Trending: Winter Sneakers For Men

In winter, being practical is a must which can lead to rather dull style. Yes, you stock up on outerwear, boots and scarves; but as the colder months hit we tend to shun a big part of our closet.

 

That being said, we are glad to report the latest new sneakers suitable for any occasion or weather condition. From a smart-casual point of view there is a pair for every man with any mood; like for this party season try wearing your favourite pair with a suit for an edgy twist. If mixing and matching street-wear with athletic gear is more your style, you can also try wearing your kicks with black jeans and an oxford cotton shirt or roll up your cargo pants and top your look with a classic trench coat.

 

Slide through the gallery to see our favourite sneakers of the season that you can wear no matter how extreme the weather is outside.

 

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After Hours Beauty For The Holidays

This year was full of amazing cosmetic launches, from skincare tools to nail products and limited edition makeup palettes. To help you achieve a glam look for the holidays, save time shopping by navigating through our glitz and glam list of after hours beauty products.

 

 

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Jewellery Focus: Donna Hourani

Born in Lebanon and raised in Dubai, Donna Hourani’s strong love for fine jewellery came naturally. Being surrounded by the world of design, her grandmother who was an acclaimed fashion designer and seamstress and her mother a reputable artist, their creativity had a big impact on Hourani while growing up.

 

Hourani pursued a degree in Interior Architecture, which allowed her to discover the main fundamentals of design. After years of traveling and two children later, Donna revisited the jewellery world and decided to take courses at the Gemology Institute of America (GIA) to enrich her knowledge of precious stones and their properties. The young designer has a deep appreciation for art and dance and of course gem stones.

 

Today the young fine jewellery brand is famous for it’s minimal, sophisticated and feminine designs, with the use of top-of-the-line materials, and graceful shapes that show Hourani’s intricate attention to detail.

 

A post shared by DONNA HOURANI FINE JEWELRY (@donnahouranijewelry) on

Her latest collection ‘Jaroor El Teta’- translates to Grandmother’s Drawer; the Lebanese jeweller pays homage to her loving
Grandmother with a collection of fine pieces inspired by domestic items discovered as a child, going through her grandmother’s drawer.

“All over the world there are women like my Grandmother, hard-working and independent, who do what they do without any recognition. These are the women I want to wear my pieces. It’s a story that everyone can relate” the designer explains.

 

Decorated with natural sourced gemstones such as Tourmaline, Citrine and Blue Topaz, this season’s unique collection features ‘knickknack’ designs that have been translated to desirable fine jewellery pieces. Including sinuous needle and thread earrings, Phoenician designed thimble rings, single labyrinthine hairpin earrings and jeweled safety pin necklaces all created in 18k rose, white and yellow gold.

 

The designer is heavily inspired by strong, hardworking women and with this particular collection, Donna’s goal is to empower women through the translation of these domestic, everyday items into fine objects of desire that reflect the value and strength of women.

 

Check out the full  ‘Jaroor El Teta’ collection by Donna Hourani in the gallery above.

 

Donna Hourani jewellery is found across various boutique stores in the Gulf region as well as her e-commerce site.

 

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Editors Pick: Party Mules

The mule shoe is coming back in a totally modern and chic way.  And really, this easy ’90s shoe trend may appear clunky to others, but now with the new elevated heel it helps keep you feet from sliding out; it is simply genius.

 

 

For this holidays, there are plenty of  gleaming and colourful mules that are chic enough to wear to an office party, and are even so laid-back that you can wear them out on the weekend or a night out. In all, this ’90s revived shoe trend is not going away anytime soon, and they are the right shoe you will want to reach for any occasion, and no matter what the weather is like.

 

Mules are the ultimate stylish footwear option and are becoming the go-to shoe for major fashion icons. So if you’re looking to upgrade your shoe cabinets, slide through the gallery above to shop for our favourite party mule styles of the season.

 

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Scent of the Week: Introducing Dolce&Gabbana’s Latest Velvet Amber Duo

Celebrating the finest Italian ingredients, Dolce&Gabbana Velvet Collection welcomes the unique history of Arab Sicily – where the East and the West collide.

 

The Velvet Collection introduces a series of oriental blends- the journey began with Tender Oud and Desert Oud. Today, the story continues with two inspirational tributes to Oriental perfumery, with an appreciation to the precious amber accord: Amber Skin and Amber Sun.

 

Velvet Amber Sun

 

The Velvet Amber Sun is described as an opulent oriental-woody essence mixed with rich golden-hued ingredients. The heart opens with top notes of ylang-ylang, amber accord of vanilla and cistus labdanum. Then develops the creaminess of sandalwood and sweet-scented smoke; and ends with precious ambery woods and patchouli, and oud accords.

 

Velvet Amber Skin

 

Velvet Amber Skin is known for its sensual and floral scent, the perfumer Christophe Raynaud brings together the refined palette of the Mediterranean and the sweet balsams of Arabia, as he explains:

 

“Like a sumptuous piece of moiré silk, the mysterious scent takes on amber and purple tones as it unfolds.”

 

The top notes opens with sparkling Italian bergamot, aromatic lavender essence, golden citrus fruit and fragrant mauve flower. At its heart the labdanum resin adds the burnished shade of skin-soft leather, and settles with cool iris blended with Oriental resins. And ends with a sweet opoponax and myrrh that bring warmth to the velvety essence of ambery woods.

 

 

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Trending: Opulent Hair Accessories

This season many designers did not fail to disappoint, especially when it comes to blending glamorous and feminine hair accessories options for FW17. Whether you like small eccentric hair clips or a big statement headpieces, there is no doubt that you will find something that will suit your taste this season.

 

Here’s our edit on five best opulent hair accessories you will want to try right now, especially during the holidays.

 

Velvet Bows 

Temperley London FW17

Smooth black bows this season have been a simple hair styling choice across many runways shows, as seen at Tory Burch to Marchesa and Rochas. Perfect for any adult soirée, velvety ribbons also decorated the hair of models at the Temperley London FW17 show, and some had it wrapped in a girly-sweet way that came to a bow at the bottom of their neck.

 

Encrusted Hair Clips 

Ashley Williams FW17

One of the most attractive hair accessory trends for FW17 was the classic hair clip. Apart from looking shiny and beautiful they do the perfect job for keeping hair in place. Designer Ashley Williams utilized this trend by bringing out models wearing bejeweled brooch-style hair clips proclaiming in capital letters “Paranoia” and “Paradise”.

 

 

Belted Headbands

Miu Miu FW17

Once again we witness this season belts as hair accessories on model heads across numerous runway show. The belt headbands of FW17 are super elegant and fits any day or night occasion. At Miu Miu, models wore headbands in various dark hues, with round silver belt clasps covered in crystals.

 

Floral Headpieces 

Luisa Beccaria FW17

Flower accessories for the hair are not only popular in spring but they are becoming very common into FW17 hair accessory trends. Flower arrangements were extra fresh and feminine at many major designers who brought lots joy into the season, such as Luisa Beccaria, Marchesa and of course Dolce and Gabbana.

 

Head Jewellery 

Elie Saab FW17Across many runways we witnessed some of the most gorgeous and delicate hair accessories all draped in jewels.  There were delicate and sweet pieces of head jewellery, similar to Elie Saab’s FW17 show, the couturier gave a touch of glamour with astounding hair accessories that both elevated and blended perfectly with the rest of the collection.

 

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A&E Interviews: Sultan Al Darmaki

Slide through the gallery above to view Darmaki’s footwear creations.

 

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Huawei Reveals Their Unprecedented Mate 10 PRO

Huawei Lebanon celebrated the launch of the newly released Mate 10 PRO in the presence of media, distributors and retailers at he Four Seasons Hotel Beirut. The event introduced all the key features and intelligent characteristics of the Huawei Mate 10 PRO, and guests enjoyed a short high tech 3D Mapping intro showcasing the unique intelligence and exquisite design the Mate 10 PRO and learned more about the high tech AI performance, which has been globally recognized.

 

 

President of Consumer Business Group in the Levant, Rex Liu welcomed the media along with Huawei’s partners; and he quotes:

 

“We are all gathered here to celebrate Huawei’s flagship device the Mate 10 Pro and to promise you once again that we will continue to provide our consumers with leading and innovative inventions that exceed their expectations.”

 

On the other hand, Regional Manager – Product Marketing & Training Department, George Al Kafrouni, took part in this event as he highlighted the Huawei Mate 10 Pro’s key selling points and the promotions launched by Huawei Lebanon for this holiday season.

 

 

The Huawei Mate 10 PRO is currently available across Lebanon. Make sure you buy yours during the month of December to benefit from all the special packages. 

 

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A&E Guide To: Looking After Denim

No wardrobe is complete with a few pairs of perfectly fit jeans and a couple of staple button up jackets. Proper care is what’s going to give your go-to’s longevity so follow our guide to the best practices when it comes to looking after denim and you’ll never have to ditch another pair again.

 

Perfect 10

You can get away without washing your jeans for up to 10 wears, but we recommend keeping it between 5-10.

 

Steamy

Instead of washing your jeans, give them a quick steam. It will smooth out some of the creases get rid of ‘old denim’ scent.

 

Inside Out

If you’re worried about jeans fading, black ones especially, turn them inside out before throwing them in the washing machine.

 

Hang Up

When drying jeans after hand-washing, roll them up and press to get the water out, and then lay them flat or hang them up to dry. In the dryer, use medium to low heat.

 

Fold It Up

Try not to just throw your denim into the wardrobe. To keep the shape, hang the jackets up on a wooden hanger and fold the jeans.

 

Tailor It

Nothing damages the cuff or the hems more than a wrong fit. Get your jeans taken up so they don’t fray easily and make sure the jackets are even adjusted or roll up the sleeves to prevent them from catching on something and ripping.

 

Leave It To Professionals

Any embroidery, sequins or decoration require extra care and attention so leave it to the experts at your chosen dry cleaners to best advise on how to look after these pieces.

 

Shop our denim edit above.

 

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A&E Editorial: New Tiffany & Co. Jewellery Collection

Somewhere between the light and shadows, Tiffany & Co. presents their most iconic jewellery collections. See our full editorial shoot from our latest December issue out now!

 

All Jewellery by Tiffany & Co.

 

LEFT IMAGE: Stacking of Tiffany T, Atlas® and Metro collections RIGHT IMAGE: Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso® Olive Leaf collection

 

 

LEFT IMAGE:  Tiffany Keys and Tiffany Soleste ring of yellow and white diamond with an art deco cocktail watch RIGHT IMAGE:  Tiffany T and Tiffany Celebration® rings

 

 

LEFT IMAGE:  Tiffany HardWear collection RIGHT IMAGE:  Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti® Bone cuff and two colored gemstone rings

 

 

LEFT IMAGE: Tiffany T, Atlas® and Tiffany Victoria® collections RIGHT IMAGE:  Tiffany Victoria® collection and  large oval cocktail watch

 

 

LEFT IMAGE:  Tiffany Victoria® and Tiffany HardWear collection with Art Deco black onyx ring and large oval cocktail watch RIGHT IMAGE:  Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger® collection and large oval cocktail watch

 

Styling and Direction: Dana Mortada
Photographer: Alan Gelati
Hair and Makeup: Sharon Drugan
Model: Viki at MMG
Location: El Chiringuito, Rixos The Palm Dubai
Clothing throughout: Madiyah Al Sharqi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jelena Bin Drai, Versus Versace, Aigner, Lanvin, Carolina Herrera

 

Enjoy our exclusive Sun Escape film with Tiffany & Co. Jewellery:

 

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A&E Gift Guide: 10 Best Men’s Grooming Products

Winter season is all about looking good, but before you go ahead and purchase any body wash set or travel kit off the shelves; we’ve searched thoroughly within all the men products and put together the best men’s grooming gift list.

 

Trust us, you can’t go wrong with giving a man the best tools for a great skin or a clean shave especially for the holidays.

 

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First Look: Oscar de la Renta Prefall 18

A sea-life-inspired collection, the references were crystal clear in Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim’s pre-fall 2018 collection for Oscar de la Renta.

 

Seagulls illustrations were printed in big on a shirtdress and on a mink coat. Fishbone designs are embroidered on an ivory wool shirt matched over tweed trousers, and a big laser-cut leather applique on a black tulle gown caught our attention.

 

This sweet summery lineup, is extremely wearable; it is full of  classic white shirts and blouses- the brand’s best-selling category. For example shirts were paired with a navy and white wool skirt or with a navy plaid pencil skirt; we also witness extralong pinstripe skinny pants; we also loved the intricately tailored black crepe coat with pearl adorned cuffs and matching cropped pants.

 

Garcia and Kim presented a clean and polished modern collection, we can also see that the duo designers are working hard to establish a strong brand aesthetic, which is visible also with their intricate works on accessories. They introduced a few new bag styles, such as box and barrel shapes, and some cool looking embroidered mules and pumps with a contemporary kitten heel.

 

Get a glimpse of Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-fall’18 collection above.

 

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On-Our-Radar: Elsa O. Jewellery

After years of experimentation Elsa Osta finally decided to launch a jewellery line under her own eponymous brand Esla O. Despite her heavy interests in the world of art and fashion, Elsa pursued a degree in Product Design. Soon after completing her studies, she started her fashion journey in Paris, and got herself an internship at Swarovski. Clearly, the designer’s appreciation for crafts and creativity runs in her family, her brother Assad Osta, is the co-founder of Azzi & Osta and her mother is Lebanese actor Gisèle Aouad.

 

A post shared by E L S A – O. (@elsaolaccessoire) on

 

The designer looked for inspiration within her love for the 1950s glamour, her first two collections offered numerous designs displaying vibrant statement pieces encrusted with crystals, pearls, and tassels with Swarovski stones. From dangling palm trees, gleaming pineapples and watermelons, and pearl starfish- we’ll remain brief with the description as the photos speak for themselves.

 

Scroll through the gallery above to see our favourite picks, as they make a perfect gift for this holiday season.

 

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Editors Pick: Faux Fur Coats

Temperatures are starting to drop, and there is no better way to keep warm than with a cosy topper. This season colour popping faux fur coats are not going anywhere, and this winter more than ever you will find loads of outerwear styles that will instantly transform your closet.

 

Many major designers like Stella McCartney and Gucci are going totally fur-free, and are seeking a different approach by introducing various statement faux fur coats and jackets in fun prints and vibrant colours; perfect for a street style moment that is easy to dress up anything you own.

 

Whether you are searching for a classic beige, a bold red or a blush pink, click through to check out our best faux fur coats found out there for this season.

 

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A&E Editorial: Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Estate

New investment diamond pieces radiate understated glamour, making a girl’s best friend the perfect match for the holiday season.

 

See our full editorial shoot with Van Cleef & Arpels from the December 2017 issue below.

 

Fleurette earrings, Snowflake necklace, Snowflake watch, Snowflake Bandeau ring, Enlacement wedding band, Fleurette wedding band.

Dress‭ ‬Roland Mouret

 

 

LEFT IMAGE: Fleurette earrings, Snowflake necklace, Snowflake watch, Snowflake Bandeau ring, Enlacement wedding band, Fleurette wedding band

Dress‭ ‬Roland Mouret

 

RIGHT IMAGE: Alhambra earrings, Magic Alhambra 1 motif necklace, Magic alhambra 16 motif necklace, Sonate Solitaire, Enlacement wedding band

Dress‭ ‬Tibi

 

 

LEFT IMAGE: Frivole earrings, Frivole Between the Finger Ring, Socrrate Between the Finger Ring, Frivole Clip, Perlée clovers bracelet, Perlée pearls of gold, Perlée diamonds bracelet

Top T by‭ ‬Alexander Wang

 

RIGHT IMAGE: Fleurette earrings, Snowflake Bandeau ring, Flowerlace ring, Fleurette wedding band, Flowerlace necklace

Top‭ ‬Delpozo

 

 

LEFT IMAGE: Lotus openwork earrings, Lotus openwork pendant, Lotus clip pendant, Lotus Between the Finger Ring, Sweet Alhambra bracelet, 6 motif, Lotus open work bracelet

Top and Skirt‭ ‬Razan Alazzouni

 

RIGH TIMAGE: Fleurette earrings, Snowflake necklace, Snowflake watch, Snowflake Bandeau ring, Enlacement wedding band, Fleurette wedding band

Dress‭ ‬Roland Mouret

 

 

LEFT IMAGE: Fleurette earrings, Palmyre necklace 3 rows, Alhambra open work watch, Magic Alhambra Between the Finger Ring, Fleurette wedding band, Enlacement wedding band

Dress‭ ‬Temperley London

 

RIGHT IMAGE: Folie Earings, Folie Necklace, Folie Ring, Sonate Solitaire, Snowflake Fleurette watch, Jumpsuit‭ ‬Temperley London

 

Photographer: Sandra Chidiac

Styling and Direction: Dana Mortada

Hair and Makeup: Artist Alena at MMG

Model: Julia at MMG

All Clothing from Bysymphony

Location St. Regis Dubai

 

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A&E Party Edit: Special Knits

Knitwear season is finally here, which means it’s time to refresh your closet with cozy sweaters, cardigans, ribbed dresses and oversized silhouettes. Knits are not only perfect for the colder months but they are easy to dress up and down especially with the holidays around the corner.

 

Despite of keeping you warm, knits can be paired with literally everything you own, plus they are great for lounging around or wearing out. Grab a pair of leather booties, a pleated skirt and a chunky oversized sweater; or wear your go-to ribbed knit dress with some tights and stilettos and you are all set.

 

Knits in all its forms has gotten a makeover for the holidays, and we’re loving every single style. Click through the gallery above to see some of our favourites.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Decadent Holiday 2017 Collection

Looks like the designer sought for some true Decadent Beauty for this holiday season.

 

The holiday 2017 collection is an annual series of Marc Jacobs Beauty favourite products- from eye shadow, lipstick, mascara,and many more; all  beautifully packaged for the festive season, and this time around its looking a little bit wild. The Decadent Beauty collection is fully inspired by the chic and glam animal prints for Jacob’s vast fabric collection- from snakeskin to zebra and of course, leopard.

 

Take a peek and explore the full holiday beauty collection in the gallery above.

 

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Festive Dressing From The Red Carpet

Tis the season to be a jolly with countless dinner parties, festive events and winter weddings meaning our wardrobes need a boost of shimmer and shine.

 

Take inspiration fro the red carpet where celebrities know a thing or two about dazzling brighter than the flashing lights of the camera’s snapping their every step. From floor length gown, layers of tulle and sequins to sharp tailoring and statement separates, holiday dressing doesn’t have to be predictable.

 

Click through the gallery above for our best dressed edit from the red carpet.

 

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Best Leave-In Conditioners For All Hair Types

It is very important to have a good understanding about the type of damage we bring on our hair and the ways we can take care of it. Especially during winter, the cold environment can really work against us.

 

If you are not already using a leave-in conditioner, then there are many convincing reasons that you should start immediately. Leave-in conditioner is the one product that every hair-type should use- it will keep your hair in good condition and by regularly hydrating your strands with extra moisture, it will prevent the hair from frying or drying out; which leads to the number one hair problem, split ends.

 

A key thing to keep in mind is to use the right product for your hair type, or else you will just weigh it down the hair making it look lifeless and flat.

 

Check out our list of best leave-in conditioners that will help fix and prevent common hair disasters during winter.

 

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We Found Best… Christmas Trees in Lebanon

The festive season is finally here, and the streets of Lebanon are spreading with joy and Christmas vibes!

 

No matter what town or neighborhood you’re in during the festive season, many streets and especially shopping malls get extremely creative during the holidays to provide us with a joyous spirit! Here we put together a list of the best-of-the-best Christmas trees, found all across Lebanon, during the 2017 Christmas season.

 

1) Byblos, Jbeil

In three consecutive years since 2014,  Byblos’s Christmas tree was chosen among the 10 most beautiful Christmas trees found around the world by Forbes, Huffing Post and Wall Street Journal. And this time around, the tree of the historic city switched its lights on November 30. 2017, and will stay lit for it’s holiday visitors until first week of January 2018. Decorations designed and produced by Brandon and sponsored by Byblos Bank.

A post shared by The961 (@the961) on

 

2) City Center Beirut 

City Center Beirut out done themselves this year with luminous lighting and outstanding Christmas decorations.

A post shared by City Centre Beirut (@citycentrebeirut) on

 

3) Le Mall

Le Mall says hello to the holidays with a full Christmas Express taking over the entire mall.

A post shared by WOWLEBANON (@wowlebanon10452) on

 

4) Patchi, Downtown 

It is always a spectacular Christmas with Patchi’s window display in Downtown Beirut.

A post shared by Patchi (@patchichocolate) on

 

Stay tuned for more Christmas trees and decorations found all across Lebanon.

 

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Introducing Shiseido WASO Skincare Collection Targeting Millennials

Shiseido has unveiled, WASO, a Japanese-inspired skincare collection that’s designed for young adult skin. WASO is an opportunity to take daily skincare regimen back to basics.

 

“Skincare crafted with respect for nature, for the beauty that exists within all of us.”- as defined on the press release.

 

What’s WASO?

 

WASO is inspired by the Japanese food tradition of washoku, which is known throughout Japan for promoting health and beauty. It is formulated with nature’s best ingredients, and unlike most skincare formulations, in order to mix the ingredients, the botanical cells have to be crushed. To help your skin to absorb all the good ingredients, Shiseido has created a unique Whole Cell Release System that separates botanical cells to protect the nutrients from getting damaged or lost.

 

Explore the Shiseido WASO lineup of skincare products in the gallery above.

 

 

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Trending: Over-the-Top Festive Bags

For this party season, add a festive touch to your look with shining accessories that are not shoes or jewellery- it is the over-the-top evening bag. Although maybe these bags are designed for more formal events; but once the new year hits, dare to give your daytime look an unexpected twist mixed with your favourite cozy sweater and pair of jeans or midi-skirt and leather biker boots.

From pearl beaded to embroidered velvet, and paillette embellished handbags and clutches; check out our chic and festive bag selection that will instantly put you in the holiday spirit.

 

 

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A&E Guide: How to Wear Metallic in Winter

 

Scroll through the gallery above  to find out how you can wear this metallic trend during winter time.

 

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In-Focus: AURA Headpieces

 

A post shared by AURA by Carolina (@auraheadpieces) on

 

Deeply inspired by culture and history, Aura Headpieces founded by Lebanese designer Carolina Chammas, introduces a world of glam that revolves around the many Middle Eastern princesses and legendary figures (Greek,  Roman, Ottoman and Arabian), and brings them all the way to the West by adding a modern and fine sophisticated touch.

 

“If you look at important women in history, most of them wore jewelry on their head.”

 

After pursuing a Masters degree in Fashion Marketing at the Istituto Marangoni, Carolina worked at Elie Saab then got immersed in the business side of things as a Brand Manager for well-established brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Marc Jacobs in the region. The boho-chic lover, decided to quit her day job to follow her passion for accessory design; to launch her very own brand AURA Headpieces in 2012,  focusing on handmade head couture and celebrating femininity.

 

“I have always been inspired by fashion and the varying styles women possess over time and throughout different cultures”- designer says.

 

The accessories brand also represents a great appreciation to hand-craftsmanship and artisan creation. Today, Carolina’s vision about fashion has become more contemporary, ethnic, adventurous and multicultural.

 

AURA Headpieces are stocked at numerous retailers worldwide including- Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nicols, Bloomingdales, and Luisa Via Roma, and more.

 

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The Lighthouse Festive Season Gift Ideas for Design Lovers

The Lighthouse, a multi-sensory design and food concept, was launched in January 2017 as the brainchild of the entrepreneurial duo Hashem Montasser and Hany Bassiouny who teamed up with renowned Chef Izu Ani. Location in d3, obviously design is at the root of everything that The Lighthouse develops, from the award-winning cuisine by Chef Izu to the curated playlists by DJ John Hanlidis; and the selling exclusive design objects to that hand-picked furniture and tableware used in the restaurant that any Lighthouse customer can purchase immediately. It’s a 360-degree design destination that tackles all senses and sensibilities.

 

The countdown to the festive season has started and if you’re looking for inspiration on gift giving, The Lighthouse has curated the perfect selection of holiday gifts just for you! The Lighthouse itself was based on a gifting concept when founder Hashem Montasser set out to buy a gift for a friend who was turning 40. The best gift would be minimal and practical, and made out of high-quality materials durable for everyday use.

 

Nearly a year since its launch in d3’s Design Quarter, The Lighthouse catalogue of brands has increased to feature more international as well as regional designers focusing on tabletop, home accessories, books and children’s accessories.The Lighthouse Creative Director Layla Aldabbagh used her keen editorial eye to select her top five picks that make the ideal holiday gift for those with discerning taste.

 

Slide through the gallery above to check out The Lighthouse’s top five holiday curated gifts.

 

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Must-Wear Print: Winter Polka Dots

Yes, polka dots are all over this season again! This simple yet effective motif is usually recognized as a cartoonish print that is unabashedly feminine; today that’s no long the case, the polka dot has been deconstructed in various forms that give it a brand new edgy image.

 

In the late ’40s Christian Dior used it in his revolutionary New Look collection, that made women instantly feel extravagant and romantic. Beauty icon Marilyn Monroe for whom polka dots are a signature, also wore them on a bikini; and one cannot forget Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons, who was one of the first to print them blue and white on T-shirts and wallets.

 

Leading the trend for this fall season included designers like Jacquemus, Balenciaga, and Loewe- who made a modern mark by slaying the runways with dots everywhere. If you are not a fan yet, there are many ways you can add playful polka dots into your winter closet without looking like Disney’s Minnie Mouse.

 

To toughen up this super feminine print, pair your favourite blouse with dark-washed jeans and finish the look with some edgy and structural accessories. Another way, is to go with a ruffled printed skirt and wear it with a chunky sweater paired with biker leather boots. Strips and dots are a good match, so don’t be afraid to pair your  pinstriped silk blouse with a pair of wide-legged polka dot pants that will definitely keep your look contemporary cool.

 

Click through the gallery above to see how streetstyle icons wear their dots for winter.

 

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017 Recap

 

Abu Dhabi Formula One once again has out done themselves by perfectly melding the sporting and entertainment worlds together. Then again,  from the sponsor events held at idyllic locations in the UAE and the pristine hospitality lounges of the Paddock Club alongside the Yas Marina Circuit, to the exclusive yacht and nightclub parties, it is forgiven to think the Formula 1 weekend held in Abu Dhabi was as big of a festival as it was a sporting event. Here’s a recap of everything you have missed at the Grand Prix 2017.

 

 

Bottas Beats Hamilton

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Valtteri Bottas withstood the race pressure from Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton to end with a big win at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017, ranked qualifed 1st and finished 1st.

 

F1 New Logo Revealed

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With a new win and a new year approaching, following the 2017 season finale Formula One unveiled their new logo to the world on Sunday 26 of November.

 

IWC Schaffhausen x Valtteri Bottas

Luxury watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen hosted an intimate evening with brand ambassador and Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport driver Valtteri Bottas with renowned Sky Sports TV broadcaster David Croft at Saadiyat Beach Club in Abu Dhabi. Valtteri shared his professional and personal life with selected VIP guests, and says:

“I want to thank IWC for their support. It’s a great pleasure for me to be part of the IWC family and meet fans and customers of the brand around the world.”

 

Pink’s Wow Performance

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After-Race concert series wraps up with a jaw-dropping performance by Pink on November 26 at the du Arena, Yas Island. Pink wowed 32,000 fans with an iconic grand opening alongside her talented crew who danced their way throughout her emotionally-charged performance and attractive onstage presence.

 

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First Look: Our Shoot With Richard Mille And McLaren

A&E Guide To…Celebrating UAE National Day

A&E Party Edit: Velvet

Take a scroll through our gallery to see our favourite velvet items from this season.

 

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A&E Party Edit: Sequins 

Editors Pick: Claudia Schiffer x Aquazzura

 

On Our Radar: The Nou Project

Introducing The Nou Project- an artist-designed footwear label, aiming to turn fashion into wearable art.

 

Creative duo Saudi-born Nour Al- Tamimi and Lebanese-born Basma Chidiac, both inspired by the sneaker culture and seeking to support new talents- brought The Nou Project to life. In case you are wondering ‘Nou’ means new in Dutch.

 

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Based between New York, Dubai and London, the designer’s mission is to give artist a chance to showcase their work something other than just a white canvas or gallery wall. Aiming to strengthen the  bond between art and fashion, Nour and Basma work with artists from across the world to create limited-edition sneakers, worthy to collect as a works of art. Each art model is numbered to only 300 pairs worldwide.

Other than being functional, the label is also eco-friendly conscious; the duo developed a special technique that uses recycled rubber in their footwear soles. This unique process is a main aesthetic of the brand’s shoe design, and is made to increase grip and ensure comfort for the consumer’s active lifestyle.

 

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Designer Focus: Mira Mikati

Net-A-Porter Creates Eveningwear Just For The Middle East

Designer Focus: Mira Mikati

Lebanese designer, Mira Mikati started her fashion career in 2007 as the co-founder and buyer for PLUM– a contemporary concept store located in Beirut, Lebanon. Five years later, the upcoming designer was asked to design a limited collection especially for the Façonnable; which was a big sell-out success.

 

“As a buyer I wished I could find something fun that was also beautifully tailored,” says Mikati. “Which is exactly what I set out to do.”

 

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This exciting project encouraged Mira to start her very own eponymous label. Today the London-based designer counts numerous stars like Beyoncé, Adele, Frieda Pinto and more as fans of the optimistic brand.

 

The Mira Mikati label is a mix between fun, emoji-style detailing with elegant, grown-up silhouettes. Heavily connected to the art world, over the years the designer collaborated with numerous artists – particularly big names like Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, and Darcel; also KAWS whom she collaborated with for her SS’16 collection, and she quotes:

 

“I have always collected KAWS’ toys, even when that meant staying up all night to buy a rare edition online,” also adds “He is one of my favourite artists in the world – collaborating with him was a dream come true.”

 

Slide through the gallery above for Mira Mikati’s latest Spring Summer 2018 collection.

 

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On Our Radar: Racil