Champion of Middle Eastern design, ASHI STUDIO has been appointed as a guest member to the Fédération de la Haute Couture in Paris. 

The esteemed industry body has been a world leader in haute couture since its conception in 1973. The appointment marks the first time in history that a design house from the region has been welcomed to join couture’s most prestigious and elite federation. 

The maison’s founder, Mohammed Ashi, first launched the label in 2006 before moving his atelier to Paris in 2018. Following the announcement, ASHI STUDIO’s début on the official Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week calendar will occur on Thursday July 6th, 2023.

Discussing the appointment, Ashi said: “This is the highlight of my career. I will honour it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. Today, I am reminded of days escaping to the garden to dream, and, of that first day, when I hired one seamstress to bring to life the images in my head. Challenging and joyous, couture has and continues to lay bare my inner energy, so that I may give the best of myself to serve its high art. This recognition brings me the greatest emotion; it offers me the opportunity to share with you who I am.

As this new chapter unfolds, I recognize that today would not be possible without the exceptional talent and dedication of my atelier. I wish to thank everyone who has worked to bring my dreams to life. I am indebted to the late Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani who took me under her wing a decade ago. Especially, I thank the extraordinary women who trust me time and again to mark the most celebratory moments of their lives in ASHI STUDIO. Lastly, my deep gratitude to the Fédération de la Haute Couture for this invitation.”

ashistudio.com

Travel wouldn’t be the same without Louis Vuitton, and for the summer season they have unveiled a unique lifestyle collection.

Classic and new creations sit side-by-side in the latest capsule from the label. 

The relaxed ready-to-wear wardrobe is perfect for both by the sea or poolside in the city. 

Everything is covered from swimwear, to crocheted cover ups and caftans. As well as metiers from the maison, including bags, silks, shoes and sunglasses, jewellery and accessories.

Other highlights include jersey pieces which are light and feminine, with skirts, shorts and dresses span a range of silhouettes. 

Meanwhile several pieces in black and white remain a timeless expression of dressed-down elegance.  

A selection of the maison’s signature bags – Speedy, Keepall, Métis and NéoNoé – are in this new collection too. 

One of our favourite pieces includes the LV Croisière crochet bucket hat with eye-catching embroidery.

Elsewhere there is a range of striking sunglasses boasting timeless shapes in seasonal shades of pink and blue. Supporting the collection is a range of lifestyle pieces, such as a monogram print hammock, folding chair and a new tablewear range in Porcelaine de Limoges.

Regardless of where you are travelling to this summer, Louis Vuitton promises a bonnes vacances like no other. 

louisvuitton.com

Cartier has gone back to its 1950s archive for its latest Grain de Cafe collection. Although first launched in 1938, the pieces were first enshrined in history when the maison gifted them to Grace Kelly as a wedding gift when she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. 

 “When Monaco’s newly-crowned Princess Grace donned the Grain de Cafe set it further cemented its status as glamorous, sophisticated, and regal,” a spokesperson for Cartier explained.

Elle Fanning playing Grace Kelly

For the new campaign, award-winning actress Elle Fanning, Cartier’s new ambassador, was chosen to play Grace Kelly in a short film shot on the French Riviera. 

“Fanning is a natural fit for the collection, with the upcoming campaign being directly inspired by Grace Kelly and her intrinsic links to both the French Riviera and the golden age of Hollywood,” the maison explained. 

The newest pieces play with light across a series of yellow gold creations. 

“Grain de Café creates a new preciousness by playing with light, finishes and volumes… The result is a versatile collection with added spirit. A symbol of the creative freedom of the Maison, Grain de Café transcends a literal translation of nature and results in a multi- sensory design,” added Marie-Laure Cérède, Creative Director of Jewellery and Watchmaking.

cartier.com

Like many fashion houses of late, Givenchy has taken inspiration from France’s Cote d’Azur for its most recent beachwear collection, dubbed Givenchy Plage. 

What is unique about this collection’s origin story however, is that the house has taken inspiration from a very personal link to the maison. 

The beachwear line is inspired by the coastal estate of the label’s founder, Hubert de Givenchy. 

With cascading views of both mountains and the Mediterranean, Les Clos Fiorentina is located in the billionaire’s real estate spot of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. In the warmer months you will spot off duty celebrities rubbing shoulders with yacht owners from nearby Monaco, enjoying a drink at one of the many seafront cafes and bars. 

It’s a well known truth that the well heeled citizens of Paris escape to the south for the entirety of August. And in this way, the capsule is inspired by a “city to sand” concept. 

Sensuality meets sporty motifs with the new collection – think beach club chic, pearls, and nautical touches. 

The collection includes both menswear and womenswear pieces.

givenchy.com

Jewellery fans in Dubai will be happy to know that Tiffany & Co. has reopened its doors at it’s flagship boutique in Dubai Mall.

To celebrate the occasion, the label invited house ambassador Nancy Ajram for a key ceremony.

The space has been transformed through an exciting renovation, and is now open to members of the public.

Elias Bakhazi & Karen Wazen

The launch event saw a slew of well-known faces visit the boutique, including Diala Makki, Karen Wazen, Elias Bakhazi, Mr. Moudz, Ola Farahat, Abla Sofy, Katia Jundi, Yasmine Sima, Atra, Mohammed Al Habtoor, Twins Hadban, Mariam AlYassi.

tiffany.com

Photo Credit: Elias Abkar and Seeing Things Studio

The fabulous new “Dioriviera” summer collection is a hue of seasonal pastel pinks and blues, with the iconic Dior Toile de Jouy print throughout. 

The unique print, which first became popular in the late 1800s, features an exotic mix of tigers, monkeys and reptiles.

The capsule covers all the warm weather essentials from skirts and dresses to shorts and swimsuits, along with scarves, Lady Dior Wicker and Dior Book Tote bags. 

Finishing off the collection are new iterations of the J’Adior pumps and Dway mules. 

The house also created a series of lifestyle pieces, to complement the sunkissed wardrobe.

Those include a yoga mat, a surfboard, a parasol and several beach games. 

There are also a series of delicate decorative objects, tableware, placemats and embroidered cushions in the capsule which according to the house “enhance the collection’s ode to the art of living”.

dior.com

Leading regional creative institution, the Sharjah Art Foundation, has developed a new art course to help students to explore the Sharjah Biennial from a new perspective. 

Dubbed “Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (SB15)” the course is currently available to students enrolled at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS).

The course is aimed at supporting students to have a knowledge and appreciation of the region’s fast-growing culture and arts scene and offers access to some of the leading art professionals in the world, including curators, artists, museum and gallery specialists, and architects. 

Commenting on the course, Noora Al Mualla, Director of Learning and Research at Sharjah Art Foundation said: “Sharjah Art Foundation aims to cultivate and promote an appreciation for the arts among young individuals and students. Our mission is to foster an environment that encourages engagement in the ever-evolving field of artmaking. It is our pleasure to have collaborated with the American University of Sharjah in developing a unique curriculum centered on Sharjah Biennial 15. This programme allows students to study the Biennial’s curation, theory and impact on the art world in an exciting and dynamic learning environment. We are dedicated to assisting educational institutions and universities with teaching materials and supporting students as they explore the critical concepts presented by the poetics and politics of visual culture.”

The inaugural course concludes this month, with Bonin currently exploring other venues for delivering the course in the fall.

sharjahart.org

Van Cleef & Arpels has added four new designs to its signature Alhambra collection. The new pieces include a bracelet, reversible ring, necklace, and watch, all with the house’s iconic four leaf clover design. 

The new iterations come in guilloché rose gold with carnelian gem stones embedded in the design.

Although the Van Cleef & Arpels was first set up in the early 1900s it wasn’t until 1968 that its best-known design was created.

Inspired by both a family motto of believing in good luck, and the design of the Alhambra palace in Granada Spain (where Moorish motifs included four overlapping circles, similar to a four leaf clover); the new design quickly became an emblem of the iconic jewellery house. 

The new pieces are now available at Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques throughout the region. 

vancleefarpels.com

This week, Chanel arrived in Tokyo to present its 2022/23 Métiers d’art collection.

First unveiled in December, in Dakar, Senegal, the annual show pays tribute to the workshops which provide the luxury maison with leather, embroidery work, silks, and more. 

The current collection is inspired by the energy of the 1970s, however the house put a unique twist on the show for its latest unveiling in the Japanese capital, at a one off show at the Tokyo Big Sight.

While the original show celebrated creative fields in Senegal close to Chanel – namely fashion, cinema, dance, literature, contemporary art and music. 

The second show continued that conversation through working with local creatives in Tokyo for the presentation. Dancers from Tokyo’s Tama University of Fine Arts opened the night, performing a new interpretation of “Slow Show” by choreographer Dimitri Chamblas. Following that, Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito performed his track ‘The World is still Beautiful’ alongside Senegalese rapper Nix, before playing Ryūichi Sakamoto’s legendary ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’, accompanied by violin and piano. 

Musical performances continued with performances from the Japanese stars Chai, Nix and Ichika Nito. 

Jetting in from South Korea, singer and Chanel ambassador Jennie, a member of the group BLACKPINK, was a surprise guest at the show and she took to the stage to sing a new version of “You & Me” and a medley of “Fly me to the Moon” and “Killing me Softly”. 

Finally, a DJ set by Japanese artist Peli and a concert by French electronic music duo Polo & Pan concluded the evening’s festivities.

chanel.com

On 1st June, Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein married Saudi national Rajwa Al Saif. There were countrywide celebrations, with A-list guests jetting in to Jordan from around the world, and the date being declared a national holiday. The nuptials kicked off on 31st May, with King Abdullah II of Jordan hosting 4,000 Jordanians from different sects of society to celebrate the wedding. The dinner was followed by a modest religious ceremony on 1st June, and then a larger gathering and wedding banquet. As is to be expected for such a celebration, there were plenty of well-dressed guests, here is a look at some of our favourite looks from the wedding day.

Queen Rania of Jordan

The always stylish queen of Jordan stepped out in this incredible gown by Dior for the wedding of her eldest son.

Catherine, Princess of Wales

The Jordanian and British Royal families have always been good friends. Now, it seems Catherine and Jordan’s new princess have something more in common – Kate stepped out in a gown from Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2017 RTW collection, while the bride wore a bespoke gown by the talented Lebanese designer. 

Jill Biden, First Lady Of The United States Of America

The much accomplished wife of President Biden arrived at the Royal Wedding, with her daughter Ashley. Biden decided to wear regional Lebanese designer Reem Acra for the event, paired with a burgundy Lee Pouchet bag by Tyler Ellis.  

Princess Beatrice, Britain

Kate wasn’t the only British royal at the wedding in Jordan. Princess Beatrice – the cousin of Prince William – also attended the nuptials with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. For the occasion she wore a sequined dress by British brand Needle & Thread.

The former architecture student is now Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein. The Saudi national became engaged to Crown Prince Al Hussein in August 2022. Following a 10 month engagement the pair married at a ceremony in Amman, Jordan, on 1st June. 

In light of their wedding, the Royal Hashemite Court announced: “A Royal Decree was issued to bestow the title of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein on Miss Rajwa Khalid Alseif, on the occasion of her marriage to His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein Jordan.”

The new princess was warmly welcomed to the royal family. Leading up to the nuptials Queen Rania said: “ “Excited to welcome my third daughter, Al Hussein’s bride-to-be, Rajwa, to the family! We’re so happy for you both.”

The new Princess of Jordan, Rajwa, wore a beautiful Elie Saab gown for her wedding nuptials to Al Hussein bin Abdullah, Crown Prince of Jordan, finished off by an exquisite tiara and jewellery.

There was however, a much unnoticed detail about the Princess’s incredible outfit. There was a secret message inscribed into her tiara.

The phrase, written in exquisite Arabic calligraphy, revealed a personal touch to the new royal’s bridal look.

More coverage of the royal wedding can be found on our homepage and Instagram channel.

Iconic Dubai-based artist, Sacha Jafri was commissioned by the British Embassy in the UAE  to create a unique gift for the Royal Family in Dubai, cementing the close friendship between the two countries. 

Jafri working on the masterpiece in May 2023

Marking the coronation of Britain’s new ruling royal, Sacha Jafri’s “King Charles III Coronation” painting was chosen as a gift to the Dubai Royal Family.

Sacha Jafri with H.E. Simon Penney, the British Royal Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan

According to the artist, the painting celebrates the ethos behind the new King’s reign and his vision for the future. The piece also celebrates King Charles III’s love and affinity with the UAE, which he has developed over many years visiting the country, and hosting the Dubai Royals in the United Kingdom. 

Sacha Jafri Presenting “King Charles III Coronation” Painting during the UAE’s British Embassy official Coronation celebrations

Commenting on the commission Jafri said: “To be commissioned to create this incredibly important painting is a really special honour for me.  I have a particular love and long-term personal relationship with the British Royal family, having worked with both HRH King Charles III and HRH Prince William in a very personal capacity on their various charitable projects, both at home and abroad, for over 15 years now. To be able to capture King Charles III’s philosophies, concerns, passions, and personal visions of the past, present, and future, as a gift from the  British Embassy in the UAE to the ruling family of Dubai, is very personal to me, and is most certainly a highlight of my career”.

On 1st June heir apparent to the Jordanian throne, Crown Prince Hussein is set to wed Saudi Arabian-born architect Rajwa Al-Saif. The wedding will be one of the biggest royal celebrations in recent years, with the date also being declared a national holiday.

In the lead up to the big day, Queen Rania said in a speech to the Jordanian people “Like any mother, I have long dreamed of his wedding day. Hussein is your son, and you are his family, and this is your wedding”.

A feast for 4,000 Jordanians 

The ceremony for the couple – who are both 28 years old – will start tonight in Amman, Jordan, with a dinner held for the 4,000 Jordanians to celebrate the diverse social fabric in the country. The dinner will take place  in the Royal Hashemite Court’s ‘Madareb Bani Hashem’ palace, and there will be representatives from all of the country’s diverse communities. 

King Abdullah will host the dinner where Jordan’s festive national dish Mansaf (lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yoghurt) will be served. 

A wedding at the palace 

On the actual wedding day, celebrations will start at the Zahran Palace in Amman, where 140 guests including the royals and heads of state will witness the couple wed in the grounds of the famous palace. 

Following the modest religious ceremony, there will be a royal procession to Al Husseiniya Palace where King Abdullah II and Queen Rania along with the bride’s parents will host 1,700 guests for the wedding reception. 

There will be performances celebrating both Jordanian and Saudi Arabian culture, live music and feast provided for all guests.

Relaxed, paired back minimalist fashion is one of the highlights of the summer season. Here are some of our favourite island-chic inspired pieces.

Silk two-piece shorts and shirt combo

Burberry

This silk two piece from Burberry is perfect for warm summer evenings along the seafront. Dress it up with a heel or dress down with sliders.

The perfect beachside tote 

Jacquemus

The Jacquemus SS23 ‘Le Raphia’ collection is inspired by a sun-drenched mood with its earthy textures and palettes. This fun Le Panier Soli Raphia tote bag is ideal for a day at the beach.

Chic tinted eyewear

Saint Laurent

 This versatile white eyewear design from Saint Laurent can be paired with a kaleidoscope of summer colours.

The slow fade 

Missoni

Step out at sunset in this Missoni multi-coloured sequin finish knit dress this summer.

Pretty in paisley 

Valentino Garavani

Perfect for chic evenings on the coast, this two piece paisley-print trouser and top set from Valentino Garavani is a match made in heaven.

Whether you’re jetting to the Mediterranean or the Maldives this season, we’ve sought out five of the must-have fashion travel essentials for summer 2023. 

The ultimate tote 

Jacquemus

This fishnet Jacquemus tote bag is ideal for going from the beach to sundowners at a chic rooftop bar. The brown and white neutral design makes it perfect for styling with a range of different summer ‘fits. 

French Riviera elegance

Celine

There are few labels which encapsulate the quiet luxury of the French Riviera like Celine. From their most recent collection we love this chic white dress. 

Set sail with Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera

This season, Carolina Herrera has created an exquisite collection, inspired by summers spent (naturally) above a yacht. We love these day-to-night sandals. 

Exotic summer evenings with Maje’s LBD

Maje

A sophisticated black dress is the ultimate evening must-have. This light knit dress with bead strap details is perfect for summers by the sea. 

Kick it with crochet 

Zimmermann

It’s undeniable that crochet is having a moment this season. Put your fashion foot forward on the beach this summer in this delightful two piece set from Zimmermann. 

This June a new art exhibition commissioned by Saint Laurent will open in Tokyo, displaying the work of internationally renowned contemporary artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

The exhibit, dubbed “Ramble in the Cosmos – From Primeval Fireball Onward,” is set to open in Japan’s capital city on 29th June at the National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT).

There will also be a pre-show daytime firework event , called “When the Sky Blooms with Sakura.” 

The unique boundary-pushing show will appear above the same coast where Guo-Qiang explosion event “The Horizon from the Pan-Pacific: Project for Extraterrestrials No. 14” was realized thirty years ago.

The theatrical nature of Guo-Qiang’s work is influenced by his early training, when the young artist worked in set design for  the Shanghai Theater Academy. Following his stint with the company, he turned his focus to working full-time as a professional artist in Tokyo before moving to New York. 

He has previously held solo exhibitions at several of the most prolific galleries in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (2006) and the Guggenheim in New York (2008). The artist also held the esteemed role of being the curator for the first Chinese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2005, before serving as the Director of Visual and Special Effects and Fireworks for both the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. 

Guo-Qiang has been fascinated by the wider universe and the unseen world, along with ideas such as feng shui, astrology, and the ancient Eastern philosophies, which provides a central focus of the creative work in his new exhibition. He is also inspired by science and technology, and he regularly uses gunpowder as a medium in his outdoor explosion projects, installations and large-scale paintings. 

Commenting on the new launch, a spokesperson for Saint Laurent said “the special commission and involvement in organizing Cai Guo-Qiang’s exhibition reflects the latest instance of Saint Laurent’s ongoing mission, under the initiative of Anthony Vaccarello, to support excellence in various creative fields including visual arts, cinema, and music”.

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Luxury five-star destination Aura Skypool on Palm Jumeriah is launching a fabulous new event to engage your inner artist, while enjoying the cool waters and evening rooftop views. 

The “Swim Sip & Paint: An Artistic Night in the Sky” package will be co-hosted with one of the city’s leading creative clubs, ArtFem, and will include delicious nibbles from Aura’s East Asian-inspired menu (think Chicken & Prawn Dumplings, Gochujang Cauliflower Popcorn and Hong Kong Style Noodles, along with three glasses of bubbles, all the art supplies for the evening, pool access and valet parking. 

There will be two events held in June, one on the 15th, with a “water” theme, and a second on the 29th, with a “stargazing” theme. 

Space for the event is limited and tickets per person are priced at AED 650. To reserve your spot at the unique summertime event, visit the Aura Skypool website. 

auraskypool.com   

Leading Swiss manufacturer, Audemars Piguet raised more than AED 31.2 million for charity at an auction hosted in Dubai this week. 

The event was held to celebrate the release of the latest Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Spider-Man” model, the second iteration of its collaboration with Marvel which started in 2021. 

There are only 250 editions of the new model, which features an openworked movement including a 3D silhouette of the superhero. 

For the event one of the timepieces was auctioned, along with two different designs. 

The two non-profit organisations which will be awarded the money raised, include First Book and Ashoka, who both dedicate their energies to encourage young people to become agents of change.

audemarspiguet.com

Creative duo Margarita Salionova and Surat Dzhelilova have launched the newest luxury design and interior living concept studio in the city, NACRE Living Interiors. 

The two industry experts created waves in Moscow, Russia before relocating to Dubai with their newest venture. 

The new concept studio offers an attractive portfolio of furniture brands, artworks and design services that set the tone for the ultimate in luxury, quality and functionality. Brands showcased in the new showroom include Longhi, Raynaud, Ercuis, CTO Lighting, Vaughan Designs, Bella Figura, Giobagnara, Pinetti, Dedar, Sahrai and Alivar, amongst others. 

Discussing the new launch, Dzhelilova said: “We are proud to only work with the best on offer from the design industry and the art and architectural world, giving our clientele a unique opportunity to enjoy top-of-the-range furnishings that ooze the best in luxury and quality”. 

Co-founder, Salionova added: “While we enjoy a vast variety of both classic and contemporary styles to be seen at our showroom, all of our clients, both new and loyal, are united by their sense of taste, the desire to treasure hunt, and the quest to surround themselves with beauty, that creates a comfortable and stylish setting in the home. Treasures become the future generation’s family heirlooms, and we love to play such a central role in our customers’ individual interior design stories.”

instagram.com/nacreinteriors

Bulgari recently unveiled its newest addition to Dubai Mall. Opening earlier this month, the Italian brand has a new pop-up fragrance bar at Bloomingdale’s, inside the city’s most popular mall. 

Running until September 2023, the exquisite new luxury spot will allow customers to experience “Bulgari Allegra,” the brand’s iconic fragrance collection that expresses the colourful Italian charm of the maison. Each scent can also be personalised, through Bulgari’s “Magnifying Essences” service. 

Explaining the unique service, Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier explained “You start by choosing the Bulgari Allegra eau de parfum that best suits your mood, inspired by colourful Italian emotions that embody the very essence and larger-than-life exuberance, innate to Italy.  Then, you can use our Magnifying Essences offering, which gives free rein to your creativity, mixing and matching scents to craft your own, unique olfactive signature.”

The interiors of the fragrance bar do not disappoint either. Decked out in a hue of bright bold colours, each pillar within the boutique is inspired by a fragrance by the label. 

Until September, Bulgari Allegra Café will also be hosting weekly one-off events and exciting monthly workshops. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the art of crafting stunning flower bouquets or mixing their own unique mocktails.

One of the highlights on the calendar is a specially planned event in honour of Emirati Women’s Day in August, when the Bulgari Regional Perfumes Trainer will be available for an intimate fragrance consultation focused on women’s empowerment.

The new boutique is a must-visit over the summer season.

bulgari.com

Jetsetters in Doha have a new place to sit back and relax when travelling through the Qatar capital. Louis Vuitton has opened its first ever lounge and restaurant at Hamad International Airport (HIA).

The exclusive new LV spot is in collaboration with Yannick Alleno (the acclaimed chef who is behind  a slew of 13 Michelin Stars across several restaurants). 

So how to access the hottest new aviation lounge in the region? Travellers flying with Qatar Airways in first and business class will have the option of upgrading their experience to the LV lounge in Doha. 

Travellers can then step inside the new lounge and enjoy designer furnishings from India Mahdavi’s low tables to Costela armchairs by Martin Eisler. 

As for the menu, Alleno highlights local Qatari ingredients through his exquisite dishes. From spices such as saffron and cinnamon to nuts, and limes.

Louis Vuitton is elevating the travel experience in the Middle East. We can’t wait for our next flight! 

louisvuitton.com 

Giorgio Armani is bringing Italian style to Dubai Mall this summer. Until 4th June, the luxury powerhouse is showcasing its beauty brand at Bloomingdale’s in Dubai Mall. 

Describing the new launch, a spokesperson for Armani said “The newly designed pop-up celebrates Armani’s vision of beauty, from signature fragrances to award-winning makeup products, to its staple skincare range. The brand’s vision also resonates through the space which combines a unique balance of open spaces and curved lines, with fine finishes, textures, and materials.”

Adding a touch of luxury, the new pop up will offer one-on-one consultations with beauty experts across fragrances, make-up, and skincare. 

Fans of the Italian label can take advantage of their expertise for tailored product selections or choose a one-on-one consultation. 

Of course, in true Italian style, there is also a bespoke gift wrapping service when shoppers are finished. Whether it’s to treat yourself, or for a loved one. 

armanibeauty.com

Cartier revealed its latest high jewellery collection, ‘Le Voyage Recommence’, at a garden soiree at the Palazzo Corsini in Florence, Italy this week.

The sumptuous 90-piece high jewellery collection was unveiled to an exclusive audience of celebrities and friends of the brand.

Featuring colourful stones including rubies, turquoise, spinels, and garnets and inspired patterns the new collection is one of the most boundary pushing yet from the famous French maison. 

President and CEO of Cartier Cyrille Vigneron welcomed guests to the Palazzo, supported by Cartier ambassadors Gong Li, Vanessa Kirby, Elle Fanning, Golshifteh Farahani; Ambassadors Kimberly Woltemas, Tara Emad and Labrinth, with the latter performing an exquisite rendition of some of his most popular tunes as dinner was served. 

Take a closer look at more key pieces from the collection below…

cartier.com 

French luxury car manufacturer, Bugatti, has announced its first ever residence collaboration 

Joining forces with Dubai real estate experts Binghatti, the two powerhouses have created a luxury residence like no other. Dubbed the Bugatti Residences the new project is set to be built in the heart of the Business Bay district. 

Discussing the launch, a spokesperson for the two houses said: “The collaboration between the two revered brands aims to depict synergies that achieve unparalleled excellence. Drawing upon the rich and diverse creative heritage of both brands, the Bugatti and Binghatti collaboration project has at its nucleus a meticulously designed structure featuring a distinctive façade complemented by intricately designed interiors. With its serene undertones, the hyper-form will juxtapose the city’s bustling energy – a retreat in the heart of the metropolis.” 

The synergy between the two revered brands will see the luxury design and iconic brand details of Bugatti join with the know-how of  Binghatti’s phenomenal architectural expertise.

Inspired by the French Riviera, the Bugatti Residences will feature a collection of 171 Riviera Mansions and 11 Sky Mansion Penthouses, each with unique design details. 

The French Riviera-inspired beach

There will also be state-of-the-art amenities, including a Côte d’Azur inspired beach, private pool, jacuzzi spa, fitness club, chef’s table, private valet, private members club and two garage-to-penthouse car lifts. 

The private rooftop pool

There will also be a host of high-end and tailored services dedicated to its residents, including bespoke chauffeur and concierge services.

bugattiresidences.com

This weekend Vacheron Constantin is unveiling its newest timepieces at Zayed Heritage Center in the Majlis Nahr Al Hayat, one of the most important cultural destinations in the UAE capital. 

Abu Dhabi was chosen due to the longstanding relationship the Swiss maison has with the country, as part of the Vacheron Constantin Watches & Wonders roadshow.

Watch connoisseurs and enthusiasts in the region are expected to descend on the capital to experience a journey through Vacheron Constantin’s heritage, craftsmanship and technical excellence, and to experience the latest novelties from the maison.

Discussing the launch, Christophe Ramel, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin Middle East, India and Africa said: “Vacheron Constantin is excited to unveil its 2023 novelties in the vibrant capital city of Abu Dhabi. Embracing the union of timeless traditions and visionary craftsmanship, we aim to take our valued guests on a captivating journey. Each tick of our timepieces resonates with the fascinating blend of heritage and innovation that provides the United Arab Emirates. We warmly invite watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs to join us in celebrating our commitment to exceptional watchmaking, while capturing the true essence of Vacheron Constantin’s expertise and legacy.”

vacheronconstantin.com

It’s a widely known truth that Italians love basketball, and in celebration of the country’s (near) national sport, Fendi has produced a basketball inspired collection for summer 23. 

Dubbed the “Fendi Active: Basketball Capsule” the limited edition men’s activewear collection includes basketball tees, tanks and shorts, tracksuits and a varsity bomber. 

The palette of the collection stretches across muted shades of grey and black, and features the iconic Fendi double F emblem as well as the brand’s logo across many of the pieces in the capsule. 

Sneakers – of course – play big in the collection. The Fendi “Match” high top sneakers are available in a classic black and cream combination or in an exclusive total white crystal-embellished design.

Other unique accessories in the collection include sponge socks, a wristband and headband set, a black baseball hat and a mini basketball keychain.

Fendi also joined together with Spalding to create a one-off black basketball and a see-through basketball hoop with Fendi Roma lettering.

The capsule collection is available now online, along with  at select Fendi boutiques and pop ups 

fendi.com 

Regal fashion icon Queen Rania threw an incredible Henna Party for her future daughter in law, Rajwa Al Saif this week. 

For the event, the Jordanian Queen welcomed close female friends to join in the beautiful celebration, alongside Rajwa Al Saif. 

As always, Queen Rania’s sense of style shone through, with the Queen choosing to wear an exquisite floor-length kaftan gown by Saiid Kobeisy for the occasion.

The custom-made outfit was in a sky blue shade, complemented by graceful patterns and delicate beadwork. 

The gown was created using the Lebanese label’s newly launched Couture 2.0, an immersive customisation process which the maison says will “open more doors to discoveries in savoir-faire creations.”

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The latest collection from Louis Vuitton was set to be unveiled on the private island of Isola Bella, in Lake Maggiore. 

The capsule was inspired by aquatic dwellings, but when the show was due to take place – in the gardens of the isle – nature reminded mankind who had the upper hand. 

Downpours sent the live show to the mainland. Luckily, though, Louis Vuitton had the foresight to take photos of the looks in the original gardenscape before the heavy rainfall commenced. 

The foliage and mystery of the gardens in bloom created a beautiful, sensual backdrop for this collection. 

Set amongst the waters of Lake Maggiore, there was a sense of metamorphosis in the pieces presented in the show – moving for aquatic influences to those of the fauna of the isle. 

Check out more of the new collection below.

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Chopard’s boundary-pushing artistic director and co-president, Caroline Scheufele has announced a new era for the maison. Unveiled at an exclusive event held at the iconic Hotel Martinez as part of the Cannes Film Festival, Scheufele showcased the label’s first-ever couture collection.

Dubbed “Caroline’s Couture”, the capsule consisted of 50 unique silhouettes, which moved harmoniously between the house’s high jewellery aesthetic to the new haute couture collection.

According to a spokesperson for Chopard, the collection was designed so “that clothes and jewellery [could] shine individually while basking in each other’s glow.”

Similar to the brand’s ethos of building jewellery which will stand the test of time, so too the label’s new haute couture collection is built to be timeless.

“I wanted to create a collection for women who, like me, want to dress in a way that is fully aligned with who they are today”, explains Scheufele.

“Women in love with beauty – meaning true beauty, the kind that never goes out of fashion. Pure elegance. Clothes that can be cherished over time, worn in a variety of circumstances and in countless ways, without ever losing their value or relevance. A wardrobe is like a jewellery collection, which time makes more and more precious because they are accompanied by slices of life and carry with them experiences, memories and memorable moments. It is this approach to jewellery that I wanted to transpose to clothing,” she concluded.

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