Your favourite guest blogger is back! It is Christelle from The Way It’s Worn, here to share even more reasons why Rana Cheikha remains my go-to footwear label.
My love for my mustard Medan is no secret. If you have been around long enough, you have probably read my ode to them last November on this very blog: “A Day – or a Lifetime – with Medan”. Back to my unplanned Doha trip. Everything came together in under 24 hours. I had to think fast and pack smarter. Add to that the fact that I am not a fan of luggage hassle and always travel light with just one carry-on, my Medan was the obvious footwear choice. So, with my trusted travel companion on, let me tell you how it all went …
It all started with me, not so gracefully, face-planting the arrival pavement at Hamad International Airport. Blame it on the lack of sleep or bouncing excitement, either way I missed a step. One second I was taking it all in, the next, my brother, the cabbie and the security guard were helping me up. Don’t worry, I am fine. My bruises healed. Still, I do believe that a twisted ankle would have been the result, if I had been wearing any other shoe. Luckily, the Medan is made from soft calfskin leather that hugs your foot and moves with it. So yes, accidents happen, even during our special moments, but it helps to have a shoe that is on your side, literally.
Now that the bad mojo was behind me, it was time to explore the city. As some of you may know, due to the heat, Doha is mostly deserted, pun intended, from 1 to 4 pm. But since yours truly was still attending online night classes, waiting for nightfall wasn’t an option. I had to make the most of my days, and face the blazing sun head-on. From marvelling at Doha’s museums, to wandering through the souks and textile shops, strolling along the Corniche, and grabbing much needed ice cream breaks, the Medan never let me down. Not once did my feet burn. They were one with the shoes. No friction and no blisters. My trick? Pairing it with pure cotton invisible socks. Always aim for comfort and breathability!
On the rare nights that I went out, I didn’t have to worry whether my footwear was appropriate for the setting. I simply slipped into a maxi dress that matches the Medan’s mustard hue, styled my hair differently, and voilà! Dress code, handled! And the cherry on the top? The Rana Cheikha label was launched in Doha a decade ago! I couldn’t have been prouder walking through the very places that shaped Rana’s journey.
I keep writing about the Medan because it is my all-time favourite pair of shoes, and you can easily find yours in Rana Cheikha’s collection. The Kela brogue, the Kawkab sandal, the Dinieh T-Strap shoe and the Ain oxford all make great alternatives. They come in the same fun and classic colour palettes and are just as reliable. If you choose carefully, one pair of shoes becomes THE one. Of course, it will get tired with time, but it is all about how you take care of it. After this long trip, my Medan looked a little worn out, so I gave it a good buff, re-conditioned the leather (for pro tips, check this guide out), let it rest … and within a week, it was ready for new adventures!
And before I leave you, if you ever find yourself in Doha, here are some must-visit addresses:
- Museums: Museum of Islamic Arts, Mathaf, Museum of Contemporary Arts, Olympic and Sports Museum, Msheireb Museums
- Creative spaces: M7, The Cutting Studios, Liwan, Fire Station
- Leisurely walks: Corniche, Old port, Al Bidaa Park
- Brunch spots: The Ned, Qinwan
- Shopping: Printemps
- Textile shops: Souk Waqif, Bombay Silk, Fashion today
Signing-off: Christelle from The Way It’s Worn
(And what’s TWIW? It’s about: “Shaping a fairer Lebanese fashion industry by connecting the dots between wearers, pieces, artisans and designer”.)
Follow Christelle on Instagram @christelle.ed
& on the website thewayitisworn.com/