CHANEL has revealed the unique costumes the house has designed for the Opéra National de Paris.

The French creative institution is the leading opera and ballet company in the country, and was first founded by King Louis XIV in 1669.

Discussing the collaboration, the house said “CHANEL is proud to support creative freedom and to perpetuate its historical links with dance on the occasion of the Opening Gala of the 2024/2025 dance season.

The worlds of CHANEL and dance intertwine with a common repertoire — creative freedom, excellence and emotion are at the heart of every gesture, of every movement.”

chanel.com

Audemars Piguet has revealed the house’s latest timepiece. 

The 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date takes on a fresh new look with an innovative black forged carbon case middle featuring blue luminescent pigments. 

The ultra-light two-tone forged carbon case middle is complemented by a black ceramic bezel, crown, push-pieces and caseback and enhanced by a dark architectural dial with electric blue accents. 

The futuristic timepiece was revealed during a special event at Monti in Singapore.

Over 150 guests, including American singer-songwriter Eric Nam, Thai actor Tawan, Olympic judoka Teddy Riner, and influencer Georges Maroun Kikano partied late into the night as international DJ, Stephen Day, spun a smooth blend of electro, house, and hip-hop.

AudemarsPiguet.com

Italian house Loro Piana has revealed its latest accessory, the Loom bag. 

Part of the FW24-25 season, it is made from fine calfskin with a soft and silky handle, and is distinguished by its back panel, a unique piece that drapes gracefully over the top metal bar, mirroring the way fabric falls on a loom. 

Discussing the new bag, the house said: “A bag-metaphor of Loro Piana’s history, its craftsmanship, its exclusive fabrics. An elevated accessory with a timeless, practical, and modern silhouette, where to store a life’s essentials and more. The Loom bag is a versatile tote for work and leisure, with a distinct metal bar under the flap that recalls the way fabric drapes over the heddle bar of a textile loom, from which the name and shape is inspired.”

The Loom bag is available for Fall/Winter 2024-2025 in two sizes: L32 and the new L25.

loropiana.com

Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad has revealed his latest SS25 collection, called “Rêverie” (Daydreaming). 

This collection, a testament to Nakad’s masterful craftsmanship and boundless creativity, is a journey into a world of dreams where imagination meets reality. 

Discussing the collection, in the notes which accompanied its release, the house said “Inspired by the boundless realm of dreams, the collection features 44 unique designs that evoke a sense of luxury and softness, offering comfort and sophistication. Nakad’s designs are not simply garments, but gateways to a special world full of creativity and inspiration, where each woman can embrace her most beautiful dreams and live life with confidence and elegance.”

The collection is characterised by its diversity and richness, showcasing a spectrum of colours ranging from calming pastels to regal white and elegant black. There are also pops of green and blue, from sky blue to deep navy, adding depth and dimension to the designs. The dresses are adorned with intricate details like delicate embroidery, small and large flowers, and charming feather accents. The luxurious fabrics, including crepe and transparent chiffon, create a harmonious balance between delicacy and strength, reflecting the transformative power of dreams that carry us away from the everyday. 

ziadnakad.com

BVLGARI, has announced the opening of the house’s latest boutique in the region, situated within Marassi Galleria in Bahrain.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Lulwa, while the boutique itself is inspired by Italian design and champions the house codes. 

The interiors feature iconic BVLGARI Serpenti designs and colours inspired by the colours of the evening sky in Rome.

Discussing the launch the house said: “ Bvlgari has always been the brand that has been able to reinterpret the past with a new contemporary key. Rome’s glorious past and rich history has always represented a fundamental reference point both for its jewellery collections and for the architecture of its shops throughout the world. Bvlgari is Rome and Rome is Bvlgari, but not in a nostalgic way, rather than through a contemporary and ever-evolving interpretation.”

Bvlgari.com

Tod’s is highlighting the house’s Pashmy project for the new season, which aims to represent the highest expression in the selection of leathers. 

According to the house, “The goal is to search for and select materials recognisable for their softness, lightness, and the unmistakable extraordinarily silky touch, reminiscent of the delicacy of pashmina. Pashmy is the research for the most exclusive and precious materials and the craftsmanship know-how of companies which represent Italian quality. This project expresses the highest level of exclusive materials, which is the symbol of Tod’s craftsmanship tradition.”

In the house’s latest AW24-25 Men’s collection this materialises through the Tod’s bomber, with its linear lines, features a water-repellent and stain-resistant treatment, making it an iconic staple of the male wardrobe. The colour palette consists of warm tones of chestnut and écru and cool tones of ice and teal.

tods.com

Following the departure of Hedi Slimane, Celine has announced Michael Rider as the house’s new artistic director.

Rider will have the entire creative responsibility of all Celine collections, including Womenswear, Menswear, Couture, Leather Goods and Accessories.

According to the house, he will join the house in early 2025.

The announcement could mean a return to the design aesthetic championed by Phoebe Philo, as the designer spent ten years under her leadership at Celine and was most recently the creative director of Polo Ralph Lauren. 

Prior to his ten years at Celine, he also spent time at Balenciaga with Nicolas Ghesquiere. 

Discussing the news, Severine Merle, the CEO of Celine said “I am delighted to welcome Michael back to Celine, a maison that he knows intimately. Michael’s vision, creative talent, together with his genuine nature and strong connection to Celine’s heritage make him a natural choice to continue to build a long-lasting success for the maison.”

Meanwhile, Rider added “Celine is a maison with values very close to my heart and a beautiful heritage to build on. I am honoured to come back and shape the future of the maison together with the Celine team.”

celine.com

The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi is set to return this October, with a ceremony celebrating culinary talent in the UAE capital and the unveiling of the official selection for its 2025 Guide.

Taking place on the 31st of October at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental the event will also see five guest chefs – including four from the 2024 Abu Dhabi edition – who will present their innovative gastronomic creations to guests.

Discussing the event, a spokesperson for MICHELIN said: “This prestigious gathering in the world of gastronomy will celebrate the finest culinary talent in the region, honouring restaurants and chefs for their exceptional contributions. Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene blends rich traditions with global influences, offering a vibrant mix of fine dining, innovative fusion cuisine, and authentic local flavours, making it a dynamic gastronomic destination.”

The event will be the third time MICHELIN has announced a Guide for the city. The second edition of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, released in 2023, revealed 46 restaurants, including four restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star, 6 Bib Gourmand establishments, and 36 MICHELIN Selected restaurants. 

Celebrated chefs taking part include:

• 99 Sushi Bar – One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2024
• ERTH – One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2024
• Dai Pai Dong – MICHELIN Selected, MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2024
• Ray’s Grill – MICHELIN Selected, MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2024
• Tate –Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2024

Invited guests will have the opportunity to watch the chefs in action, taste a dedicated menu of creative canapés celebrating Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene, and mingle among the industry’s most notable figures. 

guide.michelin.com/en

Here’s everything you need to know from the final day of Paris Fashion Week

Miu Miu 

For Miu Miu SS25 Miuccia Prada examined the brand’s cultural dialogues with groundbreaking women artists and filmmakers across the 13 years of the house’s “Miu Miu Women’s Tales” series. This was expressed on the runway through the inclusion of a diverse number of creatives, including Hilary Swank, Little Simz, Cara Delevingne and Alexa Chung. Miuccia also had her eye to the future too, with Nicole Kidman’s 16-year-old daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman-Urban making her runway debut. According to the show notes, the new collection also sought to examine “early youth as a period of absolute truth”. This was revealed through chemisette dresses in cotton pulled down and folded around the body and sweaters wrapped into tops and shirts twisted “wrong ways of wearing, to find something new.”

Chanel 

On the final day of Paris Fashion Week CHANEL returned to the Grand Palais to showcase the house’s SS25 collection. Following the departure of creative director Virginie Viard in June, the new season was presented by the house’s Creation Studio. A giant bird cage took centre stage in the heart of the building’s nave, while in the show notes, the house said the collection was a tribute to “ women who freed themselves from the cumbersome gaze of society, just like Gabrielle Chanel.” On the runway there were chiffon capes, slit skirts, embroidered transparent shirt dresses, wide-cut and fluid trousers, sequinned and fringed jeans, trench coats with a multicoloured feather print brought together in a choreographic ode to delicacy, lightness and movement.

Louis Vuitton 

In the Cour Carrée courtyard outside the Louvre in Paris, Louis Vuitton’s artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière constructed a runway space inspired by the house’s beloved trunk to showcase the new LV SS25 collection. In the show which marked the close of Paris Fashion Week, the house revealed a collection of contrasts inspired by the oxymoronic nature of the phrase “soft power.” The result was a show which examined harmonious opposites, structure and lightness, ethereal opulence and razor-sharp delicacy. 

Following the announcement earlier this year of a new collaboration between David Beckham and BOSS, the FW24 edit from the house has finally arrived. 

Called “BOSS Selected By Beckham” the new edit features a selection of hand-picked seasonal favorites that perfectly blend BOSS iconic menswear with Beckham’s signature style and aesthetics. 

The collection offers a broad assortment of lifestyle looks, designed to elevate any wardrobe with Beckham’s impeccable taste.

Beckham’s curated favourites include a refined selection of tailored options such as suits, trousers, and coats, notably, a camel double-breasted coat with peak lapel, each showcasing a perfect blend of sophistication and modernity. 

Complementing these is a range of casual garments, from denim to knitwear, crafted from premium fabrics like cashmere and regenerative cotton. A true representation of his personal style, Beckham’s standout favourites include a luxurious 100% virgin wool cardigan sweater and an authentic, relaxed-fit denim shirt with double breast pockets.

boss.com 

Mandarin Oriental, Muscat has announced a new collaboration with the Royal Opera House Muscat to celebrate the launch of the 2024–2025 opera season. 

The luxury hotel property first opened its doors in June this year and is nestled in the heart of the Omani capital, just a three-minute drive from the Royal Opera House. 

 Starting from the 3rd of October and continuing through the season until the 24th of May 2025, guests at the hotel can immerse themselves in the ambience of the opera. From pre-and post-theatre inspired menus at the signature Italian restaurant Essenza to a room package that includes tickets to premium seats at selected performances, guests are invited to enjoy the sophistication of the opera with Mandarin Oriental.

The Royal Opera House is the leading arts and culture establishment in the Sultanate of Oman. Its vision is to serve as a centre of excellence in global cultural engagement and to open the region to an enriching world of the performing arts. 

During the season ahead, fans can look forward to operas and ballet performances, including “Un ballo in Maschera” by Giuseppe Verdi, “La Fille du Régiment” by Gaetano Donizetti, and the ballet “A Thousand and One Nights” by Fikret Amirov. Additionally, it is set to host cultural performances including “Homage to Mohammed Abdul Wahab,” “Gate of the Moon” a Nishat Khan Sitar concert, and in honour of Oman National Day celebrated on 18 November, “Military Music: Oman and The World,” an outdoor festival with guest participation from Austria and Jordan. 

The hotel will also launch “The Mandarin Oriental Balcony”, a one-of-a-kind elevated opera experience that provides access to Mandarin Oriental, Muscat’s private balcony at the Royal Circle. This first-of-its-kind collaboration includes meet-and-greet services, privileged access, and exclusive experiences at selected performances. 

Throughout the opera season, guests can also enjoy an exclusive set menu at Essenza upon presenting their ticket on the day of the performance. Signature dishes like Vitello Tonnato and Orata all’Aqua Pazza will be on the menu, complemented by Italian desserts such as gelato and Tiramisu. 

To mark the celebrated collaboration, the resort has also introduced A Night at the Opera package. 

This room offer is designed for two guests and includes a luxurious stay, featuring two premium seat tickets to selected performances. Alongside this, guests will enjoy a delightful pre- or post-theatre dinner at Essenza and two-way transfers to the Royal Opera House on the day of the performance.

Discussing the launch of the new collaboration between the two properties, Nicolas Dubort, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, said: “It is our great pleasure to announce our collaboration with the Royal Opera House as we commit to delivering exceptional experiences that celebrate culture and the arts in the heart of Muscat. We are proud of our dedication to fostering creativity and providing enriching opportunities for our guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Oman. Together, we look forward to curating unforgettable moments that resonate with the essence of Muscat’s artistic heritage and community spirit.” 

mandarinoriental.com/muscat

Shangri-La hotels located across (MEIA) the Middle East, Europe, UK, India, the Indian Ocean, and the Americas, have announced an unparalleled international gastronomical festival with “Taste of Shangri-La.”

Running from today until the 30th of October, food enthusiasts can explore unique dining experiences across 21 signature restaurants in 10 luxurious Shangri-La hotels located in sought-after destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah, London, Paris, Istanbul, New Delhi, and Bangalore. 

Each hotel will showcase specially curated tasting menus crafted by their top chefs, offering guests a chance to experience a diverse range of cuisines at an exceptional value. This celebration of flavours, innovation, and culinary artistry promises to captivate the imaginations of food lovers with its extensive international offerings. 

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, guests can experience the mastery of Chef Benson Peng, renowned for his expertise in Sichuanese cuisine. Known for his bold flavours and innovative techniques, Chef Peng will be showcasing his culinary talents during this event, offering diners an authentic taste of Sichuan at Shangri-La hotels in these cities.

Dine Around The Region

Culinary Excellence at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Guests are invited to embark on a flavour-filled journey across the globe at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. Culinary excellence takes centre stage at Shang Palace, the hotel’s signature Chinese restaurant, where the art of Chinese cuisine comes to life through hand-crafted dim sum and hand-made noodles. Guests can also indulge in contemporary French cuisine at Bord Eau, where renowned Chef Nicolas Isnard prepares dishes inspired by his global travels. This October, enjoy specially curated menus at both Shang Palace and Bord Eau.

A Taste of Asia at Shangri-La Dubai, UAE

Shangri-La Dubai is renowned for its authentic Asian culinary offerings, inviting diners to explore rich flavours and vibrant tastes. Guests can experience the essence of Cantonese cuisine at Shang Palace or savour the vibrant tastes of Vietnamese fare at Hoi An. Each restaurant captures the essence of Asian culinary mastery, offering a unique dining experience. 

Gastronomy Showcase at Shangri-La Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Experience the fusion of traditional and modern Chinese cuisine at Shangri-La Jeddah’s signature restaurant, Shang Palace. The menu features a diverse selection of dim sum and classic Chinese dishes with a contemporary twist, promising an unforgettable dining experience.

Oman’s Culinary Gems at Shangri-La Al Husn and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat, Oman
Diners can explore a world of flavours crafted from fresh local ingredients at Shangri-La Al Husn and Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah. The restaurants at each resort offer an impressive range of dishes reflecting Oman’s rich culinary heritage. 

Timeless Tastes at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul’s rich culinary traditions are brought to life at  Shangri-La Bosphorus. Guests can experience authentic Turkish flavours at IST TOO, where traditional recipes and seasonal delights are showcased. Meanwhile, Shang Palace offers guests a genuine taste of Cantonese cuisine, through authentic dishes packed with mouthwatering Eastern flavours.

shangri-la.com

McLaren Dubai has announced the delivery of the Middle East’s First McLaren GTS, the replacement for the McLaren GT. 

Making its debut on the roads of the region the super-lightweight GTS is engineered to delight drivers who demand the dynamic excellence and driving excitement of a McLaren and the ride comfort, refinement and luggage space suited to routine drives and extended journeys. 

The first owner to take delivery in the region is UAE-based businessman and supercar enthusiast Mr. Sunil Meerasa, who received his GTS in the striking Ventura Orange.

Commenting on being the first in the region to own one, Meerasa said: “To me, McLaren is a combination of performance, heritage, innovation and exclusivity, which is why I’m so happy to get the keys to my new McLaren. I chose the GTS for its performance, luxury interior features, and sleek exterior design, and I love the bright and eye-catching Ventura Orange colour, it really makes the car stand out on the road! As a luxury grand touring supercar, the GTS truly balances comfort and sportiness, and I really enjoy the driving experience.”

 Aligned with the inherent practicality of the GTS is an interior designed to blend the car’s level of performance with a refined and luxurious space. It is a comfortable cabin for long-distance journeys, while also providing a platform from which the driver can take full advantage of the car’s outstanding dynamic capabilities.

The power of the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine in the GTS has been elevated to 635PS at 7,500rpm, and at just 1,520kg the GTS is the lightest car in its class, with a segment best power-to-weight ratio of 418PS per-tonne. A launch-control function is standard; when enabled, the GTS hits 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in only 3.2 seconds and 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in just 8.9 seconds. The maximum speed of the GTS is 326km/h (203mph).

cars.mclaren.com/en/gts

Kempinski The Boulevard has announced the launch of a new brunch, aptly named “Le Brunch at La Brasserie Sur Le Boulevard.”

Set against the iconic backdrop of Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline, the French brasserie will be offering a delectable Mediterranean-inspired menu with international influences every Saturday starting from the 5th of October.

 Chef Jean-Pascal Irissou and Executive Pastry Chef Guillaume Destouches, both hail from France and were inspired by vibrant Provençal markets and the French Riviera in crafting the menu. 

The spread features fresh seafood on ice, à la minute shucked oysters, sushi corner, and live station salads. Guests can indulge in pan-seared Foie Gras, pasta prepared live on a Parmesan wheel, and a live grill featuring an assortment of beef, lamb, and chicken cuts.

For dessert, there’s delectable French waffles, Crepes Suzette, and other options. 

The atmosphere is laid-back yet chic, with live entertainment and both indoor and terrace seating offering a stunning view of Burj Khalifa, ensuring a picturesque dining experience.

For more details and reservations: +971 4 561 8888 or email fb.dxb10@adnhmc.com

Versace has revealed the new campaign for the iconic Medusa Biggie sunglasses that shows “how life is better in Biggies”. 

Biggies are one of the Versace design icons and have been one of the most distinctive eyewear shapes in global luxury for over three decades. 

Their signature attitude and high-luxury design have always attracted individuals with an independent spirit, most notably Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), the world-leading rapper who rocketed the style to icon status within rap, music, entertainment, and culture. 

The Biggies style is named in his honour. The multifaceted and innovation-focused campaign mixes physical and digital experiences for a full immersion into the iconic lifestyle felt when wearing Biggies. 

An augmented reality experience is accessible through QR codes on Life is Better in Biggies out-of-home billboards placed across global cities. The interactive journey unveils a pair of golden Biggies floating above the House’s Medusa before the full selection of available Medusa Biggie styles is revealed. 

A Try-On filter available through Meta and Snapchat social channels lets users wear the Biggies in 3D and share selfies with friends. 

A fully immersive Virtual Reality headset experience available at select Luxottica stores gives users a new way to interact with the iconic Biggies. Upon entering the virtual world, users are placed into an opulent Biggies Celebration Room and can travel through portals to other areas until they are faced with Versace’s powerful Medusa, all in an immersive 360-world.

Versace.com

Here’s everything you need to know from days six to eight of Paris Fashion Week.

Hermès

Tan hues dominated on the Hermès runway this weekend. For SS25 creative director Nadege Vanhee revealed a collection inspired by the sensuality of summer. Light sheer fabrics and mesh were mixed with sturdier leather pieces with occasional hot pink shades intermixed with caramel, beige, cream and brown.

Elie Saab 

Elie Saab revealed the house’s SS25 Safari-inspired collection at Palais de Tokyo as part of Paris Fashion Week this weekend. The Lebanese house put its signature spin on classic jumpsuits and maxi skirts through colourways of khaki, forest green, and burgundy along with animal-inspired prints. 

Valentino 

Alessandro Michele debuted his first collection for Valentino at Paris Fashion Week, following his eight year reign at Gucci. For SS25 the designer examined the concept of beauty, from a philosophical standpoint, as he wrote in the notes which accompanied the collection: When I say beauty, I am clearly not referring to its universalistic, dogmatic and normative mythologisation. I rather allude to that unique capability to deeply feel and connect with something that unveils and reveals a new universe of meaning: an epiphany in which the connections between us, things and living beings, become immediately visible.” On the runway this concept was presented with many classic Michele notes from bows and fur to lace details. 

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney has been known for her progressive approach to fashion since she first launched her eponymous luxury house in 2001. Nearly 25 years later she used her SS25 show to shine a light on the importance of preserving avian wildlife worldwide and the work of bird expert Jonathan Franzen and his book “The End of the End of the Earth”. In front of an A-List audience, the collection was titled “Save What You Love” and was inspired by “power, sensuality and sport” and was styled by Heidi Bivens, the costume designer for the HBO series, Euphoria.

Balenciaga

In the show notes for the Balenciaga Summer 25 collection creative director Demna explained “My early memories of fashion start with me drawing looks on cardboard, cutting them out, and making ‘fashion shows’ on my grandma’s kitchen table…35 years later, this show reconnects me to the beginning of my vision. It’s a tribute to fashion that has a point of view.” This inward reflection resulted in a deconstruction of traditional silhouettes and a series of daring boundary-pushing looks. He sent models out on to the runway in lingerie at the start of his show, which then built to more complete looks. There were early noughties touches (think low-slung denim jeans) paired with futuristic eyewear. The cocoon silhouette favoured by the house’s founder Cristóbal Balenciaga was updated too, applied to cropped outerwear through the collection.

Here’s everything you need to know from days four and five of Paris Fashion Week.

Chloé

Chemena Kamali celebrated her first year at the helm of Chloé with a collection inspired by 70s nostalgia and the joy of the warmer weather season. Discussing her SS25 show she said “I wanted to capture that longing for summer and the way summer makes you feel – taking the essence of Chloé’s roots as a starting point, building new foundations and capturing that fantasy moment of the summer months when you reconnect with yourself. When you pause, escape, explore, discover and recharge. The mood is light, weightless, sensual and joyful.”

Dries Van Noten

Dries Van Noten revealed its first collection since its eponymous founder left the lead role at the house in June. While the search for the new creative director is still underway, the Dries Van Noten design studio took the lead for the SS25 collection. Inspired by the house archive – in particular, the house’s 1997 summer season – the show saw a mix of patterns, embroidery and rich colourways from olive green to fuchsia. 

Schiaparelli

Schiaparelli’s SS25 show explored bright colourways, prints and airy shapes revealed through the house’s legendary couture lens, and – of course – with an eye to the future. As creative director, Daniel Roseberry explained “The world may feel more chaotic than ever, but here, the mood is celebratory: both of what fashion can be, [and] how fashion can make you feel. At the beginning of this collection, we decided we were going to make clothes not just for our clients, but for their daughters and granddaughters. Future Vintage, I’m calling it.”

Loewe

Jonathan Anderson revealed his SS25 collection for Loewe at Paris Fashion Week this morning. The designer unveiled structured hooped silhouettes updated for a contemporary audience, alongside sequined ultra mini dresses. Elsewhere, light, floral fabrics were contrasted with heavier leather and satin in dark hues. Anderson championed historical icons in his show too, with prints featuring a portrait of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. 

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli’s Spring 2025 collection was the result of “inward reflection” in an increasingly turbulent world, according to the designer, resulting in the title “Very Valli.” There were some of the signature designs which he has become known for over his house’s 19 year history – from botanical prints to rose motifs and exquisite embroideries all elevated for the new season. 

Victoria Beckham

For Spring-Summer 2025 Victoria Beckham brought a new collection which pushed boundaries but still honoured the house codes. Key looks included Gigi Hadid in an olive green silk gown, transparent fabrics and unstructured tailoring.

Here’s everything you need to know from the first three days of Paris Fashion Week.

Dior

For the Dior SS25 women’s collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ambitious objective was to “recapitulate the meaning of the garment, as if each model has been given the chance to speak and reveal the work preceding its own construction.” For this project, the designer was inspired by the house archives, specifically the Amazone dress, created by Christian Dior for autumn-winter 1951-1952. The reference point for the dress was a legendary female figure, known for her strength of spirit, which for Grazia Chiuri’s new collection, is examined through a lens of autonomous, courageous femininity. 

Saint Laurent 

Anthony Vaccarello returned to Saint Laurent’s home on the Left Bank of Paris at Rue de Bellechasse for his Summer 25 show this week. For his latest collection, he was inspired by the personal style of the house’s founder, Yves Saint Laurent. As Vaccarello explains in the notes which accompanied the collection “The relevance of Saint Laurent clothes is distilled from the independent attitude of the woman who wears them. Her contradictions reflect Yves Saint Laurent’s own persona, in which artful sophistication coexisted with instinctual desire.” 

Rabanne

The Rabanne SS25 collection by Julien Dossena was revealed in Paris this afternoon, with one of the most talked about pieces at the show being the house’s Handcrafted 1969 Golden Bag, which is set to become the most expensive bag in the world, with a price tag of just over 1 million dirhams (250,000 euros). Part of Rabanne’s Artisans Editions series, the bag is made from Italy’s famed Murano glass and took 100 hours for the French jeweller Arthus Bertrand and the house to create. Elsewhere in the collection there were deconstructed striped shirts and power blazers as well as metallic gowns inspired by the eponymous founder’s designs from the 1960s. 

Balmain

Olivier Rousteing merged the worlds of fashion and beauty for his Balmain SS25 show. The designer recently launched the house’s first perfume range, Les Éternels de Balmain, which inspired some of his designs for the collection. Elsewhere, he looked to his own archive at the house, revisiting the theatrical blazer designs which were part of his early tenure at Balmain.

Kosas, the TikTok-viral beauty sensation loved by Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Olivia Wilde, and Kylie Jenner has arrived in the Middle East.

The Californian cult-favourite clean beauty brand is available at stores across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. 

Kosas uses super nourishing ingredients at clinically proven active levels to improve your skin – even when it’s bare. Every product is made for sensitive skin, dermatologist-tested and delivers measurable skincare benefits – hydrating, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, plumping, firming and more. 

Sheena Zadeh, the visionary founder of Kosas, originally from Iran, proudly embraces her Middle Eastern heritage, which deeply influences her understanding of beauty and self-expression in the region. She shares, “Launching Kosas in the Middle East feels like a natural step. This region is full of individuals who value strength and self-expression, and I am excited to see how Kosas will become a part of their beauty journey. Our brand is about being comfy in your skin, revealing your true self, and embracing the power of makeup to enhance – not hide – who you are.” 

Sephora.com

Roger Vivier presented the house’s latest SS25 collection called  “Jardin à la Vivier” at the palatial 18th century Hotel de la Rochefoucauld-Doudeauville as part of Paris Fashion Week. 

Creative director Gherardo Felloni transformed the space into a floral fantasy inspired by the traditional French gardens, with new pieces from the house “blooming” from the surrounding flora.

Discussing the collection in the notes which accompanied the collection the house said “Gherardo Felloni’s perennial enchantment with the beauty of flowers, transmitted to him by his family, and the rigour of the ‘jardin à la française’ are ever-present, alighting upon shoes, handbags, gilets, millinery and jewels. Emboldened by lush carpets, and gilt furnishings, the four ornate salons of the hotel create a sophisticated playground for the Spring Summer 2025 collection that glints with powdery pastel tones, bold metallics, natural shades of raffia and is infused with a theatrical sense that is central to Felloni’s visual universe.”

One of the highlights in the collection is the Belle Vivier bag which debuts both in neutral tones and a palette of powdery pastels. An ideal city bag, it is inspired by travel luggage from the 1930s and is handcrafted using three modular wooden forms, expressing the Maison’s savoir-faire in every single detail. 

For the new season, the house has also revealed its Belle Vivier shoe, famously worn by Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour (1967), as a new ballerina, deconstructed in supple Nappa leather, and as slingback in new joyful colour-block combinations of forest green, lilac purple, coral orange, and baby blue.

 To complete the collection, fine stripes add a mid-century seaside allure to flounced ‘RV’ monogram hold- alls, Belle Vivier pumps, and the Viv’ Choc handbag in tufted cotton.

Other highlights in the collection include the Marlene shoe, created by Roger Vivier in 1955 and appreciated by Marlene Dietrich, revealed for the new season as an embellished mule and a sporty sandal, in addition to the original high heeled sandal. 

A key piece for SS25 is the Viv’ Up sneaker. Crafted in padded lambskin Nappa in pale pink, yellow and mauve, this sneaker redefines airy softness thanks to a soft-thick sole.

Finally, in Allée d’Or, the art of craftsmanship reaches new heights with the Jewel bag. A perfect combination of basketry and ‘maroquinerie’, this design requires the savoir-faire of a master saddler for the leather, an expert weaver for the wicker, and a master jeweller for the buckle and the handle.

RogerVivier.com

British supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was spotted in the French capital on Wednesday, during the city’s famous Paris Fashion Week.

She wore tailored black oversized trousers, paired with an oversized brown leather jacket and lace top. 

She then accessorised the look with two key pieces from Tiffany & Co. Namely, two Tiffany HardWear Necklaces in White Gold with Pavé Diamonds.

tiffany.com

Schiaparelli’s SS25 show explored bright loud colours, prints and airy shapes revealed through the house’s legendary couture lens, and – of course – with an eye to the future.

 As creative director, Daniel Roseberry explained “The world may feel more chaotic than ever, but here, the mood is celebratory: both of what fashion can be, [and] how fashion can make you feel. At the beginning of this collection, we decided we were going to make clothes not just for our clients, but for their daughters and granddaughters. Future Vintage, I’m calling it.”

A key part of the collection was the Schiaparelli knitwear, which the house described as its “sartorial birthright”, updated for the new season in a richer and lightweight version, both chic and comfortable.

Elsewhere in the collection, there are trick-of-the-eye menswear archetypes – the tank top, the tennis polo, and the white pique button down – all inset with invisible stretch corsets, subverting each archetype and glorifying the female form.

For SS25, Schiaparelli showcased new updates on some of its classic bags too. Coming back for the new season in new shades and colours, the house icons include the Secret bag and its emblematic Padlock clasp, the Jewelry Anatomy range, and the latest Schiap bag.

There was also a new addition, the Hobo bag, a sleek round shoulder bag in all the season’s most desirable materials and colours: suede with glossy spray-painted gradations, zebra jacquard, or over-dyed and faded heavy cotton. The mini version, with a detachable chain, is just as mischievous and practical.

And last but not least, the Schiaparelli shoes, with an exclusive take on flats this season. The house presented its very first flat, in a dreamy aqua ombre that calls to mind a sun-drenched poolside afternoon; a barely there sandal, with crystal detailing at the toe and the heel, a moulded foot slide in metallics and second skin shades.

Schiaparelli.com

This Thursday Rabanne hosted the international launch event for the brand-new fragrances Million Gold & Million Gold for her at Paris Fashion Week.

Rabanne Global Ambassadors Gigi Hadid & Moses Sumney hosted the party and were in the limelight during the show directed by Kiddy Smile.

Gigi Hadid and Moses Sumney

Held at Monnaie de Paris, a historic building in the centre of the Parisian capital, A-List guests included Adriana Lima, Ice Spice, Amy Jackson, Ed Westwick, Mert Alas, Caro Daur, Landon Barker, ⁠Dylan Sprouse, Barbara Palvin Wisdom Kaye, Meredith Duxbury, Gaia Gozzi, Jacob Rott, Chase Hudson, Marina Ruy Barbosa among others

Patrick Ta and Adriana Lima

Discussing the launch, the house of Rabanne said “Welcome to the new fragrance frontier with Million Gold & Million Gold for her, Rabanne’s most exhilarating and intoxicating fragrances. Marking a pivotal moment in the House’s fifty-eight-year history.”

rabanne.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will open a luxury beachfront resort with branded residences on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan Peninsula. 

The resort is expected to open in 2028 and has been meticulously designed to respect the diversity of the environment and reflect local culture, blending serene architecture and exceptional craftsmanship with Mandarin Oriental’s renowned legendary service. Notably, acclaimed Mexican artist Bosco Sodi has been chosen as the art curator for this project. 

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya with its year-round tropical climate, within a 30-minute drive from Cancun Airport and 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen’s downtown, Kanai is a 680-acre masterplan. The beachfront resort is nestled within a secure, gated community, surrounded by a pristine jungle, and protected mangrove reserve. Only 9% of the land is dedicated to buildings and roads, ensuring the utmost care is taken in preserving the natural habitat and its diverse wildlife.

Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya will feature 120 elegantly refined guestrooms and suites with private pools, offering views over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Each carefully curated space will provide seamless indoor-outdoor living, enhanced by natural materials including marble, wood, leather and locally woven fabrics. Fifty thoughtfully appointed and spacious branded residences, with access to a private resident-only beach club, will also form part of the overall offering. 

 Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said  “Mandarin Oriental Kanai, Riviera Maya exemplifies our commitment to delighting our fans at every opportunity. Nestled in a breathtaking setting and embracing local culture through a curated range of exceptional experiences, art and design, this resort promises to bring the next level of luxury hospitality to the region. As shapers of culture and masters of our craft, we have designed every aspect of this resort with our guests at its heart, reflecting our dedication to legendary service and exceptional experiences. Extending our portfolio in the Americas brings the brand closer to our North American fans and will introduce Mandarin Oriental to many new audiences. We are particularly excited to have partnered with the visionary developer GIM Desarrollos and Abraham Metta Cohen on this ambitious project, and we are delighted they are fans of Mandarin Oriental.”

mandarinoriental.com/en/

This November, a new exhibition by Dior is set to open in the Saudi Arabian capital as part of the Riyadh Season Project 2024. 

The “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition” following its success at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris will arrive at the Saudi National Museum on the 21st November, where it will be open to the public until the 2nd of April 2025.

Discussing the new exhibition, the house said “Thanks to an unprecedented narrative conceived by curator Florence Müller and scenographer Nathalie Crinière, this fabulous retrospective showcases over seventy years of virtuosity, punctuated by marvellous discoveries: from the iconic 30, avenue Montaigne to Christian Dior’s fascination with gardens and the splendours of the plant world, via his love of Versailles and the Age of Enlightenment. One by one, haute couture models from past to present – thought up by Monsieur Dior and his different successors – are unveiled, like an ode to the magic of creation.”

dior.com

Ferragamo has unveiled its new exhibition,  ‘3 Days in Florence’, celebrating the beauty and uniqueness of Florence through the lens of the famous photographer Juergen Teller.

The exhibition, which interweaves fashion, art and culture, will be hosted until the 5th of October at Portrait Milano in Italy’s fashion capital, a space that perfectly reflects Maximilian Davis’ contemporary vision of the ‘New Renaissance’.

Teller is known for portraying his subjects with a style of raw realism, deep emotion and a vein of irony that have defined his unmistakable aesthetic. 

His unique portraits represent supermodels, celebrities and ordinary people, maintaining a direct and sincere approach.

His works are part of the collections of the Brooklyn Museum in New York, the Stadtmuseum in Munich and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, among others.

It is precisely this blend of irony, realism and authenticity that led Marco Gobbetti and Maximilian Davis to choose him to immortalize Salvatore Ferragamo’s Florence in the Autumn-Winter campaign ‘3 Days in Florence’, in a series of shots reminiscent of the great noirs of Italian cinema.

Under Teller’s lens, Florence is transformed into a film set, conceptually bringing together the worlds so much beloved by Salvatore Ferragamo: Hollywood and Florence. This thematic connection has deep roots for the Maison. 

Born in Bonito, a small town in Southern Italy in 1898, Salvatore Ferragamo moved to the United States finding fame in Hollywood. But it was Florence, a city he discovered in 1927, that took his heart. Florence represented to him the best symbol of Italian culture, art and craftsmanship – a perception shared by many Americans, particularly in California, where Ferragamo had built his career.

For the ‘3 Days in Florence’ campaign, Davis and Teller assembled a cast that embodies the spirit of a New Renaissance to bring their vision to life: supermodels Raquel Zimmerman and Lina Zhang, Somali activist Yasmin Warsame, French Scholar Maia Tellit Hawad, German model Tim Schuhmacher and iconic art and music director Peter Saville. The reality of the city expressed through its historic architecture comes to life with Teller’s unique perspective on modernity. ‘There is a sense of connection in its immediacy,’ explains Maximilian Davis. ‘In a time like the one we’re living in, that’s what people are looking for. I’m interested in seeing real people in Florence, and how they wear Ferragamo.’

‘3 Days in Florence’ by Juergen Teller is open to the public at Portrait Milano in Corso Venezia 11 until October 5th 2024.

lungarnocollection.com/portrait-milano-hotel/

Aman Hotel Group has announced its 35th property in the Maldives. Called the Aman Maldives it will mark the 21st country in which the luxury hotel group now operates. 

Aman Maldives will include 52 rooms and 16 branded residences, designed by longtime Aman collaborator Kerry Hill Architects.  

There will be standalone pavilions ranging from one to three bedrooms, with some located on the main resort island and others on its tranquil extensions, each with its own private pool. 

In addition, the property will enjoy a variety of restaurants venues, beach club and several private dining locations promising exceptional culinary encounters that complement island living. 

Embodying the brand’s pioneering approach to wellness, Aman Maldives’ expansive spa facilities will span 2,638 square meters. Situated on its own island, dedicated to wellbeing, the spa will bring new experiences in health and rejuvenation to the destination including two private Spa Houses, a signature of Aman. The property will also feature a dive centre and watersport activities, for exploring the country’s most pristine reefs. 

 Home to 16 Aman Residences – ranging from five to 10 bedrooms, Aman Maldives will provide personal enclaves of seclusion and an unparalleled sunrise experience from their far eastern vantage point, where the sun first graces the horizon.  With each residence set on its own islet complete with a private beach, the properties will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and personal landing jetty, whilst still being in close proximity to the main resort’s amenities. 

Speaking about this latest destination, the Chairman and CEO of Aman Group said “The introduction of Aman Maldives is a significant milestone for our brand as we bring Aman’s ethos of timeless elegance, unparalleled service and ultimate privacy to the destination for the first time. Responding to the request from Aman guests, for our presence in the Maldives, has long been part of our growth strategy and reinforces the brand’s dedication to providing unique and transformative experiences in the world’s most exceptional locations. Having secured a site in the most exclusive and secluded parts of the country, I’m delighted to bring Aman’s renowned lifestyle and ultra-luxury way of living to the destination.”

Construction is now underway, with further details and a confirmed opening date to be announced in due course.

aman.com

Riyadh Fashion Week (RFW) is set to return for its second edition from the 17th to the 21st of October 2024, in Saudi Arabia’s capital. 

According to organisers, this year’s event will be even bigger and more dynamic, with a range of new features and an extended programme. 

The 2023 edition showcased the work of 30 designers across 16 runway shows. This year, RFW will present 28 runway shows, each focusing on a single designer, along with exclusive collection presentations.

This October’s event with shows take place across, evening wear, ready-to-wear, and streetwear. Each day will feature fashion presentations, a showroom of local brands offering buyers an in-depth experience of Saudi brands and their diverse styles, and citywide events.

Riyadh Fashion Week

This edition will highlight the creativity of over 35 Saudi houses, fostering cross-cultural exchange and innovation that elevates Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry globally. 

“Riyadh Fashion Week exemplifies our commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for fashion innovation and creativity. This year’s event not only builds on the success of our inaugural edition but also takes a bold step forward, redefining the possibilities within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission. 

“By bringing together a diverse array of brands, we are creating a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and collaboration that highlights the richness of Saudi talent and its impact on the global stage. We look forward to welcoming fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media from around the world to experience firsthand the evolving narrative of Saudi fashion and its transformative power,” he added. 

riyadhfashionweek.com

For the Dior SS25 women’s collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s ambitious objective was to “recapitulate the meaning of the garment, as if each model has been given the chance to speak and reveal the work preceding its own construction.”

As the house explained in the notes which accompanied the collection “Pushing back the boundaries between the oeuvre itself and the artistic process, the Creative Director aims to bring fashion back to its origins and emphasize the relationship connecting the body and what dresses it, between intention and function.”

For this project, the designer was inspired by the house archives, starting with the Amazone dress dreamed up by Christian Dior for autumn-winter 1951-1952. The reference point for the dress was a legendary female figure, known for her strength of spirit, which Grazia Chiuri examines through a lens of autonomous, courageous femininity.

Elsewhere in the collection, the designer took inspiration from the Olympic and Paralympic Games held in the French capital this summer. She turned to SAGG Napoli, an artist who uses archery in her work, to perform in the runway space. Meanwhile, the phrase “May the building of a strong mind and a strong body be the greatest work I have ever made” also appeared on the set.

Highlights in the collection included white pieces, such as shirts, paired with black skirts, pants and dresses, revealing an interplay of dualities. In the show, the bright red accents of the bomber jackets served as a counterpoint while embroidery provided shimmering metallic punctuations. 

Elsewhere in the collection, Jersey pieces accompany lightweight evening dresses, and sports shirts, simple or enhanced with shiny embellishments, as “everyday protagonists in their own right”.

dior.com

Anthony Vaccarello returned to Saint Laurent’s home on the Left Bank of Paris at Rue de Bellechasse for his Summer 25 show this week.

For his latest collection, he was inspired by the personal style of the house’s founder, Yves Saint Laurent.

 As Vaccarello explains in the notes which accompanied the collection “The relevance of Saint Laurent clothes is distilled from the independent attitude of the woman who wears them. Her contradictions reflect Yves Saint Laurent’s own persona, in which artful sophistication coexisted with instinctual desire.” 

To illustrate this, part of the collection recalls Yves Saint Laurent’s way of dressing, with fluid suits and jackets over blazers. Meanwhile, a different side of the same character emerges in a more opulent skirt-dominated section. These ensembles echo the vibrant garments often seen in the works of painters the House founder cherished.

 The set for the show was inspired by its founder too, specifically, Yves’ famous gardens in Marrakech.

ysl.com