Start a brand new day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in a company of a man who knows a thing or two about fine watchmaking.

Alexander Schmiedt, Brand Director Of Vacheron Constantin Middle East, comes from a family of watch enthusiasts and shares what makes the brand unique in today’s busy market and a few words of wisdom.

Describe your morning routine.
There is no routine, that’s the good part of my job, every morning is different. The only things that is different in the Middle East is the sun which I enjoy tremendously versus where I came from before in Europe.

Overall, 2018 was a productive year for Vacheron Constantin, what can we expect in 2019.

You can expect continuity of what Vacheron Constantin was doing last year, and actually what we’ve been doing for 264 years and that’s, if you really want to know the part of the success, it’s been consistently doing the same thing since our foundation in 1755. Nobody actually cares about if you are old, it becomes relevant when you can take this heritage which is unique, nobody can buy, which you have to live and make something out of it that is unique. In the end it means taking your heritage, inspiring yourself from that heritage and re-invent yourself constantly. That’s what we have done with the Overseas, that’s what we have done with the 56.

As brand, what sets you apart from the rest?

I don’t want to sound like a marketing professional, there is a new claim of Vacheron that we introduced in September 2018 which brings to the point what sets us apart – One of not many. Vacheron Constantin has always been one of not many, in our heritage, in our exclusivity that we always have maintained since our existence, and also in our aesthetic and innovation. We don’t follow any trends, we don’t create watches that we believe are ‘needed’ because a mechanical timepiece, even from Vacheron, is not needed by itself, but it’s something people really know is what they love when they see it. And also the exclusivity and the uniqueness of Vacheron.

What do you consider the brands greatest achievements in the recent years?
Consistently staying true to the roots and heritage since the beginning. That is something that is very rare. It can take you centuries to build a brand, you can destroy it in a couple of months. Of course every brand has it’s high and lows over the past of its history, but at Vacheron Constantin you can say that we stayed close to our roots since the beginning, very consistently, we have never fooled ourselves, we have never been opportunistic to what we believe was right for a certain moment in time, which I think is very important part of the DNA of Vacheron Constantin and our success.

You come from a family that has a rich history in watchmaking, how has that shaped you?
I think very much so. If you are passionate about watches, and you catch this virus, it doesn’t let you go. It continues to spread, and in my case it was a very positive infection. It started when I was young, my family was in watches and jewellery since three generations, and as a kid I used to grow up in the business. I worked a couple of years outside the industry because I wanted to see something else, and it was a great learning, but I knew after one year working outside the industry I knew I would eventually like to come back.

What has been the biggest challenge in an industry that is moving so fast?
I think it’s a unique opportunity for Vacheron Constantin, because today life cycle has become shorter and shorter, things become more automated, overflow of information left and right, in the end what becomes rarer and rarer is something that is made by a person for a person. In the end, the ultimate luxury is something that a real person makes for you and the beauty of Vacheron Constantin is that it’s exactly what we’ve been doing for 264 years. We can allow ourselves to really create watches which are as our brand one of not many, and we see that in our clients who appreciate that who are ‘one of not many’ themselves and in the time where everything becomes faster, these clients crave something that is made by a person and is there to last. You get a Vacheron Constantin, you love it when you buy it, the more you have, the more you love it the more it will be part of you. Eventually you will hand it over to somebody else.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?

Enjoy your time and don’t waste it.

What do you still want to achieve?
Find the challenges and manage to master them every day.

What does travel mean to you?
It’s a big part of my life. Sometimes it becomes almost too much, but when you look back on it I would never miss it because in the end it’s always unique experiences. You meet interesting people from various ways of life. You work for a brand that offers you a variety of experiences which as you work for the brand you can share with our clients.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy your successes and learn from your mistakes.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully the same.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
Directly after I managed a big challenge and I feel a peace of mind.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Ignorance and intolerance.

What book are you reading at the moment?
The book I’m reading at the moment is the exact opposite of what I’m living every day. It’s from a famous German writer from the 1920’s, he’s called Thomas Mann and the book is called The Magic Mountain. It plays in the turn of the century, it’s in a Swiss sanatorium and it’s inmate patients and their lives. It’s about 2000 pages thick, basically nothing happens just explaining the beauty of the landscape and the beauty of the landscape, and it is so relaxing that it gives me a peace of mind.

How do you want the world to remember you?
With a smile.

Saudi born and Dubai based, designer Noora Hefzi launched her own-name fashion label in 2005 and creates timeless pieces with a sense of fun and glamour.

Noora Hefzi in Paiget for a&e Arabia, November 2018.

What started as playtime in her mother’s wardrobe turned into a career, and with her mum still being a close advisor in her collections, Hefzi tells us about her journey and hobbies beyond design.

Describe your morning routine.
I wake up, wash up, get ready, put my products on. Then I would pray, read a few pages of Qaran, then do meditation, set my intentions for the day and write something I’m grateful for. Then I’m off to Pilates, and twice a week I have violin lessons or I do horse riding.

What is your first fashion memory?

Being in my mother’s closet, her wardrobe was fascinating for us when we were kids. By the age of seven, my sister and I would just sit and pick outfits to wear when we grow up, and assign each shoe that goes with which dress, which accessories, so it was really exciting for us. Up until now my mother is still my fashion advisor, even in my designs she’s always advising me on what my new collection could be, and I really appreciate that advice from her.

Tell us about your journey as a fashion designer.
I think it was probably around high school, till then I was always into fashion even as a kid, and I remember when we were at school I used to collect my mother’s old fashion magazines and I’d go through them and cut out the editorial shoots. Because I was very inspired by Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, at that time I wanted to be a model, but then I discovered maybe it’s not modelling that I wanted because I’m not a poser. It was more about the clothes that they wore, so I wanted to be a designer rather than a model. I really enjoyed creating my looks or wearing something unique in the market, and up to now I really enjoy buying materials and textiles, it’s one of my hobbies – collecting fabrics.

Who is the woman you’re designing for?
Someone who enjoys trying something new, someone who is adventurous. I’m not going to say trendy because I’m not a trend follower, I don’t really read fashion magazines at all or watch TV, so I just go with what I feel is me. When you enjoy a piece, it has to be timeless, it’s got to be fun, something you would love forever, not just because it’s trendy or a neon colour. So I guess someone classy, who enjoy timeless pieces and as well as something that is fun and adventurous.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?
I would probably say when a&e magazine and Piaget selected me as one of six other ladies in the region as a successful and inspiring woman.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Usually when things don’t work out I tell myself ‘let go and let God’ because usually when you take your energy out of something it always works out. When you are so attached to it or attached to the result, it just always doesn’t go, and sometimes it doesn’t go the way we want but it doesn’t mean that’s it not going well, it’s just god’s way or better way that we don’t know.

What has been the biggest challenge?
As a designer, because I’m mother and wife and I have a lot of hobbies, so I think it’s balancing all of that. It’s difficult to find time for yourself, time for your self growth, family, kids, friends, social, life, business. That’s a problem for me, trying to juggle all these things at the same time.

What do you still want to achieve?
I think conquer all the fears that I have. One of things I was afraid of is big animals, and that’s why I started horse riding. Not sure what other fears I have but I’ll find out. More of self-development and self-growth, improve myself in any way I could.

Who has influenced you the most?
I would say my mother because she always encouraged us to go for our dreams. She’s very much into empowerment of every woman that she knows and she made us feel that we can achieve anything we want and never feel like because you’re a girl or an Arab girl that you can’t do what other people can. She was my biggest supporter and now she’s my helper with my designs.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
It will all be okay in the end and if it’s not okay then it’s not the end.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
I’m proud of you for being able to juggle your family life and your business, and all your other hobbies in life because it’s very difficult.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
I’m out in nature playing with my kids.

Describe your personal style?
It’s classic with a twist, it has to be fun, it’s can’t be simple basic stuff, it’s all about the material and colour. It has to be colourful, or it can be simple but have like a fun accessory. I very much enjoy accessorising so that’s a key part to my style.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Judgement, stereotyping, criticism, discrimination.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading two. Letting Go by David Hawkins and The Light Within.

How do you want the world to remember you?

As a healer, and someone who brought beauty to the world.

Planning a grand event or a wedding is as equally exciting as it is stressful. Zainab Alsalih, founder of Carousel Events, and her team of experts strive to make your job that little bit easier.

Below, we discuss the ingredients for a perfect occasion as well as the latest wedding trends, and what should the bride keep in mind ahead of her special day.

Describe your morning routine.
When I was younger, I was never really a morning person but as I got older, and especially after having children, mornings became basically the time when I wake up and have some peace and quiet before the kids are up. It’s a time I am able to collect my thoughts and ideas and plan my day ahead. It also gives me an opportunity to send out some emails to my team. I also catch up with husband because we are both so busy that we don’t end up spending any time together so we have our morning coffee together.

Tell us a little bit about Carousel Events.

Carousel Events started 10 years ago. It is a boutique event design and management company. We cater to a very distinct clientele who are after unique events and experiences.

What ingredients make for a perfect event?
Besides the aesthetic part of the event and the whole design element, I think most important ingredient is what a couple and the family bring to each event and wedding, it’s that joy and happiness. I think no matter what, at the end it really is that important ingredient that makes a wedding what it is.

Do you have a favourite venue in Dubai?

Think we are spoilt for choice in Dubai, we have so many beautiful venues, so many luxury venues, it’s difficult for me to pinpoint one venue that I like. I think I love a lot of venues so it really depends what we’re looking for, it depends on the type of event or wedding that we’re planning, it depends on size and location and time of year. If I were to pick some of my favourites it would be Four Season Jumeirah, the Ritz Carlton on JBR, the new W The Palm, and the Mandarin Oriental which is exciting to have open this year.

What do brides need to keep in mind for their special day?

Think they need to not lose sight of what’s important when they’re planning their wedding. Yes it is about the destination, but not at the expense of the journey. It’s very important for them to understand that the journey is just as important. Enjoy it, try to make the most of it, it goes by so quickly that you look back and might think to yourself ‘why didn’t I relax more? Enjoy it more?’ So I think it’s important to focus on that leading up to the big day.

Are there any event or wedding trends you’re excited about at the moment?

I’m loving all the garden themes. I think they have always been popular but I think especially after the royal wedding in 2018, that kind of became more of a trend, I have a lot more brides asking for a garden-themed wedding. Especially given that in Dubai we are limited with our outdoor venues, so I think a lot of the time you find that the people want to bring the outdoors in which is quiet nice. Although I’m a big fan of white weddings and they will always remain really classic, I’m loving how bold brides are becoming with the use of colour. Just a pop of bright colour to really bring a wedding to life. The focus on the afterparty is nice, to see couples nowadays wanting to give their guests a memorable experience, focus more on the entertainment and what happens when the formalities are over.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?
Being part of so many people’s beautiful memories and making dreams come true. The main source of my inspiration, and is what drives me and have been fundamental to the success of Carousel.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Do it with passion or not at all. I’m not a person who can do things half way. I either do it and do it well or I’m not going to touch it.

What has been the biggest challenge?
I wouldn’t say they are challenges, they’re just part of what we do. We work in a very stressful industry, event planners have one of the most stressful jobs in the world, so I’m not going to call them challenges, they come with job, and just anticipating them becomes very important.

What do you still want to achieve?
I think it’s inspiring young girls in our community. Girls that look up to women in business. I’d like to do that through writing books, or lecturing or mentoring, and just giving classes maybe to just help them understand that ‘you too can achieve that if you work hard enough’.

Who has influenced you the most?
I’m inspired by a lot of people in the industry, but I would say my main mentor, the person I look up to the most has been my husband. He has been my biggest supporter and fan and he has been pivotal in the success of my business, and who I am today. He has just been amazing support throughout the years.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
To be committed, do everything with passion, but accept there are certain things beyond your control. A favourite saying of mine that I repeat to myself time and time again it is what it is, there are just situation where you say ‘I gave it my all, I gave it my best, but there are things outside my control’. Just let it be.

Describe your personal style in one word?
Timeless.

When should you learn to compromise?
I think when working on team projects it’s important to compromise in order to create that inclusivity and give everyone a say in what we’re doing, it’s crucial to the success of a project. Sometimes I can be set in my ways and thing’s that I want but in order to make my team feel empowered sometimes I feel that I might need to compromise to give them that kind of push and get them to take ownership of what they’re working on as well.

When should you never compromise?
I would say when personal and professional ethics come into question, that’s when I would never compromise.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading Becoming by Michelle Obama. I think there is so much all of us as women can relate to no matter which walk of life you come from, there are things that we all share.

How do you want the world to remember you?

As a woman who lived life gracefully, one who achieved success without compromising her ethics and one that has been able to remain kind throughout the process as well.

INKED, an experimental event space, takes dining to a whole new creative level and it is the brainchild of husband and wife team Kenza and Patrick Jarjour.

Today we are joined by Patrick for a steaming cup of coffee to chat about the dining scene in Dubai and what males their concept truly unique.

Describe your morning routine.

At the moment, it changed drastically. It depends actually on if we have events the night before. I try to wake up pretty early, not look at my phone, read a bit, chill, having my time alone, trying to relax as much as possible.

What can you tell us about Inked and how the idea came about?

We were on our honeymoon with Kenza in Berlin and we saw the food scene there and then we started having ideas of how we can make something happen that is not actually a restaurant. She is the one who is the expert in food, I’m more on the events side, so why don’t we combine that? When we had the idea we said that it has to be in Alserkal avenue and not anywhere else.

What is the most interesting dining experience you’ve worked on so far?

There was a lot but I would say the most meaningful was Cook for Syria. We looked at each other and said we actually created a successful business because we are able to utilise it for a good cause. That was really something that we liked working on. The other one that I really liked was the event we did in Barcelona not long ago. It was quite challenging, we flew all management team to there to execute the event.

What is your take on the dining scene in Dubai?

I think it’s progressing a lot and more and more in the last few years. You have less companies wanting to bring franchises thinking what’s done abroad is better than what’s done here. More and more homegrown concepts and people are liking the new trends in the homegrown concepts.

Are there trends or experiences that don’t resonate with you?
I’m not a big fan of talking negative about anything, however when you feel there is a concept that has been created for money and not by passion.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?
Probably Inked. I’ve always been an entrepreneur and I opened several business, and I have another business at the moment. Probably Inked because it was a concept created with a lot of passion and not with a lot of knowledge because it’s not like a restaurant where you can speak to people who have done it before to understand what we should and what we shouldn’t do. Everything was based on a feeling, and with a proper belief system, with the right feeling and obviously with the right team you can achieve anything you want.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Kindness and ethics.

What has been the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge at the beginning what we wanted to do really, because it evolved while we were under construction, and everything evolved even after opening. But we do have challenges for each event we do because even when we do our own pop-ups the first day is the first day, you don’t have like a restaurant when you invite friends to test things, it’s really the first day there is that little stress to make sure ‘everything is fine, this is what we created, but is it the outcome that we wanted?’ Most of the time it turns out to be pretty cool.

What do you still want to achieve?
A lot. The more you grow, the more you want to change things but I would say the main thing I want to do and that’s throughout whether its professional or personal, is to change people’s life in a positive way. Inked is a tool to create something, that’s why Cook for Syria was the biggest success. From an event perspective, Cook for Syria was one of the easiest ones, we did very complicated events, but the meaning of it was bigger than any others we created.

Who has influenced you the most?
A lot of people. I did work a lot in the US with a life coach because I did events for them as well so you interact with them a lot. I don’t really believe that someone should have one specific person because everyone is unique. You need to take the best of each one and what suits you at the end and not just copy and paste what they do. You can do it and be successful but you might not be yourself.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Patience, a lot of patience and way more reading. I didn’t read when I was young.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now? 

Hopefully what a great 10 years we just had and lets push it and see where we can go.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
Love is around with a big L.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Someone who doesn’t take responsibility or finding excuses the negative part of that.

What book are you reading at the moment?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (by Yuval Noah Harari) it’s very interesting.

How do you want the world to remember you?
Straight forward.

What’s next?

No idea. Anything that fits the values we have and what we’d like to achieve. It’s not necessarily one specific business or something else but something that’s in line in what we do. I realised that the moment your actions are in line with your values then everything seems to be rolling.

How matchesfashion.com is continuing to pave its own path in the global world of ecommerce, with fashion & buying director Natalie Kingham leading the charge.

It’s impressive to think how matchesfashion.com has grown from a boutique in Wimbledon, founded by husband and wife duo Tom and Ruth Chapman back in 1987, to one of the e-commerce giants stocking 450 established and new generation designers and delivering to over 176 countries. Despite the expansion, one thing that the company has kept in mind throughout is making sure that the customer is always at the forefront of every decision they make.

There are several challenges that online platforms need to tackle if they are to survive and thrive in this fast-paced industry, and one of them is making the clothes, that you can’t touch and feel until the order arrives at your door, come alive on someone’s desktop or mobile screens. A customer has to connect with the story of the brand and the designers in order to make the ‘click to buy’ happen and this can be done through engaging editorial, shoots and interviews.

But matchesfashion.com are going beyond that with the opening of 5 Carlos Place in London. At the venue you can find capsule collections from fashion to homewares, and they also use it to hold talks with designers. It has proven a great living hub for customers to further understand their world of e-commerce. As an extension of that, they have also launched The Collector’s House podcast on which they chat to fashion and style experts in their respected fields.

Someone who works very closely with all these creative developments is Fashion & Buying Director Natalie Kingham. She speaks to us about how the women want to dress today and what we can expect in the future.

What makes matchesfashion.com unique?

I think the buy and the edit has been instrumental to a woman’s lifestyle. The editorial content is extremely unique, and I think we now have another layer with 5 Carlos Place. It will house what we are talking about and buying for the season. Delivery and packaging, the way the things are wrapped, we always come back to the customer and what they want and how they want to shop. Whether they want to shop online, go to the store, go to Carlos Place, listen to the Podcast, it’s always about making their journey exciting and that’s at the heart of everything we do.

What are you doing to appeal to the Middle Eastern customer?

We always try to think about our customer. We do try and think regionally, we look at which parts of the world are shopping with us and then we can drill down a bit deeper and look at what we can do better. But essentially, we do try to think very globally and we think about ourselves as a brand and our point of view and create our own global community. Great stylish women live all around the world.

What are people buying here in the region?

We have seen a lot of modest fashion. As a point of view, our business can be modest too. But there is that other woman that is a lot more glam and fun and feathered – I love that woman, I think it’s the escapism element. This region really embraces those two parts very well.

What do you look for in the pieces you select for the platform?

We are always thinking about the woman and how easy she is going to find it to wear, and where she can wear it. I’ve actually become obsessed at how easy it is to put things on. There’s been a lot of designs recently that look complicated, but there is just one zip to put it on. I want things to be easy, I want the woman to feel great, confident, empowered and beautiful.

Which brands are doing well in the Middle East?

Valentino does well here and Palmer//Harding too. There’s volume and good fabrics. We also do well with vacation brands here.

How important is the story behind a brand?

Stories have become so important and we can communicate that. You know when you’re buying an item, there is a story behind it, whether it’s a sustainable angle or something else. Gabriela Hearst for example is a very chic minimal and expensive brand, but when they start to discover the story behind it, the customer starts to engage and understand the thought process.

Are there any brands in the region that have caught your eye?

I look at brands in every region that I travel to, I think it’s really important to understand what the designers are doing. I’m still browsing here.

Is it difficult to balance the creative mind and the business mind when it comes to buying for matchesfashion.com?

They go hand in hand. We are fortunate that we are able to support new brands from their infancy because we have an online platform. When they first arrive it’s a bit slow, but after a couple of seasons they are the next big thing, and I enjoy that. There are great people out there.

Do you think runway shows are still relevant?

For some people I really do, it’s a good way for them to express their whole world. And we work with a lot of people who emerge online. It’s unique to each brand and what their message is and what their journey is. Just as we have different ways of talking to the customer, maybe brands should do the same.

Do you have a list of brands you always shop?

I am of an age when I know my own style and there are certain brands that work well for me. I love Halpern, you just feel a million dollars wearing it and that’s what I’m passionate about, feeling great when you put something on. I love Hillier Bartley, it suits my shape and it’s sophisticated. I love Prada too. For vacation, I love Lisa Marie Fernandez and Dodo Bar Or.

Tell us a little bit about expanding into homeware.

We’ve spoken a lot about lifestyle and how women are living their lives. With the opening of 5 Carlos Place I became very interested in fashion for the home. When you meet the designers and you go into their environments, maybe it’s their studio or home, you really start peeking into their world. Some of them are so good with colour, or their prints translate really well on cushions. It was a real natural extension of our woman and our community. If you love that brand, then you’ll feel comfortable buying it for your home.

What is your go-to work wardrobe?

I wish I knew what that was! I guess I’m androgynous, and I never realised that. I do like tailoring, I think it’s because you look well put together. It depends what kind of mood I’m in, but everything has a twist to it.

What is your vision for the next year and what challenges do you face?

I want to talk more about sustainability and waste. We did an innovators program around it, working with with designers and it was a huge success. We’ve been working with ecoAid for the last two years, they look at everything in our business and the designers we work with. Their journey from factory to us, and also what we do as a business. It is really important, they’re making it easier for us and we will be working a lot closer with them on the product and design side this year. And also couture and demi-couture elements. I think streetwear and being casual has become so important, and I want to highlight these artisanal crafts and details that we shouldn’t forget about.

If you have been envious of your other halves statement shirts from palmer//harding, you can wave that green monster goodbye as the design duo are set to release a capsule for men.

The debut men’s line of nine pieces will be available exclusively on matchesfashion.com from today. For SS 2019 the brand take their reinvention of classic shirting fabrics and apply them to the relaxed but bold silhouettes.

“We are so thrilled about this partnership with matchesfashion.com, for some time we have wanted to introduce menswear and so when they approached us with this we jumped at the opportunity. It’s been so fun and so many people are excited about the expansion of the brands offering,” said Levi Palmer, co-founder of palmer//harding.

Included in this capsule range is a completely new shape for men – the ‘Samuel’ shirt features a boxy cut and oversized sleeves emphasising the shoulders to create a powerful silhouette. The long-bibbed ‘Paul’ shirt is a palmer//harding classic from the womenswear line slightly reduced in volume and perfectly adapted for men. Finally, the ‘Carl’ shirt completes the collection as a classic option – possessing the most traditional shirting elements with statement detail.

Available in white and banker stripe poplins, navy fringe jacquard, and ochre satin and twills – this directional yet understated capsule offers the sartorial man a harmonious selection of shirts to add to his wardrobe.

The most romantic day of the year is upon us but before you get swept away by Cupid, make sure you have the perfect gift all wrapped up and ready for your loved one.

From statement accessories, to newest jewellery, it’s these indulgences that make February 14 extra special. While we’re on the subject of indulgences, don’t forget to treat yourself, after all this year is  all about self-love.

Click through the gallery above for the beautiful items we’d love to receive and those we can’t wait to give this Valentine’s Day.

No stranger to Haute Couture Fashion Week, designer Rami Al Ali joins us for a morning cup of coffee.

Below he discuss his ambitions for the brand and shares his take on the fashion scene in the Middle East.

Describe your morning routine.        

I’m an early bird and I like to wake up early in the morning, the first thing I do is sports. After that I have two separate offices, one for couture and one for the prêt-à-porter. I start with the couture and finish all my meetings with the production team and if there are any client appointment. After my lunch break I head to my second office in the Dubai Design District which is for my prêt-à-porter and follow up. It needs less presence from my side than couture, it’s just a more pragmatic line.

What can we expect from your couture collection this year?
I hope something a lot more interesting than last season. It’s a theme that I tapped into few years back, but I don’t think I reached rge full satisfaction from the result at that time, that’s why I went to the same era and theme. I developed newer techniques, something more complicated something more that speak the time of now.

How important are the runways and presentations in today’s industry?
Runway is still definitely the best way to translate the full vision of the designer. You have the production, the movement, the whole exact aesthetic that the designer wants to deliver to the press, the audience and the buyers. But now with the revolution of the social media and the digital world, I think that a presentation has started to be the new cool way that the audience prefers to see.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?
I think being able to be the full shareholders of Rami Al Ali company without any help of any financial institution or investors.

What has been the biggest challenge?
Probably the same since it’s self-funded company, sometimes that effect will slow down the growth of the company since the evolution of the company happens from the profit revenue that we generate.

What do you still want to achieve?
Very, very long and ambitious list.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Work today as if your last day.

Where do you seek inspiration?
I get inspired more by the achievement of people and the story that they tell, more than the aesthetic of certain designers or fashion houses. Probably when I start to shape up my career and start to build my own aesthetic I was inspired a lot by two fashion houses that left a beautiful mark on fashion, which is Dior and Valentino.

Is there someone you look up to?
I do. It helped me a lot at the beginning of my career, and still until now something I look up to, and it’s Mr Elie Saab and how he opened that door to the international scene for designers from the region and gave hope that it’s very much possible to get there.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Anything that don’t help me grow.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t worry, you’ll get there.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
You’re a little bit late.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
I make someone else happy.

What book are you reading at the moment?

It’s a very interesting, beautiful Arabic novel called “ثلاثية غرناطة” (Granada Trilogy).

How do you want the world to remember you?
As someone who didn’t just pass by, someone who left a mark.

MICHELIN STAR CHEF NIKO ROMITO BRINGS HIS CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN CONCEPT TO THE BVLGARI HOTEL & RESORT DUBAI.

Niko Romito, one of the world’s most celebrated chefs, with 3 Michelin stars for his Reale restaurant in Abruzzo, has been busy cooking up something exciting, and truly unique for the Bvlgari Hotel Group.

Since first being approached, his aim was to create a new dining concept which, while preserving the fundamental philosophy of simplicity, is a true refelction of contemporary Italian cooking that expresses the culture, elegance and vitality of ‘Made in Italy’ to the maximum.    

Rolling it out in Milan, Beijing, Shanghai, and now Dubai, visitors to the modern restaurant space will experience the same highly skilled menu that brings together all the traditional favourites with a twist, paying particular attention to lightness and structure.

Romito was born in Castel di Sangro, and as a boy dreamed of becoming a stock broker and he attended high school and university in Rome. He frequently travelled back to Rivisondoli, where his father had opened a pastry shop in 1970, converted thirty years later into a restaurant – the original “Reale”.

With only a handful of exams standing between him and a degree in Economics, his father fell ill. Upon his father’s death Romito abandoned his studies and decided to attempt a career as a chef. In the year 2000, together with his sister Cristiana, with no concrete culinary experience and no training, he took over the management of the Reale.

In 2007, he earned his first Michelin star, quickly followed by the second in 2009. In 2011, brother and sister Romito made a bold move and decided to relocate the restaurant to Casadonna, a 16th century monastery close to the village of Castel di Sangro. Besides the restaurant, the historic complex hosts a boutique hotel as well as a professional cooking school (Niko Romito Formazione). Over the years they received many international distinctions. The third Michelin star arrived at the end of 2013.

With such an unconventional rise to success as one of the most recognised Italian chefs, we speak to Romito about his work with Bvlgari, what it takes to be at the top of your game and his hopes for the future.

Why did you decide to workwith the Bvlgari group?

It was the project and the philosophy that lies behind it, because its global and Italian at the same time. It’s the first project with Italian cuisine where the same format is repeated around the world. The idea is to show simple and authentic Italian cuisine. When Bvlgari proposed this project, it was easy to say yes, I had this system and idea in my mind already. The restaurant that I have in the mountains is isolated from the big cities, it was a monastery from the 15th Century that we renovated, and as well as the restaurant we have a cooking academy where we teach Italian cuisine. It’s been running it for seven years. So when Bvlgari came to me having all the human resources from the academy was an opportunity to grow these people out of the academy and be part of the project.

Does this help the quality control across the project?

Absolutely. There are key figures that have worked and studied this project with me for two years. The most important thing is that this menu is conceived and studied for Bvlgari. What you eat here is different from my restaurant, the philosophy is the same, but the cuisine is more classic. It is more casual, a cuisine that I won’t define as fine dining but it’s a meal you can have every day, we are very attentive on the lightness, and the Italian raw materials are true protagonist. Even when you look at the dish, it looks simple but it doesn’t mean it was easy to make.

How do the dishes differ from other fine dining concepts?

I want the dish to be the protagonist and not the chef. Very often many people judge the dish by looking at it, but my cuisine has to be eaten. They have a different feel to other models of fine dining where there are too many decorations or sauces, the aesthetic of my dishes are the ingredients. It’s much harder to cook with one or two ingredients.

What can guests expect from the menu?

They will find plates of Italian traditions, but those plates are cooked with new techniques. On top of the great classics you’ll find new dishes.

What is your signature dish?

One of the dishes that we have studied a lot, and you think of it as a domestic dish, is lasagne. Also the veal Milanese. One of the bestsellers across all the Bvlgari Hotel’s is the antipasto Italiano, a selection of small portions to share that represent Italy through the regions they come from.

Dubai isn’t short of fine dining options, what makes this restaurant stand out?

This is my style and got me to where I am, but the most important thing is I didn’t create this concept to differentiate myself from others, because this is the only cuisine that I like and this is my philosophy. I can’t imagine other cooking models aside from this one. You can adjust to the place where you are, but you can’t change your personality.

You have three Michelin stars to your name, does that add extra pressure?

No but they do add the want and the will to grow more. Two weeks after opening in Shanghai, we received a Michelin star – with the same menu that you will have in Dubai. The value and the difficulty of this project was to have the exact same menu and it’s interesting to see how the reaction to the dishes differs depending on where you are.

What do the customers in Dubai tend to go for?

In Dubai, there are a lot of requests for meat, and stuffed pasta like Ravioli. The palette also differs, in Dubai they prefer a spiced kitchen with stronger flavours, in China it has to be less.

And does being a chef mean you are always in charge of cooking at home?

I never cook at home. I never cook outside the restaurant and I love people that cook for me.

What is your ultimate indulgence?

I have very simple tastes. Buffalo mozzarella and warm bread with olive oil.

Do you find it hard not to critique when you eat out?

No but a very few times I’ve eaten out people were worried that I would criticise, but I enjoy going out. When the recognise me, especially the young chefs, they start panicking.

Do you think more restaurants are looking to simplify their cooking, is this a trend?

It’s not so much to follow or set a trend. This project is based on bringing true Italian cuisine, and it requires time because a Bvlagri guest is a sophisticated, well-travelled and demanding and our goal is for this project to be understood and have people coming back.

How would you define modern Italian cuisine?

Italian cuisine is a domestic cuisine, the traditional “trattorias” originate from the recipe’s passed on from generations in the Italian houses. Modern Italian cuisine has to be able to maintain this heritage by revising the multitude of recipes with the lens of contemporaneity, the innovative cooking and transformation techniques deriving from research, preserving the taste and improving the nutritional impact on the diners.   

What other chefs do you admire?

David Kinch, Massimo Bottura, Renè Redzepi, Christian Puglisi, Mauro Uliassi and many other young Italian chefs that today are bringing on a strong identity concept of our cuisine.

What is your first cooking memory?

I remember my grandfather very well, cooking for me and my sisters the traditional abruzzesi dishes when we spent time in Rivisondoli, my hometown, during the summer holidays when we moved back from Rome. Another strong memory is the smell of my father’s pastry shop which is the inspiration that has given shape to BOMBA, today one of my favourite gastronomic street food formats.

What do you say ‘no’ to?

Compromise.

What do you still hope to achieve?

I want to consolidate and perfect all the projects developed so far, endeavour in the research processes that are always ongoing in the labs we have at Casadonna and Reale and continue to improve transformation and cooking techniques. The variety of the Italian cuisine traditions and heritage are extremely broad, and is an endless stimuli and source to draw inspiration from.

In a blink of an eye, the fashion season is back and as usual we kick off the proceedings with New York.

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One of the big four style capitals, the buzzing city is gearing up for a week of shows, presentations and plenty of statements on and off the runway. But there are a few changes to the calendar.

When

February 6 – February 16.

In

Helmut Lang is back on the bill with Alix Browne at the helm, and so is Proenza Schouler after their first show last season following a brief stint in Paris. Keep an eye out for emerging brand Matthew Adams Dolan and the debut in New York from Palomo Spain. As always, Tom Ford will be the first major show of the week, and we are expecting big things from the firm favourites such as Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta and Marc Jacobs.

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Out

Since announcing the departure of Raf Simons, the iconic American brand Calvin Klein will not be showing this season. Victoria Beckham has also decided to stay put in London, and Rodarte have just showed their latest collection in California.

Rodarte by instagram.com/kateandlauramulleavy

Pushing Boundaries

We loved meeting chief executive of 11 Honoré – the luxury size inclusive ecommerce platform – Patrick Herning and are excited for their first show in New York. Fashion is for everyone darling.

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Make sure to follow our coverage here and on Instagram.

We are still re-living the magical Dior circus that Maria Grazia Chiuri staged during the SS19 season of Haute Couture, so you can imagine our delight when the brand announced that they will be bring the whole collection to Dubai.

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Scheduled for March 18, but with the venue still to be confirmed, the French Maison will be showcasing the exclusive looks which will be followed by a cocktail party.

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In Paris, guests were welcomed inside a circus tent where they watched model after model glide past in pieces that blended classic and modern couture, as a troupe of Mimbre Acrobats performed throughout.

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Maria Grazia took the circus theme and combined it with the best of the House’s savoir-faire, sending out short dresses and playsuits alongside full gowns. ‘Referencing Monsieur Dior’s own use of sequins, the embroideries and decorative elements she employed enabled creations that pulse with personality, delving into notions of character development and evoking the passage of time.’

“Fashion is different today. Couture to me has to be about lightness, dresses made with attitude,” she said in a statement.

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The bonnets, designed by longtime Dior millinery maestro Stephen Jones, wrap the head in subtle shimmers and the face in a soft layer of net sprinkled with rhinestones to mimic the teardrops drawn beneath.

The Mulleavy sisters like to play with contrasts, and for Rodarte FW19 their creativity felt even more amplified.

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On the surface, like most of their past shows, the collections always carry a sense of magical romance the borders on innocence and sensuality. The clash of hard and soft, pastels and bold hues, petite detailing and maxi exaggeration.

Staged in San Marino, Southern California, the show had to be moved from the gardens of Huntington Library to the nearby flower-walled pavilion due to rain, but it was still a mesmerizing setting.

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Inspired by icons of Hollywood musicals – think Ginger Rodgers, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland – there was plenty of femininity shown from delicate fans of lace, airy tulle, cute bows, embellished hearts and flowers and butterflies decorating curly hair.

That nostalgia was then met with Seventies vibrancy showcased through bold shoulders, voluminous ruffles, impactful colour palette, daring leather, super high heels and striking glittery makeup.

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Reviewing at the collection as a whole, you may wonder where these clothes can go apart from the red carpet, but look at it one more time and you can see that these pieces are made for those who want to feel bravely pretty and make a statement.

Nothing makes us wake up and go like a steaming cup of coffee, and today we are joined by makeup artist and image consultant Asma Lootah – who much prefers a green juice to start her day.

Asma didn’t follow the traditional route of becoming one of the most sought after makeup artists in the region. She started out as an architect in the government sector, but she always loved makeup, and that passion drove her to find an artist to teach her all the tricks and after consistent practice on family and friends, she started to build a loyal customer base.

This transformative aspect of beauty encouraged her to sign up to a Image Consulting course at the London College of Fashion after which she quit her job to pursue her new career full time.

Below, she reveals her must-have products, the effect Instagram has on beauty and what she still hopes to achieve.

Describe your morning routine.

My morning routine is not something that’s similar every  day. Working as a makeup artist and image consultant means some days I have clients in the morning, sometimes I just do some work so it depends. But when I wake up, the first thing I do is refresh my skin, I like to spray my face with rose water and then have my morning green juice – if you follow me on social media every day I post a recipe for my green juice – I’m not a coffee person at all. And then I kickstart my day.

Tell us a little bit about your career.

I’m an architect by degree, and I worked as an architect in the government sector for almost nine years. I started my passion for makeup when I was searching for a makeup artist for my wedding in 2010, and then I fell in love with images and artistry. Back then, Instagram was still starting, I searched for a makeup artist who can teach me in Dubai, and there wasn’t that much like nowadays. So I found an amazing makeup artist who taught me, gave me a private course and then I started applying makeup on everyone and anyone who would let me. Then I started taking clients gradually. So I had my day job as an architect and I was doing makeup in the evening and weekends as well. I loved fashion since I was young, my passion was makeovers and I loved watching makeover shows, on the Opera shows, so it really makes me feel amazing to see these before and after photo’s. So I started image consulting at the London College of Fashion two years ago and then I decided to quit my day job as an architect and do this thing full time.

What is the one makeup tool or product you can’t live without?
As a makeup tool it will definitely be my Beautyblender, if I don’t have it in my makeup kit I would panic. For a makeup product it depends, every now and then I change between products. So there’s no one single product I can’t live without.

What trends are you loving?
Trends nowadays is dewy skin, the natural dewy skin, skin that looks like skin, so light foundation that gives you that really natural finish is what is trending right now. I love also adding a little bit of shimmer eyeshadow on the lower lash line, it gives this sparkly eyes.

What is your take on the relationship between beauty and Instagram?
Instagram really influenced the beauty industry, social media in general influenced the beauty industry. We see how blogging effected the cosmetic industry and how they are launching new products to satisfy the consumer based on the bloggers and the reviews on YouTube. My Instagram, I take it as an inspiration and as an educational tool for my clients. It’s my marketing tool, this is how my clients find me, but I feel that Instagram trends are really strong but if you apply it on real life, not everything is applicable. You see these perfect eyebrows, perfect skin, the Facetuned skin, it’s not a real thing and we all know that. But I try to educate my clients in my makeup workshops, for example, how you can take these Instagram trends and apply them in real life in a way that looks really natural and approachable.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?
Having repeated clients is my biggest success. When you have a client who comes to you the first time and then they hire you again and again, so you feel that when you gain their trust and they feel comfortable with you, I feel that this is my biggest success so far. I did  some makeup for celebrities, and I’ve been featured in many magazines and many social media pages, and it’s a nice thing but the most satisfying thing for me is when I feel that there is this trust between me and my clients.

What’s is the motto you live by professionally?
Keeping a good reputation all the time, this is the most important thing, especially in my industry.

What has been the biggest challenge?
Having this work life balance. As a mum and as a image consultant and a makeup artist, I don’t have like a 9-5 job, I work on weekends, I work on holidays. Sometimes my kids are at home on holiday and I have to work, I believe this is the most difficult thing.

What do you still want to achieve?
As an image consultant I focus more on modest fashion. Modest fashion is booming and is very trendy on social media. Ladies are more aware now of modesty and fashion so feel here in the UAE, especially with my UAE clients, I’d love to educate them more about modest fashion being trendy and stylish and at the same time modest and elegant.

Who has influenced you the most?
In general I was so influenced by Oprah Winfrey. I used to watch her show all the time back then, loved the makeover especially when she does before and after. I love how she was inspiring, and how strong she was and proved that by being yourself, people will accept you and you’ll be more successful. In beauty industry I’m inspired by so many talented makeup artists; Pat McGrath, Charlotte Tilbury, Jordan Liberty. There are so many names out there.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and have more trust in yourself. I was so shy as a teenager growing up, and I knew back then I had talent and I had skills, but what I didn’t have is self-confidence to show it to the world.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
Maybe enjoy your time a little bit more, live in the moment more.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
I’m around my children, I’m happy when I’m at the beach – my favourite place, I’m happy when I have hugs from my clients after I finished doing their makeup or after giving them a full makeover and I see the sparkle in their eyes. I feel so happy.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
To anything that is against my values. If I don’t believe in something I would never do it. If it’s against my integrity, if it’s against honesty, definitely it’s a no from me.

Describe your personal style?
Elegantly modest.

What book are you reading at the moment?
I’m actually reading two books. I’m reading a book called Ikigai, it’s like a Japanese philosophy of living a longer life. I’m really enjoying this book.

How do you want the world to remember you?
As a person who spread beauty, who made someone feel better about themselves. If I have an impact on a young lady, or a mum to feel more confident, to let herself shine from the inside out, I feel this is the impact or how I like people to remember me.

We are not yet ready to let go of the Haute Couture magic, especially the highlight of the week that was Valentino.

Pierpaolo Piccioli masterminded a show that made Celine Dion weep and Naomi Campbell come back to the Italian brands runway after 14 years. It was full of blooms, volume, bold colours – pure couture artistry.

“The repertoire of classic Haute Couture, made of ruffles, frills, fringes, volumes, flowers, are transformed by a present, hieratic and noble corporeity. Moved by a merging between fantasy and reality,” reads the press release.

Escape into the dreamland of Valentino Haute Couture with the newly released backstage video below.

Today, team a&e got a first look of the new Alexander McQueen boutique in the Dubai Mall fashion avenue.

It is the second in the world to showcase the new design concept conceived by the brand’s creative director Sarah Burton in collaboration with the architect Smiljan Radic. Nature plays a major part in her designs which is echoed in the style of the boutique.

The open wooden space, a mix of oak and walnut, feels airy where the clothes capture the imagination. The central pillars, draped in butterfly print tapestry, stand out and further bring together the codes of the house.

These are created in the McQueen studio, elaborately woven and embroidered under the direction of Burton and her team, and become part of the architecture which you can also find in the changing rooms.

Elsewhere, a new cladding – ‘cotton-crete’, a cotton-based papier mâché – has been developed for the space. It appears in white, in panels alongside the wood, and in black, cladding the façade of the store which is otherwise full-height glass.

It has become even more important for the stores to contain the same energy as the collections, and change with the vision of the designer. The new space truly reflects Burton’s love for playing with raw and the refined, the contemporary and the traditional – which is probably why Kate Middleton can’t stop wearing her creations.

If you are looking to tick the buzzing city of Tokyo off your bucket list, then do it in style with the help of the Mandarin Oriental hotel.

The luxury property has recently gone through an extensive renovation of the guest rooms, combing Japanese craftsmanship with the latest technology.

To compliment the hotel’s location in Nihonbashi, an area that is closely connected to the culture of the Kimono, textile designer Reiko Sudo has used locally produced fabrics in all suite and guestroom interiors.

Bespoke fabrics and furnishings representing the woodlands and the changing seasons, have been incorporated throughout, with autumn leaf colours of gold, orange and purple and blooming springtime wisteria and sakura patterns embroidered onto headboards.

The rooms feel contemporary and luxurious, all incorporating a nature theme to make you feel relaxed and at one during your stay – the Presidential Suite even offer a view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. But at some point you are going to have to leave your haven so you can check out one of the 10 restaurants and bars as well as an award-winning spa.

For a truly immersive cultural experience, guests can book Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Package which includes accommodation, breakfast for two and the choice of a cultural experience in the historic Nihonbashi district.

Grab your espresso and settle down for another episode of the Morning Coffee.

Today we are joined by the founder and designer of Twisted Roots, Latifa Al Gurg. You may have seen her previously on our platform as one of the faces of our Piaget shoot, but she has also been busy creating Expo 2020 uniforms for staff and volunteers.

Her collections speak of wanderlust that comes from her love of travel and exploring the world. Watch our interview with Latifa in full below.

Describe your morning routine.
It’s an early start so wake up at 05.45, up with the kids, get them ready for school. Luckily I have a husband who does drop offs so it gives me time to get ready. Then off to work which is meeting, photo shoots, scheduling, different things like that, until around noon and then pop to the house to check in and then pick-ups.

You have a major role to play at Expo 2020, what can you tell us about that?
We are the winners of the design competition for the uniforms, which was very exciting and it was a huge project to take on. From here on we have to work with the Expo team to develop the uniforms further because initially it was just a concept that they took, and then we have to develop it to become the final uniform design and then go into production with whoever they choose.

You have to dress over 30,000 people, that’s steep challenge.
I think the challenge was there from the beginning because 30,000 volunteers and employees, so you’re talking about people across different ages, across different sizes, so it was a bit of a difficulty to figure out what are we going to do to keep everybody comfortable, and everybody proud of the uniform they are going to wear. We want them to feel and have this oweness of what they are participating in.

One of the themes for expo 2020 is sustainability, how are you incorporating that into your designs?
It’s a major theme, and there are so many ways you can incorporate sustainability and I decided to go into one of things that’s been in the news recently which is the plastic in our water systems. So we used recycled polyester – two types of them. We used mechanically recycled polyester which is actually plastic water bottles that are recycled into fabrics, and chemically recycled polyester which is old polyester fabric recycled into new fabrics.

What is your professional moto?
Professionally it’s mostly prepare, prepare, prepare. I like to prepare everything, there is also step 1, step 2, step 3. My background in engineering makes me breakdown everything, whether it’s professionally or personally, down to different steps. Everything I tackle, I identify the problem and then identify the steps to get to the solution.

What do you still want to achieve?
You always want to achieve further, there’s so much more I want to achieve in different aspects. Professionally we want to expand internationally and regionally. Personally there is so much, I want to travel to every country in the world, as everyone, one of my biggest bucket list items is to go to Antarctica so that’s something I’m really looking forward to looking into right now. With my kids, to see them grow. We’re at a point where my eldest is looking at university, so I think you always have something else and my biggest, what I really I want to achieve is to always be learning.

Who would you say is your career mentor?
I don’t have one mentor. At different points in your life you have different mentors and you actually learn from everybody around, so I wouldn’t pick anybody who is specifically in fashion. My first mentor would be the first person I came up with the concept with which is Toby Meadows where I did my first course, and he guided through a lot of things throughout the years. Other than that, on a daily basis I consider everybody I meet a mentor because there is so much you learn from everybody.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
It would be to maybe slow down, not wasting time. It’s okay to take time, the older I grow the more I value time that’s ‘down time’ and more reflective time.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
You have to ask me in 10 years.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
I’m travelling, when I’m reading, I’m happy when I’m with my kids and my family, I’m happy when I’m exploring.

Describe your personal style.
It’s timeless with twist. I like things that are classic but it has a little bit of my voice and my perspective, and where I am at that moment.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Wasting time. I’m always on the go, always trying to fit in something else. It’s always sitting down and doing nothing that’s a no no for me.

What book are you reading at the moment?
I am reading The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. It’s an amazing book. It talks about grief and the year in her life after she lost her husband suddenly. Very heart wrenching but a beautifully written book.

How do you want the world to remember you?
As someone who has done something impactful, who made a small difference at least.

Here at a&e, we are positively giddy when a fresh new beauty product lands on our desk.

The market is constantly innovating with more emerging brands and advanced technologies making their way to our bathroom shelves. It’s an exciting time, and below we share some of the treasures to expect this month.

La Prairie Platinum Rare Cellular Life Lotion

Enriched with the Platinum Peptide and powerful ingredients that support skin’s detoxifying mechanisms, Platinum Rare Cellular Life-Lotion refines the skins texture, smooths fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of elasticity. We love it for the fact that it helps the skin to protect itself against the negative impact of external and internal stress factors by supporting skin’s own network of detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes.

Dolce & Gabbana The Only One 2 Fragrance

The Only One’s iconic signature of coffee and violet is reimagined with powdery red roses, ideal for Valentine’s Day. Top notes of red berries, pear and freesia are blended with a heart of red rose super essence, violet and coffee, lending a warm and romantic aura to the scent. Smooth, sweet notes of tonka bean and patchouli in the base further amplify the fragrance.

Jill Stuart Beauty Lasting Curl Blossom Waterproof Mascara

Diamonds in a mascara? Yes please. Jill Stuart Beauty have launched a brand new curling waterproof mascara that contains diamond powder that adds juts a little sparkle. Now that’s a fresh-eyed look we’ve been after.

M.A.C. Hyper Real Glow Highlighting Palette

M.A.C had the beauty world gripped with the two previous launched – the Hyper Real Glow Foundation and then several highlighting powders. This month, they will unveil

Get Lit and Shimmy Peach highlight shades which sound perfect for the summer ahead.

Le Mer Genaissance de la Mer The Serum Essence

There’s a hefty price to pay for La Mer skin, but we have a feeling that the latest serum is worth it. Using all the powers of the sea and incorporating their Crystal Miracle Broth, it is designed to add radiance to your complexion and also has a firming effect.

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Swish & Glow Blusher in Pillow Talk

Charlotte Tilbury has transferred one of her most-loved lipstick shades Pillow Talk to blusher. The two-tone shade is designed to swish onto your cheek in the right place, the finely-milled outer colour will sit on your cheekbones, while lighter one will enhance the apples.

Pope Francis has arrived in UAE, marking the first visit by a pontiff to the Arabian peninsula.

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His three-day stay began with a welcome at the Abu Dhabi airport by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dr Ahmad Al Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif.

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“The leadership & nation of the UAE are proud of this historic visit of two greatly respected religious figures. It embodies our belief in the values of love & tolerance as a pathway for humanity towards peace, security, stability & rapprochement between different people & culture,” Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince posted in a Tweet.

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Tomorrow, the head of the Catholic Church will attend a Global Conference on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi along with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmad Al Tayeb. He will then hold a mass in Zayed Sports City Stadium where he will be speaking to around 120,000 people who are expected to attend.

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His visit is guaranteed to send a message around the world that all people of all religions can coexist peacefully, and will further emphasise why 2019 was proclaimed the Year of Tolerance.

Chanel first launched their Mademoiselle Privé Exhibition in 2015 in London, and since then it has continued to be a popular platform for visitors to explore the workings of couture, fine jewellery and beauty.

This year the Maison will be heading to Shanghai and will focus the exhibit, titled Open Sesame, on the three creative worlds: the Haute Couture reinvented by Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel N°5 created in 1921, and the High Jewellery with the re-edition of “Bijoux de Diamants”, the unique collection designed by Gabrielle Chanel in 1932.

In a revised concept, Mademoiselle Privé revolves around three key addresses, materialising in the exhibition as three houses, each one offering an immersion into the very sources of brand’s creative process.

Mademoiselle Privé Exhibtion Hong Kong, 2018.
Image: instagram.com/katy_rickitt

Lagerfeld’s Creation Studio and the Haute Couture ateliers are housed at 31 rue Cambon, while 18 Place Vendôme is dedicated to the High Jewellery, with Grasse in the South of France being the location of where the perfumer Ernest Beaux and Gabrielle Chanel together created the iconic fragrance.

The exhibition will run from April 20 to June 2 at the West Bund Art Center.

Hot cup of coffee at the ready? Take a moment to get to know Jumana Al Darwish who took a chance to follow her dream and create one of the happiest home grown concepts we have come across.

Jumana Al Darwish and her daughter Ayla at The Happy Studio in Alserkal.

Inspired by her daughter Ayla, it all began on Jumana’s dining room table. She envisioned The Happy Box as a way to bring engaging creativity into the lives of families, giving them the opportunity to spend quality time together.

The Happy Box offers a monthly subscription service by which boxes of ‘happiness’ in the form of arts and crafts, games and treats are delivered to your door. Each box can be customised to the needs of the receiver.

As it grew, The Happy Box began to provide treats and gifts for children’s parties, birthdays and even travel boxes to keep little ones happy while on holiday. As the business began to grow, Al Darwish introduced The Happy Studio – a creative space that brings to life The Happy Box concept in a welcoming, fun environment.

The Happy Studio in Alserkal encourages people from all walks of life to visit and share moments of joy together. It offers interactive community installations, arts and crafts workshops, birthday parties and even curated photoshoots (who doesn’t want to take a bath full of balloons alongside a giant inflatable unicorn?)

Watch our interview below.

Describe your morning routine.
Mornings for me are madness. I start usually very early between 5.30-6am, I wake Ayla, we have breakfast, chit chat, and then she heads out to school and then I have half an hour to myself in complete silence with my coffee. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a coffee lover so those 30 minutes are religious for me. Then my day begins, it’s back to back madness until the afternoon which I dedicate to Ayla completely. Sometimes during the week I’ll find one or two days where I can work out, otherwise it’s pretty hectic.

What is the message you are trying to spread with The Happy Box?
People tell me ‘it’s your company, you had it close to five years now’. It really is my baby. It’s a social movement, it’s no longer just a company anymore. What we’ve created, we’ve provided families with opportunities to connect to one another through our platform of art and creativity. The Happy Box is so much more than just a box filled of arts and crafts, it’s a force of bringing people together, community together, and embracing oneself through the love of art.

Tell us about the Happy Studio.

The studio was kind of a natural progression after we started the The Happy Box. To be honest I didn’t think The Happy Box would’ve survived the first year, so when I first started it was a social experiment to ‘see if it would work’, and it did. I was running my company from my dining room table, then in my garage and then it just felt right to have a brick, stone, all my ideas under one roof. I also wanted to create a space where people can come from all age groups, not only children. It’s where we run our operation, it’s where our factory is, but also a massive space where we host events, our installations as well. Being in Alserkal Avenue, it is a hub of creativity which felt like the right space for us.

How do you balance motherhood with running a business?
I’m one of the very fortunate mums because I was able to build a business around my daughter. Prior to starting The Happy Box, I worked for the government of the UAE, her majesties office, for many years and I just felt that when I became a mum I wanted to have more flexibility, even though I loved everything that I was doing. I was able to build The Happy Box around Ayla, and we grew up together. It was in it’s infant stage, Ayla was two when I started the Happy Box and then as it grew we recruited more personal, we became an army of people and that’s when I learning to delegate. That was a very difficult part for me, letting go and letting it run. And now I feel Ayla needs me a lot more, so I need to be more present in her life so I learnt to try as much as possible to try and find that balance. Some days I’m an awesome mum, and other days I’m not an awesome entrepreneur. There’s no balance, you strive for your balance.

What makes you happy?
A lot of things. First and foremost family, being with people that I love. Travel, culture, communities and charitable work – is a very big part of my life ever since I was young. That gives me true happiness, being with others and being able to help others. I love art and poetry. I love to sit in a café and just read. I really appreciate every single moment that comes my way. That is happiness for me, in the most simple things.

What do you consider your biggest career success to date?

Looking back at my journey of almost five years since we established The Happy Box, we’ve had several milestones that I’ve been truly proud of. The first one was that it was actually working, we’re onto something! And then franchising it out to be able to add it to different markets, to see if the product actually worked. Another milestone would be moving form a homegrown concept and taking it to The Happy Studio which evolved into something bigger. And now we’re onto something else that I will let you know in a bit.

What has been the biggest challenge?

There are always challenges, so there isn’t one specific challenge. I’ve been very fortunate, my journey has been very smooth so far but there are hiccups along the way with everything that you do, with a every milestone that you hit there is a massive hiccup that comes your way. I really feel that as long as you stay focused and on track, keep your eye on that ball, you never lose site no matter how much noise is around you, and you really focus a lot on making the company sustainable, upping your services, making sure that everything is within your core values, nothing that you do is outside of that, I feel you’re able many of these challenges. Surround yourself with the right people, we have an incredible network of partners and entrepreneurs that support us, I feel we’ve been very fortunate.

What’s your personal motto?
I have a couple. A quote by poet Omar Khayyam “be happy for this moment, this moment is your life.” I feel that life is comprised of several different moments, and you really have to just take a step back and enjoy being where you are. Another personal motto that I live by, and is a fundamental principal in everything I do, are my mum’s words “there are three major pillars in one’s life and it is your health, financially stable and fidning a connection” – with a divine or mediation, whatever it is, being grounded. I live my life around this. I think every woman should be financially stable, every woman should focus on her health because health is something you can never buy, and having a connection and being grounded which keeps you intact moving forward.

Who is your inspiration?
Many people. Of course my family, my parents – I think I’ve taken my mum’s social values and my dad’s work ethic, they really inspire me, they keep me going. Being around incredible friends, partners and a network of female entrepreneurs. But aside from that, it’s being around things that I love – like art, music, travel, languages, these get me kicking, it gets me to dream, and it helps me bring all that passion out and bring it to life.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Let go of perfectionism because it doesn’t exist. In my earlier adulthood life, I wanted to be perfect – the perfect daughter, perfect student, perfect wife – and I never really looked at myself as what this Jumana truly wants. If I could go back, I would just say “let it go”. But there are some things that are worth your time. Focus on the things that you can control and change.

What would you tell yourself 10 years from now?
That it was worth it, that I didn’t settle and that I carved a life that I always dreamed of.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
Many things. Anything or anyone that I think wastes my time or adds unnecessary baggage or noise in my life, I get rid of it. I’m very particular about time and I feel that time is everything.

What is your professional motto?

I have two. ‘Make it happen’, and ‘what’s the worst thing that can happen?’ I always tell my staff as long as it fits in with our core values, it’s ethical and it’s up to the standard just make it happen, just run with it. And ‘what’s the worst thing that can happen?’ Take a risk. When I started The Happy Box it was a risk, I had no idea that I would be here in five years down the line. It’s an opportunity, go for it.

What book are you reading at the moment?
In the past year I’ve read several books. I come from a family of poets, my grandmother was a poet, my father’s family are poets so I’ve been brushing up a lot on it. Poetry speaks to my soul and really inspires me. I’m in that phase, there’s always a poetry book with me.

How do you want the world to remember you?
I truly want to be remembered as someone that has made a significant difference in the life of others. I hope to do that now with the Happy Heart foundation. We are in the process of setting up our foundation in London and it will focus on primary education, and specifically girls. I really want to impact their lives, I really want to create change. The moment you empower a young girl, the moment that the community is empowered, the family is empowered, and there’s effective change.

For the first time, the French luxury brand Dior will stage their next cruise show in Morocco in April.

Dior Cruise 2019.

To kick off the season of cruise shows, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri will be taking her vision for the Maison to the city Marrakech on April 29, a change of scene from last year’s rainy display in Chantilly, near Paris.

The former imperial city in western Morocco has a strong connection to fashion, most famously beloved by the late Yves Saint Laurent who has produced some of his best work there.

Dior Cruise 2019.

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, Perched on the edge of the luscious Jardin Majorelle, opened in 2017 and presents a collection of clothing, accessories and drawings to celebrate the work of the Algerian-born couturier.

The exact location is yet to be confirmed, but we recommend you extend your stay and check out the city of Ouarzazate located south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains as it’s been voted one of the top 10 destination of 2019.

Danish designer Stine Goya, famed for her colourful printed dresses and separates, just showcased an all-sustainable capsule collection at Copenhagen fashion week through the medium of dance.

instagram.com/stinegoyastudio

Inspired by the Truman Capote and his Swans, the AW19 show was choreographed by Kiani Del Valle and included movements that ‘symbolized different ways in which women were portrayed in history, combining pedestrian movement with how women act and behave, both alone and together.’

“We decided to challenge ourselves to create our show pieces in sustainable materials, in a collection where sustainability and aesthetics go hand in hand,” said Creative Director Stine Goya.

instagram.com/stinegoyastudio

The designer was innovative with the use of fabric for the party-friendly pieces, such as adopting single digital printing that doesn’t require water, decorating in recyclable sequins and implementing buttons made from up-cycled mineral shell powder

This thought process and eco-care produced a standout collection full with ruffles, fluffy layers and embellishment – modern decadence.

instagram.com/stinegoyastudio

Niche fashion weeks like Seoul, Kiev, Sydney and Copenhagen have been helping define the narrative of fashion trends alongside the big four – New York, London, Milan and Paris. Many would argue that it’s these hubs of style that produce industry game-changers that everyone wants to wear, from street to party.

What better way to start a brand new week than with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the company of an inspiring woman who has helped many find their path to happiness.

Hala Kazim, founder of Journey Through Change, is a fascinating entrepreneur who, it feels, has lived many lives. The Emirati author, philanthropist and motivational speaker has guided women to self-love since 2011 and in that time raised a family of five boys.

The youngest of her 14 siblings, Hala grew up in a loving household where she remembers her parents as charitable people, a quality that she found in herself, “the love to help others.”

She owes a much of her success to Canadian psychotherapist Elaine Kinney who has guided her to start Journey Through Change, a retreat concept that invites women to escape for six days of workshops and hiking, so they can pave their own road to well-being and self-empowerment.

Watch the full interview with Hala Kazim below.

Describe your morning routine.
I’m an early bird, I wake up at 5am, then it’s really boring. I have my boring breakfast which is cereal or yogurt, granola and honey and then off to my daily schedule.

Tell us a little bit about Journey Through Change and what are the main lessons you hope women will take away from their experience?
Journey Through Change is a program I have created, I think I’m the only woman who started this, and even in the West I don’t see something so customised for women. Now the program is to let women, or help women, to take care of themselves and basically just to learn to take care of your physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing and how women should love themselves. For centuries women, all nationalities and not just Arab, don’t know what we deserve and what we’re worth and we put everybody before us. In my school, you put yourself first because when you take care of you and then you can take care of others.

Would you consider working on retreats for men?
They don’t even come. If we really think about, they talk about it “you don’t take us to trips”, they don’t even register. I think, let me just be with women. Women are really committed and go much deeper. For years we always had to prove ourselves, we work hard on ourselves.

How has you upbringing shaped you into the woman you are today?
My father was a trader, my mother was from Bahrain. She was very young when she married my father, she was 15 and he was 70. She was one of the wives, so she was the last one. My mother, I think, had a big influence on us because she was a tough and very strong women, and my father, to what I remember, he was very gentle with me, and helped a lot of poor an  a lot of people, and my mother helped a lot of people. That is something I have taken from them, the love to help others. I think it made me a very tough woman I am today, because I had a role model for that.

What is the most valuable lesson you’d like to pass on to your children?
Too many things. I teach them, or I teach myself too, not to judge and be compassionate and be kind, but be firm. Be one. I think being one is very difficult. To be you in Dubai and to be you in London, to be you in India, to be you in front of camera and behind the camera. There are so many things I’ve learnt that I would like to pass on not just to my children, but everyone.

How do you define feminism?
Through the years, it’s been taken wrong. To me, what is feminism? I mean I’m not in a fight with a man, I’m not in a challenge with a man, I’m not here to prove who is wrong, who is right. Men are our companions in life, and I love men. My father and my five sons and my husband, they are men. Why does it have to be ‘I have to fight him to get what I want’? And I’m against equalism, you know they say ‘I’m an equal of man’, no I’m not, my body is different, my brain is different. I like to believe that we are unique, and men are unique.

What has been the biggest challenge?
Myself. Keep going and motivating myself and keep doing what I believe in. Sometimes you get challenges and you want to give up, and you have to recharge yourself. I have a very good support system, which is my husband and my sons, and very good friends too, to push me to what I want to do.

What do you see as your biggest achievement?
I think being a mother of five sons. To see them as good men, successful, that is my biggest achievement with my family. In my work, I think I have reached a lot of women with my message and they accepted, and they have learnt to love themselves.

What do you still want to achieve?
A lot of things. I’m in the middle of the way. Much more of what I am now, I want to reach every woman, not just in the Arab world. Because we are the same. You love, I love, we want a good family, you want to feel beautiful, you want to take care, you want to be loved. I want to reach a lot of women.

Who would you say was your career mentor?
Elaine Kinney she’s Canadian that lives now in New York city, but lived here. She’s going to be 76 this month and she’s the one who helped me change my life and bring Hala back.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’ll cry now. I think, keep going because the future is bright.

What would you like to tell yourself 10 years from now?
I always say to myself that I had two lives, totally different. So maybe I will tell myself how much you added to the second life you had. I want to achieve things that I don’t even have an idea about now. What I have now, back then I’d never thought I’d reach, so I want to have the same in 10 years.

Complete this sentence: I’m happy when…
I’m around my sons and when I’m alone.

What do you say ‘no’ to?
I say no to a lot of things. I say no to violence, harshness, racism, aggressiveness, and no to not taking care of yourself. So many no’s, and so many yes.

Describe your personal style in one word.
Classic.

How do you want the world to remember you?

As a kind woman.

Olay have unveiled their Super Bowl advert starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, and there are a couple of things that make it particularly special.

instagram.com/olay

Super Bowl, also known as the biggest American Football events in the USA, will be screened tonight, but for those of us who are not as well-versed in the rules of the game can instead enjoy the halftime show (this year headlined by Maroon 5) and the adverts.

The ads have become as famous as the game, and one company that managed to snap up one of the prime TV slots is Olay – a first for the skincare brand.

The ‘#KillerSkin’ advert shows Sarah Michelle Gellar, famous for her role in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, being chased by a masked assailant. But as she tries to unlock her phone using facial recognition to call for help, it doesn’t work because she has been using Olay that has ‘totally transformed her face’.

It has all the elements of a great Super Bowl ad, but what the company wanted to highlight (apart from good skin) is the fact that only 23 per cent of Super Bowl adverts feature women – according to their research.

It seems like many advertisers are ignoring a huge market of viewers, as Olay also revealed that 45 percent of Super Bowl supporters are women. Last year an average of 103.4 million people tuned in to watch the game.

Female-led and funny? Sounds like the perfect formula for future ads to come.

Designer bags deserve extra TLC so they look as fresh as they did the first time you unwrapped them from the tissue paper.

Barbara Cortelazzi, Founder of luxury label, Alberto Sartori, provides her “Do’s and Don’ts” of caring for your leather handbag, so you can confidently grab and go for many years to come, and then pass down to the next generation.

1. Do Shield Your Bag With Protective Treatment Creams

As exciting as it is to show off your new handbag, this step should be done on the day you bring it home. By applying a protective coating, you can bank on a long and happy life for your leather. Doing this regularly, preferably every two to three months, will continue to provide your bag with protective armour and keep it in top condition.  Just be sure to always do a spot test when it comes to using any product on the leather to check the reaction first.

2. Do Have Stains Removed Straight Away By A Professional

Like any stain, the quicker it is treated, the more likely it will not permanently damage the bag.  If a stain appears, take the bag directly to the store of purchase or a professional, as they should be able to bring the bag back to its original condition.

3. Don’t Touch Your Bag With Wet, Dirty, Or Just Moisturized Hands

Leather bags are highly vulnerable to absorbing grease and oils. Use a damp white cotton cloth to wipe down the leather, ensuring not to use too much water.  Never dry it with a hairdryer as this will dry out the natural oils in the leather.  Allow the bag to air dry, then condition it and store it.

4. Do Moisturize Your Bag With A Conditioner

The leather will likely dry out over time so making sure to use a conditioner once a month will avoid any flaking or wrinkling.  Put a small amount of conditioner on a soft cloth and rub gently all over, leave for 10 minutes,  and remove any excess.

5. Don’t Wear Dark Colours With Light Coloured Leather

Leather can easily be stained by clothing dyes that rub off onto it.  If you want to wear a light coloured leather bag, perhaps save wearing your dark jeans for another day.  If it does get stained, take it to a professional so they can remove it without causing further damage.

6. Do Store Your Bag Correctly

Storing your handbag is just as important as the upkeep.  Using your bag every day will inevitably wear it out, so better to switch it up and rotate between bags.  When not in use, fill the bag with some sort of stuffing, such as butter paper, and place the bag in a dust bag or pillowcase.  Do not use newspaper to stuff the bag as the print will smear and stain the insides.

Welcome to the first episode of Morning Coffee as part of our newly launched platform a&e TV.

Grab a freshly brewed cup of coffee and join us every work day at 9am to hear from inspiring personalities from the realms of fashion, beauty, luxury and lifestyle.

Today, Editor in Chief of a&e Magazine Lara Mansour Sawaya gives you a sneak peek into what to expect from the series by sharing her morning routine.

Zoë Kravitz has teamed up with her rock star dad Lenny Kravitz to star in a new luxury campaign.

One of the leading travel brands TUMI have recruited the father daughter duo to be the faces of the latest global campaign that aims to capture the meaning of personal journeys.

Shot in the Bahamas, a place that means a lot to the Kravitz family, the short film and imagery capture an “an intimate quest to where it all began; illustrating the strengthening of the bond’s individuals create.”

“To me, this campaign is about connecting with ourselves, our roots, and with each other,” says Zoë Kravitz. “I loved working with TUMI and the idea of telling a story about travel, family and connecting with one’s roots. It was amazing to travel to the other side of the island for my first time to see where my family originated from and to pay respect to our elders and those who came before us – to experience that with my father was monumental.”

The campaign also showcases the newest model Alpha 3, the reworked version of the signature Ballistic Nylon bags that are made from ultra-tough material to help TUMI bags withstand the wear and tear of a life well-travelled.

“With the launch of A3, we took everything we stand for as a brand and pushed it one step further,” says Victor Sanz, Creative Director of TUMI. “It’s always been a motivator for us to remember our products are what enable these travel stories to continue, and we were thrilled that both Lenny and Zoë Kravitz wanted to share their perfect journey with us”.

Alpha 3 will be offered in a wide range of travel products, backpacks, day bags, accessories and more

The awards season continues with BAFTA’s on February 10 in London, the biggest night for celebrating British cinema as well as international titles.

Here is everything you need to know about the 72^nd edition.

Where Will It Take Place?

For the third year in the row, the ceremony will take place at The Royal Albert Hall with Joanna Lumley hosting for the second time.

Royal Attendance

Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate Middleton and Prince William will be in attendance one again.  Duke of Cambridge is the president of BAFTA and will present film editor Thelma Schoonmaker with the Fellowship award – Academy’s highest accolade.

Representing Arab Cinema

Not only has Lebanese director Nadine Labaki made history by being the first Arab woman to be nominated for an Oscar, but she has also got the BAFTA nod for her moving film Capernaum in the Best Film Not In The English Language.

How To Keep Up With The Latest

Make sure to follow us here and on our Instagram for the best dressed from the red carpet, as well as the full winners list and standout beauty moments.

We are all a little bit in love with Celine Dion.

instagram.com/celinedion

First she charmed the fashion crowd with her standout style choices during Haute Couture week where she got teary eyed over Valentino, and now she has approved a biopic about her life.

The film will tell a story of her rise to fame with the French actress Valerie Lemercier starring as the Canadian singer and will shoot in France, Canada, Spain and Las Vegas. Lemercier will also direct.

Expected to hit our screens in 2020, Variety reports that the film is named after her iconic single The Power of Love, and Dion has given permission for her music catalogue to be featured in the movie.

instagram.com/celinedion

The My Heart Will Go On singer was brought up in Quebec and was youngest of the 14 children and will closer at her relationship with her family as well as her late husband and manager Rene Angelil who sadly passed away last year after his battle with cancer.

There seems to be a rise in music biopics with the Oscar nominated Bohemian Rhapsody already claiming prestigious awards.