew up in a world where daughters were sons and spoon feeding was by the household. "Not any more", as I my mother's heart and my youth whisper into my ears. My mind finds a way to reassure itself that what I'm writing here is righteous and that a vile taste can only be digested if a reader is discouraged or targeted in written form. This is MY space; a collective of memories and certain accusations of love. This is OUR story and I have never been more ready to narrate my views on companionship than today.

As of now, I am someone's partner; an intimate part of my soul has found her comrade. My views are my very own and no one should be offended by the views of a woman in transition; journeying on to her next chapter. I grew up believing in 'love at first sight' and so I continued on the path of searching for that connection. My honeymoon phase lasted more than a decade and that too was because we were blessed with honesty and a friend circle who encouraged us along the way. The idea of marriage is accessible and is for weakened souls. What you need to extract from marriage is that it is a contract on the 'Laws of Love and Companionship'.

If you wish to know who I am now, I still do not have the answer for you. As myself and my partner are very different souls but we chose to be with each other to respect our vows. Our Laws of Companionship overpower our Laws of Love and so we face high tides, but this story is about our feelings on marital expectations.

Laws of Love & Companionship

Ayaz's outfit: Chandan Fashion and Uniqlo
Saira's outfit: Karigur and Steve Madden

Next Chapter feature: September 9th 2018

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BRIDAL CULTURE

5/10/2018

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Rejuvenation
A recipe for Bridal Health and wellness

Photographer: Meraya Studios
Directed & Styled: Breath of Henna & The Sai Lens

“As she sits in her room alone, she wishes she could sleep another night in the ocean of fabrics flooding her room from floor to armour. Her mehndi would get ruined so she puts on her robe to get ready. As she pauses for a moment, she reads a letter; unopened and marked with her name. The sun begins to set and she pulls out her grandmother's haar (necklace); an heirloom. A relic binding three generations and souls…”

BRIDAL DIARY: I was brought in to adorn Mashiat for her third Bridal Henna experience (well first diary) but third mehndi application. Her husband Tadmir had booked their honeymoon trip to Greece and she wanted to feel like a Bride again. This touched my heart and I was overjoyed that she had asked for a platinum diary for her vacation. We had consulted over face time and her details were highlighted by her enthusiasm on screen.

A henna diary versed her years of true love, Bengali quotes, a dulhan, enchanted florals, MT monogram, his name and a lace composition on her exterior hands and feet. Seen below is her digital diary which was first hand rendered to include all her details. No bride should ever be forced to have mehndi on her hands especially of those lines that are not her own. A henna diary is the journey of the bride, which includes her reflection through family, desires and love story.

I believe that a Bride’s henna moments should not only reflect the cultural associations of henna but who she is as a woman.
These stills were captured to express the importance of time and transitional periods. After adorning many brides and hearing their stories, the application of Mehndi is a much needed period of cleanse; so often forgotten or packed away with wardrobe of ones youth and history during wedding season.

Adorned the beautiful Mashiat who recently got married in Bengladesh. This diary was a PLATINUM B Diary which was rendered beautifully with her love story and personal details. She is wearing a printed tulip saree from Chandan Fashion, denim of her own and a vintage blouse from Chosen Vintage.

REAL BRIDES

One Bride had mentioned that she was financing her wedding as her father had long passed and her mother was her sole supporter. She did not want to burden her mother as she had no savings and had worked a half day before we had met. As my fingers wrapped around arm, the warmth of my fingers transferred into my other non-dominant hand and she felt a sense of comfort. I have been told to possess powers of healing or comfort but this was something we both shared. This was a moment she needed and I was glad to be there. You need to be healthy and happy but not everyone has a support system or can ask for one. Every bride walks a different journey and for that reason, her diary should be her own.

ADVICE

I believe that this moment of clarity is needed and having a bridal stylist for your special day provides our communities with a deeper understanding of marriage. Our families need to understand that a bride is a whole of her own kind; her view on the world is one of multiple lenses and so sees culture through colour first and not with meaning. As the time of marriage is within hours, the process in planning a blissful marriage can be slow and steady. This style shoot is for the working woman, the woman providing for her family, the woman who begins her day with free spirit, the woman who may be a mother, the woman who has a second chance in marriage, a woman who is accepting of change and diversity within marriage.

My advice to the bride of today, take some time to meditate with the ones you love, a few fingers in counting. As you near your special day, turmeric blended with oils and yoghurt will be used to exfoliate your skin, enjoy it. As you bathe in milk or a luminous mixture of oils and water, allow it rejuvenate your skin for a new path; a journey involving another whole world. As you have prepared your look through pins and screenshots for your sangeet or mehndi, allow others to adorn you whom you trusted or hired. Family and friends will rejoice alongside the bellies of drums and dancing glasses filled with lassi and refreshing cocktails, take part.

Team Credits:

Meraya Studios
Mashiat
Breath of Henna
The Sai Lens
Chandan Fashion
Chosen Vintage

For Bridal Styling and personal stories, please email: sailensbooking@gmail.com

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MADRE

4/30/2018

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MADRE

A world unimagined by man. The heart's reunion with mind and matter. The very form of life that beats with a rhythm, unseen to the world. To only its mother. A wonderful creature; protecting her young infinitely. If she chooses to be a mother, she will rise to her faith - an all powerful state.

Saira Hussain
Tara Noelle

NOW SEEN IN MOTHER MUSE MAGAZINE

A warrior - One that I have yet to meet.

A time of bliss and wonders experienced by only a woman. A woman that gives her all to an infinite joy of life that spreads throughout the inner universe - her womb.
A story I was given the honour of directing of beautiful mama @tabiacharles.

Tabia is a strong willed woman. As an athlete prior to her career in Project Management, when I first connected with her it was through social media. Honestly, I was not prone to enjoy the direct messages but it is what is easiest when it comes to connection in our world today. I've always wanted to connect deeper, stronger and on a larger platform but not for anyone in particular. The inspiration behind this shoot was motherhood; a transitional period many women face even with the demise of human connection.

A physical, mental and emotional transition that I can only imagine through the beauty of art and sound. Tabia Charles had given me the opportunity to style her with Jaya & Co - a Toronto based jewelry company owned by two sisters who are also two beautiful mothers.

And then came you…

All I can do is smile when I think about my baby boy. He reminds me of how much I adore his father and how he was conceived in the utmost love.

Not just that “I love you” kind of love but that unspoken kind of love that you want to hold onto for a lifetime and share with the world.

Before trying to conceive, I knew what kind of woman I wanted to become before having children. I wanted to be a woman and mother that my son not only will love unconditionally but would also be proud of and can look up to.

My whole life, I have been constantly working towards becoming the best version of myself. I always knew there was something else driving my desire to be better aside from my personal goal. But it all makes sense now…The universe was inspiring me to become the best version of myself for my son…in which he will be so deserving.

Being pregnant is one of the best experiences of my life journey thus far. I never knew I could feel so fabulous 30 lbs heavier with a huge bulge for a stomach! I embraced the additional weight gain, the swollen feet, stretch marks and the mini moles that appeared on my face. I am so intrigued with this little miracle growing inside of me that I want to relish in every single moment possible during my pregnancy. I want to be able to share these moments of joy with my son when he’s old enough to understand.

These maternity photos are a celebration of me truly embracing motherhood and the anticipation of bringing beautiful life into this world. I feel that much more excited to meet my baby boy and I’m overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude that I have been chosen to be his mother.

Dear D’Angelo,
You will one day understand the hopes and dreams that I have for you and why I waited until this very moment in my life to have you. It will all makes sense to you some day.
Love, your mother.

- Tabia Charles
April 30th 2018 marks beautiful baby boy D'Angelo's 4th month birthday.
Congratulations to Tabia and her beautiful family.

As a first generation Canadian, my lens will always be full of colour. My perspective on life will be to always circulate around inclusivity; creating a world of my own. To provide a platform of expression to define society and it's elite.
Mothers are the elite.

No region, no language, no colour, no creed can ever define what Mothers do best. To our mothers, the mothers before us and to the ones of today - we honour you in light and darkness. We give you our every breath.' Comment below on the Art of motherhood if you are a new mother or a to be Mama.

I now style maternity shoots.
For more information, email Saira today.

Thank you

Tara Noelle
Dawna Boot Make up
Jaya & Co
Chandan Fashion
Mother Muse Magazine
Tabia Charles

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WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

11/20/2017

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“Allow the light in that moment to kiss your skin.
   Allow the abundance of colour to soak into the mix of your pigment.
   Allow movement to penetrate deep within your soul.
   As you celebrate the shapes of the shadows that dance around you
   Remember they are all of your own.
   Allow the scent to take you back.
   Allow tradition to merge with faith.”

Welcoming new age
Welcoming modern day
An editorial feature on white henna x Banglez

Now seen on http://zardozimagazine.com/white-magic/

As women, traditionally, we have a lot on our minds. Generations before us passed down their teachings onto our mothers who we are inspired by. Having a wedding in North America today involves mindless circulation of digital research and remnants of history (photographs of jewelry and collections of sarees). We dress up discretely in our mother’s closets for these moments, which instigate a rush of colour through our mind’s nomadic ventures. Yes! We are forever travellers in our time and the generations that come after us; are constantly reassuring their values with their feelings.

Weddings are the perfect time to revisit our ancestors and we dance passionately to celebrate their traditions; a time that can be overwhelming with friends and family. These are the stories involving many south asian families. Planning your wedding is where we acknowledge disorientation on merging trends with customs.

One thing that considerably intrigued my imagination was the pattern work that was done on my mother’s hands during her wedding. What was this tradition and why was I not familiar with this art form? I was looking through her wedding photographs and I could never find a perfect image of just the pattern work on her hands. Her hands were dyed of a ravishing paste of scarlet and ruby; a bright highlight in the sky’s sunset on a painting I created. I remember my heart yearning for that colour, but times are changing.

Today, I am here planning my wedding with a Pakistani-Bohemian theme (something tribal yet trendy). Classical embroidery and silkened, sensational fabrics with thread counts I cannot begin to pick a part while weighing a feather as my veil. My waist will be my pillar of support and I will be adorned in jewels from my wrists till my chakra.

My hands.., the only bare accessory belonging to my wrists a part of my body.
The time has come for me to paint them red. As a Bridal Henna Artist myself, I always wanted an intricate and lavish diary adorning my arms till my elbows and my feet till my calves. The sensation of rosewater along the soles of my feet, pressed many at a time as a I danced in my Henna..this was my dream.

I cannot even begin to tell you the stories that are versed along the palms of Brides all over the world. Henna is a beautiful rendition of a story passed down through our cultures (bedouin, Spain, Middle East, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Morocco, India). There are so many areas of the world that practice Henna and Brides of all faiths wish to have it done (not just Muslims, Hindu and Sikh). At Breath of Henna, Brides are provided a complimentary consultation where they can have their Diaries rendered to those of their dreams. Henna is a significant part of a Bride’s transitioning period from being independent to being independent and married. Not just women, but men are also included in the festivities; all genders and races. As long as natural Henna (lawsonia, essential oils, sugar and water) is used, no one can ever have a bad experience. The joyful celebrations of a Mehndi party, Sangeet (musical celebration) or even a Bridal Shower can bring your dearest together while experiencing Henna.

Fashion is always chasing Fine Art and a generous adaptation to the world of Henna has accepted a new calling. Those who do not enjoy the scent of the lush colour of natural Henna, can use what is now called, ‘White Henna’. White Henna is a cosmetic application, which stays above the skin for up to four days after it dries. It can be accessorized with swarovski crystals and jewels if you wish for it to match even closer to your bridal gown. For those who are worried that they won’t have enough time for their traditional Henna application, they can have this done the day of the wedding or the day before.

Thankfully, this medium is mixed of an FDA approved adhesive mixed with body paint.
As an Artist, it is so important to meet with your vendor either in person or setup an online consultation. You have the option of selecting your design or even creating a custom diary just like your natural Henna would be rendered. Enjoy this process as it’s important for you to feel your best. After all, you have been awaiting this day for so long and you may have too much to do later on as your date approaches. Have a look at your Artist’s portfolio (instagram, website, testimonials). Every part of your wedding is a memoir for eternity so cherish these intimate details as your most valued. The art of Henna has changed immensely since the Bedouins first adorned their wives with the henna paste using only their fingers. Now you can have it done so delicately and to your taste.
If you’re wearing a white gown with lace overlay, the white Henna adds a sensual and breath taking detailed accent of lace gloves or lace sleeves. Garters can also be created for your intimate moments customized for you. Adorn yourselves in Henna and welcome to the generations’ abyss of cultural fusion.

Art Director/Stylist/White Henna: Sarah Hussain. www.breathofhenna.com @breathofhenna
Photography: Tara Noelle. www.taranoelle.com @taranoellephoto
Creative Assistant: Chaileen Kim. www.chaileenkim.com @chaileenkim
Jewelry: Banglez. www.banglez.com @banglez_jewelry
Accessory Designer: Shirley Liang. www.xueliang.ca @xliangdesigns
Muse: Charmaine San Pedro. www.charsanpedro.com @sanpedrocharmaine
MUA/Hair Stylist: Danielle Schleese. @danielleschleese
Wardrobe: Breeyn McCarney. www.breeyn.com @breeynmccarney
Intimates: Irina Shad. https://lessisamor.com @lessimor

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THE GAZE

3/6/2015

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REPUBLIC DAY 2015

A PERSUASIVE DIALECT

ARSHEEN REZA photography | SARAH HUSSAIN direction

In the act of GAZE, the other does not distinguish between wardrobe and personality traits, but chooses to familiarize the other by features of the face.

Sarah Hussain creates this act by substituting a woman in a, traditionally, South Asian man's role wearing a turban (head piece which is hand made by the Artist herself).

No matter how you see it, I control it. A beautiful narrative based on a model’s conversation with perspective and ideal beauty. The bold gaze set from the model’s masculine posture reminds of us a Mughal prince who was taught to grace his people with a persuasive etiquette presenting his armor.

This would display a highly compensating act of economic wealth and political stature. The off-white blazer presents a striking and bold personality and the turban a symbol of nobility.

"The black and white photographs strike a perspective of history and timelessness. I love black and white photography because they speak the moment as for colour is a bounty of endless opportunity. A B&W is a pause in that spectrum of illusionistic creativity. A moment to reevaluate ideas and the choices we have made."

This photoshoot is in dedication to those strong-headed women, to those newborns and devoted women who represent their society with grace, respect and overwhelming burdens of expectations. Constantly fighting in a world of turmoil of class systems and gender ranking. None of this shall exist if our women are empowered and their skeletons set abloom.

Art Direction and turban - Sarah Hussain
Photography - Arsheen Reza
Make up - Arushi Lakhanpal
Model - Emma of BNM MODELS

Please contact the Artists among this shoot for use of these photographs. Thank you.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @BREATHOFHENNA

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we said yes.

Dedicated to my Mother

.."who has taught me that a marriage is what you feed it. Braise it with boundless love and affection and it will be spoiled. For now we know how to love ourselves & we too know how to dance with time."

Saira Hussain
Photography: Liat Aharoni

BRIDAL CULTURE

Rejuvenation
A recipe for Bridal Health and wellness

Photographer: Meraya Studios
Directed & Styled: Breath of Henna & The Sai Lens

Adorned the beautiful Mashiat who recently got married in Bengladesh. This diary was a PLATINUM B Diary which was rendered beautifully with her love story and personal details. She is wearing a printed tulip saree from Chandan Fashion, denim of her own and a vintage blouse from Chosen Vintage.

REAL BRIDES

ADVICE

Team Credits:

Meraya Studios
Mashiat
Breath of Henna
The Sai Lens
Chandan Fashion
Chosen Vintage

For Bridal Styling and personal stories, please email: sailensbooking@gmail.com

MADRE

And then came you…

WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

THE GAZE

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

we said yes.

Dedicated to my Mother

​.."who has taught me that a marriage is what you feed it. Braise it with boundless love and affection and it will be spoiled. For now we know how to love ourselves & we too know how to dance with time."Saira HussainPhotography: Liat Aharoni

BRIDAL CULTURE

RejuvenationA recipe for Bridal Health and wellness​Photographer: Meraya Studios​Directed & Styled: Breath of Henna & The Sai Lens

Adorned the beautiful Mashiat who recently got married in Bengladesh. This diary was a PLATINUM B Diary which was rendered beautifully with her love story and personal details. She is wearing a printed tulip saree from Chandan Fashion, denim of her own and a vintage blouse from Chosen Vintage.

REAL BRIDES

​​ADVICE

Team Credits:Meraya StudiosMashiatBreath of HennaThe Sai LensChandan FashionChosen VintageFor Bridal Styling and personal stories, please email: sailensbooking@gmail.com

MADRE

And then came you…

WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

THE GAZE

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

.."who has taught me that a marriage is what you feed it. Braise it with boundless love and affection and it will be spoiled. For now we know how to love ourselves & we too know how to dance with time."

Saira Hussain
Photography: Liat Aharoni

Rejuvenation
A recipe for Bridal Health and wellness

Photographer: Meraya Studios
Directed & Styled: Breath of Henna & The Sai Lens

ADVICE

Team Credits:

Meraya Studios
Mashiat
Breath of Henna
The Sai Lens
Chandan Fashion
Chosen Vintage

For Bridal Styling and personal stories, please email: sailensbooking@gmail.com