Spring’s Best Gel-Like Highlighters
Beauty fans will always want a natural-glowing skin with a 3D cheekbone effect, and for this spring many cosmetic brands dropped different highlighting products with new formulas- known as the jelly highlighter.
If you are into the all-over radiance look, a gel-like highlighter is your definite go-to this season. This glittery, high-impact sheen comes with a dewy texture that glides easily on the skin and dries within seconds; also a great tip is to mix a few drops into your foundation or day moisteriser for that all-natural glow.
This new highlighting product frenzy is about to be spring 2018’s hottest beauty trend; click through the gallery to shop the best jelly-like highlighters out there.
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Best Frizz-Fighting Hair Products
With the warm summer days coming closer, all we can think about is what the horrible humidity does to our hair! Fight no more; here we have put together a beauty edit of the best frizz-fighters for all-hair types to try now.
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YSL Muse Betty Catroux Fronts Saint Laurent Latest Fall’18 Campaign
The 73-year-old was Yves Saint Laurent longtime muse until his death, today she’s back and fronts their newest Fall 2018 ad a campaign.
A week after the FW18 collection showcased at Paris Fashion Week, Saint Laurent released their new ad campaign staring the maison’s founder beloved muse Betty Catroux.
Catrox first met Yves Saint Laurent in 1967, and ever since had very close relationship with the designer until his death in 2008. The influential model was joined with Laurent’s other muses like Catherine Deneuve, Loulou de la Falaise, and Bianca Jagger, were the designer’s main inspiration who helped fixate the brand’s signature Le Smoking jacket. Inspired by the house’s archives, Anthony Vaccerello reinvented the famed jacket for his latest collection, and who could be a better face than Catroux to front their Fall 2018 ad?
Photographed by David Sims, this was Catroux’s first-ever campaign for Saint Laurent, and now she appears on a white backdrop looking dapper in a cool black leather jacket with a pair of tinted shades. In the other two shots, she donned a classic blazer with rhinestones and a studded leather jacket.
So chic and effortless, enjoy Saint Laurent’s FW18 campaign video below:
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Best Jewellery Spotted At Fashion Week
As usual when it comes to new jewellery trends things get bigger and better; and for this coming Fall jewellery are bringing back more sparkle and shine.
For Fall 2018 collections, many designers let the jewels to do all the talking. We saw plenty shiny rhinestones, 80’s inspired bold earrings, asymmetrical chandelier earrings, and more. From New York City to London, Milan and all the way to Paris, here we put together an edit of the best jewellery pieces spotted on the runway across the four fashion cities.
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Precious Backstage Moments From Fashion Week FW18
The most pinnacle moments on the fashion calendar have come to an end, but Fall 2018 season is far from over. Fashion weeks across all four cities looked quite busy this season, from the rainbow-striped parade from Christopher Bailey’s last Burberry show, to Jacquemus’s stunning wide-brimmed hats; and with designer’s sudden interest in the ‘80s, like at Marc Jacobs where models came out with big shoulders and brighter colours. So far we witnessed plenty of trends we’ll be sure to talk about all up to Fall.
So here we decided to go backstage and reminisce over all the precious pre-show fun.
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Shoe-Edit: Loafers Revival
While spring season is around corner, it is time to start thinking of elevating your style with more comfy and versatile things. That’s why we recommend the loafer shoe; it is the perfect footwear that you’ll need to add instantly to give your own wardrobe a modern twist.
These playful shoes can work with almost everything from cropped jeans, sharp-cut trousers, shorts and even with a casual suit. Especially during the warmer months, loafers will finish off a look with a cool edge, and can easily take your dapper look from day to night.
From suede to leather there is something for everyone; so scroll through to view our favourite loafers to buy now.
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Designer Focus: HUWA
Founded by Hisham Wali in 2017, HUWA is an Egyptian-based upcoming contemporary fine accessories brand, designed to enhance man’s sophisticated and modern sense of fashion.
“This brand was born out of my love for the classic dapper look; the idea of taking a basic black, navy or gray clean cut suit and adding that little extra ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ touch to make the outfit come to life! ”- Hisham Wali
With an Egyptian background, Wali was born and raised in the Gulf, and pursued a degree in Communication Richmond University and a master’s degree in International Marketing and Management in Westminster University. Wali’s passion was first triggered when he used experiment with lapel pins for himself, which eventually developed into a brand of its own that Huwa is today.
Strongly inspired by Middle Eastern art and culture, the brand’s goal is to create one-of-a-kind accessories that gives man’s everyday corporate and casual attire an elegant and timeless touch with an edge. The brand stresses on refined craftsmanship by skilled Egyptian artisans using masterful traditional techniques. All HUWA pieces are handcrafted in Egypt with a pure mixture of precious and semi-precious material, made of sterling silver or gold and platinum plated brass. They also offer a custom-service where all existing designs can be recreated in solid gold upon requests.
At Huwa you will find plenty signature men’s accessories from lapel pins to cuff links and tie-clips. Explore our favourite from HUWA’s latest Sandstorm collection in the gallery above.
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Shop Now: Spring Boots
Ankle boots have been around for quiet sometime. Yes, they are not only comfy but are the right footwear style that goes with everything you own- from flared-cut denims to pleated midi-skirts. We must say that ankle-boots are worth the investment, because they are an impactful addition for your own wardrobe.
Ankle boots are the perfect way to kick-off the spring season; numerous runways showcased shoppable versions of western inspired styles, including lighter colour palettes, curvy silhouettes and loud shapes; there are plenty to choose from.
From cutouts to riding boots styles, get spring-ready with our shoe edit in the gallery above.
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PFW Street Style: 11 New Ways To Wear Sneakers
A&E Editorials: Dior Spring Summer 2018
WELCOME THE EVOLUTION OF FASHION WITH DIOR’S VIBRANT SLEW OF TECHNICOLOUR AND ELABORATE SPARKLING DETAILS!
Jumpsuit, Shoes, Hat, Choker ALL BY DIOR
LEFT IMAGE: Shirt, Bodysuit, Pants, Studded “Diorama” bag, Boots, Hat, Earrings, Necklace, Choker, Bracelets, Rings RIGHT IMAGE: Dress, Earrings, Choker, Bracelets ALL BY DIOR
LEFT IMAGE: Jumpsuit, Jacket, Skirt, “Lady Dior” bag RIGHT IMAGE: Dress, Choker, Bracelet ALL BY DIOR
LEFT IMAGE: Jumpsuit, Skirt, “J’Adior” bag, Boots, Choker, Rings RIGHT IMAGE: “J’Adior” bag ALL BY DIOR
Styling and Direction: Dana Mortada
Photographer: Sam Rawadi
Make up and Hair: Ania at MMG
Model: Julie Rose at MMG
Location: Stereo Arcade- The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel JBR, Dubai – UAE
Enjoy our exclusive GAME OVER fashion film for Dior below:
Paris Fashion Week: Alexander McQueen FW18
Last night in Paris, a metamorphosis theme exploded all over Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen FW18 runway show. This deep exploration of transformation was on whole different level. The romantic and modern punk collection introduced us to a wonderland of total utopia with doses of McQueen’s wicked and dark excellence injected into it.
Leather corseting added an edge to the flowy silhouettes, and Sarah Burton’s intricate couture-level skills were revealed in her sharp tailored suit jackets, elegantly lined with fiery red satin. This red set the tone of the collection; it was a main streamline across many loose trousers and coats.
The morpho-themed butterfly print fluttered onto dresses, and also appeared under suit jackets. There were warrior-like looking quilted leather jackets in deep green, matched with a belted wool dress and suit. Also, towards the end a pretty pink mini dress came out with exaggerated shoulders mimicking the open wings of a butterfly ready to flutter away.
Breathtaking as always, with this magical collection Burton was able to expose her newfound paradise, filled with soulful pieces that emphasised on powerful women.
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Paris Fashion Week: Stella McCartney FW18
Paris Fashion Week: Giambattista Valli FW18
Oscars 2018: Lebanese Designers Take Over The Red Carpet
Unfortunately, awards season is officially over, but the 2018 Oscars not only honored the best films but also showed who stepped up their game on one of the most unforgettable red carpet event of the year.
That being said, we need to shine the light on some of our most favoured looks that came with the courtesy of Lebanese designers.
From shimmering metallic to delicate embellishments and dainty drapes, see which designers ruled the Oscars.
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Paris Fashion Week: Giambattista Valli FW18
Sparkles and neutrals, and elegance, these were the unforgettable ingredients at Giambattista Valli’s Fall 2018 runway show.
We all anticipated plenty of florals and volumes, but this time around Valli presented his two favourite elements by showing extreme romanticism from head-to-toe, even model’s faces were fully adorned glittery makeup.
Inspired by the clash of cultures, this collection was Valli’s reaction to the world’s political state; he stressed by saying backstage “humanity, much less politics. He shows his appreciates to flavorful colours of the orient, mixed with the French influences of floral embroideries infused with Italy’s lavish touch.
Of course, Valli kept his authentic love for elaborate and regal dresses- with maxi-cuts and flattering silhouettes, featuring intricate works with leather floral embroidery and hologram-like patterns. Apart from the after-dark pieces, there were also daywear ensembles, the show’s first look was a classic denim jumpsuit matched with clean tailored plaid pants, including on-trend jackets and knit V-neck shirts coordinated with lengthy button-up skirt.
We are obsessed! Valli gave this season a dash of personal flare with interesting accessories of silky scarves, bold gold jewellery and quirky sandals paired with vibrant printed tights.
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Jennifer Lawrence Is Our March Cover Star
March 2018 cover stars Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence; fully glamoured in Dior she gives us the low-down on her new role as the “Red Sparrow,” shares her views on women empowerment, and talks style and substance.
Check our exclusive cover story with the American Beauty now out on stands or for the online version click here.
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A&E Editorials: Dior Spring Summer 2018
Style Hits: Best Dressed Celebrities At The Oscars 2018
The 90th Academy Awards was uncommonly radiant and fresh. Yes, there was no call for a uniform dress-code, where as at the 2018 Oscars many ensembles hinted at more optimistic new beginnings.
Plenty of leading actresses translated their positivity into brighter shades of pretty pinks, electric blues including glowing metallics. From Margot Robbie Goddess look in custom Chanel to Zendaya’s fabulous Grecian-inspired dress by Giambattista Valli, click through the gallery to view our favourite best-dressed stars found at Hollywood’s most glamorous night of the year.
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Paris Fashion Week: Valentino FW18
For Fall 2018, Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli showed his flower power collection inside a Japenese-looking greenhouse, a sacred place to grow all things blossoms.
“Romanticism is strength. It places sensibility before rationality, authenticity, before stereotypes.” said the press notes at Valentino.
Piccioli’s collection came to life with exaggerated flower patterns printed onto voluminous silk gowns, petal shaped edges tiered down the dresses in a sensual form. First look sent out was a dark chocolate brown background for a field of white flowers, and of course what is a Valentino show with their signature claret-coloured garments from couture- where deep reddish hues met ligth picks and baby blues mixed with greyish-greens.
Yes, this collection was a whimsical and youthful that included flowy chiffon over micro-lengthed pants and fringed leather. Also there were Little Red Riding inspired hoods with petal-like decoration or in a ruched texture that was super-light. As for the finale, the show closed with a an ethereal sign, featuring a set of graceful gowns full with both a whole lot of fresh blooms that reflected Piccioli powerful aesthetic.
Whether it was intricate floral patterns, unexpected colour blocking, or even sharp monochromes, the contemporary romantic collection welcomed something for everyone, literally! Always leaving us with an awe, discover Pierpaolo Piccioli’s new perspective of strong and modern romanticism for Valentino Fall 2018 in the gallery above.
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Trend To Try Now: Wide-Leg Pants
Fashion Week’s pants choice came extra supersized this time of year!
Comfy and relaxed trousers were a street style favourite for many show-goers all across four fashion cities. From high-waisted to athleisure or striped, there are countless wide-legged style across the market, but the key is to create the right silhouette and balanced proportions.
You can go for a bright printed wide-leg pants and keeping the rest your look neutral, or if you are seeking a more professional, then you should a nicely tailored pair of wide-leg pants matched with a sleek blazer and a white-crip blouse.
To pull off wide-leg trousers it is a must to avoid a frumpy look, so a tip is to go with a fitted top. Also you’ll need to style your look with the right footwear to give you that extra height and confidence.
Loose fit clothing is literally everywhere, get inspired by the sartorial looks as your click through and shop our favourite bottoms in the gallery above.
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How To Get Dior FW18 Beauty Look
Everyone’s Wearing Maxis at PFW
Jewellery Focus: Alezan by SK
Famous for its vibrant colour play and eclectic designs, Alezan by SK is a Dubai-based handmade jewellery brand founded by Salama Khalfan. Inspired by equestrian heritage and refined craftsmanship, each Alezan jewellery piece is a pure reflection of the today’s strong and fearless women.
At a very young age, designer Salama Khalfan has had deep appreciation for art and design. The designer’s constant interest in jewellery-making, led her to pursue an education at the Gemological Institute of America. With a great passion for horses, her first-ever jewellery piece was of course an equestrian-themed bracelet in gold, intertwined with a leather wraparound strap. After a great positive feedback fromf riends and family, Salama decided to launch her very own fine jewellery brand in 2014, which is designed and produced in between Paris and the Emirates.
Yes, the brand hasn’t been around for more than 5 years, but the rapid growth of its fan-base is globally outstanding. Salama’s aim is not to only create pretty little glitzy accessories, but also to introduce ordinary designs for the daring woman who respects the art of oriental and traditional craftsmanship. Since the launch, Salama was named Best Daywear Jewelry Prize at the third edition of Ebda’a Award held in Abu Dhabi in 2015.
Click through to see Alezan by SK jewellery most-wanted pieces available to shop across many e-retailers and their official website.
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Paris Fashion Week FW18: Day Three & Four Roundup
Day Three and Four at Paris Fashion Week arrived with occasional pops of colour featuring unconventional designs and layered patterns.
Belts, boots and gloves! Ann Demeulemeester put on a rough, strong but still a romantic FW18 collection. Heavy on monochromatic hues, Ann Demeulemeester put a quite rough, strong but subtle romantic FW18 collection.
Rick Owens FW18 sent out pale faced models with chunky plaid patterns and bubbly silhouettes. Lush velvets were epically discordant, and the newly introduced sneakers added a nice sporty twist. With this collection, Rick redefined the meaning of luxury.
Fur, leather, fringe, and shine! For FW18 Isabel Marant ventures into the Wild West theme packed with relaxed separates, cowgirl boots and covetable pieces. It was Parisian cool girls with a bohemian twist. Can’t get any better than this!
Titled “West Village”, at the Off-White FW18 collection streamlined equine-themed graphic T-shirts underneath corsets and glittering tiered dresses marched the runway. The hopeless romantic range displayed a mixture of fine chiffon with little ruffles and quilted jackets with cut off shoulder in cool blues.
As a mark of bravery, Guillaume Henry serves up an elegant chic dose for Nina Ricci with decorated shoulders and ribbon ornamented military coats. Henry brings the classic hat back to fashion, as he experiments with different textured maxi coats and spectacular loose silhouettes suitable for the next best French drama movie.
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Paris Fashion Week: Balmain FW18
Showcased at the Hôtel de Ville, the master of textures welcomed a FW18 collection for Balmain full of iridescent glory.
Olivier Rousteing celebrated the Parisian brand’s aesthetics with detailed reality of holographic and transparent pieces mixed with updated denims. Rousteing took us to another dimension as his army of models pranced down the runway to the ‘80s hit song, “You Keep Me Hanging On” for Kim Wilde, displaying eye-catching details of heavy metal statements with strips of silver. The high-shine collection was all about enlightenment and power, injected with more relevance than ever before.
It was a glittering party that included silver disco jumpsuits; the signature Balmain blazer came in transparent rainbow, and distressed high waisted jeans were fully wrapped all around with glossy plastic. Also there were a loose casual jackets in light pale hues coordinated with sequined pants.
Keeping us on the edge of our seat from one season to another, Olivier again presents memorable creations suitable for the eclectic and confident Balmain woman of today’s time.
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Everyone’s Wearing Maxis at PFW
At Paris Fashion Week, many show-goers came out in various maxi options, from the popular mid-length version to more straight cuts and flowy silhouettes.
Maxi dresses and skirts are as versatile in winter as they are in summer. With this breezy trend you can easily layer thick tights or even wear pants underneath, for the extra cold days top it off with unexpected outerwear like a bomber jackets or floor sweeping coat.
The key to capitalizing on your favourite maxis and still look attractive is to experiment with versatile pieces, which will not only add warmth but a whole of style too. Try a thin turtleneck tops underneath, or even a chunk sweater or a fur vest on top matching with structured shoes or knee-high boots.
Click through to view our favourite maxi street style looks from outside the Paris shows.
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Paris Fashion Week FW18: Day Two Roundup
Day two at Paris Fashion Week FW18 channeled artful glam, whimsical patterns and iridescent designs.
Galliano had his eye on the future, and nothing but the future. For his Martin Margiela FW18 collecion he called it “dressing in reverse.” The dramatic range was a mere vision of what fashion forward pieces must look like; there were plastic PVC raincoats in flashy colours coordinated with dresses, chunky cushioned sneakers, sporty puff jackets. The best part was when the models cascaded the runway to the Saints Go Marching In anthem, wearing astronaut-hockey soft helmets.
Ingie Paris’ FW18 collection celebrated the surrealist world of femininity. It was pure gold with a unique exploration of popping colours and intricate embellishments. The high-shine collection was a parade full of excitement and incredible after-dark outfits injected with maximum sparkle and fashion-forward attitude.
Dries Van Noten welcomed a free-spirited FW18 collection, incorporated with unexpected glamour. There were soft prints in shades of green, beautiful silks; and refined embellishments, gorgeous brocade and feathers all united together the brought out the best of Van Noten’s signature romantic style. Oversized parkas and loose jogger trousers gave this lyrical collection a sporty chic vibe, making it a highly versatile for today’s modern woman.
Ralph & Russo revealed their second ready-to-wear collection in a presentation in the heart Paris. For their FW18, the duo designer embraced effortless elegance by showcasing the brand’s pristine signature details with a big splash of gold metallic all throughout.
At Rochas’ FW18 it was a breath of fresh air with a strong placed focus on feminine sophistication. The refined autumnal colours featured python prints, subtle sparkles and heavy embroidery. This collection visualised the discrete bourgeoisie in whimsical patterns with a rich mixture of textures and certain retro aesthetics. It was très chic!
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Paris Fashion Week: Lanvin FW18
Set at the Pavillon Vendôme in Paris, monochromatic shades and bright acid colours took over the essence of the Lanvin FW18 runway.
Debuted by the newly appointed artistic director, Olivier Lapidus welcomed an energetic collection that finally revived our passion for one of the oldest French luxury brand. It was full of urban tailoring that included beautiful iridescent silks contrasted with dark hues.
At Lanvin, orange was really the new black; Olivier tried hard to keep a unique balance between the edgy chic approach, where he sent out neon orange leather pants or pencil skirts matched with a black leather blouse or motto jacket, also there were some ombré dresses coordinated with the combat boots.
Lanvin’s FW18 was fresh with colour, energy and life that wakes the cold winters with complete radiance, taking inspiration from wardrobe staples of today’s modern women.
Truly chapeau bas to the perfect union of Olivier Lapidus and Lanvin; we can’t wait to see what future holds for both.
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Paris Fashion Week: Saint Laurent FW18
Day one of Paris Fashion Week comes to a close with beautiful colours, striking textures and floral prints dominating Saint Laurent’s dramatic style.
Inspirations taken from the brand’s archives and translated into today’s post-modern Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, for his FW18 he reinterpreted volume and glamour of the ‘80s with the cool attitude of the 2000s. One can’t deny that the collection was very much Vaccarello, included rocking disco boots, draped-rhinestone-coloured-shoulder dresses and of course exaggerated maxi-bijoux.
Once again Vaccarello pulls of a magnificent set right in front of the Eiffel Tower in the heart of City of Lights. The dangerously sexy collection comes with an after-dark glamourous spirit, where he takes us on an all-black power dressing journey for day, while the vividly hued sequined florals are kept for the evenings with an edge.
With Saint Laurent references throughout, there were plenty of leather and rock boots. Including body-hugging silhouettes and the brand’s signature mini-dresses that set the tone of the collection, which was alsofully packed with elaborated accessories like hats and headscarves, suitable for the eccentric and self-confident woman out there.
Seems like the already established rock style of Anthony Vaccarello is here to stay and intents on continuing with a clear vision of modern dressing done right.
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IWC Launches Own Racing Team and Reveals A Special Ingenieur Model At Goodwood
Heavily involved in motorsport for many years, IWC Schaffhausen officially launched its own IWC Racing Team at the 76th Goodwood Members’ Meeting.
This daring step made the IWC become one of the first watch brands to compete in classic car races with its own team and car. At the wheel of the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL 300 “Gullwing,” David Coulthard took 9th place in the Salvadori Cup.
Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition
Also taking place at Goodwood, the iconic watch brand revealed a new member of its Ingenieur family- the Ingenieur Chronograph Sport Edition. This sporty timepiece comes in a black calfskin leather strap and its soft-iron inner cage is made out of titanium to protect the movement from magnetic fields. The lower part of the cage is elegantly designed in a brake disk style and imprinted with “76”, in the honor of this year’s edition of the Goodwood Members’ Meeting; which is also limited to 176 numbered watches only.
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The New Tailoring Sported at MFW FW18
The souped-up suit trend was seen at both Milan and Paris Fashion Week last year, and today we are starting to notice a transition into the occasional power dressing with major new tailoring. This masterful mix-and-match trend was even more vivid last week in Milan, where street style stars sported their best show stopping suit ensembles to attend the hottest runway FW18 shows in town.
Some opted mono-toned classic options, like all-in bright red, mustard yellow or mint green, others went with bold plaid and subtle patterns. The key to pulling it off is in the styling- dress it down with a fun T-shirt worn underneath or for after dark elevate your tailored look with statement accessories like pointed pumps and an evening clutch.
Get the maximum style out of your favourite tailoring with the best street style looks straight from Milan Fashion Week.
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Shop Now: Basic Handbags
We always talk big investment pieces, statement items that are supposed to gain a lifetime in your wardrobe.
After all, you can never go wrong with a pitch-perfect bag. Especially when its versatility will hold up besides your daily wear and tear. But you must keep in mind that the right one can go a long way and even turn into a timeless heirloom to pass down generations.
When sporting a great tote, clutch or chain bag, this piece of accessory can really complement your total look from 9-5 and even after hours. For starters, you must look at it from a fashion perspective; a good idea is to consider roomy top handle leather bag or even a classic stylish sized clutch. Then look into the financial details you are about to make in some the world’s top leading handbag designers.
Click through to shop our 10 favourite classic handbag styles every woman should consider to have and to hold.
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Shop Now: Off-White X Jimmy Choo’s Plastic Fantastic Collection
Pick Of The Week: Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum
The most precious and purest drop inspired a new direction in the olfactory journey introduced by Issey Miyake in 1992; where the scent of water was reinvented.
In 2017, the brand unveils their third composition L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum, an extreme purity of the transparent accord. It is a fragrance that is adorned with sweetness that comes straight from nature’s delicate floral petals and refreshing fruits.
“With L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar de Parfum, the petal turns into a blossoming flower, yielding a drop that captures its purest perfume… its nectar.”
The blossoming opus opens with fragrant pear, and the floral heart contains Rose absolute accords. Then ends with sandalwood, ambergris and cashmere.
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Designer Focus: Salim Azzam
Khan El Joukh
An origin from Bater- a tiny village in Lebanon, Salim Azzam is a Lebanese storyteller and Illustrator. After pursuing a Master’s degree in Visual Communication Design in Canada, throughout his graduate studies Salim came to a realisation that design for social change is more meaningful and that collaboration between designers and communities can serve as a source of positive energy and outcomes that can impact our lives.
Azzam moved back to Lebanon in 2014, and for this very reason, the young designer started using his design and illustration expertise to document spoken traditional stories and local customs across different villages in Lebanon.
Salim launched his eponymous brand with his very own stand-alone boutique/embroidery hub in the heart of Beirut city, where all of his stories come to life through handcrafted designs. Salim Azzam mission is to offer a group of empowered women from various underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity to share their cultural heritage and hand-craftsmanship skills.
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A&E Talks To Racil Chalhoub About Feminine Tuxedos
Shop Now: Off-White X Jimmy Choo’s Plastic Fantastic Collection
So when the news broke that the cult fashion brand Off-White would be collaborating with Jimmy Choo for their Spring 2018 collection, it was pure madness that rang a fresh aesthetic to luxury footwear.
The debut collection included 9 shoe silhouettes, inspired by Diana, Princess of Wales and her signature nineties-era fashion, Off-White’s creative designer Virgil Abloh youthful and exuberant looks were balanced by the Jimmy Choo’s chic shoe designs of conceptual plastics, elegant tulles and bold floral prints.
Rihanna in Claire, Bella Haddid in Elisabeth
Of course, celebrities couldn’t wait to own a pair fast enough; many like Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, and Bella Haddid to name a few sported a pair of the brand’s modern-day princess inspired stilettoes and boots.
So if you’re looking for your next shoe investment, then click through to shop our favourite styles from this celeb-loved collection by Off-White x Jimmy Choo.
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A Clean Beauty Chat With Lynn’s Apothecary
Lynn’s Apothecary is a Beirut-based curated beauty space founded by a clean beauty believer and cosmetic student, Lynn Khoury Soubra. Lynn’s aim is to introduce and educate clients about the power of a new generation of green products developed without any toxins nor synthetic ingredients.
With limited regulation, it is a niche subject that is difficult to transition into, here we asked the Lebanese beauty addict to set the record straight about the natural beauty game and shares her opinion on how to make the switch to clean beauty!
Firstly, tell us how did you get into green beauty /skincare and why?
I’ve always been a beauty junkie. A couple of years ago I was at a juncture in my life where I thought it’s time for me to start anew and do something I am passionate about. My family in law has been in the beauty industry for more than 15 years and I’ve been constantly attracted to the business.A couple years ago, I travelled to Miami and grabbed a Tata Harper kit randomly at a beauty shop. I didn’t know the brand nor was into any special clean beauty trend but I was intrigued. When I tried the products I was instantly hooked. It transformed my skin and every time I used them it felt like such a beautiful experience for the mind as well, like nothing I have tried before. I wanted to know more about the brand and this is when I discovered the wonderful world of clean beauty and the other brands.
A new generation of beauty makers that were disrupting the industry and creating high performance natural products that broke away from the traditional/artisanal way associated with natural. Through my research, studies and while deepening my knowledge in clean beauty I also discovered the appalling truth of the ingredients found in the common personal care products we trust the most and we use on daily basis. I couldn’t go back to non-clean products knowing now the health hazards they can cause. None of the brands was available in Lebanon so I identified a gap in our local market and an opportunity for me to do something I believe in and I am passionate about. Which is beyond just selling clean beauty products but also passing on this newfound knowledge and helping others in our community to be more informed when they decide to use a product on their largest organ: their SKIN.
How has this transition from working for the UN to opening your own beauty business affected how you approach sustainability in other areas of your life?
My previous job at the United Nations was very different of course. It was easier in terms of job security and ensuring a work/life balance but after 10 years and given my personality it was not longer motivating. Owning my business has been fulfilling in many ways, I wish the days were longer as much as I enjoy being around the store, with clients, discovering new brands and growing Lynn’s Apothecary into my dream company. It’s a lot of pressure and it’s very demanding in terms of time away from my family and my two little daughters, which is the hardest part.
What are your most recent favourite skin care or beauty products?
The Tata Harper range is always a staple in my cabinet and the products I always go back to, my foundation. However, I always like to try and discover new brands and new products. Especially that it is easier for me to understand a product and advise my clients when I have tried it personally. The latest discoveries I have made and which have had incredible results on my skin are Vanderohe N.1 Face Serum and Opuntia Revival Oils. They are two niche brands not as well known as the others we carry but they are really special, I am kind of in love with these 2! I am also experimenting now with Josh Rosebrook, which produces one of the purest lines on the market.
Walk us through your ideal daily skincare regimen.
At night: Double Cleansing with an Oil Cleanser to remove the make up and all the surface impurities, followed with a gel or cream cleanser to really clean the skin and the pores. After cleansing I never miss the toner, which is essential and is an instant upgrade to the routine. I am currently using Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelarator. Then on each part of my face I apply different products, yes because very often our face has different issues going on in different spots. In that case, I apply Tata Harper Elixir Vitae to smooth and relax fine lines followed by a rich moisturising cream, using Tata Harper Crème Riche; around the eyes I use Pai Echium and Argan gentle eye cream, but I always make sure to use at least twice a week Tata Harper contouring eye mask which lifts the eye area, hydrates and procure a relaxed look in the morning.
Every now and then I do a Vanderohe Nourishing serum cure where I would just cleanse, tone and apply. It’s great in rebalancing the skin, supporting rejuvenation, correcting and toning. In the morning I cleanse once, tone, use the wrinkle serum on my forehead, the clarifying agent on my chin and then on top of everything the Opuntia Day revival oil, it’s amazing in toning, energizing the look and gives a special glow.
At least twice a week I do a mask depending on my skin needs: Deep cleansing, Exfoliating, Hydrating, Glow…
As a female entrepreneur, what has been your biggest challenge? Especially with being based out of Lebanon?
My business challenges in Lebanon are not related to being a female, on the contrary I think that female entrepreneurs in Lebanon are a strong breed and are becoming a norm setting inspiring examples of success and high standard at the local, regional and international level. However doing business in Lebanon and being an entrepreneur is challenging because there is not a proper structure to support the start up stage in terms of credit facilities, basic infrastructure, government regulations etc.
Moreover, in the cosmetic industry the cost of importing beauty brands is very high with additional customs duties imposed and tedious clearing procedures. In my specific category, I import products that are fresh and without strong preservatives so I have a high turnover and I need speed in terms of getting the merchandise on time to my clients and to be time aligned with the international launches of new brands and products. Exporting and growing your e-commerce is also an unbelievable affair in terms of customs rules etc.
Do you ever think about starting your own skincare line?
I am always open to new ventures so nothing is off the table. However, I have to be strategic and realistic in all my undertakings and starting your own skincare line in our region and grow it into a successful international brand requires many givens that are currently not available.
What’s your take on the beauty and skincare industry in Lebanon?
Unfortunately, the local market in terms of cosmetic innovation, production facilities, access and sourcing of raw material, oversight on organic farming and government support for the industry is still very much underdeveloped. I think there could be a huge potential with the proper support and I think it will of course be led by the private sector. Similar to the boom of the Lebanese Fashion industry, the local beauty industry could also thrive to set new standards of excellency. At Lynn’s Apothecary we are proactively looking to support new local brands that follow the strict ingredients policy we have set. In fact, we will be launching one or two local brands this year.
What kind of advice would you give someone who’s new or trying to transition to green beauty and skincare?
First I would of course encourage everyone to make the switch to clean beauty! If you are convinced then great go for it you are in for a beautiful experience. When switching your skincare start with a good cleansing routine first before investing in moisturizers and serums because it’s the base of everything else and will instantly make a difference. Clean beauty products are adapted to different skin types and concerns, you just need to find the right one for you and we are here to advise. Not everything labeled natural is actually really clean, you have to be aware of certain ingredients that are added to products and that could be toxic. Also the quality, sourcing and method of extraction of natural ingredients found in products are key to procure true benefits. Don’t be afraid of oils as they are wonderful to help in regenerating the skin, even if you are on the oily side some oils are very beneficial in regulating the skin sebum and oil production and protecting from bacteria that can cause breakouts. It’s important to stay informed.
If you are still skeptical and afraid of letting go of the products you are used to then start with body products. The body products are easy to switch and with just a shower gel and body cream you have already switched your largest skin area to clean beauty! Ladies please move asap to aluminum free deodorants. For the skeptical ones when moving to your face skincare start with a good cleanser, then a mask to incorporate in your existing routine and then slowly as one of your existing products end try a clean beauty alternative.
Are there any big plans in the works for Lynn’s Apothecary?
We are constantly growing. This year we have moved to a larger flagship store in which we will be soon launching a natural treatment room, and organizing masterclasses. We are also expanding through our Lynn’s Apothecary Clean Beauty Mini Corners that we are launching with like-minded partners. These satellite corners include a selection of our products adapted to the space and clientele of our partners. We also have expansion plans outside of Lebanon. We have started with our online store where you can shop all of our selection and we deliver worldwide including the UAE and all across the Gulf.
Your life motto…
Work Hard, Play Hard. Family and work first.
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