Rumana Nazim joined the A&E team for Morning Coffee as she talked through everything from her morning routine to her biggest achievement.

After seven years working as a lawyer, Rumana Nazim finally took the brave step to leave her successful career to make her dream project a reality.

In May 2018, the entrepreneur opened The Edit, and concept store and lifestyle space in Dubai that allows people to shop, sip away on coffee, ponder over artworks and learn something new at a workshop all under one roof.

And speaking to the A&E team over Morning Coffee, the Founder and CEO explained that her plans going forward are only to expand and continue to grow the community she’s already built.

Watch the full interview with Rumana above and find out what we learned chatting with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking To Rumana Nazim Over Morning Coffee

Rumana Nazim left her job as a lawyer to launch The Edit

Never be scared of a career change

The Edit Founder told us: “I was a lawyer for seven and a half years at a multinational company, but while I loved what I was doing I felt like it was time for me to add something new to the retail landscape of the UAE… It came to me a while ago and I didn’t think that then it would end up with my leaving that career but life has its funny turns.”

Making a reality of dreams is her biggest achievement 

The CEO said: “Launching… against all odd! When you’re a lawyer it’s hard to imagine doing something like this. Actually putting my dreams into a reality and making something like this was pretty incredible.”

It’s okay to be inspired by yourself

“Don’t we draw inspiration from everyone, everywhere? I find people inspiring in so many different ways. But maybe also myself… ” Rumana said after saying that picking just one person that inspires her is hard. “I like drawing inspiration from myself and where I come from.”

Cliché are clichés because they are true

When asked what her personal and professional mottos, Rumana made the above statement before saying: “Hard work… It’s as simple as that. If you work hard and enjoy what you’re doing you are bound to be successful. It’s putting in the time and putting in the hours.”

Systemic patriarchy…

Is what she says no to. “I’m a massive feminist so… sexism against women. I believe in feminist, a modern look on feminist – not Germaine Greer’s burning bra type of feminism – but one that gives equal opportunity to men and woman, one that doesn’t value one over the other or take away from one another.”

Rumana Nazim joined A&E for Morning Coffee

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Catching up with the trend, the Middle East will soon see its very first clean beauty site.

First came clean eating, then came clean beauty. And while the move towards clean beauty earned pockets of followers all over the world, it’s taken a little while to gain momentum in the Middle East.

But finally, it seems as though the UAE and beyond are catching up, as the first ever clean beauty e-commerce site is about to launch.

Named Project bYOUty – and homed at projectbyouty.com – the aim of the site is to offer (obviously) clean beauty with real reviews with the aim to inform and empower women.

While the project claims to be launching in early 2019 (so, any day now) it’s been a long time in the making, as even the first Instagram post was September 2019.

Project bYOUty is coming to the Middle East in early 2019

While Clean Beauty is a term we might hear a lot – and we might even seek out products that are branded in such a way – the definition of what is clean doesn’t have consensus across the industry.

Often, it is associated with a line of makeup, skincare and toiletries that are created without ‘toxic’ ingredients.

However, there are so many modern-day elements that may play into it – from vegan beauty to sustainable products.

Whatever will be Project bYOUty’s perimeter of clean beauty is yet to be defined, but either way, we eagerly await the addition to Middle Eastern beauty scene.

Clean beauty, real reviews and empowered women are the messages

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Dawn Metcalfe talks us through the process of writing her most recent book over Morning Coffee.

As a woman whose realm of work is vast – she is an executive coach, facilitator, trainer, speaker and leadership coach as well as the Founder of Dubai-based PDSi and the of two books – narrowing down her professional title was a challenge.

And as the author of Managing the Matrix and The HardTalk Handbook explains over Morning Coffee, this varied (and sometimes chaotic) approached to work is both reflected in her morning routine and her book writing process.

Watch the full interview with Dawn above and find out what we learned chatting with the author below.

Five Things We Learned Talking to Dawn Metcalfe Over Morning Coffee

Dawn Metcalfe talks about her latest book over Morning Coffee with A&E TV

Fundamentally, everyone is the same

Having travelled all over with her work, Dawn shared with us what her main takeaway was; Everyone is essentially the same. She said: “Fundamentally we are the same in every culture… We all want to be respected, to be loved.”

The book within you will come out at the right time 

After describing the process of writing two books as “word vomit” Dawn explained that early on it was never her intention to pen her thoughts, ideas and creativity neatly together. “I worked with a guy years back who had written a number of books, and he kept telling me ‘you’re going to write a book’ but I never really thought about it. ” But when she couldn’t find anything on working in a matrix organisation, that’s what compelled her to go out and do her own research and eventually pitch and write her own book.

Her achievements are other peoples successes

When asked what her biggest achievement to date is, Dawn said: “My job is to try and make other people look good. Whether I’m working as a coach or a trainer, even if I’m the one on stage, the job is to make other people succeed.”

Even the darkest clouds have silver linings

“I suppose the biggest thing I’ve ever had to deal with is being diagnosed with a chronic disease,” Dawn told us. She said: “So, I was in a very different career, I was a teacher in London and I was on the fast track to becoming a head teacher when I was diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis. I never knew if I would walk again let alone work again, and that was scary. But that meant I could no longer teach in all the school I enjoyed teaching in so I moved into the private sector and got to do all this.  So every cloud has a silver lining.”

Live life like it’s front page news

For her personal and professional motto, the leadership coach said: “Imagine that it’s going to be on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow.” The career advisor elaborated: “Whatever you’re about to say, whatever you’re about to do, are you comfortable with that?”

Dawn Metcalfe on her career to date over Morning Coffee

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Lola Tillyaeva, both the visionary behind The Harmonist and Uzbekistan’s ambassador to UNESCO, talks exclusively to A&E about her vision for her brand and the importance of sustainability within the industry.

While The Harmonist is only in its infancy – the wellbeing fragrance brand having launched in 2016 – its founder has a longer history of philanthropic projects to boast.

As well as being the creative mind for the luxe fragrance brand,  Lola Tillyaeva also serves as her country’s ambassador to UNESCO supporting its centuries-old cultural heritage and is dedicated to promoting the education of orphans and children with disabilities through her own charitable organisations.

But in her recent chat with A&E, she discusses her love of fragrance and how the philosophy for The Harmonist came into being.

The Harmonist

Tell us a little bit about how The Harmonist came about and the philosophy?

Several years ago I created a perfume for myself as I wanted to find a scent I felt comfortable with. It was based on notes of white flowers and vanilla musk with ylang ylang at the heart and it was so popular with my friends that I decided to create my own perfume brand which reflects my philosophy of life.

I wanted to create something new, something that the fragrance market had not seen before. My idea was to translate the 5 basic elements of nature and how they were connected to our sense of smell.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy of bringing your inner self into harmony with the world around you. The idea behind our brand is to breathe a new breath of energy into people looking for harmony, helping them achieve maximum results as they seek to create balance for themselves and others. Each of The Harmonist’s signature scents draws from one of the five Feng Shui elements regarded as building blocks of all natural phenomena – metal, fire, earth, water and wood. These five elements constitute part and parcel of our everyday life and are present in everything around us.

The Harmonist Candle

Talk us through the sustainable side of the business and where you use recyclable materials.

The importance that The Harmonist places on balance and harmony extends to the company’s concern for environmental sustainability, which it incorporates into many aspects of fragrance production. The botanic oils and natural ingredients used to compose the scents are sourced sustainably from around the world, while recyclable materials are used wherever possible, including for eco-friendly packaging.

The Harmonist’s bottles are refillable: to replenish a favourite scent, clients can simply buy refill tubes that help keep packaging to a minimum.
The Harmonist advocates an environmentally- friendly and responsible approach.

What else makes The Harmonist stand out from other brands?

The Harmonist is the first Maison de parfum which offers a fragrance attuned to your personal energy. Calling upon French savoir-faire, The Harmonist offers 11 delicate and exquisite fragrances which were created using the finest natural ingredients from around the world. These sophisticated signature scents reflect the concept of Yin and Yang, the philosophy of balance where two opposing yet complementary and interdependent forces coexist harmoniously.

The Harmonist

The Harmonist perfumes embody the five elements regarded as building blocks of all natural phenomena – metal, fire, earth, water and wood.
Wearing a fragrance is like donning a piece of clothing: when we use scent, we are entering the realm of the element it represents. By choosing the right fragrance, you add an ingredient to your aura: the energy of the missing element you need for personal harmony.

What is your first fragrance memory?

We are subtle organisms, using finely-tuned sensors to perceive and appreciate the world around us. Our first experience of smell begins as soon as we are born, so where we are born and what surrounds us during those first weeks and moments makes a lasting impression on each of us. I was born in a land at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road that has been a meeting point since time immortal.

The caravans travelling this highway linking Asia and Europe brought a ceaseless flow of merchants bearing spices and silks from China and India to Europe, and they all passed through our ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. So, naturally, my earliest memories of smell are linked with spices. I still love the smell of spices today – they wrap me in a sense of warmth, a cosy feeling of safety and peace associated with the scent of home baking.

Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva

What is next for The Harmonist?

The Harmonist’s boutiques debuted in Paris and Los Angeles in 2016. The fragrances were subsequently launched in Cannes and Zurich, and then in Barneys New York, Boston, Glendale, San Francisco, Las Vegas. The Harmonist perfumes are also now available in London at Harrods, Moscow’s TsUM department store, Dubai at Harvey Nichols and Milan at Rinascente. The product is expected to be launched in Germany in the coming months.

The Harmonist make a selection of fragrances and candles

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As March ends and April begins, a batch of beauty goodness has been released unto to world, and here are the new skincare releases we’re in awe of right now.

La Prairie Platinum Life Lotion

Here comes a new velvet-textured, luxury-oozing product from La Prarie that sees our eyes light up like stars in the night sky. Which might not be so surprising considering the ingredient that sets it apart from other products out there is, according to a new body of mounting research, derived from the stars.

The platinum-laced lotion by the Swiss skincare experts works to halt the breakdown of the skin’s core functions and support cells’ own detoxification process. Apply as the first step in your skincare, and it’ll leave your complexion looking refreshed and in optimum condition to reap the rewards form the creams that might follow.

La Prairie Platinum Life Lotion

SisleyYouth Anti-Pollution Blue Light Shield

We’ve heard countless times now how blue light glaring from our phones and might be responsible for our lack of sleep, as the short, high-energy wavelength is said to slow the production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin.

But what does the light bouncing off of our screens do to our skin? It’s thought that it can accelerate ageing by penetrating deeper into the skin and causing oxidative stress to skin cells. So as well as fending off pollution, the revolutionary new formula protects against blue light damage, too. Apply morning and evening to look instantly luminous and refreshed.

Sisleyouth Anti Pollution

Filorga NCEF-Night Mask

Sometimes our skin needs an extra special treat to elevate it, a treatment that goes above and beyond its morning and evening treat. French laboratory skincare line Filorga has launched a new facemask for the season that aims to aid eight hours of sleep to tiresome, lacklustre skin.

The formula stimulates the skin’s own healing process and plumps the skin with hyaluronic acid and collagen for a plump, healthy complexion.

Filorga NCEF-Night Mask

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The Dubai-based Creative Director lets A&E TV in on her career to date over Morning Coffee.

After being inspired to take the leap and carve out her own career within something she loves, entrepreneur Amanda Navai began working on her own handbag line a decade ago.

After launching in Bloomingdales in 2010, her self-titled handbag line still has a key merchandising spot in the department store.

Chatting to A&E TV over Morning Coffee, the Dubai-dwelling fashion personality talked about why this in itself is one of the biggest challenges she faces, and what plans she has for the future.

Watch the full interview above, and find out what we discovered chatting with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking To Amanda Navai Over Morning Coffee

One of Amanda Nabai‘s SS19 handbag designs

You don’t need an invention to be an entrepreneur

While explaining that she’d always wanted to be an entrepreneur – toying with many business ideas over the years – she said it was a talk she attended by the founder of the Coffee Republic chains that finally inspired her to take action. Amanda explained: “You don’t have to re-invent the wheel, just improve it.”

Don’t wait until it’s perfect 

Is the advice Amanda has for aspiring entrepreneurs. She explained that nothing will ever be perfect and that you just have to start and learn lessons from the mistakes along the way.

Stability and newness can be the challenges

Rather than getting where she is, it’s staying there that has been the most difficult aspect of her career. Amanda described her own self as her own challenge.

Patience is the greatest virtue 

Saying she lacks it and her mother perfects it, the local entrepreneur revealed her mum’s patience is one of the reasons why she inspires her so much.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way

Is both the businesswoman’s personal and professional motto. Amanda said: “Whatever you want to do, you can do it. It’s just about how to get there. ”

Amanda Navai joined A&E TV for Morning Coffee

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A Walk Of Fame is on the cards for the emirate, channelling the popular tourist attraction in LA, California.

One of Los Angeles’s most popular tourist attractions is undoubtedly the Walk Of Fame, located along Hollywood Boulevard.

The landmark is made up of over 2000 terrazzo and brass mix stars that are each engraved with the names of notable people within the entertainment industry, from Audrey Hepburn to Jennifer Lawrence.

As well as a popular spot for visitors to stroll down and snap pictures with, being granted a star along the walkway has been held as a pivotal moment in the careers of actors and singers, often becoming a newsworthy moment.

But now Dubai-dwelling won’t need to fly stateside to catch a glimpse, as it’s been teased that the emirate will soon have it’s very own walk of fame.

Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame is a huge tourist attraction. Credit: Instagram/sebs_aug

Development giants Emaar – the company behind iconic structures such as The Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall  – has announced plans to create a similar tourist attraction.

To kick start the project, a social media campaign will request nominations for the first 400 names of famous people from across the globe to be immortalised in the designs.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqpaMqkArim/

The winners of the initial 400 names will be presented with their stars in October 2019.

Adding monikers year on year, the aim will be to dwarf the original by boasting a whopping 10,000 golden stars.

The Dubai Walk Of Fame with outshine Hollywood’s own by increasing the number of stars fourfold. Credit: Instagram/heitocarrer

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Another beauty brand has made it’s way over to the UAE, and this one is a cosmeceutical favourite all the way from Spain.

If you’re heading over to The Dubai Mall anytime soon, now there’s another beauty brand to add to your shopping list.

Because Spanish skincare brand, Alisse Bronte, has now launched across the UAE with a boutique within iconic shopping mall being their physical home.

Based within the Perfumery & Co on level two of Fashion Avenue, you’ll find a range of skincare, haircare and specialist-case products by the cosmeceutical brand.

Since launching in 1982, the Murcia-born company produced the line with the ethos of using natural, organic and ecological ingredient that boost wellbeing as much as skin health across the board of dermatological concerns.

Alissi Bronte has arrived in Dubai

Hero products include the Diamond Gold Pearl Youth Therapy Cream, Purissimo Hyaluronic Acid and Gold Foam Thermal Make-up Remover.

Online, the line of green skincare products can be purchased online at AlissiBronteME.com.

The Gold Foam Cleanser is one of the Spanish beauty brand’s best selling products

And the European beauty brand isn’t the one international skincare giant to make it’s way over to the UAE of recent, and Korean Beauty has been gaining traction too.

Recently, a Dubai-owned store opened in The Greens to focuses completely on Korean beauty (or K-Beauty) products.

Lamise Beauty opened up shop in late 2018, and sells the likes of Huxley, Mediheal and Laneige.

Home-grown brand Lamise Beauty sells Korean skincare right here in Dubai

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As Baselworld unfolded in Switzerland in March 2019, one watch-making specialist broke the mold once again.

For the fifth consecutive year, Bvlgari has unveiled a new record-breaking design during the watch trade show based in Swiss city Basel.

The Italian fine jewellery brand unveiled the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic at the annual event.

The timepiece has hailed the title of the thinnest ever existing chronograph movement, and it measures up at a minute 3.3mm thin.

The world’s thinnest watch has been revealed

As well as the most basic and essential chronograph function, the record-breaking wear also boats as GMT function that allows local time to be set at a button press, with both a running seconds subdial and a home-time subdail.

Elsewhere, the design is a sleek, steel-hued metal with a minimalist approach to colour.

Previously, Bvgalri’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic was slimmed down to 3.95mm.

At the event, Bvgalri also introduced a new womenswear watch collection.

For 2019, it was the Serpenti Sedttori (which translates to Snake Seducers) line bringing feminine newness to the event.

A new ‘born to be gold’ collection was added to the iconic line which has reimagined previous design to excel in beauty even further with and new drop-shaped watch head and an opulent golden glow.

The world’s thinnest watch was unveiled at Baselworld 2019

Elsewhere at Baselworld, the traditional watch trade show has been embracing classic designs and mechanics, as well as smartwatch designs for 2019.

For example within the smartwatch dimension, the likes of Fossil and Skagen teased new hybrid designs while Michael Kors’s revamp of the Access Sofie to include a heart rate monitor will arrive in April, it was revealed.

Elsewhere, Cassio announced the new G-SHOCK design which is hailed as the most durable digital and analogue-digital watch within the industry and TAG Heuer reintroduced the 1960s collection, Autavia. The model is one of versatility and toughness.

Baselworld 2019 took place in the Swiss city between March 21-26th, 2019.

TAG Heuer at Baselworld 2019

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Briar Prestidge joined the A&E team for Morning Coffee as she talked through the importance of digital branding.

From her launching own networking talk show to her Dubai-based company, Briar Prestidge is a busy woman.

As the CEO of Briar Prestidge International, the digital marketing guru is always switched on.

But taking some time out of her day, Briar joined us for Morning Coffee to share everything from her morning routine to what she wants to achieve next.

Watch the full interview with the CEO above, and find out what we learned chatting with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking To Briar Prestidge Over Morning Coffee

Briar Prestidge shares her mottos over Morning Coffee

Be willing to take the plunge 

When it comes to switching up your career or venturing into a next business, Briar said it’s all about taking action. She said: “You can sit there and you can always question ‘Oh I want to go out and I want to start a business,’ but if you don’t actually take the plunge, then it’s never going to happen.”

Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn

It might not be your favourite social network, but Briar insists we all pay more attention to our profiles.  She said: “LinkedIn here in the region is the most connected out of anywhere in the world.”

Lady Gaga is her inspiration 

She said: “She’s the epitome of someone who’s been kicked down a lot… But she’s someone who really persevered and worked hard and got out there and got the job done. And she did it all with a smile on her face.”

Sharing knowledge is important

While it might seem like a little thing, it can be very important, says the CEO.  From friends to strangers on a Facebook group asking for recommendations, she said taking the time out to both recommend somebody/something you think worthy and to reach out to people is important. Briar said: “I think it’s really important that we are all sharing and giving and supporting one another. ”

Trust the process

The advice she would give her younger self? “I think it would just be to trust the process a little bit. When we’re young we’re quite eager to achieve and perhaps when we don’t meet those expectations it can be very disappointing for ourselves.” But she continued to say that life takes unexpected turns and to take the stress off ourselves and to trust a little more in life.

The CEO runs Briar Prestidge International and Deals In High Heels

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With a focus on bringing together traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary designs, the line includes items such as playful colourful rings, luxe blue sapphire necklaces and pearl and diamond earrings.

And now customers can adorn themselves with the stunning collections via IVAR’s new online store at ivarjewelry.com.

The line was created by Ritika Ravi, who says she’s inspired by nature in her work along with her Indian roots and international upbringing.

And the debut collection – the 10.18 –was again born in India and launched in the Maldives with a stunning range of earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces that encase gems with white and rose gold.

See some of our favourite designs above.

Timepiece fanatics, if you’re thinking of updating your watch collection anytime soon, then here is the event you need to know about.

International auction house Sotheby’s is showcasing fine timepieces from some of the best brands in the world this weekend, some dating back from 1950s, each capturing trends from across the decade and everlasting luxury.

Over at the DIFC location, the likes of Rolex, Cartier and Audemars Piguet watches will be on display and up for sale.

Ahead of the events, here is just a glimpse at some of the unique piece that will be available.

Art Dubai will take place between March 21-23rd, and there’s plenty to get stuck into.

In its 13th year in the emirate, Art Dubai is only getting bigger and better.

Taking place at Madinat Jumeirah, there are over 92 galleries, work from 500 artists, a series of thought-provoking talks and numerous workshops. Here are some of the ways to enjoy and get the most out of the event.

Soak up the exhibitions

This year for Art Dubai, there are over 92 galleries from 42 countries exhibiting artworks across four gallery sections, meaning you won’t be hard up on creative expression to pore over and take inspiration from. But if you need help breaking down what you want to get to, then here’s a little help. This year, there will be several main ‘zones’ – Contemporary, Modern, Residents and Bawwaba.

The first will be the largest of the exhibitions and will showcase work from the last ten years. The collection with showcase works from all over the world, aiming to show the links that can be seen in the global art zeitgeist. The Modern Zone, however, will look at work from mid-twentieth century.

This year will be the second edition of the Resident section, and for 2019 it will be dedicated to Latin America, and was curated by both Emirati Munira Al Sayegh and Brazilian Fernanda Brenner. The newest edition is the Bawwaba Zone (which means gateway in Arabic) will explore the work of just ten artists with work that’s all be created in the last year.

Listen in on a talk

While art might be a visual medium, that doesn’t mean the ears don’t deserve a treat, too. There’s a long list of special talks to peer over, but there is one we are particularly looking forward.

On Friday, March 22 from 2pm the ‘Ithra Art Prize 2019, Daniah Al Saleh’ talk will take place a the Julius Baer Lounge. The conversation will centre around the prize itself and its aims to fund, promote and offer Saudi artists a global platform which will feature the 2019 winning artist Daniah Al Saleh.

Throughout the weekend, there will also be conversations such as Global Art Forum: Swamp Is a School? and Global Art Forum: Artificial Intelligence, Real Education? A Taxonomy.

Get interactive

Whether you’re a budding artist keen to explore new techniques and mediums, a newcomer ready for a challenge or a parent wanting to keep little ones busy, there are plenty of interactive workshops to take part in over the three days. Some of these include the Creating New Worlds: Sheikha Manal Little Artists Workshop.

Elsewhere, there are other interaction moments and installations taking place across the event to give it further depth. Watch Muted Situation #2: Muted Lion Dance by artist Samson Young primarily working in the medium of sound performance, and check out Art Dubai After Dark which is a music programme.

For Thursday night, the programme will be presenting Female first session which will showcase talents both within the Middle East and abroad.

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A new kind of private members club has opened its doors in Dubai, and here’s what sets the creative hub apart from existing members only clubs in the emirate.

Last month, local entrepreneur Mohammed Zaal unveiled his latest creation to the world.

The Emirati businessman – who left his job as the Chief Operating Officer of Al Barari to create KOA Canvas, a premium property development company – opened the doors to a new, home-grown private members club.

And with the new opening in Al Safa Street came a new concept.  Nasab requires its members to be interesting and creative rather than wealthy or notable.

Nasab opened in Dubai in February 2019

Owner Zaal envisions it as a place where work, play and family come together, and the members serve a part of a community.

But while the concept may set it apart, the amenities mirror that of many other members-only clubs. Expect fully equipt gyms with a populated schedule, a selection of pool to suit all needs and desires, massage rooms beside meditation chambers, multiple restaurants and coffee spots, and even a unique photography studio.

But tapping into that creative flair it prides itself on, one of the unmissable features on the new haunt is the entrance area that is three storeys high a gives off the feel of a metropolitan library built for the modern era.

Currently, there are five membership plans in place, starting from just Dhs 750 per month.

There are a selection of meeting rooms at Nasab tailored to the purpose of each meeting

While Nasab breaks the mold within the industry,  there are still plenty of other private members clubs in the emirate that are thriving.

Take Capital Club Dubai, which opened in DIFC in 2008. It’s been named as one of the most exclusive clubs in the world and has birthed many important deals and collaborations.

Elsewhere, clubs such as Socialista Dubai and Elite Club are still in operation here in Dubai.

Later this year, however, one of the most famous members-only clubs in the world  – with the likes of Charles Dickens being a member of the London branch in his day –  will land in the UAE. The Arts Clubs is set to open in some time in 2019.

Nasab features a selection of pools, massage rooms and meditation chambers

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Florist and business owner Mandy McMechan chats through her passion for flowers and what she loves about romance through her work.

Mandy McMechan realised that a career in floristry was her destiny when, after 11 hours of straight work, she was still happy, captivated and eager to carry on.

And after opening Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs in Dubai, she only wants to expand on her unique, luxe floristry business.

But talking to Mandy over Morning Coffee, she revealed the struggles in the industry right now, what working with flowers has taught her about love and romance, and how her daughters inspire her every day.

Watch the full interview with Mandy above, and find out what we learned chatting with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking To Mandy McMechan Over Morning Coffee

Mandy McMechan has a very unique style at Plaisir Flowers

Remember to be grateful

As part of Mandy’s morning routine, she writes in her gratitude journal for five minutes a day, which was a gift from her eldest daughter. She said: “We often forget how lucky we are. It takes a few minutes to write down what we’re grateful for, and it’s a nice way to start the day.”

What flowers can teach us about romance

“I have clients that come in with the most expensive gifts – jewellery, a Chanel bag – but they still want to add flowers… It’s romantic to put their own touch, their own colours, their own choices.”

She learns from her daughters every day 

When asked who inspires her the most, Mandy reveals that lots of people inspire her, but in particular in daughters. The businesswoman said: “My two daughters, they inspire daily because of the kind of people they’ve become, the kind of women they’ve become. I’m learning from them, which is a cliché but it’s true.”

Valuing your team is key 

When asked her professional motto, Mandy said: “Be good to your team because your team is everything.”

Don’t wait for the right time

What would the boutique owner have told her younger self? To start earlier. She said: “Don’t wait for the right time, it’s never the right time.”

The shop front for Plaisir. Credit: Instagram/plaisir_cadeaux

READ: Morning Coffee with Pop Artist Luca Valentini

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Got a lengthy flight approaching? Here are the travel-friendly buys to pack into your hand luggage to ensure to you alight the flight looking fresh.

While jetlag may get to your sleep cycle, there’s no need for travelling across countries and continents to get to your skin too.

Yes, the odds are against you – a night’s sleep gone a-miss, dozing off while wearing your make-up, and of course the dreaded air humidity  – but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender to a lacklustre complexion.

Before you reach for your boarding pass, stock up your (cabin-friendly) makeup bag with these beauty buys, and take our advice on how to maximise them while buckled in.

Exfoliating wipes 

Before you start the process of your in-flight beauty routine, ensure to remove traces of makeup before letting the skincare goodness sink in.

An easy way to do this is by using wipes that double up to offer a gentle exfoliation. Take Sephora’s travel sized offering.

One side of the wet wipe works to cleanse and remove makeup, while the other buffs and smoothes skin.

Sephora Charcoal Travel Wipes

Multi-purpose balm

A pocket-friendly multipurpose balm is a travel essential, as this can serve as everything from a facial hydrator to a cuticle moisturiser and flyaway-tamers.

This tub of wonder contains skin-nourishing ingredients including olive oil, honey and royal jelly.  They work together to infused and protect the skin.

In flight, warm into hands before massaging the cream into the skin or running the slightest amount of product over tresses to smooth and control.

If you’ve still got hours before your descent, apply a thick layer to clean skin as a mask for 15-20 minutes.

Egyptian Magic

Sheet Mask

If you haven’t caught onto the sheet mask trend yet, your next holiday is the time to get on board with the Korean beauty trend.

Rather than a traditional clay mask that will draw out impurities (and, lets face, make a mess at any altitude) sheet masks will infuse goodness into your skin.

Each Star Skin mask is drenched in high-quality serums, and the Illuminating Diamon edition harnesses the power of vitamin C, evening primrose oil and olive oil to exfoliate, calm and rejuvenate.

Starskin Illuminating Luxury Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Face Mask

Eye mask 

If you’re anything like us, our hectic everyday lifestyle is enough to leave us with puffy eyes and dark circles, let alone exhausting journeys.

Offer a little TLC to puffy eyes with a calming mask designed particularly for the sensitive skin surrounding the eyes.

Our pick is Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Eye Masks. Not only are they instantly refreshing, but the arnica extract helps reduce the looks of puffiness and dulling.

Leave this until last, and apply just before you’re ready to land to keep those peepers looking bright.

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Mask

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Muse & Heroine Founder, Janine Knizia, talks through the future of healthy living and clean beauty that she’d like to see in the Middle East over Morning Coffee.

Finally taking the brave step to leave her successful job within the fashion industry, Janine Knizia made a bold move into the wellness and clean beauty industry just one year ago.

Now, her beauty and wellbeing sales agency–  Muse & Heroine – has hit the ground running as the entrepreneur/holistic health coach aims to put clean beauty, organic products and wellbeing at the forefront of both the European and Middle Eastern lifestyle industry. Currently, her brands as stocked exclusively in the region by Comptoir 102.

Talking to A&E TV over Morning Coffee, Janine reveals what inspired her and the challenges she’s had to overcome.

Watch the full interview with the Muse & Heroine Founder above, and read what we discovered talking to her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking to Janine Knizia Over Morning Coffee

Janine Knizia is the Founder of Muse & Heroine

The Middle East has some clean-beauty catching up to do

After spending time in LA in particular, Janine revealed that both Europe and the Middle East are lagging behind in the clean living, health-conscious movement. She said her aim is to make those lifestyle choices easier and more accessible within this region for consumers.

You need to step away from your comfort zone to achieve

When we asked Janine what her biggest achievement is, she said “Stepping out of this amazing jobs I had flying all over the world and earning good money,” to pursue a lifetime hobby and what she believed in with Muse & Heroine.

Many people can be your inspiration

The beauty connoisseur explained that whittling down people that have inspired her along the way would be hard. But rather than a famous person or abstract figure, she revealed that it’s important that she knows them on a personal level to be inspired by them.

Living life in the present is key 

Which is why it’s Janine’s personal motto. She said: “Learn to be present and live in the now. ”

Saying no opens the door to yes

The holistic health coach revealed that at one point in her life she found it hard to say no to people. But what she’s realised over the years is that “You have to learn how to say no… it means you can focus on the yes, so it’s something positive.”

Janine Knizia chats through her mottos over Morning Coffee

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Pierpaolo Piccioli has designed a limited edition Valentino bag – the Garavani VRING – showcasing the fashion house’s new logo, and it’s available as a pop-up boutique store in The Dubai Mall for a limited time only.

When Pierpaolo Piccioli presented his collection for Valentino at the SS19 shows, there was one detail that had caught everybody’s eye.

Valentino had unveiled a new (yet simultaneously retro) logo for its latest line.

The new look saw a brass V encased in a square design. The style is inspired by a familiar logo sating back to the fashion house’s early days in the 1960s and 1970s.

Valentino bag in green

One of the key items brandishing this motif in the new VRING bag created by Pierpaolo Piccioli himself.

The new accessory represents an interpretation of the classic women’s bag reread with a contemporary aesthetic. Just to add more newness, the classic Valentino shade of red was switched out for a bolder scarlet hue, and textures clashed with a mixture of different leathers.

New Valentino bag in pebble grey

And especially for the pop-up boutique located in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, an exclusive bag design has been released.

The limited edition crocodile Valentino Garavani VRING Bag that has been designed exclusively by Pierpaolo Piccioli is available in three colours – jade green, grey and red – within the pop-up.

But with the hub only in operation until April 1st at the Fashion Atrium within The Dubai Mall. This will be open from 10am until midnight daily.

Elsewhere with the Italian fashion house’s summer-ready collection, the creative mind designed a bold and dramatic collection that brought modesty and elegance to the clothing with voluminous sleeves, dramatic architectural cuts, a decadent clash of textures and statement prints.

The SS19 line is timeless, understated elegance that is wearable, yet aspirational at the same time.

READ: SS19 Haute Couture Beauty: From Dior to Chanel, Makeup Takes a Dramatic and Fantastical Turn

READ: Pierpaolo Piccoli Presents Valentino’s A/W19 collection at Paris Fashion Week

READ: Paris Fashion Week SS19: Valentino

Model Halima Aden is creating her own line of stylish headscarves after already making waves for Muslim women in the fashion industry.

Having walked the runways for the likes of Maxmara and Alberta Ferretti, model Halima Aden has already earned serious status within the fashion industry.

And that’s only amplified due to her breaking the ceiling for Muslim women within the global fashion industry (despite it being shocking that it’s taken such time) by wearing her hijab while walking the runways and posing on the red carpets.

In fact, previously, she was the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, where she was a semi-finalist.

Halima Aden has walked the runways for Tommy Hilfiger. Credit: Instagram/halima.

And now Halima is taking another bold step by launching her own line of headscarves.

The talent, who is signed to IMG Models, has teamed up with Modanisa for the line.

We’ll get our first glimpse at the line during Istanbul Modest Fashion Week which will take place between April 20-21st.

The Turkish E-commerce fashion brand will roll out 27 headscarves online at the same time, it is expected.

Halima Aden has teamed up with online fashion brand Modanisa for the collection. Credit: Instagram/modanisa

The move by the icon comes after a series of other high profile brands have released modest collections and vibrant hijabs.

Marc Jacobs’s modest line which included a hijab recently launched in the Middle East while previously the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger have embraced the sty.

Halima Aden wearing Stella McCartney. Credit: Instagram/halima

READ: The Fashion Brands that have Designed Hijabs as Michael Kors’s Collection Hits Shelves

READ: Major Muslim Fashion Exhibit Opens In San Francisco

READ: Get The Look: Halima Aden

As his artwork makes its way over to the Sconci Art Gallery in DIFC, Pop Artist Luca Valentini chats through his artistic style and inspirations.

Born into a family of hobbyist artists, it didn’t take Italian Artist Luca Valentini long to develop a fascination with the world of art.

From exploring social issues with black and white hued work in his home town to presenting colourful insights into the fashion work all over the globe, he’s spent the last decade creating what he calls, “expression of the true nature of the society in which we live today.”

As we talk to him over Morning Coffee, he talks through what inspires him and what he wants to do next.

Watch the full video interview with him above, and find out what we discovered chatting to him below.

Five Things We Learned Talking to Luca Valentini Over Morning Coffee

Artwork by Luca Valentini

Always strive to do better

When we asked Luca which of his creations is his favourite or that he’s most proud of, he said none. But why exactly? He explained: “I don’t have a favourite one because… I’m looking to do better every time. When I feel very proud of my work [will be the same time I stop] painting.”

Search for a new perspective on your work

… And it can help you move forward.  Luca told us: “My art style is a mixture of street art, pop art and German Expressionism. I totally changed my point of view of art, I completely forgot [about] working in black and white as I did before, and now I put lots of colour [into my work]. Before it was completely different.”

Social impact is key 

When asked what the Italian artist still wants to achieve with his work, he said to have a social impact. He said: “I would like to do work with a very strong social impact, and I would like to inspire young artists.”

On living life to the full

“To work as you don’t have to die, and to enjoy life as you have to die tomorrow,” is the artist’s personal motto.

Regrets are a waste of energy

While admitting he’d made some mistakes over the years, the creative talent revealed that he regrets nothing, as all those twists and turn have made him the person he is now.

Luca Valentini

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A big hit on the Spring/Summer 2019 runways that sees no signs of slowing down as Autumn approaches, the clashing prints trend is one of the most fun-loving and surprisingly wearable looks to try right now.

If we know one thing about the rules of fashion, it’s that they are there to be broken.  The only real rule is to wear whatever you’re drawn to with confidence.

And for the Spring/Summer months now on the horizon, it’s the rule of clashing prints that is yearning to be broken.

Here are some ways to work the looks.

Wild Whimsy

Rochas SS19

Burberry SS19

Animal print is seeing a huge revival on its own right now, with everything from vintage leopard designs to snakeskin prints leaping from accessories onto garments for this season. And for SS19, we’ve finally been given permission to mismatch the flamboyant garments like never before.

Ways to wear it include donning the same print in varying colours or pairing a bold print with an animal motif tee. Clash opposite skins with the most ease by combining one complete design, such as a leopard print skirt, with an item that only has wildlife-esque details – such as a tee with zebra print font.

The likes of Rochas and Burberry embraced the look on the runway, with the former using the hues to unite designs together while the latter balanced vibrant yellow print with a calming grey shade.

Flower Power

Michael Kors SS19

Self Portrait SS19

Florals will always be a springtime favourite, forever the epitome of new life and fresh beginnings as the next season approaches. But now you can mix up the staple print by clashing together florals to give the feminine design an eye-grabbing, bold edge.

Make like Michael Kors and mix up the mirroring floral compositions with opposing shades, or follow suit with Self Portrait by layering garments that sit side by side on the colour wheel.

Pattern Party

Mui Miu SS19

Carolina Herrera SS19

Not all clashing need be so coordinated. Mixing random patterns that are full of flair has also been given the green light this season, and allows you to take what you love from the previous two trends and introduced even more to it.

For example, the runways this season weren’t shy of combinations such as check jackets over leopard print dresses or stripped jumpers with floral trousers. The key is to stick to just two major designs and keep makeup and accessories minimum.

Carolina Herrea balanced a flower-embroidered blazer with checked shorts, while Miu Miu added a wild side to office wear with a grey blazer over high-shine animal print.

Patchwork Print

Etro SS19

Chloe SS19

Don’t want to actively think about how to perfectly clash your clothes together? Then tap into the trend by opting for an all-in-one piece that does the thinking for you.

This season, patchwork was plentiful with designs mixing together everything from fabrics and tones to patterns and prints into one slip-on item. While donning such items, the key really is to let them do the talking and not to distract from the already busy piece.

Etro went bold with vivid blues and reds, while Chloe took a softer approach championing earthy tones and silky fabrics.

Art Class

D&G SS19

Louis Vuitton SS19

The catwalk turned into an art class for SS19, with the clothes being presented as chaotic pieces of abstract art being thrown together with an array of patterns and motifs.

While some were more stylised, others were more of a conundrum. Like the patchwork designs, this allows you to work into the colourful chaos without having to overthink.

Louis Vuitton channelled abstract aesthetics that clashed colours together within the same design, while D&G presented dresses as collages of creativity.

Louis Vuitton SS19

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READ: The Spring/Summer 2019 Fashion Trends It’s Time to Start Wearing

READ: Fearless: See Miu Miu’s SS19 Collection in A&E’s March Editorial Shoot

After Maria Grazia Chiuri delivered a show-stopping collection for Dior during the Haute Couture fashion weeks early this year, the Artistic Director has now brought her circus-inspired Spring/Summer 2019 show to Dubai with exclusive looks to the region.

True to form and never holding back on the theatrics, guests arrived at the first-of-its-kind event and found the runway located in a giant circus-ready tent at Safa Park.

Just like in the French capital, once inside guests watched models glide past in pieces that blended classic and modern couture, as a troupe of Mimbre Acrobats performed throughout.

Not only did the event showcase all the favourites from the original show in Paris, but Dior also created and presented exclusive pieces designed especially for the Middle East.

One of the most striking from the regional looks was a rainbow-coloured jewel dress that pinched in at the waist but flowed out in a fantastical manner at the hips. Behind the model flowed a patch-work of jewel colours and she strutted by the spectators.

Exclusive items from Dior for the Middle East

Dior brought the circus to Dubai in a regional first

As for the rest of the collection, it featured a powdery pastel palette that gave the garments a worn-in feel, much like the night-after-night uniform of acrobats and circus performers. Sticking within that theme, sequined adorned the garments while tutus made an appearance on the runway.

And to recreate the incredible looks, Creative and Image Director of Christian Dior Makeup Peter Philips also joined the backstage operation, once again mastering striking Pierrot-inspired eye makeup.

The striking makeup look created by Peter Philips

The initial idea for the collection and show stemmed from Christian Dior’s love of the Cirque d’Hiver. Undeniably, the circus has played an important role in the evolution of the iconic French brand.

In 1955 Richard Avedon captured the essence of Christian Dior’s image when he took the now famous photo, Dovima and the Elephants, an image that perfectly evokes the wonder and majesty of haute couture. Then under John Galliano’s creative direction, the circus reappeared in Dior’s designers.

Dior included the clothes shown in Paris alongside some regional debuts

Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and if you haven’t made any plans yet, here are some ways to make the occasion extra special.

While it might be a little late notice to plan something special for your mother – or with your children – to celebrate Mother’s Day, the old expression ‘better late than never’ continues to ring true.

As the day approaches (Mother’s Day falls on Thursday, March 21st in the UAE  while UK-natives will celebrate on March 31st) we’ve rounded up a list of things to do to make it a day to remember, whenever you celebrate.

Afternoon Tea

The Lobby Lounge Terrace at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai

Finger food, refreshing drinks and fabulous company; a special afternoon tea is the sophisticated way to spend the day with your mother. Our recommendation? The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. For the annual occasion, the luxe hotel will be serving classic elegant sandwiches and sweet treats in The Lobby Lounge. Indoor dwellers can enjoy the elaborate chandeliers while alfresco diners can soak up views of luscious resort gardens. The event will run between March 29-31st between 12.30-5pm and prices will begin at Dhs 195.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Address Montgomerie

If it’s spending time tucking into food that you bond over with your mother, then this is the perfect Mother’s Day surprise for her.  Head down to the luxurious Address Montgomerie on Friday, March 22 and enjoy the green scenery as you nibble at culinary delights poolside. The entire family is welcome, with packages starting from Dhs 290, and booking is advised. Dubai’s chic polo resort, Meliã Desert Palm, is also offering a special brunch for the occasion with activities such as cookie decoration and kite flying alongside the selection of theatrical dishes to keep the entire family happy from 1-4pm on Friday March 22. From Dhs 300.

Spa Day

Le Meridien Spa

What better way to show your mum how much you appreciate her than taking her for a day of relaxation? Luckily, plenty of deluxe spas across the emirate have created special packages just for the occasion. Book in for a full body massage at Natural Elements Spa at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel, for example, and you’ll receive a free 30 minute facial. Better still, especially for the occasion, ladies will receive an extra 30 per cent off a selection of treatments such as aromatherapy massage, lumafirm life and glow facial and a luxury manicure and pedicure. Valid between March 15-31st.

Staycation

Waldorf Astoria, The Palm Dubai

As well as a day pampering at the spa, make a night of it with the many staycation packages available. Head to the Waldorf Astoria, Dubai Palm Jumeirah, for example, and splash out on the Unforgettable Retreat Package from Dhs 1,269. This staycation offer includes a one-night stay at the stunning hotel, a 45-minute bespoke massage for two and breakfast.

Theatre Treat

La Perle Dubai

Haven’t got around to see La Perle yet? Well, let this finally be the time you feast your eyes on the theatrical wonder in the name of celebrating your mother. Especially for the occasion, guests can purchase a dinner and show package for 500 AED exclusively for Mother’s Day. This package includes one gold ticket to La Perle along with a set menu dinner at one of the restaurants in Al Habtoor City such as Babiole, Namu or Zoco.

Pamper Package

The Beauty Oasis Spa

If your beloved mother would enjoy getting glammed up as well as just winding down at a spa, treat her to a luxury pamper package at a beauty lounge instead. The Beauty Oasis Spa in Sharjah is offering an incredible package in the in a private suit for two which will include access to steam and jacuzzi, an orange scrub treatment, candle massage, a skin tightening with radiofrequency treatment, manicure and pedicure and a wash and blow dry. As icing on the cake, guests can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks from The Beauty Oasis Spa restaurant and special gift for both clients upon checkout. All for only Dhs 1990 until March 24th. For a quicker option, head to Sisters Beauty Lounge, as its offering a complimentary hair wash and a blow dry for your mother when you book in for a treatment over Dhs 500 on March 21st. 

Noor Shamma has her own jewellery business based in New York

From New York to the UAE, Noor Shamma leads a hectic life as a Jewellery Designer that just can’t stop creating.

So much so, that Jewellery Designer Noor Shamma called her creative flair both a “blessing and a curse.”

Speaking to A&E TV over Morning Coffee, she revealed that while this creativity was first directed towards a fascination over architecture, later she decided that designing and making her own collection of “wearable architecture” would be her artistic outlet, explaining how she’s captivated by the sentimentality of jewellery.

While her company is based in New York, the busy mum flies back and forth from the UAE regularly, meaning she knows a thing or two about hard work and life on the move.

Speaking about her career to date, Noor let us in on both her mottos in life and her greatest achievements.

Watch the full interview with the designer above, and read what we learned chatting with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking to Noor Shamma Over Morning Coffee

Writing organises both your day and your mind

How does the busy designer start her mornings? “I prepare my to-do list at the beginning of every day. It helps me keep everything in perspective and sets the tone for the day for me, and I like to journal in the morning because it helps me reflect on the day before and prepare for the day ahead.”

Don’t forget the little achievements along the way

When asked what her biggest achievement to date has been, Noor replied: “The thing with achievement is that it is a build up of so many successes that get you somewhere. And when you’re starting off a project, every little success is an achievement in itself because you’re ticking off things. And I’m obsessed with to-do lists, so every time I ticked something off its an achievement.”

Creativity can be a curse

“The other challenge as a creative is that I always want to create, it’s like an addiction. It’s a blessing and a curse at the same time. It sometimes becomes a distraction because my brain is always looking for ideas. It’s like ‘ I can do this or I can do that’ so the challenge is to stay focused and to finish what I started and take it a step back and basically try to achieve my objectives,” Noor told us.

Beauty is everywhere

Living life on the road, the entrepreneur and creative values the importance of travel. And what of her favourite aspects of that is constantly finding beauty somewhere new. She said: “I’m just always fascinated by the amount of beauty that is out there, be it people and their culture, art and architecture, nature and agriculture and food. There is always something to learn and something to appreciate.”

What is done in love…

…is done well, as said by Vincent Van Gogh, is her professional motto.

Noor Shamma modelling her own jewellery line. Credit: Instagram/noorshamma

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The Italian designer is heading to Japan in May 2019 for both his own fashion show and the Armani/Ginza Tower reopening.

On May 24 2019, Giorgio Armani himself will fly to Japan to host his first runway show for a pre-collection in Tokyo.

The line, which will showcase both men’s and women’s garments, will be the Resort 2020 collection. The exact location of the show is yet to be revealed.

But ensuring it’s a double celebration, Armani will also make the trip coincide with the reopening of the Armani/Ginza Tower,  the celebrations for which will take place on the same night at the city’s tony shopping district.

The Armani/Ginza Tower from the outside. Credit: Instagram/_tuker

The architectural design was first constructed in 2007, and the concept store features collections from  Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Armani/Casa.

Elsewhere in the venue – which spans over 65,000 square feet and 14 storeys – the brand’s first-ever spa inhabits alongside a signature Privé bar and a luxe Italian eatery.

By day, the tower located on Ginza street is characterised by bamboo motif that is splashed throughout the store (which is said to have been designed by Armani himself) and a black and gold colour scheme to enhance the store’s sense of luxury.

LED lights on the Armani/Ginza Tower in Japan. Credit: Instagram/_rin_

By evening, however, the Armani/Ginza Tower is lit up by LED lights making it both instantly recognisable and a landmark building in the area.

On the upcoming trip, Armani said: “I am glad to be returning to Tokyo for the reopening of Ginza Tower after its refurbishment: a major project that underscores my bond with Japan, a country whose aesthetics and culture I have always admired.”

Giorgio Armani to head to Tokyo

READ: Haute Couture SS19: Armani Privé

READ: Men’s Fashion Week Fall 2019: Emporio Armani

READ: Milan Fashion Week 2019: Highlights from Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani and more

Since launching in  2011, Mr Porter has become the online hub for style-conscious, urban-dwelling guys.

Which is later in 2017, the e-commerce site decided to launch its very own label that encapsulated the site’s core shopper.

And another two years later, the label has launched its eight capsule collection to date.

For the Spring 2019 edit, the line upheld its dedication to creating everyday essentials that are trend-led, this year tapping into the laid back suits look, the denim-everything approach to dressing and using whites and creams as the basis to your colour palette.

To make it easier for want-everything shoppers, we’ve selected the key items to channel the looks this season, that cover both modern- smart wear and quirky evening wear.

The Spring 2019 collection for Mr P. is available now.

See our top picks from the eight capsule collection from Mr. P for spring

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Bahaneh Green left her job in engineering to pursue her creative vision of home-grown business, Happy Bubble Balloons.

Three years ago, Bahaneh Green finally made the brave jump to leave her full-time desk job in order to pursue her creative visions.

Now, Happy Bubble Balloons is not only the leading company of its kind within the region but is only on the way up as the founder discusses her aspirations for the brand going forward.

But as well as her work goals and journey, she also lets us in on her personal mottos and inspiration, too.

Watch the full video interview with Bahaneh above, and find out the five things we learned talking with her below.

Five Things We Learned Talking To Bahaneh Green Over Morning Coffee

See more incredible creations at happybubbleballoons on Instagram

Balloons evoke your inner child

When we asked Bahaneh why both she and the world at large are so drawn to balloons, she said she thinks it’s because they symbolise happiness. As well as quite literally being an object of fascination as they “float up in the air when everything else falls to the floor,” she explains they are a symbol of happiness and celebration, which starts even before we are born. Balloons bring out your inner child, which is what she tries to do in through her work.

Bahaneh’s parents inspire her the most

She said her dad “instilled work ethic” within her while her mother “inspired her from childhood” with her own creativity.

Never regret anything 

When asked her personal motto, Bahaneh revealed: “Never regret anything that you do, because in that moment of time when you made that decision that was the best decision for you.”

Know your business inside-out

And the entrepreneur’s professional motto? “Know your work inside out, every little detail. The more information you have, the more knowledge you can give your clients and the better decisions they can make.”

Enjoy life’s unpredictable turns

If the successful business owner could go back in time and tell her younger self one thing, it would be that life has some unexpected turns, and to “enjoy the ride and not stress.”

The Happy Bubble Balloons Founder talks through her personal and professional mottos

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Model Anwar Hadid’s jewellery line has now launched, and here’s what we know about the high-end collection.

Anwar Hadid, model and younger brother of Gigi and Bella Hadid, announced earlier this month that he is making a move into the fashion world.

Taking to his Instagram page, the 19 year old wrote: “Me and my guys have been working on this for the past two years trying to create the platform to create things for you guyz to have in your REAL LIVES.”

He continued: “Jewlery is something you can cop and have for the rest of your life, so much more too come and we are gunna make sure theres a way for all people to be apart of this [sic].”

Here’s what we know about his venture into a new business to date.

Anwar Hadid modelling his own jewellery line, Martyre. Credit: Instagram/martyre

Anwar Hadid’s jewellery line is called Martyre

And the same-titled necklace will be a key item in the collection.  Over on Martyre’s Instagram page – which already has 17k followers at the time of writing – it revealed that the brand has been established since 2018.

Yoni Laham is his co-founder

On the collection, Anwar has teamed up with friend Yoni Laham, who is also a hip hop and rap music artist. Meanwhile, Ryan Benson has been named as Head of Design & Co-Creative Director.

Fresh yet timeless is the brand’s ethos

The aim of the collection, which is for men and women, is to have longevity but also to remain fresh. They state: “The brand is committed to exploring new concepts in jewelry while upholding tradition collaborating with the most skilful artisans in Los Angeles to create timeless pieces for men & women with collector’s appeal.”

The website adds: “At a time when fast fashion and consumerism take the meaning and intention away from creation, MARTYRE stands for exactly the opposite… We’ve set out to create a brand that refines the current construct of jewelry with an emphasis on substance and symbolism.”

The Martyre necklace is a key item in the collection. Credit: Instagram/martyre

It’s been modelled some famous faces already 

As well as Amwar getting behind the cameras himself, the collection has also been modelled by Georgia Fowler and Abdulaye Niang.

The first collection is on sale now

The first drop includes a set of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Just head to www.martyre.com.

International shipping is available

The website states: “For international shipping, customers are responsible for all tax/duties that are required when going through customs.”

Each item is made to order, too.

Georgia Fowler has already modelled the collection. Credit: Instagram/martyre

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Discover the perfumes that are inspired by love and romance in name and nature.

Scent is an incredibly personal thing, both for the wearer and the creator. Human emotion is so intertwined with aromas, hence why we’re drawn to fragrances that remind us of a certain time in our lives and why we seek certain scents to balance and complement our mood.

And aromas and romance are perhaps where the two interlace most intensely, which is why not only is perfume a popular present for shoppers’ significant others, but is also often created with love and romance at its very core.

Whether a direct declaration of love in the name itself or within the backstory inspiring its creation, here are some of the most romantic scents of all.

Dior J’adore

Dior J’Adore

First launched in 1999, this awakening fragrance has continued to be a favourite that has been reinvented and updated with new notes over the year. Literally a translation for ‘I Love It’, the scent embodies the exciting, invigorating feeling of love, which soon settles into a comforting warmness – like the first moment a person realises they could fall in love with a certain someone special. Well, at least it did in the original floral formulation that saw it hailed as one of the most popular scents of the late Nineties. The formula has changed over the years, and many fans of the original notes mixed by Calice Becker just can’t learn to love the updated version in the same way.

Ralph Lauren Romance

Ralph Lauren Romance

Unlike J’Adore, Ralph Lauren is for a much more sophisticated, deeper, intense love – a passionate flame that continues to burn as the years pass by. Arriving the year before in 1998, the creation by Harry Fremont is composed of notes such as signature rose Damascena, a pink pepper essence and a delicate touch of jasmine absolute, and the blend of scents of is alluring and mystifying yet simultaneously comforting and familiar. It’s created for the woman who believes in true love, as the fashion and beauty house professes.

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly

Tory Burch Love Relentlessly

A newer edition, the 2017 scent is quite literally inspired by a love story close to the fashion designer’s heart – her parents’. Tory Burch had the scent made after her mother and father had been happily married and madly in love for 50 years, and the summery, candied scent captures the super sweet tale. In their early courting days, her father would take out ads in the local newspaper to declare his bursting feelings to her mother, and he would sign the notes as ‘Love, Relentlessly.’ The scent uses aromas of rose, fiery pink pepper, delicious raspberry, lychee and jasmine to embody this forever young at heart couple.

Lancôme Trésor In Love

Lancôme Trésor In Love

It came twenty years after the creation of sister scent Tresor [Treasure] in 1990, and it embodies the giddiness of young hearts falling in love for the first time – without perhaps the knowledge of heartbreak and hindsight holding them back. The 2010 edition to Lancôme’s perfume offering was created by Dominique Ropion and Veronique Nyberg and the vibrant and flirtatious scent includes notes of rose, nectarine, bright jasmine and cedarwood.

Chloé Love Story

Chloé Love Story

Rather than an actual relationship or moment in love, this scent is inspired by an entire place that holds a symbol of thousands upon thousands of couples’ love for one another – the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris. With a trend that started in 2008, couples would take to the bridge to attach a padlock with their names or initials engraved, throwing the key into the river as a symbol of their bond. While the tradition has had to be tamed – by early 2014, there were estimated to be 700,000 padlocks on the structure, resulting in the removal of many and a #lovewithoutlocks campaign by the First Deputy Major – luckily the scent inspired by the gesture lives on. It first launched in the September of 2014, being created by perfumer Anne Flipo with orange blossom, neroli and Madagascan jasmine.

Pont des Arts bridge in Paris

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Expert hairdresser Christophe Robin offers his simple-to-follow tips for adding more volume to your hairdo.

We all have our own hair woes. For some, it’s tackling unruly frizz, and for others, it dealing greasy roots. But if lacklustre tresses that have been taken over by gravity if your biggest hair concern, then fret not.

Speaking to Celebrity Hair Colorist Christophe Robin – who has created a volumising hair care line which has just launched into Sephora Middle East –he let us in on the secrets to gravity-defying locks.

Because adding a little volume to your tresses is the quickest way to add some life to your hairstyle.

Celebrity Colourist Christophe Robin gives his advice on achieving volume as his hair care range launches into Sephora Middle East 

In-Shower

Robin starts by stating: “For achieving gorgeous natural volume, the secret is to use the right techniques and the best products.”

And achieving sky-high hair (well, kind of) all starts with the washing process, and the products you use can make all the difference. Targeted volumising shampoos and conditioners generally work to not weight the hair down, while regular products will be trying to infuse into the hair.

Take the new Christophe Robin Delicate Volume Shampoo with Rose Extracts and Conditioner. The former is enriched with rose water and extracts of fortifying baobab extract to gently cleanse, preserve colour, and restore volume and softness. The latter replenishes hair’s moisture while adding a touch of vibrancy to locks.

He states: “The Volumizing shampoo’s innovative gel formula helps quickly restore energy and volume. Combine with the instant detangling conditioner, packed full of antioxidants like rose oil and extract, vitamins A and E and also baobab leaf extracts, which nourish the hair fibres without weighing it down.”

Beware not to accidentally pick up a thickening shampoo. While volumising products aim to free to hair buy leaving as little residue as possible, thickening shampoos coat the strands to give the appearance of denser hair.

Getting it right starts from your hair washing experience. Credit: Instagram/christopherobinparis

Post-Shower

And by post-shower routine, we mean as soon as you step away from the running waters. Robin instructs to apply any volume-inducing products you might want to use immediately. This is so it can get to work before hair dries into place.

But to give hair a boast before you take a hair drier to it, the Celebrity Colourist recommends: “Fold your [hair] towel into a thick rectangle, then tip your hair forward from the nape of the neck and dry your hair while smoothing the hair fibers.

“Repeat the method until all the water is drained from your hair. It will give your roots a lift before styling and also smooth the cuticle. Hair is shiny and already lifted at the roots.”

Styling

If you want more volume from the roots of your hair, investing in a hair drier that has a diffuser (if you haven’t got one already) will work wonders.  Even if you have straight hair, it can work to pull the roots away from the scalp and lock this in place with the heat.

And once you’re done drying your hair, Robin recommends: “Finally, finish your volume routine with the Volume Mist. This product is alcohol-free and gives roots natural support. It makes hair easy to style while also protecting your colour.”

Christophe Robin Volumizing Natural Conditioner

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