Italian luxury house ZEGNA unveiled VILLA ZEGNA at the Dubai Opera this week, transforming the venue into an exclusive, week-long private club centred on vision, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship.

Accessible by invitation only, the experience offers a rare blend of immersive storytelling and heritage in a setting designed to reflect ZEGNA’s values.

VILLA ZEGNA is not a typical fashion installation. It is conceived as a nomadic cultural initiative, bringing ZEGNA’s legacy to life through nature, design, and human connection. Following previous editions in cities like Shanghai and New York, the Dubai edition explores the Founder’s vision through the lens of the desert.

Guests begin their journey with a symbolic welcome from the Park Rangers of Oasi Zegna, introducing a narrative that connects the Italian Alps to the heart of Dubai. The space features immersive soundscapes echoing Birds’ Valley, a Trees Gallery filled with centennial trunks, and a video installation that traces the transformative vision of Ermenegildo Zegna.

Central to the experience is a reimagined oasis garden where the ZEGNA Summer 2026 Fashion Show was presented. At its core stands a grove of Ghaf trees, the national tree of the UAE, which will be replanted after the event as a gesture of lasting connection. Within this garden, intimate talks and cultural salons are held, surrounded by the tranquillity of sand and light. A ZEGNA Café offers views of the symbolic windows of the Founder’s home.

Visitors then pass through a reconstruction of Ermenegildo Zegna’s office, complete with sketches, technical drawings, and personal items. This leads to the Fragrance Room, featuring Il Conte, a scent created by perfumer Fabrice Pellegrin exclusively for VILLA ZEGNA. The journey continues through the Founder’s wardrobe, culminating in a private viewing area for exclusive garments and a selection from the Summer 2026 collection.

Villa ZEGNA reaffirms ZEGNA’s commitment to thoughtful design, environmental awareness, and meaningful cultural engagement. It is not a permanent location, but a temporary yet deeply considered celebration of vision and legacy.

zegna.com

Huda Beauty has announced the launch of two new products promising colour and hydration to the lips: the Lip Contour Stain and the Faux Filler Jelly Oil.

The Lip Contour Stain is a hybrid lip stain and liner that offers up to 12 hours of wear. Designed for ease of use, the product features a dual-sided felt-tip applicator intended to help users line, define or fill in their lips with precision. The formula is enriched with argan oil for added moisture and claims to offer a no-bleed, matte finish across eight new shades. The available colours include Baby Pink, Rosewood, Toasty Brown, Soft Nude, Cinnamon, Warm Brown, Cherry Red and Rich Brown.

Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, described the Lip Contour Stain as “super easy to overline your lips” and noted its durability, stating, “They do not move! You put them on and you’re good to go all day.”

Alongside the stain, the brand has also introduced the Faux Filler Jelly Oil, a tinted lip oil designed to provide hydration and a glossy finish. The product is infused with shea butter, peptides, passionfruit oil and vegan squalane, ingredients selected to nourish, smooth and hydrate the lips. The non-sticky oil is available in three sheer, tinted shades: Pink Lady, Juicy Peach and Juicy Goji. Each variety features a distinct fruity scent.

The Faux Filler Jelly Oil is applied using a large doe foot applicator and is designed to be worn alone or layered over the Lip Contour Stain. According to the brand, this combination results in a “jelly stained lip” look.

To use the Lip Contour Stain, users are advised to store the product tip-down and apply using the thin side to line the lips or the flat side to fill them in completely. The oil can then be applied on top using the tip to line and the applicator to fill.

This dual-product launch reflects Huda Beauty’s focus on combining bold colour with lip care benefits, offering consumers a new way to achieve long-lasting, hydrated lips with a high-shine finish.

hudabeauty.com

Louis Vuitton has entered into a multi-year partnership with Real Madrid, unveiling exclusive formalwear and travel collections for the club’s Men’s and Women’s football teams, as well as its Men’s Basketball team. 

This marks the first time the luxury fashion house has created bespoke wardrobes for an entire sports organisation.

The collections include formal and travel-ready garments, shoes, and accessories designed by Louis Vuitton’s Men’s studio, under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams. Crafted for official events and international travel, the outfits are defined by refined tailoring, technical fabrics, and discreet nods to both brands’ identities.

Signature features include a label in natural cowhide leather, embossed with the Louis Vuitton name and sewn onto jacket lapels and trouser pockets. The label mirrors the leather detailing found on the House’s iconic trunks. Accessories include a palladium-buckled leather belt, navy cotton embroidered cap, and the supple LV Soft bag.

A matching luggage line has been created exclusively for the collaboration. It features the Horizon 55 carry-on, the Keepall, the Christopher backpack, and travel essentials such as a toiletry bag and passport holder. These items come in Louis Vuitton’s Monogram canvas, finished with white-and-gold stripes and personalised “RM” initials in the club’s colours. A specially designed Real Madrid leather charm, not available for sale, accompanies each piece.

The collaboration aligns Louis Vuitton with the world’s most decorated club, founded in 1902, which holds a record number of European Cups in both football and basketball. The partnership continues the House’s long-standing involvement in elite sport, which includes creating trophy trunks for events such as the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, Roland Garros, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“This partnership confirms now more than ever that victory travels in Louis Vuitton,” said Pietro Beccari, CEO of Louis Vuitton. “We are proud to support a club whose history continues to inspire entire generations.”

Emilio Butragueño, Director of Institutional Relations at Real Madrid, added, “We share not only the responsibility of building a legacy but also the purpose of inspiring the world.”

The Louis Vuitton x Real Madrid wardrobe is exclusive to team members and not available for public purchase.

louisvuitton.com

Leading Spanish property El Palace Barcelona has unveiled a new seasonal rooftop concept, El Jardín Libanés, in time for the summer travel season. 

The Lebanese garden pop-up restaurant is curated in collaboration with Chef Paul Haddad and will run each evening through to the end of September.

The rooftop terrace has been transformed into a setting inspired by traditional Lebanese gardens, featuring fragrant orange blossom and jasmine in full bloom. These plants hold cultural significance in Lebanon, where orange blossom symbolises purity and prosperity and jasmine is often planted in archways. At El Palace, jasmine has been used to frame rooftop views of the Sagrada Familia.

The pop-up centres on a menu developed by Chef Paul Haddad, who brings over 30 years of culinary and hospitality experience in Beirut and Barcelona. Born and raised in Beirut, Haddad draws on generations of family recipes to present a contemporary interpretation of Lebanese cuisine that remains grounded in authenticity and traditional methods.

Guests can expect a wide range of mezze, or traditional sharing plates, in keeping with Lebanese dining customs. Dishes include houmous, moutabal, mouhamara, crudités, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel with tahini, cheese ribak, kébbe kraás, spinach fatayer, and traditional Lebanese bread.

Two tasting menus are available. La Mezza del Chef includes a grilled selection of kebabs such as shish taouk, lahem meshwi, kafta, sijouk, lamb ribs, and grilled vegetables. La Mezza del Cedro offers samke harra, a traditional fish dish of roasted sea bass with tomato, spices, almonds, and pine nuts, served with cumin-scented basmati rice and crispy pita.

Each menu concludes with a trio of classic Lebanese desserts: baklawa soirée, a nut-filled pastry with syrup and honey; mahmoul de pistacho, a semolina and pistachio biscuit flavoured with rose water; and mohalabihe, a milk pudding topped with walnuts.

El Jardín Libanés offers both an immersive cultural setting and a menu designed to celebrate the depth of Lebanese culinary heritage, with seating available nightly throughout the summer.

hotelpalacebarcelona.com

Dolce&Gabbana has relaunched its DG Resort concept for summer 2025 at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel, reaffirming its presence on the Sicilian coast.

The initiative sees the fashion house transform the historic location with its signature aesthetic and an exclusive pop-up boutique.

The takeover is centred on the former monastery’s infinity pool area and adjacent terrace, both redesigned in Dolce&Gabbana’s Blu Mediterraneo theme. The motif, inspired by the hues of the Mediterranean Sea and traditional Sicilian ceramics, reflects the brand’s continued homage to Southern Italian craftsmanship. It marks a return to the venue where previous summer editions of DG Resort were held successfully.

Situated between the cliffs and the sea, San Domenico Palace is one of Taormina’s most prominent landmarks. Originally a centuries-old monastery, the hotel now offers high-end hospitality while maintaining a strong link to the town’s aristocratic past. The setting’s blend of natural beauty, historic architecture and cultural significance makes it an ideal match for the fashion label’s identity.

Within the former sacristy, Dolce&Gabbana has opened a temporary boutique offering a curated selection of clothing and accessories. The shop also features limited-edition items created specifically for this location, including a new print inspired by the local scenery.

Founded in 1985, Dolce&Gabbana is a global leader in luxury fashion, with its founders Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana remaining central to the creative and strategic direction of the brand. The company is known for its distinct Italian identity and operates across apparel, accessories, fragrances and fine jewellery, as well as in lifestyle and furniture collaborations.

San Domenico Palace became part of the Four Seasons portfolio in 2021, joining Four Seasons properties in Milan and Florence. It continues to play a significant role in the group’s expansion across Italy. Upcoming developments include a resort near Ostuni in Puglia and the transformation of the Hotel Danieli in Venice, set to open under the Four Seasons name in 2026.

Dolce&Gabbana’s DG Resort 2025 at San Domenico Palace runs throughout the summer season, reinforcing the ongoing partnership between fashion and luxury hospitality in one of Sicily’s most iconic destinations.

dolcegabbana.com

ZEGNA unveiled its Summer 2026 collection with a “Villa Zegna” takeover at the Dubai Opera this week. It was a historic occasion, as it was the first time that the house had presented a collection outside of Milan Fashion Week.

The presentation brought together the heritage of the Italian fashion house and the desert landscape, creating an immersive setting that connected Trivero’s Oasi Zegna with the cultural vibrancy of Dubai.

Set to a live performance curated by James Blake, the concept pays homage to the founding ethos of Ermenegildo Zegna, who in 1910 envisioned Oasi Zegna as a philosophy of harmony between clothing and people. 

Artistic Director Alessandro Sartori described the collection as being marked by a tactile immediacy and visual spontaneity, shaped by the interaction between the garments and their wearers. 

He referred to a key image that inspired the collection: a chair strewn with casually discarded clothes, evoking a life lived with intensity and personal rhythm. “There is a culture of dressing, a proper and insouciant manner to it which to me captures a peculiar Italian timbre that I want to keep as our signature,” Sartori said.

The collection focused on loose, deconstructed silhouettes. Jackets were rendered as light as shirts, while Nehru styles and long shirts blurred traditional categories. Signature looks included tailored shorts under summer coats, weightless shirting suits in striped fabrics, and deconstructed blazers with low-button fastenings. The garments appeared washed and crinkled, mimicking the effects of sun and heat on fabric.

Colour palettes combined soft tonal hues such as bianco Oasi, mastice and burro di montagna with brighter accents including felce, ciclamino and barolo. Textures ranged from ultralight poplins and sanded hemp to knitted leather and jacquard-patterned materials, underlining ZEGNA’s commitment to innovative fabric making.

Accessories complemented the relaxed yet refined tone, including soft moccasins, slippers, oversized bags and wraparound sunglasses.

zegna.com

Italian fashion house Missoni has announced two major openings on the island of Ibiza for the summer 2025 season: its first boutique and a new Missoni Resort Club, both designed to reflect the brand’s fusion of lifestyle, design and hospitality.

The Missoni Resort Club has been launched at OKU Ibiza, a well-known luxury hotel destination on the island. The hotel’s 50-metre swimming pool has been redesigned in Missoni’s signature aesthetic, incorporating a palette of deep blue, ocean turquoise and emerald green, inspired by the Mediterranean seascape. The pool area has been furnished with bespoke sunbeds, towels and soft furnishings, creating a distinctive and immersive environment that reflects the relaxed character of Ibiza.

This marks the brand’s first Resort Club on the island. The collaboration brings together fashion and leisure in a setting that promotes design-led experiences and Mediterranean elegance. Guests at OKU Ibiza can now engage directly with Missoni’s creative world in one of the region’s most exclusive holiday destinations.

In addition to the Resort Club, Missoni has opened its first resort boutique in Ibiza. Located within the Ibiza Gallery, a prestigious retail setting, the boutique has been designed to echo the natural landscape of the island. The interiors feature a combination of colour, texture and materials that reference coastal tones and warm, sunlit atmospheres. Elements from Missoni Home are incorporated throughout the space, reinforcing the visual link between sea, sand and design.

The boutique offers a curated selection of ready-to-wear pieces for men and women, including beachwear, as well as a collection of the brand’s iconic home décor items.

Missoni.com

Rami Al Ali has unveiled the seventh edition of his ready-to-wear bridal collection, titled Vowbreaker: The New Bride.

The White 7 collection presents a redefined vision for modern brides, merging traditional elegance with a contemporary sensibility.

The latest offering from the Syrian-born designer draws inspiration from mid-twentieth-century fashion, reinterpreting classic bridal silhouettes through a modern lens. The result is a collection that balances structure and softness, intended for brides who prioritise individuality and self-expression over convention.

White 7 reimagines the bridal wardrobe with a thoughtful exploration of form and fabric. Voluminous sleeves paired with cinched waists and low corsets featuring delicate boning demonstrate a sophisticated interplay between architecture and fluidity. Lightweight layers of tulle, satin mikado, and mousseline create dynamic movement, while intricate hand embellishments add depth and intimacy to each piece.

Among the highlights of the collection is a contemporary short gown that plays with transparency, offering a striking contrast to the longer, more dramatic designs that characterise much of the line. The emphasis throughout is on quiet confidence and refined detail, in line with Al Ali’s continued commitment to couture craftsmanship in a ready-to-wear format.

Al Ali describes Vowbreaker as a tribute to a new kind of femininity: modern, self-assured, and deeply personal. The bride envisioned here is intentional in her choices, expressive in her style, and responsive to the emotional resonance of her garments.

ramialali.com

IWC Schaffhausen has announced the release of the Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus, a stainless steel dress watch designed to mark the 17th special edition timepiece created in support of Laureus Sport for Good. 

The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the global movement, which uses sport to help children and young people overcome violence, discrimination and inequality.

The new 39-millimetre model features a sunray-finished dial in the recognisable Laureus blue, rhodium-plated hands and indices, and an analogue pointer-date function at 6 o’clock. The watch is fitted with a blue calfskin strap and stainless steel butterfly folding clasp. Powered by the 35160 calibre, it offers automatic winding and a 50-hour power reserve.

This edition highlights Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), a Laureus-supported programme in New York City that combines academic support, leadership development and figure skating for girls of colour. Founded in 1997 by Sharon Cohen, FSH now works with more than 200 girls annually and has a network of 1,500 alumnae. Its model was recently recognised by the International Olympic Committee and featured in a five-part Disney+ documentary series by Imagine Documentaries.

IWC has been a Global Partner of Laureus since 2005 and is marking 20 years of collaboration this year. “For two decades, we have joined forces with the foundation to make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged children and youths around the world,” said Franziska Gsell, Chief Marketing Officer and Chair of the Sustainability Committee at IWC Schaffhausen.

Laureus Sport for Good supports more than 300 programmes in over 40 countries and has positively impacted over seven million children and young people since its founding in 2000. IWC’s ongoing support includes participation in events such as the Laureus Charity Night and the Laureus World Sports Awards.

Katarina Witt, two-time Olympic figure skating champion and Laureus World Sports Academy Member, said, “The 2025 special edition watch is not only a testament to [IWC’s] exceptional craftsmanship, but also a tribute to the incredible young women of Figure Skating in Harlem.”

The case back of the timepiece is engraved with the Laureus Sport for Good logo and marks the foundation’s 25th anniversary.

iwc.com

A landmark gala concert featuring Emirati and international artists was held at Kensington Palace last Friday, marking a significant moment in cultural collaboration between the UAE and the UK. 

The event was co-produced by the Abu Dhabi Festival and the Peace and Prosperity Trust as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s ‘Abroad’ programme.

The evening featured the world premiere of “Ruins of Time”, a new composition by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, commissioned by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). 

The performance brought together Emirati mezzo-soprano Fatima Al Hashimi and baritone Ahmed Al Hosani, alongside international musicians under the baton of Toby Purser, Artistic Director of the Peace and Prosperity Trust.

The concert followed a three-week UK Artist Residency Programme, during which Emirati performers participated in intensive training and rehearsals with leading professionals. The initiative, supported by ADMAF and the Peace and Prosperity Trust, sought to blend Emirati musical heritage with global influences and foster long-term artistic exchange.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and in the presence of HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the performance underscored the growing role of cultural diplomacy in international relations.

Her Excellency Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival, highlighted the importance of cultural dialogue and the global presentation of Emirati artistic achievements. She described the collaboration as a continuation of more than two decades of partnership between ADMAF and UK institutions.

The Kensington Palace event followed the ‘Arts @ Embassies’ panel discussion on the 22nd of May at the UAE Embassy in London. Moderated by Emirati filmmaker Noor Kanoo, the discussion featured the three Emirati performers reflecting on identity, heritage and innovation. Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the UAE Mission to London, praised the artists as cultural ambassadors and emphasised the UAE’s commitment to supporting the arts.

Rajai Khouri, Founder of the Peace and Prosperity Trust, noted that the concert was the Trust’s first collaboration with ADMAF and the first time Emirati artists performed with PPT musicians. He described it as a unique fusion of Arabic and operatic music.

The Abu Dhabi Festival’s presence in the UK continues to expand, with recent collaborations including performances, exhibitions and forums that showcase Emirati talent and promote cross-cultural engagement.

Italian luxury brand ETRO has revealed its Resort 2026 collection, inspired by free-spirited elegance and focused on texture and fluid silhouettes. 

The collection, grounded in the house’s iconic aesthetic, reinterprets its signature codes through a tactile and modern lens.

The Resort 2026 range includes a palette dominated by earthy neutrals and Mediterranean blues, punctuated with vibrant hibiscus pink accents. 

The emphasis throughout is on movement, texture, and an easy, laid-back refinement suited to the summer season.

Womenswear highlights include gathered dresses, asymmetric hems, and crochet knitwear, offering a sense of both structure and softness. 

Ruching, lace insets, and delicate ruffles add layers of tactile detail, contributing to the collection’s overall depth and fluidity.

The menswear pieces are no less considered, comprising summer-weight blazers, lightweight knits, silk robes, and denim trousers. 

Each piece is brought to life with ETRO’s expressive seasonal prints, maintaining the brand’s tradition of bold pattern work while ensuring wearability and ease.

Craftsmanship, of course, is a central theme across the collection. Embroidered surfaces and tonal patchwork sit alongside sculptural tailoring and airy fabrics, underscoring ETRO’s heritage and artisanal approach.

The result is a collection that successfully bridges the gap between tradition and innovation. It reflects a relaxed sophistication that is both rooted in heritage and attuned to the rhythms of a sun-drenched, modern season.

etro.com

FENDI and Galleria Borghese have announced a summer exhibition called “Black Soil Poems by Wangechi Mutu”, marking a significant moment in the Italian museum’s history. 

The Kenyan-American artist is the first living female artist to exhibit at the former residence of Cardinal Scipione Borghese in Rome. Curated by Cloé Perrone, the exhibition is set to run until the 14th of September.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Mutu has also collaborated with FENDI to design a unique Wangechi Mutu x FENDI Peekaboo bag. 

Featuring Mount Kenya and the Ngong Hills, the bag merges sculpture with fashion, adding another dimension to Mutu’s creative output.

The exhibition reimagines the museum as a dynamic, evolving space. It spans the museum’s interior, façade, and Secret Gardens, and extends to the American Academy in the Italian capital. Mutu’s site-specific interventions challenge the classical tradition through fragmentation, suspension, and the layering of new mythologies.

Inside the galleries, works such as Ndege, Suspended Playtime, First Weeping Head, and Second Weeping Head hover above visitors, creating new visual pathways without obstructing the historic collection. This sense of suspension reflects a shift in perspective and narrative hierarchy, in keeping with the museum’s theme of metamorphosis for its 2026 programme.

Materials such as bronze, wood, feathers, and soil feature prominently. Bronze, typically associated with permanence and power, is reinterpreted as a vessel for ancestral memory and transformation. The intervention invites viewers to explore what is absent as much as what is visible, emphasising the museum not only as a site of memory but also of imagination.

Outdoors, bronze sculptures such as The Seated I and The Seated IV (originally commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2019) occupy the façade and gardens. Additional works, including Nyoka, Heads in a Basket, Musa and Water Woman, suggest themes of hybridity and ritual, while the video work The End of Eating Everything introduces movement and sound into the installation.

At the American Academy in Rome, Shavasana I continues the exhibition’s exploration of death and dignity. The bronze figure lies beneath a straw mat, surrounded by Roman funerary inscriptions.

Black Soil Poems is supported by FENDI as part of its ongoing partnership with Galleria Borghese.

fendi.com

The second part of the twelfth edition of Prada Mode is currently underway in Osaka, following the conclusion of the Inujima Project held earlier this month.

The two-part cultural initiative, developed in collaboration with renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima, showcases her long-term transformation of the island of Inujima and continues through to the 15th June at Umekita Park in Osaka.

The Inujima Project, held from the 4th to the 6th of June, provided guests with a private preview of Sejima’s 17-year architectural and community work on the island, located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. The programme included a guided tour, music and artistic performances in historical buildings, and the unveiling of a new permanent pavilion designed by Sejima and donated by Prada to the Inujima Life Garden.

Inujima, once a centre of copper smelting with 5,000 residents, had seen its population fall to around 40 by 2008. That year, Sejima was invited by the Fukutake Foundation to reimagine the island’s built environment as part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima. Her work has included renovating homes, constructing galleries, creating a community garden, and designing visitor accommodation to support deeper engagement with the island.

Now open to the public, Prada Mode Osaka is taking place in a SANAA-designed pavilion within Umekita Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, directly connected to Osaka Station. The structure, featuring a café, information centre and event space, is hosting an exhibition curated by Sejima that includes models, videos and documentation of her work on Inujima.

Following a private members’ day on the 7th of June, Prada Mode Osaka opened to the general public on the 8th of June. The programme includes conversations and workshops led by Sejima, further exploring the intersection of architecture, environment and community.

Speaking on the project, Sejima said, “In Osaka, a city with historical ties to Inujima, this experience will be shared and expanded to reach a wider audience.” She described the theme as “Symbiosis” — a blend of history, architecture, art and daily life.

Since its launch in 2018, Prada Mode has been staged in cities including Miami, London, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, offering audiences immersive cultural experiences across art, music, food and design.

prada.com

Miley Cyrus made an appearance at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, wearing Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring Summer 2025.

The outfit was designed by the house’s Creative Director Daniel Roseberry.

Cyrus attended the event to present her latest film, Something Beautiful with Miley Cyrus. The new film is described as “a one-of-a-kind pop opera” and features thirteen original new songs from the visual album Something Beautiful by Miley Cyrus. 

For the occasion, she wore a woven dress in faded pistachio organza. The dress was embroidered with crystal water drops and completed with a cascade of fringes. She paired it with a matching fringe stole. Her look also included a Facebag in ecru calf leather.

Schiaparelli.com

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer has announced an exclusive collaboration with French fashion house Jacquemus, transforming the iconic Monte-Carlo Beach Club into a seasonal showcase of Riviera elegance.

Running until the 7th of October this year, the partnership sees Jacquemus bring its distinct aesthetic to the venue’s pier, Pool Café and two new on-site boutiques.

The pier and café area now feature sunbeds, parasols and beach towels in the fashion brand’s recognisable banana yellow or its coconut milk and black stripe design, as seen in Jacquemus’ “La Croisière” collection, presented in January in Paris.

The new collaboration is part of a wider renovation at Monte-Carlo Beach, which includes the recently Michelin-starred Elsa restaurant, newly added padel courts, and upcoming restaurant launches.

Jacquemus, established by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009 and known for its homage to Southern French culture was considered a natural fit for the partnership, according to the hotel group.

There are also new Jacquemus boutiques in the area, created to feel like the designer’s own home. Interiors include original drawings by Renoir and Matisse, along with furniture and books inspired by Provence. 

The boutiques are located at Monte-Carlo Beach, Avenue Princesse Grâce, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, and are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

montecarlosbm.com

Southern France, long celebrated for its landscapes, history, and cultural heritage, is a magnet for art enthusiasts. With direct flights to Nice from the Middle East, it’s never been easier to take a tour of the region.  From Pablo Picasso to Vincent van Gogh, the region has a rich artistic history.

Picasso in Antibes and Vallauris

A tour of southern France’s art scene would be incomplete without a stop in Antibes. Picasso’s time in the coastal town during the mid-20th century resulted in an enduring legacy. The Musée Picasso, housed in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso had a studio in 1946, displays a significant collection of his works. These include paintings, ceramics, and drawings created during his stay, reflecting his connection with the Mediterranean environment.

The museum showcases pieces that are distinctly tied to the region, with themes ranging from local landscapes to intimate portrayals of figures. Visitors to Antibes can see how Picasso’s time in the town influenced his artistic output and contributed to his broader body of work.

A short distance from Antibes lies Vallauris, a small town where Picasso’s presence is also firmly felt. Known for its pottery traditions, Vallauris became a pivotal location for Picasso in the late 1940s and early 1950s. During his time there, he revived interest in local ceramic traditions and also produced numerous ceramic works that merged classical techniques with his signature style.

The Musée Magnelli, Musée de la Céramique in Vallauris, features several of Picasso’s ceramic creations. Additionally, the town is home to Picasso’s “War and Peace” mural, housed in the former chapel of Château de Vallauris. This large-scale work represents his post-war artistic focus on themes of conflict and hope. Together, these pieces provide insight into his creative evolution and his engagement with local craftsmanship.

Tracing Van Gogh’s Footsteps

While Picasso’s presence is a cornerstone of the southern France art tour, Vincent van Gogh’s legacy is also inescapable. Although van Gogh’s time in Provence centred mainly around Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, his influence extends throughout the region. Visitors can trace his artistic journey and see the locations that inspired some of his most famous works.

In Arles, the Fondation Vincent van Gogh presents exhibitions dedicated to his work and legacy. Visitors can explore the landscapes that van Gogh painted, which have changed little since his time. The nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a view of the landscapes that influenced many of his paintings, including the famous “Starry Night,” created during his stay at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum.

Art Galleries in Nice

Nice, the cultural and economic hub of the French Riviera, plays a significant role in the regional art scene. The city boasts numerous galleries and museums that display a wide range of artistic styles, from classical to contemporary.

The Musée Matisse, located in the leafy Cimiez district, houses an extensive collection of works by Henri Matisse, another artist who found inspiration in the Mediterranean light and colours. The museum includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings that trace Matisse’s artistic development.

The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice is also a must-visit while in the city. Housing the largest public collection of Chagall’s works, the museum showcases his vibrant paintings. The serene Mediterranean garden and Chagall-designed stained glass windows enhance the immersive experience.

The Artistic Legacy of Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hilltop village just inland from the coast, has long been associated with the art world. Its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic views have drawn artists, writers, and intellectuals since the early 20th century.

The La Colombe d’Or in the city has long been the stomping ground of famous artists. Founded in the 1920s by Paul Roux, it became a haven for artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall, who exchanged artworks for lodging. Today, their masterpieces adorn the hotel and restaurant, offering guests an immersive cultural experience alongside delightful French cuisine.

The Fondation Maeght, located near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, is one of the region’s leading contemporary art institutions. Opened in 1964, the foundation hosts a rotating programme of exhibitions and boasts a significant permanent collection of modern and contemporary art. The foundation’s gardens are home to a variety of sculptures and installations, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and artistic expression.

In the village itself, numerous smaller galleries and studios showcase works by local and international artists. The combination of historic charm and a dynamic art scene makes Saint-Paul-de-Vence a key stop on any tour of southern France’s artistic highlights.

The Dopamine Reset Movement is gaining traction as a way to reboot our focus and conquer our goals, in an increasingly distracted world.

In a world awash with instant gratification, a quiet but growing movement is urging people to step back. The concept of a “dopamine detox”, where individuals intentionally reduce or abstain from high-stimulation activities like social media, processed foods, or compulsive scrolling, is capturing attention. Far from a fringe wellness fad, many experts say this movement is rooted in solid neuroscience.

“Dopamine is like your brain’s motivational fuel,” explains Dr Anoop Narendran, Specialist Neurosurgeon at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital. “It doesn’t just make you feel good, it drives you to seek out things that might make you feel better, like food, connection, or achievement” .

high-stimulation activities can disrupt the regulation of dopamine

This motivational system, however, essential for survival in the ancestral environment, is now being hijacked by modern conveniences. “We’re now exposed to a constant stream of artificially high dopamine triggers: likes, reels, ultra-processed food, notifications,” explains Dr Jasmin Malek, Consultant Physician at Euromed Clinic Dubai. “Unlike in the past, where dopamine was earned through effort and patience, now it’s available instantly, and that rewires how we seek satisfaction”  . Dr Mohsen Soofian of Hortman Clinics echoes this sentiment, adding that “today’s environment floods us with stimuli. Technology, advertising, and convenience culture exploit our reward system, making it harder to resist compulsive behaviours and pushing us into addictive loops”  .

Stimulants such as social media and caffeine can contribute to the distruption to dopamine

Pleasure and pain are not separate in the brain, but two ends of a finely tuned system. “The brain works like a seesaw: every dopamine high is followed by a low,” says Dr Narendran. “Too much pleasure too often tips the balance, making even ordinary experiences feel dull or depressing”  . Dr Malek elaborates, “When we overstimulate with pleasure, the brain compensates by lowering dopamine to restore balance, leading to irritability, fatigue, even low mood”  . Jan Gerber, Founder and CEO of addiction centre Paracelsus Recovery, agrees: “Our brains are not designed for constant high dopamine hits. When overstimulated, the reward system crashes, leaving people feeling flat and desperate for the next hit”. This pattern can leave people chasing ever more stimulation to feel normal, contributing to a cycle of dependence.

Signs of dopamine depletion are increasingly common. Antony Bainbridge, Head of Clinical Services at Resicare Alliance, describes: “Low motivation, difficulty enjoying everyday things, fatigue, depression, or craving extreme stimulation. People might scroll endlessly, overeat, or use substances just to feel ‘normal’”  . Dr Ash Shishodia, a General Adult Psychiatrist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre adds, “People with ADHD, anxiety, or trauma histories are more prone to dopamine-driven addictions. Their brains may seek stimulation to fill emotional voids” .

Activities such as exercise and spending time in nature can help regulate dopamine

Despite the name, a dopamine detox does not purge dopamine from the body. Instead, it involves stepping back from high-intensity stimuli to allow the brain to recalibrate. “There’s no formal clinical protocol for a ‘dopamine detox’, but taking breaks from overstimulation helps the brain recalibrate,” says Dr Malek  . Dr Narendran agrees, adding, “While the term is trendy, the science is solid. Temporarily cutting out high-dopamine triggers can reset your brain’s sensitivity and help you enjoy simple pleasures again”  .

However, expectations must be realistic. “A weekend away from processed foods and your phone won’t reset your brain completely,” cautions Dr Ash. “But it can interrupt unhealthy patterns and offer a window into healthier living”

Dr Nitin Sethi, the Kaya Medical Director, highlights the importance of context. “It’s not just about cutting things out. A successful reset depends on what you replace the overstimulation with. Slower, intentional activities like walking, art, or mindfulness can be powerful.”

Meanwhile, Joyce Lau, founder of NakedLab, has found practical benefits. “For me, weekends are family time. I try to stay off my phone and just be present with my kids and husband. No agenda, just slow moments together. It’s amazing how refreshing that can feel”  .

The ultimate goal, experts say, is not to demonise dopamine but to create healthier pathways for its release. “Meaningful stimulation doesn’t just raise dopamine, it sustains well-being,” says Dr Malek  . This means intentionally choosing activities that are effortful but rewarding. Dr Narendran advises, “Choose discomfort on purpose, whether it’s exercise, stillness, or deep work. What’s hard now is often what feels best later”  .

Meditation can positively impact dopamine regulation

Dr Sethi points out, “When we slow down and reconnect with real-world pleasures, we shift from constant craving to calm presence. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.” Dr Ash adds, “Replacing overstimulation with creative expression, nature, and genuine connection strengthens brain pathways for sustained dopamine.”

There’s evidence that chronic overstimulation can rewire the brain’s dopamine system. “If we keep flooding the brain with high-dopamine stimuli, receptors downregulate. That means you need more just to feel the same effect,” warns Dr Malek  . Bainbridge adds, “The brain has remarkable plasticity. With time and behavioural changes, natural dopamine sensitivity can return”  .

Jan Gerber is optimistic but cautious: “Addiction is not about pleasure but the need to relieve emotional pain. A detox can only help if accompanied by honest self-reflection and addressing the root causes of compulsive behaviour”

The rise of the dopamine detox movement speaks to deeper questions about modern life. “In our overly comfortable modern lives, our dopamine systems are constantly overstimulated by ultra-processed food, social media, and mindless consumption, giving us the hit without the sense of purpose attached to it,” Dr Soofian explains  . Lau sums up the challenge: “We were never meant to have this much stimulation. And when we’re always chasing the next hit, it gets harder to enjoy the simple stuff”  .

As this trend gains momentum, the experts emphasise not quick fixes but a fundamental rethinking of our relationship with pleasure, effort, and meaning. Dr Malek puts it succinctly: “Make space every day to do something that’s slow, meaningful, and real. Whether that’s walking, painting, connecting, or creating. It will change your brain, and your life”  .

Bvlgari has unveiled a limited-edition release to mark the 50th anniversary of its BVLGARI BVLGARI watch collection, showcasing four new marble-dial models that pay tribute to the iconic design’s Roman heritage.

First launched in 1975 by Gianni Bulgari as an exclusive gift for select clients, the BVLGARI BVLGARI watch challenged traditional notions of luxury timepieces. Its design was later reinterpreted by Gérald Genta in 1977, establishing it as Bvlgari’s first signature watch collection. For half a century, it has embodied the brand’s fusion of horology, jewellery and Italian design.

The 2025 commemorative release features two case sizes (26 mm and 38 mm) and four distinct models, each incorporating marble dials that echo the grandeur of ancient Rome. These include “Verde Alpi” green marble in yellow gold and two shades of blue marble in rose gold: the deep “Blu Incanto” and the icy “Azzurro Infinito”. Each model is engraved with a special 50th anniversary marking.

The 26 mm versions are quartz-powered and include diamond hour markers. The 38 mm versions house Bvlgari’s Solotempo automatic calibre BVL 191, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Working with marble in watchmaking presents significant technical challenges, due to the fragility of the stone. Its natural veining ensures each dial is entirely unique.

“The Bvlgari Bvlgari watch is both simple and bold, always in tune with the times,” said Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari’s Product Creation Executive Director. “Today, the Maison revisits the spirit of its original creation, subtly enhanced by modern technology.”

Each timepiece features a bold bezel engraved with the BVLGARI name, a design choice inspired by ancient Roman coinage and first introduced during the 1934 renovation of the brand’s Via Condotti boutique.

In parallel with the new watches, Bvlgari is also expanding its jewellery line to mark the anniversary. New additions include an 18 kt yellow gold necklace and bracelet, a sautoir with reversible disks in mother-of-pearl and onyx, and a reimagined signature chain. A new wire bracelet is also being introduced in rose or yellow gold with mother-of-pearl or black onyx details.

All four anniversary watch models are available in limited editions, with 150 pieces of each produced.

bulgari.com

Here are the best long weekend getaway ideas from the GCC over the warmer months

Milan, Italy

Milan is one of the best city getaways for a long weekend break. The Quadrilatero della Moda, comprising the iconic Via Monte Napoleone and Via della Spiga, is a must-visit for iconic fashion houses and flagship boutiques. Milan also has a rich cultural landscape. A key landmark is the Duomo di Milano, with its intricate Gothic architecture. Art lovers will also appreciate the opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie.

The Navigli district, with its historic canals, remains a hotspot for high-end dining, offering a blend of traditional Italian cuisine and contemporary culinary experiences. The area’s nightlife adds further vibrancy, creating an engaging social scene. For visitors seeking relaxation amidst urban exploration, Milan’s green spaces, such as Parco Sempione, provide a stylish retreat. This central park offers a combination of manicured gardens, historic structures, and open lawns for those wishing to unwind in a refined setting.

London, UK

The Other House South Kensington

London is the perfect city break in June, when the weather starts to improve. The city is home to iconic department stores from Harrods to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. Meanwhile, Sloane Street has everything from Chanel to Louis Vuitton. For travellers seeking an exceptional place to stay, The Other House South Kensington offers luxury hospitality with the seclusion of a private residence. Unlike a traditional hotel, this ‘Residents Club’ combines the comfort and privacy of apartment-style living with the service and sophistication of a five-star property. Each beautifully appointed Club Flat offers modern amenities and British-inspired interiors.

For families and groups, expansive apartments with up to five bedrooms and exclusive-use courtyards provide the perfect base to celebrate Eid together in privacy and style. While in the city, be sure to make time for Afternoon Tea at Claridge’s. Nestled in the heart of Mayfair, step into the hotel’s stylish Foyer & Reading Room, a haven of art deco grandeur adorned with plush seating and the gentle clink of fine bone china. As the attentive staff welcome you, the cares of the world melt away into the gentle rhythm of the afternoon.

Istanbul, Turkey

The popular Turkish city of Istanbul is home to some iconic properties. There’s Raffles Istanbul, situated within the Zorlu Centre, which comes with panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait. Elsewhere, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the historic district, combining neoclassical architecture with modern amenities.  Music aficionados might want to consider extending their stay, as the Istanbul Music Festival is running from the 11th to the 26th of June, with a series of performances under the theme “Beyond Borders.” For luxury shopping, Istanbul offers a range of options. The Zorlu Centre a stone’s throw from Raffles Istanbul, houses an array of high-end fashion brands, catering to discerning shoppers. Meanwhile, the city’s Grand Bazaar, with its historical significance, offers a unique experience with over 3,000 shops selling a variety of goods.

Athens Greece

Athens offers an exceptional blend of ancient heritage and contemporary luxury for a long weekend city break. There are plenty of memorable properties in the Greek capital, such as the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne, a 5-star landmark overlooking the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, renowned for its rooftop dining and world-class spa.  Alternatively, the Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athenian Riviera offers a serene seaside retreat with private beaches and a luxurious spa. The city is a great place for foodies, too. Delta, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offers innovative cuisine inspired by the Greek landscape, while CTC Urban Gastronomy provides an 11-course blind tasting menu that surprises and delights. The city is rich with cultural heritage. Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon, then visit the Acropolis Museum to delve deeper into ancient Greek history.  While in the city, Luisa World in Kolonaki is worth a visit, offering a mix of unique one-of-a-kind designers from Greek and international houses.

ZENITH has unveiled two new “Shadow” editions of its DEFY Diver models, continuing the house’s tradition of extreme-performance timepieces. 

 The new DEFY Extreme Diver and DEFY Revival Diver both feature microblasted titanium cases and black-and-yellow designs, offering a unique take on dive watch design. 

The DEFY Extreme Diver is a 42.5mm modern diver’s watch engineered for saturation diving, offering 600 metres of water resistance. Its unidirectional rotating bezel is crafted from black ceramic and filled with Super-LumiNova for maximum legibility. The black dial features a starry pattern and bright yellow accents, with rhodium-plated hands and markers also coated in Super-LumiNova SLN C1. A screw-down crown, helium escape valve, and exhibition case back underscore the watch’s technical specifications. The case back reveals the El Primero 3620 automatic movement, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour and delivers a 60-hour power reserve.

This model includes a titanium bracelet, a black rubber strap with Cordura-effect texture, and a black-and-yellow fabric strap. All three are easily interchangeable thanks to ZENITH’s quick strap-change system.

The DEFY Revival Diver reintroduces the original 1969 DEFY Plongeur in a compact 37mm titanium case. The iconic fourteen-sided bezel returns, now sitting atop a unidirectional rotating bezel with a yellow-tinted sapphire insert. The matte black dial features yellow accents and white Super-LumiNova markers. The crown is positioned at 4:30, as on the original model.

Inside, the Elite 670 automatic movement powers the hour, minute, second and date functions. The movement is visible through an exhibition case back, despite the watch’s 600-metre depth rating. It offers a 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The bracelet is a titanium version of the original Gay Frères design, equipped with a folding clasp.

The DEFY Extreme Diver is priced at 12,300 USD, while the DEFY Revival Diver retails for 8,200 USD. Both models are available from ZENITH boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide, as well as online.

zenith.com

The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is showcasing a curated collection by Saudi artisans at Selfridges London this month.

Until the 22nd of June, the activation is highlighting Saudi handicrafts, providing an international platform for local artisans and cultural entrepreneurs to introduce their work to a global audience, as part of the Kingdom’s “Year of Handicrafts 2025.”

Held in partnership with Turquoise Mountain, a non-profit organisation focused on reviving traditional crafts and supporting artisans, the exhibition features handcrafted pieces made from sustainable, locally sourced materials. The collection is thematically inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and architectural heritage, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional techniques.

The display includes works in palm weaving, jewellery and accessories, and leather crafts, created by artisans from various regions of the Kingdom. It offers a curated insight into the diverse landscape of Saudi craftsmanship.

The handicrafts activation is running in parallel with a separate Saudi fashion showcase also hosted at Selfridges. Organised by CDF in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission, the fashion showcase features brands supported by both the CDF and the Saudi 100 Brands initiative. These collections are presented alongside Selfridges’ international labels, demonstrating the dynamism and rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s cultural industries.

CDF’s dual activations aim to empower Saudi artisans and fashion designers by giving them access to international markets and encouraging investment in the creative economy. This effort is in line with CDF’s broader strategy to promote the Saudi cultural sector as a driver of economic and social growth.

The Selfridges exhibition builds on other Year of Handicrafts projects, including the recently launched Nama’ Accelerators: Handicrafts Track. This programme provides cultural businesses with tailored support through training, mentorship and financial incentives. It aims to foster scalable and sustainable enterprises that contribute to community development, preserve heritage crafts and align with the country’s economic diversification goals under Saudi Vision 2030.

Founded in 2021, the CDF operates under the Saudi National Development Fund and seeks to develop a self-reliant cultural sector. Its work supports the National Culture Strategy by facilitating investment, supporting practitioners, and enhancing the sector’s profitability and visibility.

 cdf.gov.sa

Syrian designer Rami Al Ali is set to present his Autumn-Winter 2025 couture collection in Paris on the 10th of July, marking his debut on the official Haute Couture fashion show calendar.

Al Ali’s inclusion represents a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Syrian designer to be welcomed onto the official calendar. This recognition reflects the refinement of his vision and the growing influence of his work in the global fashion industry.

Born in Syria, Al Ali graduated in Visual Arts from the Damascus School of Fine Arts in 1995. He began his career in the fashion industry in Dubai and Beirut before establishing his eponymous fashion house in Dubai in 2001. Known for his bold, architectural designs, Al Ali has made regular appearances at fashion shows and presentations in Paris for several years.

His designs have garnered international attention, attracting a high-profile clientele including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Sharon Stone, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. His most notable pieces are frequently featured in leading fashion publications, underscoring his status as one of the Middle East’s most influential designers.

In recent years, the Rami Al Ali brand has expanded into several lines, including Couture, Ready-to-Wear, Bridal Couture, and the White collection. This growth reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation and highlights its increasing global reach, with collections available in numerous countries.

Al Ali’s design approach is defined by his architectural style, which balances classicism with modernity. His work is noted for meticulous craftsmanship, original shapes, and timeless elegance. The upcoming collection promises to continue this tradition, drawing inspiration from his Syrian heritage and its rich crafts.

According to the house, the show in July will showcase Al Ali’s creative vision and will also serve as a tribute to his cultural roots. 

ramialali.com

IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a new addition to its ‘Colors of TOP GUN’ collection, the Pilot’s Watch Automatic 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert (Ref. IW328106).

This release highlights the brand’s continued innovation in ceramic watchmaking and draws direct inspiration from the rugged landscape of the Western Mojave Desert.

The 41-millimetre case is crafted from sand-coloured ceramic, a hue developed through a precise blend of zirconium oxide with metallic oxides. This ceramic material is not only distinctive but also extremely hard and resistant to scratches, achieved through a complex sintering process. The colour, termed ‘Mojave Desert’, mirrors the subdued tones of Navy pilots’ flight suits and the environment of China Lake, a US Navy air base.

IWC’s expertise in ceramic watch cases dates back almost four decades, and the introduction of ‘Mojave Desert’ as a ceramic colour in 2019 marked a notable development. This latest model continues that legacy with its tone-on-tone design, featuring a brown dial with minute scales and numerals coated in Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility in low light. A beige rubber strap with a textile inlay and a titanium pin buckle complete the monochromatic aesthetic.

The case back, made of lightweight titanium, bears an engraving of the iconic ‘TOP GUN’ logo. The movement is driven by the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre with an automatic pawl winding system, capable of delivering a power reserve of 120 hours. The calibre’s balance oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz, contributing to the watch’s precision.

This new model joins the existing line-up of ‘Mojave Desert’ watches, which includes the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Edition, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Mojave Desert, and the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Edition. It further demonstrates IWC’s commitment to expanding its range of professional-grade instrument watches.

Founded in 1868 in Schaffhausen, IWC is known for combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced materials and technologies, including ceramics and titanium. The brand has established a reputation for durable, functional complications such as chronographs and calendars. IWC continues to focus on sustainability, with efforts centred on responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious production methods.

iwc.com

Contemporary fashion brand Leem has launched its Summer 2025 collection, offering a seamless blend of elegant minimalism and modern design. 

Just in time for Eid Al Adha and the summer season, the collection features versatile pieces aimed at providing a sophisticated yet relaxed wardrobe for a range of occasions.

The new collection, available now in stores and online, is characterised by an interplay of texture, movement, and form. Leem’s designers have prioritised graceful silhouettes with structure and flow, including maxi dresses with tailored hemlines, gathered waistlines, and voluminous sleeves. Lightweight co-ord sets in pleated or crinkled textures are introduced, designed for a sense of effortless polish. Other highlights include mesh-panelled pieces that add a subtle edge, and a selection of airy crepes, fine cotton blends, and silky viscose fabrics that combine comfort with precise tailoring.

The colour palette is carefully curated to reflect the essence of summer. It ranges from butter yellow for a warm and radiant tone, to bold red and deep purple for a vibrant touch. Fresh whites and soft pastels add a refined elegance. Each colour has been chosen to evoke the lightness and serenity of the season while maintaining a modern and sophisticated aesthetic.

Leem’s approach to occasionwear with this collection focuses on versatility, allowing wearers to transition effortlessly from day to night. The collection balances understated elegance with contemporary style, designed to resonate with a diverse global audience.

The collection is available through Leem’s stores in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including locations at Riyadh’s Hayat Mall, Panorama Mall, and Riyadh Park, as well as Dubai’s City Center Mirdif and Mercato Mall. It is also available in London’s Westfield and through online platforms including Leem’s official website, Selfridges, and Zalando.

leem.com

Acqua di Parma has announced the launch of its new Blu Mediterraneo La Riserva collection, a reinterpretation of its renowned Blu Mediterraneo fragrances.

The new Eau de Parfum compositions were developed through a two-month maceration process, resulting in fragrances with a complex, enduring sillage and increased longevity.

The Blu Mediterraneo La Riserva line showcases three signature scents: Mirto di Panarea La Riserva, Arancia di Capri La Riserva, and Fico di Amalfi La Riserva. Each fragrance has been designed to capture the essence of the Mediterranean landscapes that inspired them.

Mirto di Panarea La Riserva highlights the wild myrtle fruit and the rugged volcanic terrain of Panarea. It opens with cedrat essence, sage, and juniper berries, transitions into a heart of myrtle and lavender essences, and concludes with a base of patchouli fraction, labdanum absolute, and lentiscus absolute.

Arancia di Capri La Riserva draws inspiration from the vibrant landscapes of Capri. Its composition begins with Italian blood orange, mandarin, and petitgrain bigarade essence, followed by a heart of rosemary and Italian basil, accented with a salty mineral accord. The base consists of cedarwood, ambrettolide, and a rich suede accord, evoking the sea breeze of Capri.

Fico di Amalfi La Riserva is a tribute to the Mediterranean fig and the citrus notes of the Amalfi Coast. This fragrance features a lively combination of Italian mandarin, blood orange, grapefruit, and lemon essences at the top, with a heart of orris concentré, fig, and lemon infusions. The base notes include tonka beans absolute, ambrettolide, and orcanox.

All three fragrances are offered in 50ml, 100ml, and 180ml bottles, presented in a deeper and more intense shade of blue. The collection is complemented by a premium blue hatbox, larger in size and featuring an updated label with refreshed finishings.

Additional products in the La Riserva collection include the Fruttini Citrus Soap in scents matching the three Eau de Parfums. The collection also introduces Mandarino di Sicilia Hand & Body Wash and Hand & Body Lotion.

AcquadiParma.com

Beyoncé took the stage during her Cowboy Carter World Tour wearing a custom creation by Schiaparelli Haute Couture. The look was designed by Daniel Roseberry, the creative director of the renowned Parisian house.

The ensemble featured a nude mesh corset adorned with tonal draped duchesse satin, paired with black technical velvet bootcut trousers. These were highlighted by signature cowboy bijoux buckles, adding a Western-inspired edge to the sophisticated design.

A stole in black trompe l’oeil “monkey fur” made of ostrich feathers bathed in glycerin completed the outfit, adding a dramatic flair to Beyoncé’s performance attire.

Schiaparelli, under Roseberry’s direction, has become known for pushing the boundaries of haute couture while maintaining the house’s distinctive heritage. Beyoncé’s choice of Schiaparelli Haute Couture reflects her continued engagement with high fashion and her ability to blend stage costumes with cutting-edge design.

Schiaparelli.com

Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has unveiled a new limited-edition timepiece to mark its 150th anniversary. 

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “150th Anniversary” Openworked is set to be the final reference equipped with the brand’s Calibre 5135 movement, drawing a close to nearly a decade of technical innovation.

This 41 mm wristwatch, limited to 150 pieces, pays tribute to Audemars Piguet’s legacy while highlighting its continued exploration of materials and design. The model’s combination of titanium and palladium-based Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) in the case and bracelet represents a high-tech approach.

BMG, used for the bezel, caseback frame and bracelet studs, is mirror-polished and coupled with satin-brushed titanium, creating a distinctive visual contrast. The movement, Calibre 5135, which has powered the brand’s openworked perpetual calendars since 2019, was first introduced in black ceramic and has since featured in several iterations. This final version showcases the movement’s complexity through a sapphire dial that echoes a vintage pocket watch design exhibited in the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet.

The dial features a deep blue brass inner bezel and blue bathtub-shaped hour and minute hands made of 18-carat white gold, filled with luminescent material. The moon-phase display at 6 o’clock incorporates a photographic representation of the Moon, based on a NASA image, rendered on a sapphire disc. The perpetual calendar function accounts for varying month lengths and leap years, with the movement requiring no manual correction until 2100 if kept fully wound.

Audemars Piguet has integrated subtle anniversary details, including a “150” logo engraved on the caseback frame and an “Audemars Piguet” signature inspired by historical documents within the moon-phase indication. The dial’s numerical and alphabetical indications have been revised for a vintage aesthetic.

The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar “150th Anniversary” Openworked (ref. 26585XT.OO.1220XT.01) features a case thickness of 9.9 mm and is water-resistant to 20 metres. It includes a titanium bracelet with BMG studs and a three-blade folding clasp. The selfwinding Calibre 5135 offers a 40-hour power reserve, a frequency of 2.75 Hz, and comprises 374 components.

audemarspiguet.com

Garrard, the world’s oldest jewellery house, has opened a new pop-up at Harvey Nichols in Mall of the Emirates. 

This move marks a significant step in Garrard’s regional presence and strengthens its valued partnership with Al Tayer.

The pop-up offers visitors an immersive experience of Garrard’s heritage. With nearly three centuries of British design and craftsmanship, the display showcases the brand’s most iconic collections. These include the graceful Wings and celebratory Fanfare designs, the much-loved Mini Icons collection, and diamond-set Starlight jewels, which are positioned as ideal gifting options.

The new pop-up also presents the Lotus collection, a fresh interpretation of a long-standing Garrard motif.

Founded in London in 1735, Garrard holds a Royal Warrant and has long been associated with some of the most famous jewels of all time. The house has adorned royalty and global icons, with creations that reflect a deep passion for coloured gemstones and a dedication to outstanding design and craftsmanship. Garrard has played a role in history for centuries, from crafting many pieces within the British Crown Jewels to creating Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring. Today, these creations continue to resonate with a new generation of the Royal Family.

The pop-up at Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, will be open until the end of 2025.

garrard.com

Bottega Veneta has launched ‘Craft is Our Language’, a campaign marking the 50th anniversary of its iconic leather weave, Intrecciato. 

The initiative celebrates the brand’s craftsmanship and creative ethos, with a series of images and films highlighting the universal language of hand gestures. 

Photographed by Jack Davison and choreographed by Lenio Kaklea, the campaign features artisans and artists collaborating across fields including art, film, fashion, literature, music and sport. Among those featured are singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff, director Dario Argento, designer Edward Buchanan, artist and sculptor Barbara Chase-Riboud, singer Neenah Cherry, filmmaker Dave Free, actress Lauren Hutton, and actress Julianne Moore. Notable sporting figures include tennis player Lorenzo Musetti. Bottega Veneta’s campaign also includes well-known personalities such as Shu Qi, Wrier Zadie Smith, and conductor Lorenzo Viotti.

The campaign highlights how the weaving of leather strips in Intrecciato is also a metaphor for interconnectedness and collaboration. The technique has been a part of Bottega Veneta’s identity since its founding in 1966, blending artisanal tradition with innovation.

Edward Buchanan, former Design Director of Bottega Veneta, and Lauren Hutton, who carried an Intrecciato clutch in the 1980 film American Gigolo, both contribute to the narrative. Buchanan was with the brand from 1995 to 2000, overseeing the introduction of its first Ready-to-Wear collection.

The campaign will also feature a book, to be published in September, that compiles a “dictionary” of 50 gestures representing the language, craft, and values of Bottega Veneta. The book draws inspiration from Bruno Munari’s 1963 handbook Supplemento al Dizionario Italiano and highlights the universal expression of hands.

The Intrecciato technique, first introduced in 1975, requires meticulous hand weaving of leather strips into a fettuccia pattern. This tradition draws from Veneto region’s leatherworking expertise and continues to evolve with innovative arrangements and high-quality materials.

bottegaveneta.com

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty has unveiled its latest addition to the Le Vestiaire des Parfums collection: Muse Inspiring Ink.

This new fragrance, created by Master Perfumer Marie Salamagne, captures the spirit of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent’s muses, artists, models, and loved ones, whose unique energy and style shaped the couturier’s designs. Muse blends enigmatic ink notes with powdery iris and sensual Bourbon vanilla, delivering a fragrance described as a “skin scent that explodes”.

The launch is part of a broader expansion of Le Vestiaire des Parfums, an exclusive Haute Parfumerie collection inspired by Saint Laurent’s iconic designs and creative inspirations. Each scent in the collection is a tribute to the couturier’s style, crafted by leading perfumers including Salamagne, Juliette Karagueuzoglou, Quentin Bisch, and Dominique Ropion.

In addition to Muse, the collection features fragrances directly referencing YSL’s most recognisable garments and materials, such as Tuxedo, Blouse, Saharienne, Caban, and Trench, as well as scents inspired by fabrics and accessories including Cuir, Velours, Gold, and Babycat. The Edition Couture line pays homage to the Maison’s iconic addresses in Paris and abroad with scents named after 37 Rue de Bellechasse, 24 Rue de l’Université, and 6 Place Saint Sulpice.

Le Vestiaire des Parfums also introduces a new range of Hand & Body Washes, designed to extend the sensory experience. These scented washes are intended to cleanse the skin gently while preparing it for the application of layered fragrances.

For home fragrance, the collection expands into scented candles inspired by key YSL destinations such as Paris, Marrakech, and New York. Each candle evokes the distinctive atmosphere of these locations while reflecting the brand’s fusion of style and scent.

The Le Vestiaire des Parfums bottle has been designed by Suzanne Dalton. It features a sharply cut-glass silhouette, black grain de poudre textured cap, and a black label framed in glass, mirroring the brand’s couture roots. The coffret housing the bottle mirrors this aesthetic, lined with a mirror finish to magnify the colour of the fragrance.

ysl.com