For his first pre-fall collection for Dior Men, artistic director Kim Jones combined the houses historic codes with futuristic landscape of Japan, taking the brand into the twenty-first century – including collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Hajime Sorayama on the statue in the center if the set.

The links with the heritage of Dior are clear. Christian Dior was fascinated by the country, but Japan most specifically. Wide sashes draped and knotted like an obi, garments subtly crossing and gently holding the body, the soft line of a seamless shoulder, draped like a kimono all are delicate gestures drawn from traditional Japanese dress, present his collections and reiterated throughout his career.

Jones collection is a symbiosis of the traditional and the new, merging couture methodology with cutting-edge technology to create a fresh hybrid. Tailoring is streamlined and utilitarian, drawing on the idea of uniforms but eschewing uniformity. A trio of essential Dior elements – houndstooth tweed, the colour pink and the panthère print – are expounded, each manipulated and rediscovered.

Alongside the old, the new. Fabrics are treated with a technologically-advanced metallization technique, applied to entire items of clothing. This results in furs and leathers that glimmer like an automaton in iridescent blue and silver, while metallic-printed calfskin is laser-etched to give it the supple fluidity of silk. Cannage patterns are laser-cut into rubber and leathers, the patterns bonded to denims.

These accessories combine nylons with leathers, as well as the signature Dior Oblique canvas. Shoes are vacuum-formed, modernist, tipped in rubber and subject to the same innovative metalization treatments as the clothes, formal shoes and combat boots given the high-performance dynamism of sneakers.

Looks like Jones has found the ideal balance between the then, the now and the future.

While the clothes had everybody talking post Valentino’s pre-fall 2019 show in Tokyo, it’s the makeup that made us do a double take.

Blending the contemporary culture of Japan with the brands couture codes, creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli presented modern day glamour and fluid tailoring that can easily slide into your everyday wardrobe – but perhaps save the tulle and lace for a special occasion. To accompany the wearable drama, models sported a red graphic eyeliner and – wait for it – blue lips.

Last time we got excited about this icy hue was during the Gucci Resort ’17 show at Westminster Abbey in London, but it never really took off. Will Valentino make us reconsider? If you go denim on the lips you have to commit so layer on the shade of choice (baby blue works best) and keep the rest of makeup minimal.

You almost want a Nordic ice queen result that will look as good with a chunky white roll neck jumper, as it would with an edgy biker jacket. While before you could turn to the likes of Rihanna to bring this makeup trend some serious edge, Valentino offers something a little more delicate and romantic.

Would you dare it?

Make the most of the long National Day Weekend, and tick a few world wonders off their bucket list, with one of these easy-to-reach getaways.

Leading global travel search site and app Skyscanner has compiled some of the top trending destinations to visit out of the UAE that are under five hours so you can make the most of the upcoming holiday.

Baku, Azerbaijan, 3h flight

Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and holds numerous sites, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maiden Tower, and the popular local shopping area of Teze Bazar. One can walk for kilometers along Primorskiy Bulvar that follows the shore of the Caspian Sea.

Tbilisi, Georgia, 3h 30m flight

Surrounded by mountains and fronted by the River Vari, Tbilisi has one of Europe’s most beautiful settings. To reach a higher part of the city where you will be rewarded with gorgeous views, take the funicular or hike (probably a good idea considering how delicious Georgian food is). Near to Tbilisi are the Caucasus Mountains which are well known for ski and snow activities in winter.

Goa, India, 3h 10m flight

This former Portuguese colony is a backpacker’s paradise famous for being part of the hippy trail in the 1960s. The legacy has lived on in the laidback vibe of the island. From ecological accommodation to chilled out full moon parties, Goa is a place to kick back and forget about the rest of the world. With over 65 miles of coastline, Goa’s golden sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing but also for water-sports for those who want a little higher octane activity. Hiking, climbing, wildlife spotting and water-sports are just a few of the activities visitors can enjoy on Goa while yoga classes and massage offer the ideal way to relax and unwind.

Amman, Jordan, 3h 30m flight

Bustling Amman is known for its citadel, Roman theater, museums and fine food. However, head south and you’ll reach two of the Middle East’s finest attractions. Visit the ancient city of Petra where you can climb and hike to historic tombs and monuments carved from the red rock. Further south is the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where you can pretend that you are Matt Damon and relive his adventures in the movie, The Martian, which was filmed there. Inspired? Check out our review of the newest luxury resort.

Kathmandu, Nepal, 4h flight

As the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is home to many of the country’s most fascinating cultural and historical landmarks. Many flock to Kathmandu to see its ancient temples, monasteries and monuments up close such as Swayambhu Temple overlooking the city or the famous Kasthamandap wooden house situated in the bustling Durbar Square. Kathmandu offers a lot of modern amenities for visitors including quirky bookstores, restaurants and shops, many of which are situated around Thamel Chowk neighborhood or Freak Street. Adventurous visitors won’t be disappointed with the opportunities in Kathmandu such as hiking and trekking around Kathmandu valley in the shadow of the Himalayas.

This might sound like a movie script – Ocean’s 8 anyone? -but a real life jewellery heist took place in the UK.

The century-old Portland tiara, that belongs to the British royal family, was taken by thieves out of an armored glass display case inside the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire.

Adorned in diamonds and ‘worth millions’, the headpiece was originally commissioned from Cartier for Winifred, Duchess of Portland to wear to the 1902 coronation of King Edward VII – The Queen’s great grandfather. According to reports, last Tuesday the thieves smashed the display with power tools. Spokesperson from the estate told the BBC:

“Security services missed the thieves by 90 seconds and the police arrived on the scene two minutes later.”

James Lewis of a British auction house Bamford, told the news outlet that the tiara, which features a rectangular Portland Diamond in the middle with diamond pendants surrounding, could be broken up making it a challenge to recover.

At the moment, Nottinghamshire Police have reached out to the public for any information regarding a silver Audi S5 in the Welbeck area late that evening.

Bentley is introducing the all-new Continental GT Convertible. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain, the latest model is the very essence of luxury open air travel.

Elegant and sculptural exterior styling harmonises perfectly with an exquisite handcrafted cabin, featuring the highest quality leathers and sustainably sourced veneers.

The tailored convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). Seven different fabric hood colours are available, including an authentic tweed finish for the first time. Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors, said:

“We have been building luxury Grand Tourers since the company was founded in 1919 and, as we approach our centenary year, the Continental GT Convertible joins a highly acclaimed range – arguably the strongest and most technologically advanced portfolio of products the world has ever seen in one luxury brand.”

The new Continental GT Convertible also showcases major evolutions in Bentley’s unique application of technology. An advanced, fully digital, driver-focused instrument panel and Bentley Rotating Display for the driver are among the suite of innovations.

The latter features an impressive 12.3” touchscreen housed in a three-sided unit, which revolves from pure veneer to reveal either a touchscreen or three elegant analogue dials – offering customers the option of a digital detox when desired.

Elegant, sophisticated and refined, the all-new Continental GT Convertible is the pinnacle of open-top luxury Grand Touring. We hear Capri calling.

For those who love to dress from the feet up, you are in for a treat with Sergio Rossi’s latest capsule collection.

Designed in time for the festive season, A Magic Spark range consist of glittering sneakers, kitten-heeled pointy sling-backs and high-heeled pumps.

Available now at Harvey Nichols – Dubai and Bloomingdale’s, the collection comes to live in a short film that the Italian brand worked on with a multimedia artist Sofia Mattioli and illustrator Delphine Cauly.

Inspired by the iconic Sergio Rossi logo and through a charming magic ballet that plays with fantasy, femininity and dynamism, the video transports you to an enchanted world, found at the brands San Mauro Pascoli factory.

 

“It is necessary to keep on narrating the magical aspect of our San Mauro Pascoli factory, which transforms dreams and the vision behind our creations into reality.” Said Riccardo Sciutto, Sergio Rossi Group CEO.

As an imaginary transformation surrounded by an explosion of glitter and crystals, very KiraKira, the new capsule appears as an enchanted treasure that brightens the holiday season.

Not sitting front row at Valentino’s first coed pre-fall runway presentation in Tokyo? Worry not as you’re about to get a better view of the collection than any of the show goers with our livestream.

This is the first time the Italian fashion house has staged a show in the city since the 1980’s, and looking back at the recent collections by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, it’s going to be a spectacular event.

Why Japan? Not only is the Rome-based brand celebrating the opening of it’s flagship at Ginza Six and collaborating with artists on capsule lines, it is also a strategic move to solidify the relationship with the Japanese market which is key to growth.

Let the show begin…

Following the recent announcement that the Italian designer Miuccia Prada will receive an Outstanding Achievement accolade at this years Fashion Awards in London, we decided to pay tribute to the designer through a trend that she completely reinvented – feathers.

You can always rely on the Prada to make us rethink certain styles and silhouettes as she cleverly adapts them for a modern woman. While before you’d consider wearing fluffy feather in the boudoir or to a party, Miuccia added the ostrich fluff to tailoring, jeans and killer heels.

Other designers were quick to pick on this decadent decoration with Saint Laurent, Attico and Magda Butrym bringing some of that 1920’s glamour to their collections. Keep it fresh by choosing feathered separates and accessories, and styling them with staples like T-shirts, jeans and cashmere knits, but don’t be afraid to double up. A feather trim pencil skirt looks extra chic with feathered shoes.

Get ready to shake your tailfeather with our edit above.

Next month, Sotheby’s will auction an all diamond ring during the Art Basel and Design Miami fairs.

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Cut from a large diamond, the idea was to create a piece that doesn’t require a metal band or settings that you’d expect in a classic ring. Once sold, estimate is set between $150,000-$250,000, it will be cut to fit the wearers finger.

Masterminded by Apple’s chief design officer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson, the one piece ring has 2,000-3,000 facets which reportedly has never been seen in a single item.

The one-of-a-kind piece was crafted using a micrometer-thick water jet and a laser beam by Diamond Foundry, a San Francisco-based firm creating man-made diamonds by a manufacturing process. They “grow” diamonds using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method resulting in a stone essentially identical to natural diamond but without the environmentally damaging processes that occur through diamond mining.

The auction will take place on December 5 with the proceeds donated to charity called RED that was set up by U2 singer Bono and activist Bobby Shriver.

They say two heads are better than one, but Comme Des Garçons enlisted nine bright minds to collaborate on their annual holiday capsule collection.

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Joffe and Rei Kawakubo – the husband and wife duo behind the Japanese brand – approached Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, Burberry’s Riccardo Tisci, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Simone Rocha, Craig Green, Marine Serre, Walter Van Beirendonck and Stüssy to loan an iconic piece from their collections to be recreated with a Comme Des Garçons twist.

It could be a clothing, accessory or design fragment so Tisci chose the famed Burberry scarf that was re-imagined into an elongated neck tie that had the words ‘My Energy Comes From My Freedom’ printed down one side, while Michele supplied a green and red striped shopper bag and Jean Paul Gaultier’s Breton T-shirts was decorated red polka dots.

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This collection also marked a first for Maison Margiela as the label never collaborated with another designer.

 

“We have always enjoyed the synergies of CDG-style collaborations, which is not about brainstorming and back-and-forth with the other party, but about trust and respect,” Joffe told WWD. “Rei does not enjoy two captains on a ship. So, we either leave it to them or ask that they leave it to her. The nine brands were very happy to leave it to her this time.”

Expect the capsule to drop on December 6.

Victoria Beckham has had a busy year with the launch of her Reebok collaboration, celebrating 10 years of the namesake brand and winning the first ever Fashion Icon Award at the E! People’s Choice Awards.

Victoria Beckham with Derek Blasberg.

Although we won’t be seeing her on the sold out Spice Girl tour, she will be making another appearance on your screens when she officially launches her YouTube channel.

The designer made an announce on Instagram with a never-before-seen video from London Fashion Week SS19 season, alongside YouTube’s recently instated fashion and beauty director, Derek Blasberg. She said in the video:

“Apparently people want it, it’s what they want, what they really really want, and it’s coming on my channel.” Spice Girls pun intended. She added: “This is a new chapter right now. I can put my foot on the gas and do everything that I’ve wanted to do for a long, long time.”

On the platform, the 44-year-old has promised to share styling tips and beauty tutorials – perhaps we will get a sneak preview of her own skincare range and fragrance that she announced earlier this year.

As of now, the channel has over 21,000 subscribers.

With their spectacular views and charming settings, these chic outdoor spaces are perfect for eating al fresco and unwinding from a busy day at the office.

Maison Assouline, The Dubai Mall

The newly opened Maison Assouline store in the Dubai Mall offers more than just books. A space was designed to encourage you to spend as much time as you wish, and the terrace overlooking the fountains is perfect place to do just that. Grab your favourite read and indulge in treats from the Swan Bar.

Armani/Ristorante, Armani Hotel, Downtown Dubai

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The brasseries offer a modern and slick setting with a menu packed with contemporary Italian cuisine. Grab a seat on the terrace and order a series of antipasti and enjoy the dancing fountains.

Pierchic, Jumeiarh Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah

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Feel like you’re floating on the waves while the Marina glitters on your left and the Burj Al Arab stands tall on the right. Serving exquisite seafood, this is a great date night spot.

La Cantine du Faubourg, Jumeirah Emirates Towers

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Despite the tall buildings of DIFC rising around you, the feeling of in an intimate garden setting on the South of France remains at La Cantine du Faubourg.

Mercury Lounge, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach,

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With some of the best views in the city, Mercury Lounge offers a glamorous space situated at the top of the Four Seasons Resort. Enjoy the chilled vibe during the week and then get ready to party on Thursday night with a live jazz band.

Marina Social, InterContinental, Dubai Marina

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The spacious terrace offers beautiful views over the terrace, but it’s the food and the contemporary atmosphere that really makes it worth battling the busy Marina traffic.

The Bvlgari Resort Dubai

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One of favourite new hotels in Dubai, Bvlgari is located in the perfect spot to make you feel like you’re far away and yet the city is within easy reach. The terrace is elegant and overlooks the skyline, ideal for an after-dinner nightcap.

The Rooftop Bar – Royal Mirage, Dubai

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This is where you can really kick back and relax. Unwind on the plush furniture and admire the view – a true escape from a bustling city.

Designer Miuccia Prada has been awarded with the Outstanding Achievement Award, ahead of The Fashion Awards 2018 taking place next month.

The Italian icon will be honoured at the London’s Royal Albert Hall on December 10, an annual event celebrating achievers in the industry. Stephanie Phair, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, said:

 

“Mrs. Prada’s intuition for the zeitgeist and her blending of multiple creative disciplines including fashion design, art and architecture since the beginning have made her a pioneering force in our industry.”

The House was established in 1913 at Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, becoming one of the world’s most celebrated luxury fashion brands. Miuccia Prada is the granddaughter of founder Mario and has been pushing the label forward with her unique and bold take on the today’s world and art. One of her most noted moments is the creation of the nylon backpack in 1984 which has had a comeback in the last few seasons.

Prada SS19

She officially launched womenswear in 1988 before establishing a men’s line 1995 with the brand going from strength to strength and becoming the must-have ticket on the Milan Fashion Week schedule. But she didn’t stop there and unveiled Miu Miu in 1993, a brand that’s considered Prada’s little sister.

Miuccia Prada has continued to play an important role in the fashion industry and we look forward to seeing more from the designer in the coming seasons.

On her recent visit to Dubai, co-founder of Moda Operandi Lauren Santo Domingo spoke to us about the importance of supporting designers and her love for the brands in the Middle East.

To solidify the relationship between the luxury e-tailer and the region, they launched a curated trunkshow celebrating the established and up-and-coming labels including Amira Haroon, Amal Al Mulla, Bambah and Anatomi.

Not only do we get to shop our favourites on one platform, it also allows these brands to get international exposure to showcase their view on modern and modest fashion. Click through the gallery above to get to know the designers on offer a little better.

Slip into you favourite LBD and follow us into the night of festivities – but first, we need to find you a dazzling pair of statement shoes, and Christian Louboutin designs certainly don’t disappoint.

For SS19, the designer was inspired by the formal dress code to create the Black Tie collection that’s packed with embroidery, embellishment and personality to bring some flamboyance to any outfit.

The star of the collection is the Naked Bow inspired by the men’s black tie wardrobe with the black bowtie designed to look as though it merely floating on the front of the foot. Of course there are other creations to dress your feet with, including the Goyetta that feature a cascade of pearls, while Joli Fifre boots channel a retro vibe.

For men, Louboutin adds a touch of dazzle to their sell-out loafers. The Laperouse come in black velvet with the C.L logo embroidered on top with golden strass and colourful gems. Style with a sharp suit or black jeans and a crisp white shirt.

Put your best foot forward and click through the gallery above to see the collection in full.

Keep your suitcase light but makeup standards high with our pick of the best travel-friendly beauty palettes.

Whether you want everything in one place, or a sucker for making space in your bag for more important items – like presents this festive season – there is a compact that has a&e seal of approval.

We have never seen so many versatile products offering an array of shades and textures to help you easily craft your desired look. Playing with makeup should be an easy-breezy experience, so layer on the eyeshadows, or dampen an eyeliner brush for a slick flick of your favourite hue.

Lip palettes are super functional and you can use the colour on lips, cheeks and even eye lids. Eyebrow palettes also go a long way, with the right brushes you can have a defined brow and a statement smokey eye.

Our top tip is to pick a product that already comes with brushes to make it even easier for you on the go.

Keep calm, but there is a four-day weekend coming up to celebrate 47th National Day. While some jet off for a quick getaway, there’s plenty to do in Dubai to keep you happy in the sandy city.

Music, Calligraphy, Traditional Coffee With Harvey Nichols – Dubai

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On Wednesday 28 November, celebrate the 47^th UAE National Day with music, calligraphy, traditional coffee and other fun activities at Harvey Nichols – Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.

Catch The Fireworks

A spectacular celebratory agenda featuring musical entertainment and fireworks await visitors to mark the 47^th UAE National Day, on 1 and 2 December 2018, at La Mer. Firework displays will light up the skies around the beach destination at 9pm, while famous singers Fouad Abdul Wahed and Mohammed Al Shehhi will host concerts that are open to the public free of charge.

Pretty Bunch

Alissar Flowers have made special arrangements for Jumeirah Al Naseem inspired by one of the poems written by Dubai’s ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.  Make sure to stop by and check out how else they’re filling the hotel with bunches of fresh blooms that reflect Sheikh Mohammed’s appreciation of creative expression.

47 Presents

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Spend AED2,500  Bloomingdale’s Dubai and peel off one piece of a puzzle with a gift inside. Now that’s how every major purchase should be rewarded.

Las Vegas In Dubai

The much awaited Caesars Palace has opened at Bluewater and it houses our favourite beach club the Cove (previously located at Jumeirah Beach Hotel) and some of the best restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.

The annual Dubai Fitness Challenge has come to an end with over one million people participating in free workshops and activities around the city.

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Here at a&e, we slipped into our Lululemon’s and joined the initiative that helps motivate residents to change up their lifestyle, with majority promising to continue their journey after DFC wrapped up on Saturday.

The first edition of DFC was launched in October last year by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai with the recent edition seeing a spike of people coming together with a common goal to feel better (and have some room for the festive roast dinners).

To encourage to stay on track, here are some quick tips that you can implement every day.

instagram.com/dubaifitnesschallenge

Workout with a friend – it’s harder to talk yourself out of exercising when you have someone relying on you to show up.

 

Set a date – booking classes in advance keeps you committed (no one likes paying cancellation fees) while setting a target for a particular day will give you something to aim for.

 

Be realistic – if you can only manage two to three workouts a week, maintain that instead of trying to do five or more. However, challenge yourself, maybe it’s case of running for another minute or two, or choosing an advanced level.

 

Good morning – we are early risers and love to hit the gym first thing. Not only do you get it out of the way, it’s harder to leave the office on time towards the end of the day.

 

Keep it interesting – doing the same thing after another gets boring, and doesn’t challenge your muscles in the same way. Switch it up between cardio and weights, use nature and good weather to your advantage through hiking or kayaking.

Ever since the term ‘hygge’ was penned in 2016, we have discovered a whole new appreciation for relaxation, being in moment and minimizing our multi-tasking way of life.

The Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness became a global phenomenon, with many of us embracing this philosophy at home.

Proclaimed by some as a ‘secret to happiness’, there is a certain art in unwinding and self-care that some of us, who are part of the rat race, have forgotten how to appreciate. Feeling comfortable in your own skin is one of the sure ways to happiness, and a Swiss company HANRO might be able to help you with that.

The brand produces high quality daywear, nightwear, and loungewear for men and women. The company was established in 1884 in the Swiss town of Liestal by Albert Handschin and Carl Ronus, and since then has stood for luxurious understatement, highest quality, and timeless style.

HANRO’s Fall collection is both urban and relaxed and offers a small world of wellbeing in the midst of a vivid city. Many pieces can be combined into versatile looks for many occasions for both him and her, with luxurious picks of cozy sleepwear and sophisticated loungewear.

Simple yet luxurious, embrace the hygge way of doing nothing and slowing down in style.

Dubai-born jewellery designer Noora Shawqi shares her memories of travel through feminine and clean designs.

Noora Shawqi.

Shawqi’s designs are constructed in the finest materials of gold, diamonds and vibrant stones. Her eponymous collection is made primarily in Dubai, as she works closely with highly skilled artisans.

She is certified as a Diamond Graduate from the Gemological Institution of America, has received a Diamond Grader certification from the International Gemological Institute and has completed a course at L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels.

These experiences gave her an exclusive insight into jewellery manufacturing and designing for diamonds and gemstones, allowing her to utilize these skills and launch her brand in 2018 with debut line named the Ceylon Collection – it draws inspiration from Sri Lanka, affectionately known as the Gem Island.

We get know her over a couple of capuccino’s.

What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
I make sure I start my day on a positive note. I pick up my phone and read the quote I have in my homepage display which is always a positive/motivational quote. I change it from time to time, but it always has to be something which will help me improve or be a better version of myself in different aspects of my life (personality and work wise).

What is it about jewellery that inspires you?
Jewellery is another form of beautiful art. The most inspiring thing about it is the combination of Earth-made gemstones and man-made work of art to form a jewellery piece that can express one’s personality. The beauty of both gems and jewellery formation is spectacular to me. The details of the gem can speak for itself, whereas each stone has its own characteristic that makes it special. As for handmade jewellery, it takes days and weeks to make and the details and finishing are remarkable.

Tell us a little bit about the latest collection.
My latest collection “Ceylon” is inspired by the beautiful gemstones found in Sri Lanka. Throughout my trip to Sri Lanka I was inspired by the amount of gemstones that are found there which I didn’t appreciate before. I learned so much about them from suppliers and jewellers, I learned to value them and love them as much as they do.

Why did you choose to channel your creative energy into jewellery?
I knew I had a passion for jewellery since I was a young girl. I’m always hungry to learn more, explore more, meet people in the industry and listen to their experience. I also took some courses to learn more about it and I never got bored. Although, it took most of my time, I’d still give it more. This was when I finally realised that it’s time to start something because I know how passionate I am about it and I was ready to see what I am capable of doing.

What is your first jewellery memory?
During a visit to the mall with my mum when I was young, we passed by Cartier and I was awestruck by a diamond necklace on the display. It was a beautiful necklace with a line of diamonds in a V shape; the centre diamond was big and bright and they gradually go smaller all the way to the back. I stopped my mom and told her “I need this in my life!”. I took a picture of it and I still remember how it looks and how beautiful it was.

Why do you love working with colourful stones?
Working with colourful stones gives me an opportunity to get creative with the colour combinations and cuts. There are so many gemstones out there that come in different colours, shapes, sizes and shades. It is also one of the main things that inspired me to develop this collection. Before I started this, I mentioned to my husband “I’m going to go crazy with this collection”.

Describe your design process.
I have an office at home which is my personal design studio. It is an ideal space as I prefer not to have any distractions when I am ready to design and get into details. If something inspires me out of the blue, I’d just go and roughly sketch it so I don’t forget. If I want to, then I will proceed with the design.

Can we expect a collection in the future inspired by the Middle East?
Yes, definitely!

What can we expect from the brand in the new year?
The new year will bring the launch of my website and online store. Along with that, my goal is to start stocking at different department stores.

Complete the sentence: I’m happy when…
I’m surrounded by positive and happy people.

What do you do to relax?
As a full-time mom and an entrepreneur, I need to have my weekly massages on Friday afternoons. When I’m really stressed, I’d go twice a week. I need to have this one hour for myself to relax. It re-energises me and I feel positive and ready again.

What really annoys you?
Laziness. I don’t like being lazy and I don’t like being surrounded by lazy people.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and it’s okay to take risks.

What’s your personal motto?

Always believe in yourself and dreams. Attracting and implementing positive energy and thoughts to your daily life is key to achieving anything you believe in.

How do you want the world to remember you?

The girl who had a dream and achieved it!

The ski season is on the horizon and here at a&e we are packing our snow boots and Moncler coats to enjoy fun in the snow at on of these top winter destinations.

Andorra Park Hotel, Andorra

Located at the heart of Andorra la Vella, this luxurious hotel offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy fantastic skiing facilities in the mountains during the day, before relaxing at the hotel’s full-service spa or one of its two beautiful restaurants in the evening.

Reindl’s Partenkirchner Hof, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch – one of Germany’s best ski resorts – actually has two separate ski areas (including a glacier!), meaning there is plenty of room for more confident skiiers and boarders to show off their tricks. The Reindl’s Partenkirchner Hof offers the perfect base to explore this beautiful Alpine side to Germany. The small family-run hotel prides itself on its charming hospitality, with a wide selection of Bavarian cuisine before you head for the slopes.

Hôtel Alpina, Zinal, Switzerland

For those thrill seekers who love nothing more than finding those hidden gems for their hobby, the picturesque resort of Zinal is the perfect fit. With a family-friendly chalet vibe, Hotel Alpina is situated in the heart of the resort, a mere ten minutes to the main ski lifts.

Cheval Blanc, Courchevel

The hotel is gearing up for the winter season and from December 14, the luxury destination in Alpin of Courchevel will be one of the hottest snow escapes for winter sports’ fanatics.  Among the many activities that this exclusive resort offers, skijoring stands out as an unforgettable new experience — discovering snowy pathways across the sublime landscape while skiing behind a horse.

Inspired by Ian McEwan’s 1994 book, The Daydreamer, Etro’s Resort 2019 collection is infused with a sense of enchantment and childish wonder.

Staying true to the brand, the collection consists of softly shaped knits with elaborate floral motifs in Lurex jacquard that are counterbalanced by a quite consistent use of black and block colours in unconventional chromatic combinations.

Veronica Etro worked on novelty prints full of sweet little characters: dancers twirling in a night full of stars, acrobats on swings, genies in bottles, and paisley motifs as spiky as carnivorous plants growing in succulent gardens.

Dive into the magical world and scroll through the collection above.

Luxury footwear brand Aquazzura has collaborated with five renowned fine jewellery designers for a one-of-a-kind capsule collections that gives the term ‘twinkle toes’ a whole new meaning.

Aquazzura x Noor Fares.

The shoe brand is known for decorating women’s feet with some flair, and now creative director Edgardo Osorio is taking it one step further by working with respected jewellery names (including Lebanese designer Noor Fares) on masterpieces that look perfect for the festive season.

Aquazzura x Ana Khouri

 

“Each girl is not only a designer I admire, but a friend and a woman whose style I love. Creating each shoe together to connect the world of jewelry and footwear was a fascinating journey. Each shoe is as unique as the women that inspire them,” said Osorio.

Aquazzura x Venyx

From Anissa Kermiche’s geometric delights to Eugenie Niarchos’ ‘70s-inspired platform imbued with a sense of ‘retro futurism’, this is a collection of pieces that are as bold as they are precious. Sabine Getty’s sleek black mule incorporates her signature Memphis wave motif, Noor Fares’ patent boot features a unique perspex heel, and Ana Khouri’s elegant pump come together to create a capsule of wearable art that’s both standout and intricate.

Aquazzura x Anissa Kermiche.

In time for the holiday season, the Aquazzura collection will be available exclusively at Net-A-Porter from November 23.

As racegoers and adrenaline junkies descend on Abu Dhabi for 10th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we pick more than one way to enjoy the spectacle.

On Your Marks.

Throughout the weekend there will be plenty of chances to see the race scars swish past you at eye-watering speeds, but Sunday is the big day so be at your seats by 4.40pm to snap all the race cars on track getting ready for the green light. The 55-lap race should take between 90-100 minutes to complete.

Bid Farewell To A Legend

Double-world champion Fernando Alonso will mark his last appearance with 312th Grand Prix start. McLaren will be giving a fitting farewell to the Spaniard after 17 years in Formula One, with the team creating a special livery on his MCL33 car for the race.

Please Don’t Stop The Music

The after-race concerts are going to light up the Du Arena across the four nights with hip hop star Post Malone kicking things off, followed by The Weeknd, Sam Smith with rock icons Guns ‘N Roses wrapping up the weekend with a bang.

Beyond The Track

There will be plenty of entertainment to enjoy at the Pit Stop at A’l Bahar on the Corniche with performances from regional bands and singers.

The Weeknd.

The Supercar Experience

Download the Careem app pronto as the taxi company could be sending out a Lamborghini, a Maserati, or a Bentley to pick you up. Just make sure you request your ride between 12pm and 8pm on any of the four days.

The Parties

Yas Hotel will be hosting We Brunch on both Friday and Saturday with packages including tickets to the after-race concerts. The hotel will also be running their own brunch on all of the four days with tickets to the concerts included. But that’s not it, Yas Hotel will also be staging the popular Rich List party at the Palm Garden.

Yas Hotel.

Meanwhile, French restaurant Bagatelle Dubai and Blue Marlin Ibiza will be taking over the rooftop terrace of Yas Marina’s Diablito on Saturday November 24. You can also check out one of the most popular party spots of the weekend, Iris Yas Island.

It’s almost the end of the year and Lyst, a global fashion search engine, has released the ten most wanted items of 2018.

Dakota Johnson

It tracked more than a 100 million searches from 120 countries over the last months and revealed that more than half a million people searched for Gucci’s logo belt. It was followed by another belt from Virgil Abloh’s brand Off-White with Fendi logo tights, Prada flame sandals and pink Ganni boiler suit rounding off the top five.

Apart from our shopping habits, Lyst has reported a 47% increase in people looking for items that have ethical values with terms like “vegan leather” and “organic cotton”. One of our favourite brands that champions vegan clothing Nanushka made it in the top 10 of the hottest ‘Insta brands’.

Nanushka.

Elsewhere, ‘Dad’ fashion came top as one of most influential trends of 2018 thanks to the likes of Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga releasing ‘ugly’ platform sneakers as well as chunky cardigans and shirts contributing to the surge in online searches by 439 per cent.

Laura Harrier wearing Louis Vuitton Archlight sneakers.

As for the A-listers that have us taking style notes, Lyst named Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and Meghan Markle as the top three of the most influential celebrities this year.

You know its almost Christmas when Tiffany & Co unveil their festive campaign, and this year they recruited a dazzling cast to star in their latest film.

The latest chapter of it’s “Believe in Dreams” show Zoë Kravitz, Xiao Wen Ju, Karen Elson and Maye Musk join Naomi Campbell for a ‘madcap tea party’, complete with a delectable selection of pastries from The Blue Box Cafe and housewares and table settings from the Home & Accessories lines.

Zoë Kravitz

Of course, there are plenty of diamonds on show from both the iconic and new collections, including Tiffany Paper Flowers™, Tiffany HardWear, Tiffany T, Return to Tiffany and Tiffany Keys.

 

“The holiday season is a time of year when more than ever, we’re inspired to dream,” said Reed Krakoff, chief artistic officer, Tiffany & Co. “At Tiffany, our artisans work to create magic and beauty in every piece. We created this film to bring their artistry to life and capture the spirit of a Tiffany holiday where anything is possible.”

Xiao Wen Ju.

The film was directed by Mark Romanek, most recently known for creating Beyoncé’s Lemonade, and features Aerosmith’s 1973 hit Dream On, sung by Steven Tyler.

Riccardo Tisci has been busy re-inventing Burberry since his debut show in September.

instagram.com/riccardotisci17

After transforming the logo and the monogram, he went on to collaborate with designer Vivienne Westwood on a capsule and then made us all mark the 17^th of every month in our diaries for the latest drops from his urban B-Series collection.

instagram.com/riccardotisci17

Now, Tisci has teased some of the looks from his first pre-fall line for the British fashion house that include an array of takes on the classic camel hue (think beige, taupe, fawn and honey) as well as strong outwear and archive prints.

instagram.com/riccardotisci17

The pieces are very much in tune with what we saw in September with Tisci saying that he was focusing on establishing the codes through archive prints, house colours and iconic outerwear, while ‘cementing the new themes’.

instagram.com/riccardotisci17

The collection, that’s due to drop in May, will offer a number of outerwear styles including duffle coats, tuxedo jackets and parkas, as well as shoes with square toe pumps and block heel mules making it on our wish list. Burberry will also introduce a brand new bag dubbed Title tote bag.

It’s never too soon to start noting down the SS19 beauty trends, especially if they could work well for the holiday season.

Chanel’s latest collection was inspired by the colours and light of Japan and South Korea – think gold and reds that would make for ideal Christmas party makeup. Lucia Pica, the brands global makeup artist, went on a photography expedition to appreciate the quiet beauty and the elevation of the humblest of objects, which then inspired a richly nuanced makeup collection.

From a glimmer of fish scales captured at a market in Tokyo to a nest of wires shot suspended over a side street in Seoul, Pica immersed herself in the intimate minutiae of everyday life.

“Zooming in and out for the photographs is like applying makeup,” she says. “I go in close to apply, take a step back and then zoom in again for more. The layering of light and colour makes things so much more impactful.”

The Skin

She teamed balmy glowing skin with bold shades that resulted in a sophisticated and elegant look. To get that flushed effect, try the newly launched Baume Essentiel’s glow sticks that come in a transparent and soft pink variety. The silky texture glides onto skin releasing a dewy freshness, and can be used on cheekbones for a fresh and dewy effect, on cheeks before applying cream blush for a sheer wash of colour, on eyelids for a shiny finish, or on the brow bone to define the arch.

The Eyes

On the eyes, she used the new Les 9 Ombre Première Crème Édition N°2 palette that comes with nine shades in a mix of shimmer, high-shine and matte, designed for layering.

The Lips

On the lips, try the creamy Rouge Allure Velvet or the Rouge Allure Liquid Powder. “For me, the lipsticks have the feeling of womanliness,” comments Lucia Pica. “Meanwhile, the powder melts into the skin. These are sophisticated textures.”

The Nails

The final touch are the nails, and next season Pica suggests Le Vernis Bleached Mauve which is a pink beige hue that evokes the patina of sun-aged pigment, or the neon fuchsia of Le Vernis Néon Techno Bloom that channels the electrical heartbeat of modern-day Tokyo or Seoul.

Okhtein is a luxury bags and accessories brand championing the creativity and beauty of Egyptian design and heritage.

Mounaz and Aya Abdelraouf

Founded by Egyptian siblings Aya and Mounaz Abdelraouf in 2013, Okhtein means “sisters” in Arabic with each piece telling a story. Every detail, either woven or etched, is done by the local artisans adding even more meaning to every item that celebrates culture and modern creativity

Below we get to know the duo who can count Beyonce, Sara Sampaio, Gigi Hadid and Emma Watson as loyal fans.

What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?
We both wake up at 6 am everyday and work out. We then make it a habit to cook breakfast for each other as we both love to cook. From then, we start our day at the office at 9 am.

Three items you can’t live without?
Mounaz: Phone, water bottle, sketchbook.
Aya: Phone, lipstick, perfume.

Complete the sentence: I’m happy when…
Mounaz: I am balanced.
Aya: When I eat after a long day at work.

What do you love the most about your job?
Loving what we do. Most people work for the sake of working, but when it’s working because of something you love- it becomes more gratifying and enjoyable.

Where do you love to hang out in Dubai?
The beach, DIFC, D3.

What do you do to relax and unwind?
We both love to cook, do Yoga and paint.

What really annoys you?
Copycats, bullies, smelly people, traffic, smokers.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Mounaz: Keep doing what you’re doing, you are here because of every mistake you have done.

Aya: Follow your dreams and maybe take a business course, it will help you out in the future.

Did you have a plan B career path?
Mounaz: Fulfil my dream of becoming a professional chef and open a restaurant.

Aya: Ready to Wear designer.

Who would you like to be stuck on a desert island with?
Mounaz: A man that could hunt for food and climb trees.

Aya: My brother.

What book are you reading at the moment?
Mounaz: The Prophet.

Aya: Solve for Happy.

What is your happy place?
Anywhere new.

What’s your personal motto?
Mounaz: Everything you do, do with love.

Aya: Surround yourself with people who will only lift you higher.

New-York-based fine jewellery designer and celebrity piercing expert, Maria Tash, has opened a new store in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue offering expert piercings in a boutique setting.

It is Middle East’s first luxury piercing destination in a permanent location that comes with four custom procedure rooms and a VIP lounge. Spanning over 2100 square feet, the modern space features a consultation table, plush waiting area and of course glass cabinets packed with various gems that you can choose to decorate anywhere from the navel, up.

“Working with clients from many countries in the Middle East has been a source of inspiration, and has allowed me to grow as a jewellery designer. I am very excited to be opening a flagship in the heart of the region, surrounded by its gorgeous architecture, at the new Fashion Avenue extension within The Dubai Mall,” says Maria Tash.

instagram.com/aeworld_mag

With over 20 years of experience and innovation, Maria Tash has revolutionized piercing, and her team of experts have earned a reputation for offering the best in service. She has developed a technique through which each client’s personal style, complexion, and anatomy guide a bespoke combination of studs and rings, combined to best flatter the wearer’s ears. The designer has innovated jewellery through a variety of advancements, such as the Tash Threaded Stud, which allows for slimmer, more comfortable, and secure fits.

Expect pristine procedure rooms, multiple sterilisation steps, precise application, friendly atmosphere and thorough aftercare tips.