With a story that began in 1990, Mauzan is one of the oldest fashion houses in Dubai.

Its founder, Rafia Helal Bin Drai, began creating luxury abayas over three decades ago after embarking on a journey to redefine the concept of this iconic garment. She became a pioneer in the industry, reimagining the classic abaya and offering a modern twist on this staple wardrobe item.

Today, Mauzan has become the go-to for special occasion garments, and its pieces have become essential to clients looking for extra special garments to wear for key moments in their lives. Mauzan’s unwavering commitment to quality has been a defining characteristic of her brand. Whether it’s the silk, linen or cotton and velvets, they are all sourced from the world’s most famous textile houses in France, Italy and Switzerland. 

Over the years, Helal Bin Drai has opened eight boutiques across the UAE, as well as one in Saudi Arabia and one in Qatar, but there is still much more to be done. As her brand continues to grow, we find out more about what’s on the horizon for Mauzan.

Tell us about your brand today and its vision and direction looking forward. 

Over the past 30 years, Mauzan has grown and evolved to become a brand that withstands the test of time and trends. Loyal to our clients and faithful to our brand ethos, Mauzan has remained to be an artisanal Emirati fashion house, pioneering in luxury abaya design. 

Looking forward, we hope to continue to spread the joy that every Mauzan piece brings to each wearer. 

What first inspired you to open your brand?

My love towards fashion and my deep appreciation for the timeless charm of a traditional abaya inspired me to launch Mauzan. Deeply rooted in exquisite craftsmanship and artistic creations, the brand was founded to tell the story of our unique garment. 

What are you currently working on?

We’re currently working on finalising the Ramadan 2025 collection as well as sourcing new luxurious fabrics for new collections. 

Tell us about your latest collection.

The latest Chapter 32 collection explores modern beauty while representing women from different walks of life. This collection promises to build a wardrobe of styles that fit every mood. 

Tell us about the materials you work with.

This season, we work with 100% linen, tulle and Tencel organza; threads of luxury.

Who is your customer today?

Our customer is a feminine woman who dresses to showcase her personality and inner confidence. 

On an international level, where would you like to see your brand?

We’d like to see Mauzan showcased at retailers across the world. As a luxury brand, our goal is to present our designs on a platform alongside our international counterparts. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face today?

Today’s biggest challenges are related to navigating through the ever-changing fashion landscape and balancing tradition with modern trends. At the same time, we view these challenges as opportunities to enhance our designs and offerings further while staying true to the Mauzan aesthetic. We recognise our social and environmental responsibility to include practices that promote this, which we constantly strive to implement step by step.

What would you still like to achieve with the brand that you haven’t done yet?

As our brand grows, so do our goals. Our aim is to expand Mauzan’s global presence with a dedicated flagship store in key fashion capitals. We would also like to establish a sustainable product line that encompasses our values and culture. 

What’s your first memory of fashion?

My first memory of fashion dates back to watching my mother and grandmother craft traditional abayas. Accompanying them to fabric markets and witnessing the impact of elegant attires at different cultural elements fuelled my creativity and desire to design. 

In this issue, we are celebrating Emirati Women’s Day – what makes you proud to be from the UAE?

Our country is our backbone as the UAE strives to provide us with the best opportunities and support. It makes me proud to see how the country continues to encourage each one of us to fulfil our dreams and potential. 

What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

My advice would be to have an open mind and always welcome lessons. As an aspiring designer, you will always face challenges, but consider these as stepping stones that are helping you shape your dream. 

What inspires you?

My clients inspire me! Seeing how different women style our pieces always inspires me to create functional yet beautiful pieces. 

What message would you send to our readers?

I’d like to wish every reader a very Happy Emirati Women’s Day! This day is dedicated to us, to our hard work, our achievements, and everything we believe in, so don’t take that for granted. Women are superheroes!  

By Lindsay Judge

Fatma Alhashimi founded her ready-to-wear fashion label in the UAE in 2016. She wanted to take a new approach to timeless pieces, offering a modern touch that blends contemporary design with a traditional silhouette.

Her collections focus on details, with a minimalist design and effortless sophistication achieved through her choice of luxurious materials and clean cuts. Alhashimi began designing at home after graduating from university in Dubai. She soon saw that her love for design could be more than just a passion, and after previously designing only for her friends and family, her client base grew and led to the establishment of HASHIMI. After selling her designs online, in 2019, Alhashimi opened her flagship boutique in Dubai’s Wasl51. It features a minimalist design and is home to the brand’s seasonal collections. The store also houses the atelier where Fatma designs the latest styles and where her production team brings them to life. Alhashimi’s designs are inspired by her love for nature and feature a subtle colour palette and sharp, clean shapes. Her latest collection features relaxed designs for summer that can be worn from day to night. Here, we find out more about the latest designs and the direction of the brand moving forward.

Tell us about your brand today and its vision and direction looking forward. 

Hashimi was founded in 2016 with the intention of creating a fashion label that challenges traditional offerings in the industry by fusing it with modern inspirations. I create minimalistic yet classic pieces for all occasions, and I want to continue in this direction, offering styles which are versatile with contemporary silhouettes. 

A few years ago, you opened your first store in Dubai – how has this supported the development of your brand? 

The opening of my store in Wasl 51 has strengthened the standing of my brand in the region. A reflection of my designs, the flagship store is a minimalistic and modern space where clients are welcomed to experience the quality and handiwork of my collections firsthand. This has bridged the gap between clients and the brand as it adds an experiential element to purchasing my pieces. 

Would you like to open additional stores? 

Yes, I would love to open more stores in the future. I believe that having a store has improved the relationship we have with clients as it makes the shopping experience with us much more personal. Opening additional stores in different areas would further build this relationship and help us serve a wider clientele. 

What is coming up for the brand this year? 

This year, we are exploring new designs like unique lace-inspired embroidery work that will elevate the craftsmanship of the pieces. 

How are you connecting with customers here in the UAE? 

Apart from our store acting as a space to connect with our customers in person, we connect with them through our social media as well as by hosting pop-up events. 

On an international level, where would you like to see your brand? 

I would love to see my brand on Net-A-Porter. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face with your brand today? 

One of the biggest challenges that I face is finding the right fabric supplier that fits my brand the best. This is because I am committed to sourcing the highest quality fabrics that reflect the luxurious quality and essence that Hashimi is known for. 

What would you still like to achieve with the brand that you haven’t done yet? 

I would love to have an in-house printer where we can print unique designs onto our fabrics, making our pieces very distinctive. 

What are you currently working on? 

We have just released co-ord pieces for kids featuring linen and light fabrics, just in time for the summer. 

What first inspired your passion for fashion design? 

Experimenting with different kinds of styles has always been a passion of mine that eventually led to me embarking on the journey to start my own fashion label. 

In this issue, we are celebrating Emirati Women’s Day – what makes you proud to be from the UAE? 

I am proud of the way that the UAE has grown so rapidly to become a place of opportunity, especially for women. 

What advice would you give to aspiring designers? 

I would advise them to keep pushing the boundaries and remain persistent in achieving their goals. 

Who is a woman who has inspired you throughout your career? 

My mother has always been my biggest inspiration and support as she has always stood by me. She plays a huge role in my success. 

What message would you send to our readers? 

I wish you a happy Emirati Women’s Day and I hope you take this day as an opportunity to understand our value in our society and how we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves. 

instagram.com/hashimi_by

One&Only The Palm prides itself on being one of Dubai’s most intimate and secluded destinations and it prides itself on offering absolute privacy for guests.

If you’re looking for a relaxing summer escape to get away from it all, this is your go-to destination. Surrounded by lush, warm waters and glistening sands on the tip of Palm Jumeirah, One&Only The Palm combines modern architecture with Arabic touches, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a heavenly environment. While still only a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city, this one-of-a-kind resort is far enough away to feel as though you have truly escaped. 

One&Only the Palm offers a range of luxurious accommodations, from hotel rooms and suites to exclusive villas. Each room is a sanctuary of modern design with chic Arabic touches, featuring its own terrace for private moments. For those seeking ultimate privacy, many villas come with beach access or private pools. Room service is at your beck and call, offering a more intimate dining experience. 

Around the resort, there are several dining destinations with menus devised by acclaimed French chef Yannick Alléno. Zest offers vibrant flavours of Italy at the all-day dining restaurant, while The Lounge provides a stylish sanctuary for morning coffee meetings and indulgent afternoon teas. The property’s most popular dining destination, 101 Dining Lounge & Bar, is a favourite of in-house and visiting guests alike. Elevated over the lapping waves, the al fresco deck offers the city’s best vantage point for catching the sun setting over the Palm – you can even arrive by boat, with direct access from an exclusive private marina.

Around the resort, guests can relax at the pool, private beach or Guerlain Spa pool, as well as try out water sports, or relaxing spa treatments – there’s something for everyone. 

SUMMER STAYCATION OFFER 

Escape to One&Only The Palm this summer, where you can immerse yourself in the resort’s acclaimed dining, wellness and experiences with generous benefits and inclusions. 

Offer includes:

24-hour breakfast available in your room

AED 500 resort credit per stay, redeemable on Food & Beverage or Spa

Daily sundowner aperitif in the lounge

Daily Aquaventure Waterpark access

This offer is exclusive to GCC residents. A valid ID is required. 

oneandonlyresorts.com

Eight years ago, Ras Al Khaimah born Abdulla AlShehhi embarked on a personal mission to complete six major global marathons.

At the time, he was at university and had never run for longer than a few minutes on a treadmill. After setting himself a weight loss and lifestyle change challenge, he realised his passion for running and decided to take it further. 

AlShehhi soon learned about the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM), a championship-style competition for marathon runners working on a points-based system, awarding those who take part in the most high-profile marathons in the world. The competition covers the cities of Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York and after an eight-year mission, AlShehhi has now completed all six, finishing with Boston this year.

The runner is keen to share his story with others and hopes to inspire more Emiratis to take part in this and similar challenges. He sees huge potential for the younger generation and hopes that by raising awareness of his achievements, others will follow in his footsteps. Here we find out more about his journey. 

Congratulations on completing six major marathons – how does it feel?

Completing this challenge makes me feel very proud. It meant a lot because I became the first Emirati to do this, which makes me so proud. At the same time, I’m proud of myself for achieving the goal I set eight years ago when this journey started in 2017. There have been many challenges and struggles throughout the years so for me to complete the challenge finally was amazing. 

Why did you decide to embark on this challenge?

Running was not part of my life before I started this challenge. During my years at university, I did not have a healthy lifestyle; I was not doing any sports at all, and I was overweight. So I made the decision to challenge myself and change my habits, getting into healthy eating and sports, not only to cut the excess weight but to have a healthy lifestyle. Within two months, I lost around 30kg after being very strict about my diet. I also remember the first time I tried running. I was in the gym on a treadmill, and I couldn’t even run for two minutes. Every day, I would add another minute to the time I ran, gradually building on the time, and I fell in love with running. 

My story with marathon racing began when I found out about the RAK half marathon. It is the fastest half marathon in the world. I started to see advertisements for it and my dream was to be at the start of this race. At the time, I wasn’t even aware that the general public could take part, but it was a dream. I started with the We Run DXB 10k race in Dubai, and I fell in love with the atmosphere and the community. From here, I met others and asked questions about how I could take part in other races, and I soon registered for the RAK Half Marathon. 

After taking part in regional races, I started to look into international races that I could sign up for, and I decided to set myself a goal to run these six major marathons. It was a dream, but I was determined. 

What was the biggest challenge along the way?

First of all, there was a lack of Emiratis participating in international races. During the initial years, I was the only Emirati participating in some of these races out of 30 or 40 thousand people. There was no one to guide me on how to register and take part so I did it all by myself. 

The second challenge was that I needed to travel a lot to take part, and for some of the races, I had to enter a draw to get a place, and there was no guarantee that I would be successful.

COVID-19 was another major challenge. When I finally got a place in the Tokyo Marathon in 2019, I unfortunately injured my back two weeks before the race, and I had to withdraw. Then COVID-19 came, and Tokyo was shut down. The race was cancelled in 2020, and international runners were banned in 2021, 2022, and 2023. So, I waited four years to complete this race. 

What was your favourite marathon to run and why?

If I had to pick, it would be Tokyo. I love the city, and it has always been my dream to visit, which was very special. And the long delays made it even more special once I finally got there. 

What kept you motivated?

I work offshore, and during COVID, we had to quarantine for a week before accessing the sites. So I was in a hotel room, running back and forth in a standard room, and I finished a half marathon in my room during that time! So this is how I kept motivated and my fitness levels up. It was a very hard time, but I kept my hopes and mental strength, and that kept me going. 

What kept you focused during this time?

Mostly music. I love to listen to music while running. 

There is a lot of press around weight loss why do you think you did it in the right way?

Yes I definitely recommend setting yourself a very specific goal as I did. When I started my diet I was on a summer internship during university and initially, I had two months to achieve my weight loss goal. It helps to put a time limit on it and to monitor yourself every week. It’s about having a balance between a healthy diet and exercise, not just focusing on one or the other. It was a struggle but I am so proud to achieve it. 

What went through your mind when you crossed the last finish line?

It felt amazing but it was also a relief. I was really happy but very tired! I kept smiling; it was a special moment. 

What does it mean to you to achieve something like this for your country? 

I believe it opens the door for more Emiratis to embark on challenges like this. A lot of people didn’t know much about marathons, and I hope I am helping to raise awareness and encourage others to take part in future marathons both locally and internationally. I hope it is a good starting point for changing this sport in the country.

Why do you think it’s important for us to have sport in our lives?

Sport should not only be competitive but also as a means for a healthier lifestyle. The UAE has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, which is something that needs to be addressed and having a lifestyle that incorporates sports is very important. 

There are a lot of very young, talented Emiratis who, if they have the support, can get to the Olympics. But so far, they have not been exposed enough or have not had the support they need for this. 

What advice would you give to anyone looking to embark on a challenge such as this?

They don’t need to think about it too much but block your calendar, and everything will follow! 

Is there another challenge you would like to achieve? 

Yes, there is. I have set myself the goal of participating and finishing a marathon on each continent. I still have four left: Australasia, Africa, South America and Antarctica.  I hope to finish all of these in two or three years.  

By Lindsay Judge

The new Dior Chrono Sneaker, unveiled as part of the brand’s Fall 2024 collection, fuses the houses’ traditional codes with those of running.

The result is a fashion-forward sports shoe that features an eye-catching, confident silhouette.

The Dior Chrono, which arrives in stores globally this May, features a supple, ultra-light sole, two-tone laces, fishnet and leather effect inserts and an assertive volume.

Some models are enhanced by touches of nude, white, black, silver or gold, and as a tribute to the house’s founder, a star punctuates the tongue, a subtle echo of the lucky charm he spotted on his way to work on rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré.

Available at Dior stores and online at dior.com  

Here are some of the best new releases to try out this season.

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza Cosmic

As part of this year’s Loewe Paula’s Ibiza collection, the Cosmic Eau De Parfum captures the spirit of Ibiza and the sunny appeal of the party island. This hypnotic scent for men and women is suffused with playfulness, fun, and experimentation and features notes of fresh pear and juicy mango, layered with aromatic cypress resin. Sweet, gourmand coconut cream and vanilla are amplified by the depth of cedarwood, the softness of sandalwood and the minerality of amber. Underling the composition, the unique and exclusive LOEWE Accord, created by LOEWE’s in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles as an olfactory signature for the house, brings the raw, resinous aspects of the Spanish Rockrose wildflower to deepen Cosmic’s resonance. 

Guerlain Vétiver le Parfum

Guerlain’s latest masculine fragrance, Vétiver Le Parfum opens with explosively aromatic notes of delicately bitter juniper berries. This vibrant opening brings out the exceptionally fresh facets of vetiver essence. This rare ingredient, obtained by distilling its roots, is the essence that reveals the full depth of the vetiver plant’s woodiness. Blended with bewitching smoky notes and Guerlain’s characteristically addictive Tonka bean, its scent takes on a sublime balance of luminosity and earthiness, strength and elegance.

Christian Dior, Dioriviera Eau de Parfum

Hailing from Dior’s La Collection Privée Christian Dior range, the Dioriviera fragrance is inspired by the south of France. It combines fig and rose for a floral, fruity composition that evokes a warm summer afternoon. The contrast between the soft rose and the green fig creates a fragrance with a bold and balanced intensity. 

Cartier Pur Lilas 

This lively yet delicate fragrance is based around white lilac flowers whose fresh, aquatic note offers a modern take on florals. The lilac is neither overpowering nor subtle; it’s what we call a ‘mute’ flower. The perfumer must look for subtleties in each olfactory family and rely on both natural and molecular ingredients. “Through my work with this flower, I’ve noticed it has a distinctly musky undertone. ” Says Mathilde Laurent, Cartier’s Master Perfumer. 

Celine Zou Zou

Celine’s new Haute Parfumerie fragrance Zou Zou was created by Hedi Slimane whose vision was to capture “an idea of eternal youth”. The scent, which joins the brand’s high-end fragrance offering, combines notes of benzoin, tonka bear, patchouli, labranum, vanilla and musk. 

Louis Vuitton Attrape-Rêves 

Inspired by the euphoria sparked upon an unexpected encounter, Attrape-Rêves is the essence of a transcendent voyage—the fulfilling adventure of realising your dream, eternally enshrined in the memory. An empowering composition full of explosive contrasts and elusive elegance, a bouquet of peonies entwined with raw cocoa powder and a hint of patchouli heart—enlivened by the fresh and sparkling notes of litchi.

Valentino, Born in Roma Green Stravaganza 

Valentino’s newest scent for men, Born in Roma Green Stravaganza is inspired by the house’s home city of Rome. Set in the aftermath of a party continued into the long hours of night, the day after energetically commences, and the fragrance is born: a floral-ambery woody Eau de Parfum that promises to open the door to a world of extravagance and uniqueness.

Thameen London Bold As Love

Thameen London has introduced a new scent to its Britologne Collection. Bold As Love features a 25% concentration with the classical structure of cologne layering over faceted nuances of Eau de Parfum, projecting memorable silage and longevity. Inspired by Hendrix’s sensuality, soulful artistry and complexity of emotions, this fragrance is just as bold and poignant. This citrusy aromatic fragrance combines top notes of mandarin, ginger and fruity accord, heart notes of lavender, juniper berry and geranium and base notes of smoky leather, patchouli and vetiver.

Dries Van Noten Mystic Moss 

Mystic Moss highlights Dries Van Noten’s commitment to innovation, blending earthy patchouli, mineral oak moss, and vibrant mandarin in a harmonious symphony of scents. Inspired by ‘impossible combinations,’ this fragrance defies expectations and invites exploration. Crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients, including oak moss from Macedonia and mandarins from Calabria, Mystic Moss is not just luxurious but socially responsible. Encased in a sculptural bottle reminiscent of the apothecary tradition, it invites readers on a journey of duality and discovery.

This summer, Roger Vivier revealed colourful new editions of some of its classics.

Design by creative director Gherardo Felloni, the high summer 2024 collection reflects a serene joie de vivre: one of the maison’s key pillars and a value to be felt like the vibrant atmosphere of a summer’s day. Capturing the clear blue tones of the sea, the sand and the sunset and the colourful palette that evokes summer’s days and nights, the new collection adds a playful aspect to some of the house’s accessories with bright hues applied to bold shapes and graphic lines. 

The collection includes newly updated takes on classics, including the Viv’ Choc bag, which has been proposed with a tie-dye effect in pastel colours like lilac, pink, and yellow. The Raffia Sandals come complete with a crystal buckle and would make te perfect beachside accessory. Along with classic pieces, there is a series of new editions to the collection, including the new Viv by the Sea. Set to become the house’s new iconic sandal, the mule is both playful and timeless. It features a front buckle, a reinterpretation of the house’s iconic motif, now rounder and ofter, with a thin engraved edge around its border. Ideal for both city strolls and beach outings, the flat and comfortable design is perfect for warm weather, striking a balance between informal and elegant. 

The collection of high-summer shoes and bags is available at Roger Vivier stores globally. 

rogervivier.com

Dior Beauty has opened its first in an airport at the Hamad International Airport in Doha. In partnership with Qatar Duty-Free, the new Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat Doha is a haven of well-being for passengers departing and transiting in Doha. 

Located close to the airport’s indoor tropical garden ORCHARD, the new 880-square-metre spa is spread across two levels with two entrances: one through the boutique Dior and one through the exclusive Qatar Airways business lounge. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle, the Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat Doha is an absolute cocoon that will delight visitors’ senses and reinvent the art of travel by providing a genuine moment of well-being.

The first floor of the retreat is home to eight treatment rooms, each with its own identity, incorporating the house’s design codes. The Rose des Vents room contains a rose quartz massage table, while the Dune room features a massage table in bronze quartz. In the Dior Cannage room, mashrabiyya latticework is reinvented for luxury down to the last detail.

The pièce de résistance is the Constellation double treatment room, which can be booked out and privatised for a well-being stopover. The room is adorned with a starry sky ceiling evoking Christian Dior’s love of travel. A private steam room and jacuzzi offer the perfect invitation to harmonise the mind and body and to help with the effects of jet lag. 

For the first time, the spa also features a men’s well-being area complete with customised barber treatments, including the Dior Luxury Barber Experience and the Dior Shave. 

The spa also offers a selection of highly expert skincare protocols, stemming from Dior Floral Science. The menu features exceptional treatments created using the L’Or de Vie and Dior Prestige lines. For a supreme moment of relaxation, the signature Escale à Doha treatment provides a feeling of regeneration during a long journey. Dior also strengthens its Skin Tech offer by providing Dior Skin Light, the most powerful LED mask on the market, as well as Dior powered by Hydrafacial and the Luno Waves 21.

Alongside treatment spaces, the spa offers opportunities to discover Dior Beauty and Dior Maison products. Designed to mirror a luxurious Parisian apartment, the boutique space is home to makeup, fragrance and skincare products, as well as exceptional pieces and rare objects honouring the expertise and craftsmanship of the house. These include the J’adore amphora, created by architect and designer India Mahdavi, and the Miss Dior trunk, custom-made by expert Dior trunk-makers, of which only four are on display worldwide.

Find the Dior Luxury Beauty Retreat at Hamad International Airport, Doha, Qatar.

dior.com

The UAE-based winners of a prestigious design award created in partnership between Dolce&Gabbana and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.

The award, which was announced last year, has been put in place with the vision of fostering creative talent hailing from the UAE and giving the winners the opportunity to train and learn from the experts at the Italian fashion house. 

Two winners were revealed in their respective categories; Sarah AlMansoori claims the inaugural title in the jewellery creations category, while Azza Al Tawila secures the coveted spot in the fashion category. Both winners will embark on a journey that is set to transform their careers in the industry as they embark on a six-month paid internship programme at the Dolce&Gabbana headquarters in Milan. Working on their own designs throughout the process, their final products will then be featured in at the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, showcasing the fusion of tradition and innovation in Emirati artistry.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges including UAE industry experts and personalities and a representative of Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda. 

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) said; “Aligned with our joint commitment to nurturing Emirati youth and fostering the growth of the cultural and creative industries within the country, we are proud to announce the second edition of the Design Award. This year, it includes categories in fashion design and creative jewellery, inviting students from higher education institutions to exhibit their talents and creative prowess in the realms of fashion design, handicrafts, jewellery, and accessories, both locally and internationally.”

“Our aim is to strengthen collaboration between our two countries, the UAE and Italy, within the cultural and creative industries sector. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to both winners, Azza Al Tawila and Sarah AlMansoori, who will embark on a journey to refine their professional paths under the guidance of leading experts in design, fashion, and perfumery. They will undergo internal training at the headquarters of the esteemed brand in Italy, with the opportunity to showcase their designs to the public during the Abu Dhabi Festival 2025.”

admaf.org

Mohammed Ashi, creative director and founder of ASHI Studio, has been selected to design crew uniforms for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest international airline.

The partnership marks another milestone for the Kingdom’s new start-up airline, which is set to take flight in 2025. 

The new uniform envisioned by the Saudi Arabian designer will reflect the airline’s dynamic approach to doing things differently, along with setting new standards in customer service and style. Riyadh Air and Ashi share a common DNA of luxury, style and a focus on the future, with both committed to showcasing the world-class ingenuity, excellence and innovation of Saudi Arabia to the world.

The Riyadh Air cabin crew fashion line will exude elegance and meticulously crafted details combining style, sophistication and comfort while paying tribute to Saudi Arabia’s warm, authentic, hospitality and future-focused vision. Ashi’s designs will ensure Riyadh Air cabin crew not only look impeccable but are comfortable and can deliver unrivalled, professional and first-class service to its guests.

Ashi, founder and creative director of ASHI STUDIO said: “It’s such an honour to collaborate with  Riyadh Air to design the airline’s first-ever cabin crew fashion line. The airline will play an important role in the future of Saudi Arabia by making Riyadh one of the world’s key destinations. I am delighted to be part of a project so significant for our nation. It’s an exciting time to be in Saudi Arabia and to witness another Saudi brand going global. I am looking forward to sharing the cabin crew fashion line with the world, and to seeing the Riyadh Air team wearing my creations when it takes its maiden flight in 2025.”

Ashi will unveil the uniform design concepts and share his inspiration for the unique creations at Haute Couture Week in Paris from June 22 to 27. The full uniform launch is scheduled for later this year.

The new BMW XM Mystique Allure is inspired by Naomi Campbell, with a sleek design inspired by the model’s favourite colour.

The one-of-a-kind Mystique Allure was unveiled during the recent Cannes Film Festival with BMW being the official automotive partner of the event. This one-off creation is based on the first high-performance sports car from BMW M GmbH powered by the M HYBRID drive system. Blending progressive luxury with extravagant looks, it is inspired by Campbell and was designed using exclusive materials from the world of haute couture, as well as having a unique soundtrack devised in cooperation with film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The partnership with Campbell began last year with the “Dare to be You” launch campaign for BMW XM. The 77th Cannes Film Festival was felt to be the ideal setting for the world premiere of the BMW XM Mystique Allure. Against the stunning backdrop of the French portside resort, Naomi Campbell presented the one-of-a-kind creation inspired by her to an audience of selected guests before making her way in the car to the red carpet outside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. “Witnessing BMW’s vision for the BMW XM Mystique Allure come to life has been truly incredible,” says Naomi. “I feel deeply honoured to have sparked the inspiration for their first-ever high-fashion show car, which stands as a unique masterpiece in every aspect.”

The BMW XM Mystique Allure is the first vehicle in the brand’s history to be designed using materials from the high fashion industry. the vehicle’s exterior boasts a deeply saturated ultramarine shade, accentuated by a lustrous matte finish. A contemporary translation of high-fashion materials from luxury textile manufacturers, the design seamlessly brings the inside to the outside, featuring rich velvet and shimmering Frozen metallic sequins casting hues ranging from intense violet to deep ultramarine.

The iridescent surfaces were created with precise handcraftsmanship and a fine eye for detail. They take their cues from the eye-catching geometric forms of the BMW XM and bring a special visual richness to the car’s extrovert aesthetic. The design of the BMW XM Mystique Allure provides a meeting point for high performance and haute couture, and paints a unique picture of progressive luxury that continues into the interior. All of the surfaces inside the car, including the M Lounge in the rear, are covered in purple velvet.

The bold appearance of the BMW XM Mystique Allure is complemented by an acoustic character also very much its own. At its heart is a bespoke adaptation of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed as part of the collaboration between BMW Group Sound Design and film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The driving track created for the Naomi Campbell-inspired one-off projects the supreme confidence of the car’s exterior design onto the soundscape of locally emission-free driving. In the M HYBRID drive system’s all-electric operating mode, every movement of the accelerator is accompanied by an emotionally engaging sound that authentically represents the car’s outstanding performance and magnetic visual allure. 

Tony Ward transformed his late father Elie Ward’s Beirut-based couture house into an international brand when he took over the reigns.

Expanding his father’s vision globally, the young designer soon captured the attention of royal families, celebrities and esteemed clients, captivated by his feminine designs that combine innovation with the finest craftsmanship. Before taking over his father’s business, Ward graduated from L’École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and deepened his knowledge of Couture techniques at Dior, Chloé, and Lanvin for seven years in Paris, learning from the greatest before returning to his home country.

Today he is a master in his own right and his haute couture and ready-to-wear designs, which are presented throughout the fashion week calendar in Paris, have become instantly recognisable for their timeless yet modern appeal. While his headquarters remains in Lebanon, today, Tony Ward is very much an international brand and this is only just the beginning. Here we find out more about the latest collection and the designer’s vision of creating a 360 lifestyle brand. 

What is your vision for Tony Ward today?

My vision is to keep walking with the Tony Ward family by my side, to keep creating, to keep filling in the blank pages, and most importantly of all, to keep my father’s legacy. The sky is the limit!

What can you tell us about your latest collection?

For this collection, and for the first time, we made the decision to merge our two Bridal lines under one main collection in order to cater to more styles and tones of voice. The challenge was to create an elevated style for the simple bride and to tone down and modernise the extravagant gowns for the other style of bride… All while keeping the same DNA of intricate flowery craftsmanship and innovative techniques, translating the ‘rare bloom’ behind this ‘Pollen Dance’.

Your designs always have a sense of beauty and elegance. Do you think women still appreciate elegance today? 

I always listen to my client’s needs and being elegant and standing out in her unique allure is something I will never let go of while designing for her… especially when it comes to the Bridal collection.

Tell us a little about your design process and the choice of fabrics. 

For this bridal collection, I was inspired by the rare blooms of flowers that we don’t see so often. My ateliers integrated them into classical bridal cuts with lots of ‘savoir-faire’ to make them stand out, yet still blend in. For the choice of fabrics, we used silk magnolia, taffeta, French lace, silk tulle, and organza in different white hues. 

Who is the woman you design for?

She is the woman of today: A modern woman with an edge, yet forever a romantic.

Can you share a little about the brand in the Middle East and why it is an important market for you? 

I always say that this market is my source of inspiration and my driving force for success in the rest of the world. I love the region’s sophisticated taste, their way of dressing up, and this modern orientalism that we see more of each day. The women in this market have a special vibe that keeps inspiring me!

What else is in the pipeline for this year?

Many things, we never stop! We were just at the Cannes Film Festival, then we will be in Paris for Haute Couture Week, which is coming early this year. We will also present the ready-to-wear collection during New York and Paris fashion weeks. 

Tell us about the brand on a global level and where we can expect more growth over the coming years.

We are present in over 30 countries, with the USA, KSA and Southeast Asia as our primary markets. Our growth has always been fuelled by exploring new territories before anyone else, so we expect more growth from emerging markets such as India, Thailand and Mexico.

Tell us a little about some of your highlight pieces for this year.

The highlight of the Spring Summer 2024 Couture collection was the show opener; the piano dress. The structure of the dress, its circular shape, and the blend of black, silver and white, gave this beautiful visual illusion of a piano, or even a soccer ball for some! It actually went viral after being worn by Janelle Monae for the NFL Honors, on point with the theme of the event. 

In my ready-to-wear collection, I wanted to introduce daywear pieces to cover my clientele from day to night. The highlight was a black structured blazer contrasted with a big white collar. It was worn by the iconic Youssra for her latest film premiere in Dubai. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a designer today?

To keep going despite what is happening in the world and to control what’s uncontrollable.

What inspires you, and how do you continue to be inspired?

I get inspired by literally everything that surrounds me – but mostly, I get inspired by my trips and the people I meet. I always come back with a new idea to share with my designers and a set of sketches. 

How would you like to see Arab designers supported and represented globally? 

I would love to see Arab designers supporting each other. We tend to travel to Paris, New York, and Los Angeles and shine there. But we’re missing a lot because we do not have a federation that strengthens us in our region. 

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Live every moment as if it’s your last. 

What would you still like to achieve with the brand that you haven’t done yet?

Growing beyond fashion, I envision Tony Ward as a lifestyle brand. I would love to explore how the aesthetics, values, style, identity and stories that make the House stand out could be translated into other types of products and experiences.  

tonyward.net/en

Yazid Ichemrahen has become globally renowned as one of the world’s best pastry chefs.

His path into the pastry world began as a young child, at around three years old, and continued through adolescence and beyond. For Yazid Ichemrahen, desserts were a way of escaping from his difficult daily life. He entered the world of pastry and was mentored by World Pastry Champion and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Pascal Caffet, who saw his talent and trained him to be the best. 

At just 22, Ichemrahen won the Frozen Desserts World Cup, becoming the youngest world champion of any dessert competition ever. He became known for his simple yet captivating creations and created three pastry companies – YCONE, YTIME, AT HOME – with outlets worldwide. 

Ichemrahen’s latest venture takes him to Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, where he joins to oversee the pastry and dessert creations at the Paris hotel’s outlets. He will lead the pastry and dessert programme at the hotel, bringing his unique style to the hotel’s gastronomy outlets. Here, we find out more about what to expect if you are travelling to the French capital this summer. 

Congratulations on the role – tell us a little about what you would like to bring to Le Royal Monceau.

Thank you! At Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, I aim to blend contemporary luxury with simplicity and visibility in our pastry offerings. It’s fundamental for me that every dessert we create maintains the high standards of a Palace, ensuring that our guests experience the essence of luxury even in our pastries. Each outlet has its unique universe, and I strive to respect and enhance these distinct atmospheres, providing a memorable and immersive experience for our guests every time.

What are some of the menu highlights our readers can expect to find if they visit this summer?

This summer, our menu will highlight the freshness and vibrancy of seasonal fruits. Since it’s my first summer here, I’m eager to meet this new challenge by appealing to a broad range of tastes. Expect a variety of refreshing and innovative desserts that celebrate the best of the season’s produce.

Tell us a little about your style of creating desserts with just three ingredients and what challenges does this create? 

My style revolves around using three ingredients and three textures, a philosophy I developed during my training. This approach keeps desserts simple in appearance yet technically complex, ensuring they are both visually appealing and emotionally resonant, often evoking childhood memories or personal connections. The challenge lies in achieving this simplicity while maintaining a depth of flavour and visual perfection, ensuring each dessert is a masterpiece in taste and design.

How are you diversifying the recipes to fit the range of restaurants at the property?

I love the challenge of diversifying recipes for our various restaurants. Currently, I’m not handling the desserts for Matsuhisa Paris to allow for tailored adaptations. I’m working closely with Da Vittorio, appreciating their convivial Italian gastronomic philosophy, and developing desserts that align with their style. For Le Bar Long, I can be creative to imagine iconic brasserie-style desserts. Additionally, I’m crafting exclusive desserts that reflect my personality and resonate with the city and our clientele. Regarding the room service and amenities in room, they are highly personalised to ensure memorable experiences for our guests.

You will be working closely with Alexandre Favre – how do you plan to work together as a team on this new venture?

Our goal is to bring a unified vision to Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Alexandre Favre, whom I’ve appointed as Executive Chef for his exceptional human and technical skills, and I maintain daily communication to ensure consistency and harmony in our work. I frequently visit the hotel to oversee quality and motivate the team, working in tandem with Alexandre despite being the public face of our efforts.

How important to you is the appearance of dishes vs the taste?

In the past, the focus was 75% on taste and 25% on appearance. Today, it’s 50/50 because “we first eat with our eyes.” The visual aspect of a dessert is crucial, especially in the age of social media, where appearance matters so much. I aim to create visually modern and artistically influenced desserts. My Instagram showcases my luxurious and artistic universe, reflecting my keen eye for photography and design.

What is your number one secret to pastry or dessert making?

I don’t have a specific secret, but my philosophy is to study each ingredient completely and respect it to enhance its natural qualities without over-transforming it. My approach focuses on creating simple, elegant desserts with three flavours and three textures. This philosophy evolved during my training, and every dessert I create is inspired by my Auntie who raised me; if she understands my creation, I believe anyone will.

Why did you choose to specialise in desserts?

I specialised in desserts through my apprenticeship. This training allowed me to master both sweet and savoury dishes, a versatility I’ve maintained in my boutique.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt along the way?

The greatest lesson I’ve learned is to give selflessly. The benefits of our actions come from consistent and genuine effort, not from expecting returns when we give.

What’s your favourite dish to cook?

I love cooking simple, sophisticated, and healthy dishes like a good ceviche with the finest olive oil and citrus, paired with a fresh lettuce salad.

Which country or cuisine most inspires you?

I am deeply passionate about French cuisine, with its rich gastronomic heritage. However, I also greatly admire Japanese techniques and flavour combinations, significantly influencing my pastry work.

What do you think of desserts in the Middle East?

Middle Eastern pastries, which are often very sweet and rich, contrast with my approach to dessert making. However, I learn a lot from their philosophy of generosity and heart, which I also strive to incorporate into my creations.

What message would you send to our readers?

I would like to invite all readers to experience the unique blend of art, fashion, and culinary excellence that we offer at Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris. Each dessert is crafted with passion, precision, and a deep respect for high-quality ingredients. My goal is to create memorable, emotionally resonant experiences through my pastries. Whether you’re indulging in a dessert at one of our restaurants or enjoying a personalised treat in your room, I hope to bring a touch of elegance and joy to your visit. Come and explore the luxurious and artistic world we’ve created, where every bite tells a story and every flavour evokes a memory. 

raffles.com/paris/

In 2017, before COVID-19 changed the world, watch resale expert Eddie Goziker was just getting started on his online resale concept that focused on some of the world’s rarest and most in-demand timepieces.

Alongside his partner Vadim Yakubov, Goziker realised the potential and demand for second-hand or pre-owned watches as it became increasingly difficult for collectors and clients to get their hands on new models from some of the industry’s big players. The industry was booming, and demand was far outgrowing supply and availability, thus meaning to get the watch they wanted, many clients were looking outside of the traditional retail channels to buy watches, turning to resale dealers to track down specific models and to get them much quicker than the brand’s themselves could provide them.

Business grew, and in 2019 Goziker opened Wrist Aficionado’s first physical store in New York City. Today, after cruising on the back of the post-Covid luxury boom, business is thriving for the American-born entrepreneur. The resale market has grown exponentially over he past few years, with many turning to concepts such as Eddies to have any chance of getting their hands on the latest timepieces. As Wrist Aficionado’s success continues to grow, we talked to Goziker to understand more about the concept and the success of the resale market as a whole. 

Tell us about Wrist Aficionado and its business model.

We are a resale platform for watches, jewellery, and bags. What we do differently from others is that we have started opening brick-and-mortar stores here in the United States. In the secondary market, not many companies have done this. Our business started in 2017, and then, at the end of 2019, we opened our first retail store in New York. We opened just as COVID hit. So, there was a big dip in the luxury sector, which we had to manage, but shortly after, there was a huge boom, and we took advantage of that. We reopened in 2020, and we noticed a lot of our clients were moving down to Miami, so we followed and opened a second store there. New York will always remain our flagship store, but we also opened a store in Beverley Hills last year. Two of our stores are located within hotels, and we happen to like that model. It works as it enables us to reach a wider target market. It was a good transition. We are very happy in the retail space, and we feel there is a better opportunity for growth. 

The resale market seems to be thriving can you give us some insights into that and why you think it is such a flourishing industry?

The retail market flourishes because of the shortage of products in the authorized dealer market. Brands are doing their best to control inventory and buyers, and in doing so, they want to control supply and demand. By controlling supply and demand, they are allocating very limited numbers of products to clients and handpicking them. So, in essence, the brands are driving up the desirability of these watches, and in doing so, they are driving up the price. 

Everything feels like a limited-edition collaboration, and independent brands follow suit. Everything used to be much more readily accessible. You used to be able to go into a multi-brand watch store and pick up an Audemars Piguet, a Rolex or a Patek Philippe. But now, these brands are going boutique only, which means they have much more control over who’s getting the watches. In doing this, they also control the pricing, so there are no discounts anymore. So as a result of all this, it drives up the prices of watches in the secondary market because if somebody is paying the full retail price, inevitably, the secondary market has to be higher because nobody will sell for a loss. The fact that the brands are going boutique only and they are controlling who they are selling to, and the production curve is essentially what’s bringing up the pricing on the secondary market. 

Second-hand is like everything else. If you are willing to pay for something, you can get it. Everything has a price. Getting it at retail value seems to be more difficult because there is no premium on it, but they are much more selective with whom they give it to. So, our business really caters to those who want immediate gratification. Those who don’t want to be on a waiting list for a year and a half or two years to get a watch. They can afford it today, and they want it today. We offer a kind of white-glove service that caters to the affluent who want what they want when they want it. And we can deliver that to them in a timely manner. 

Within our business, around 70 per cent of what we sell is what we have in stock, and 30 per cent is what we source for our clients. We have enough of everything so the client can try it on to get an idea. Then, they can request specific sizes, colours, dials, etc., and we will source that for them. We work closely with over 500 dealers, and it is easy to find almost any watch. 

How do you think your customers feel about virtual vs. brick-and-mortar stores?

Having the stores gives clients the ability to try, feel, and touch what they are buying and when they are spending a lot of money on something, I think this is key. We have tried to spread our stores out across the United States so clients within the country can usually get to at least one of our stores easily to try the watch on. We also found that having the stores gives us credibility in a market that can sometimes be a bit grey. We offer authenticity, trust, and validity so our clients can make their purchases in a transparent environment. 

How do you ensure the authenticity and quality of the watches you sell?

We have watchmakers who check everything as soon as we receive it. We buy our watches with original papers and warranty. We do background checks on the watches. Only then, after they have been fully inspected, do we go ahead and sell them. 

Right now, what are some of the most in-demand timepieces?

Patek Philippe has always been a standout brand, and I think it always will be. Richard Mille is doing very well, and it’s very popular in Dubai. They only make four or five thousand watches a year, and considering that limited quantity, they have a big audience, so it’s very easy for them to sell out of their merchandise very quickly, even though their prices start at $200,000. 

Audemars Piguet is still doing well, although I think they have gotten a bit too cliché with their collaborations and maybe oversupplied a bit too much, as they have increased their quantities quite a lot. We have seen a bit of a pullback on their watches, so I think unless we see them go back to the traditional watchmaker route, where it’s the watch that’s the hero rather than the collaborator, then I think they may struggle a little. 

Then you have brands like F.P. Journe, which is doing very well, and Jacob & Co., which is doing well. Sometimes, marketing wins the game, and Jacob is doing a great job with that. 

The Middle East is a huge market for watches. Can we expect to see more of you here? 

We have been to Dubai a couple of times to look at spaces, so it’s definitely something we have considered. It’s a very big market because Dubai pulls from The Middle East, Russia, and Europe – it pulls from everywhere, and a lot of wealthy individuals have moved there. So I think for us, it will be a no-brainer in the future, it’s just a matter of finding the right overseas partner to work with, and it’s definitely something we’re considering. 

What kind of guarantee or customer warranty do you offer your clients?

We follow up with our clients and give them an extended one-year warranty on top of their manufacturer’s warranty. However, we mostly sell modern pieces that still have a valid warranty with their manufacturers. If it doesn’t, we will give you a warranty of our own, and our watchmakers will service anything where needed. 

Tell us more about the bag category.

In 2021, we opened our first handbag store, a spin-off of the watch store. We also opened a Hermès-only store in Miami. We feel that bags and watches go hand in hand, and I think it will be our strategy moving forward to open two stores next to each other. 

I think bags would probably do just as well in Dubai as watches. We focus only on Hermès bags – 95 per cent are Birkin and Kelly bags – we try to ensure all of our bags are new or in like-new condition. It’s a huge market, and it’s because Hermès control the supply and demand of their products. They limit clients to two leather bags a year, and quite honestly, a lot of ladies want more than two bags. Often, clients aren’t given the option of which bag they buy; they have to have what they are given, and so a lot of people are turning to the secondary market. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face?

We want to go faster than I think our backend allows us to. We have realized that you need a lot of infrastructure for rapid growth. Ideally, we want to open one or two stores a year throughout the United States, but we realize that the more stores you open, the more time it takes, and the more inventory you need to have in those stores. This is very cash flow sensitive, which of course, is a challenge in itself. 

What else is in the pipeline for this year?

We would like to open at least one more store this year in the United States. We have been approached by people in Canada, Dubai, Saudi, and Qatar to open up stores, but I think we would like to have a few more on the ground in the US before going overseas.  

wristaficionado.com

After gaining a successful career in the art world, Italian Interdisciplinary artist Gabo Guzzo decided to embark on a project that would blur the lines of art, fashion and craftsmanship.

Guzzo’s artworks are inspired by the natural world, and his success lies in the extensive research and depth to his creations. Working with scientists, geologists and even botanists, his projects have always come from a science and research-first perspective. So when he decided to venture into the world of design, creating one-of-a-kind handbags, it was in part, a departure from his usual work, but in many ways a cross over between two worlds. 

Guzzo set about designing exceptional one-of-a-kind handbags for the most discerning customers. Each piece is made entirely by hand, with each bag taking weeks or even months to create. Guzzo believes that this project is a way of bringing art closer to our everyday lives and his one-of-a-kind creations talk to customers who genuinely value what they buy and have opted for wiser shopping, also as a way to protect our planet’s natural resources. This idea of mindful design makes for a much more sustainable approach, while long-lead times may at first seem frustrating for clients, the quality of the products means that Guzzo’s bags will last a lifetime, being passed down through generations. We find out more.

Tell us about the universe of Gabo Guzzo today.  

It’s an interdisciplinary project, something I started as a passion project, coming from my background in art. After an artist residency that I had with a scientist, Nobel laureate Paul Crutzen, there was an invitation for artists to go outside of the art gallery and bring their message closer to the people. It was a project related to the Anthropocene, climate change and how we should be more responsible towards the planet. This was the moment I decided to integrate design into my art practice and designing handbags was something that came quite naturally to me because of my background growing up in Italy, where I was always in touch with the design community.

I went to Florence and did research into artisanship. I discovered that even there, there is a problem with sustainability, and skilled artisans are becoming harder to find. After selecting the people I wanted to work with, we started with the first three bag designs, and it went from there. What started as an artistic project, is now becoming something else.

How do you translate your skills as an artist into handbag design?

The research is always based on my interests in the natural world and human nature. I work collaboratively with people in other industries for all of my works – art, sculpture, and handbag and jewellery design. Firstly I research deep into their fields, looking to find inspiration for my creations. There is always a link to nature and timelessness, as well as the idea that we should consume in a more responsible way.

I want to promote the idea of considering a more sustainable way of purchasing at a slower, more responsible pace. 

How do you try to sustain rare craftsmanship and support artisans through your designs? 

When I decided to embark on this project of designing handbags, I wanted them to be unique pieces with this jewellery element that was, in a way, a nod to sculptures. I went to Florence and talked to a few artisans, and I discovered the complexity and challenges involved in producing these designs. I came from a completely different perspective as an artist without training as a designer, and I think this is why the design feels quite different from what we usually see. But at the same time, due to the complexity of the designs, it was quite challenging, to find the right hands and minds to bring these designs to life. 

I was lucky enough to encounter an artisan who has a very long experience with manufacturing handmade pieces embellished with jewellery, and we started to work together, which was a great help. This collaboration was the first step in ensuring the highest craftsmanship for my creations. I’m obsessed with details and quality, also in terms of supplies, so for our tanneries, for example, we work with workshops in France and Italy, I usually go myself to spend time with them to define the colour of the leathers – in fact, the colours in the collection are custom shades that I mix with the artisans in the tanneries. That was another step that allowed me to control the quality of what we were producing. We also use precious metals that are crafted in Italy.

There is a lot of research in terms of materials and getting the right collaborators and there is a need for a meaningful relationship with partners, suppliers, as well as with my collectors. My collectors are always interested in knowing the story behind the bags, which is gratifying. When we finish each piece, the artisan who makes it will sign it alongside my signature as a mark of authenticity, commitment and pride. For each piece, there is always a significant investment of time and creativity.

Tell us about the bespoke approach to your creations and why it is so important for you to offer this. 

The bags are designed as one-of-a-kind pieces, but occasionally, we have customers or collectors who seek something more personal or have specific requests. This might involve the colour palette, gemstones, or aligning the design with their style. Sometimes, they desire a design that resonates with them due to a symbolic or meaningful connection to certain gemstones. Or maybe it’s a special occasion such as a wedding, and they want us to create something more personal. In these cases, we offer bespoke commissions, which can range from customising a design that’s already in existence to creating a piece using specific materials and colours. We can also design completely from scratch when they want something that’s truly of the utmost exclusivity. These are extra-ordinary collector’s items that can be cherished and passed on through generations.

What are the timelines for making a piece?

Time is our challenge, because of course, making these pieces requires dedication, especially when you start from a conversation, and then you have to source the materials with all the specifics they require. Depending on the request, of course, it can range from six to eight months. When designing bespoke pieces, the process typically takes longer, but time constraints are generally not a major concern for these clients. They are driven by the desire to achieve a unique and exceptional end result.

Tell us about the materials you work with.

Materials are part of the exploration of each design project, so we experiment with things such as printing in 3D – but most often, we work with calfskin, lambskin, exotic skins and of course metal – aluminium, brass and precious metals. Traceability and sustainability are key elements, and before starting to work with a supplier, we want to ensure the supply chain is very transparent and that we know where they source the materials. This is a fundamental aspect of the project.

Your brand is very unique – what is your vision?

It started as an artistic interdisciplinary project, and I still see it as a niche project, akin to couture. In this way, you have space for investment in time, creativity, and beauty, which is how I like to work. This is my goal, and within this goal, there is much potential to map this vision of interdisciplinary art and bring art, design, jewellery and science seamlessly together to promote meaningful human progress. 

Can you share a little about the Middle East and your clients there, and why do you think your designs particularly resonate with women there?

Generally, my customers become collectors, and in the Middle East, I do have collectors who follow my work. The Middle East, it’s a very generous region in terms of the client’s interest and passion for art, craftsmanship and uniqueness, and it’s a joy to work with collectors here. There is a specific interest in commissioning pieces that are exceptionally unique and creative, and I think that makes my design relatable to women in the Region. 

What else is in the pipeline for the region?

I hope to come to the Middle East with an interdisciplinary exhibition of art and design together, bringing my handbags, sculptures and other artworks, as we did previously in New York. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt since embarking on this project?

Coming from the art world, you have a different feeling or approach to time, while when I approached this field of fashion design, I became aware of how time runs fast in a way, in terms of collections, seasons, and creativity gets discarded too fast. This has been a challenge and something new for me, but it also presents an opportunity to communicate that we should appreciate time and enjoy creativity and design for longer. Working with many seasons and collections and a wide range of products is not enriching in a way; almost the opposite. I had to consider this a lot, and I decided to keep my project as it is; seasonless.

What’s the biggest challenge you face with your brand today?

Time is the main challenge. As well as this willingness to try to make a change in people’s awareness to change the way they purchase and consume and reconsider the importance of quality and time in their lives and their shopping habits. This is where I think art can be of value because what I’m trying to do is bring more art into the lives of my collectors. I think with inspiration that comes from art, we can add more ideas, quality and value to our work and the customer’s experience. 

What are you currently working on?

I am constantly engaged in developing new designs, as well as creating sculptures that explore my primary interest: human beings and their relationship with nature and biodiversity. 

What message would you send to our readers?

Luxury is the privilege of being oneself. It embodies freedom and possibility, and I believe we should use this freedom to advocate for a better world—for ourselves and for future generations.

gaboguzzo.com

After growing up in the Loro Piana family, Franco Loro Piana saw his father and uncle build a global company that helped shape the concept of quiet luxury as we know it today.

In 2013, however, the family business was sold to LVMH for a sum of two billion Euros. This left Franco, alongside his brother Giacomo, at a crossroads. They had gained exponential knowledge of the industry, craftsmanship, and creating exceptional products while working in the family business, but the challenge now was what to do next. The young entrepreneurs were keen to embark on a project that would combine their expertise with their passion for sports and an active lifestyle, and they soon created SEASE, a men’s lifestyle brand that combines luxury and performance. 

SEAE was launched in 2016 through a series of lifestyle experiences and pop-up stores. Its concept is unique and is targeted towards a man who loves an outdoorsy lifestyle, but also appreciates quality and luxury. This May SEASE opened its first store in the Middle East in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue. Partnering with Khalifa Almarri, Managing Director of Almarri Investments the Loro Piana brothers hope to further expand the brand’s global presence and reach a new segment.

The new store spans 1400 sqft and embodies the minimal and innovative aesthetic envisioned by its founders, providing a perfect backdrop for SEASE’s high-performance, functional urban wear. The interiors are inspired by yachting and automotive design, where innovative materials like carbon fibre, teak wood, and sailing ropes create a contemporary yet welcoming atmosphere.

On a recent visit to Dubai to open the store, we caught up with Franco Loro Piana to find out more about this exciting new chapter of the business. 

Tell us a little about the brand, how it came to life and the vision?

After we sold the family business, I wanted to create a brand that was fitting with my own lifestyle. I knew I had some creativity to express and I was very passionate about sailing, skiing and surfing, so I started to think about how precious your free time is when you are doing these things and how you need to have an occasion to escape your ordinary life and reconnect with nature. This, in my opinion, is true luxury. Having time to enjoy the things you love. I believe there is a big reframing happening in the world where people really want to take the time to rebalance and I wanted to create a brand that would talk about passion, outdoor spirits, reconnecting with nature and so on. 

Around 15 or 20 years ago, when I was living in New York, I would go to Montag on the weekends, and I would wrap up my bag with everything I needed – wetsuit, hoody, book, music – and I had this idea of creating a brand that was a kit for your passion – this eventually turned into a contemporary wardrobe for a man who wants to escape, who’s on the go, who’s travelling. It’s a combination of essential pieces that you must have in the wild, but combined with the codes of tradition, which is very linked to my family heritage and my DNA. So we are combining a tailoring, craftsmanship experience with a very contemporary product. 

I would define SEASE as tailoring elegance combined with a highly competent design and performance. We bridge the gap between high-end raw materials and quality with a sense of performance, and it’s quite unique. It creates a hybrid wardrobe for a guy who can go skiing with a high-performance cashmere jacket and then wear it every day in the city – he is never formal, always casual but sophisticated. Obviously, it’s not for everyone because not everyone likes to be functional and high-performance, but the wardrobe of a man is evolving towards that direction. There is a feeling that activewear brands don’t have style and luxury brands don’t have performance, and that’s why we’re here. 

Men’s fashion has changed a lot and there seems to be a shift towards more casual and functional pieces  – what can you tell us about that?

Yes – there is definitely a shift towards pieces that are easier to wear, easier to travel in and I think that’s where it’s heading. 

Tell us about the materials you are using.

Our strength is to use natural fibres and materials and around 80 per cent of our wardrobe is made from wool. Wool is the most incredible fibre that can range from thin to super thin – it can be the most precious or the most functional natural fibre. We also use a lot of linen hemp and cashmere, and we try to use these materials in a different way, whether it’s the design of the garments or the performance that we can attach to them. We’re very happy with this approach, especially with the identity of the brand which is not easy to build from scratch. 

Tell us about the rollout of the brand. 

I started the concept in Milan with a pilot store because I wanted to showcase an overall lifestyle. We started with a concept store because this idea of a kit was always quite strong in our vision and now, obviously, the collection has become bigger, but to begin with, we had this concept with a music loft on the first floor where you could buy vinyl and have drinks and chill. Downstairs was the SEASE collection, and there were also products from other brands that are aligned with our DNA. Things like gadgets that our consumers may not be aware of. So we started with this concept store, and then we opened stores in resort locations because we were pitching this escape to nature – whether it’s ocean or mountains – we opened stores in St Moritz and Sardinia to really express our brand DNA. 

I think we are a resort spirit brand. We enter our client’s mind when he is coming up to having free time, and for me, the most important thing was to create a brand that’s different, and it’s very difficult to do today when everything is already out there at any level of price and quality. So, to me, the only way was to create a product that can carry emotion through life. SEASE really needs to remain a really authentic brand with its own soul, that is used for authentic experiences for an escape, for exploring. These are all emotional experiences and the garments will be a loyal friend, accompanying you on these life moments. I hope they become salty and dusty and that these products stay in the wardrobe of a man for a long time because the emotional attachment is so great. 

The materials you use need to be versatile and long-lasting. What were the challenges related to this?

The biggest challenge is that if you use a natural fibre, a very precious raw material, on the one hand, you have a price constraint and then you have an outdoor spirit, you are competing with products that are made in China or Taiwan and are often cheaper. Obviously, we are already targeting a niche, and secondly, we are working with fabrics like wool or linen, which do have some limits in terms of durability or stretchability compared to synthetic fibres, but with wool, for example, its features are actually incredibly unique in terms of their thermal regulation, so if you get wet you get warm, they don’t smell, there are so many great features of natural fibres, but for sure, you cannot reach a certain level of performance, but that’s also not our goal. If we design a ski jacket in wool for example, for sure it’s high performance, but you don’t need to climb K2 wearing it. We are not a sports brand, we are a lifestyle brand and performance comes through in everyday wear. 

Where did the name SEASE come from? 

Because of this starting vision of sailing and passion and releasing pressure and stress from the city and dynamic life, we started with ease. When you sail, you ease the sail and you are releasing pressure. And then we added S to add the sea angle and how we are an ambassador of nature and the word also looked good aesthetically. 

Tell us about the brand in the Middle East and why do you think men here will enjoy it.

We had a sense of testing the brand for Middle Eastern clients in Courchevel because we had a store there. Men from the Middle East really like to ski and be in the mountains, and they like quality in general. So they discovered SEASE in that way, and we had a positive feeling. I’m quite surprised, positive and happy about the opportunity to be here, and I will always thank my partner Khalifa Almarri,  because he achieved the impossible to find a shop space in Dubai Mall. It’s the Champions League of the luxury market, and so I feel very honoured and thrilled to be here. At the same time, I feel the need to deliver. This really is the turning point for my company, and if we do this right, I think we will have something very different and special, and I hope this is the first one of a long series of stores in the GCC area. 

Being in Dubai Mall allows us to reach locals, ex-pats and tourists, so it’s a great opportunity, and I really think Middle Eastern clients are young, they have purchasing power, they are very connected with what’s happening in the world, and they appreciate things that are well done, of high quality and unique. Once they like something they become very passionate about it and loyal to it and become real fans of a brand, so I really see the need to fulfil their needs and grow the company in this market. 

Coming from a family company, what pressures did you feel when starting a new brand, and was there an expectation you felt you needed to live up to? 

Yes, for sure there were challenges and pressures, but let’s say it’s been done with a very instinctive passion – I didn’t talk or think about it too much in that way. After working a lot in the family company, I was 30 years old on my own, and I had this blank canvas in front of me. In the end, I did it because I was passionate about the product, and in my previous experience, I didn’t work on the product, I was more focused on other departments within the company, so it was a passion that I had inside and wanted to explore further. For sure it is easy to fail when you embark on a new project after a successful project, but I really didn’t talk about what could go wrong. That being said, I totally underestimated the amount of complexity of starting a new brand, and to be exposed again, the tough challenge was to reframe myself from an incredible organisation and a brand with no compromise. We always did the best we could in everything we did, and this is why it became so successful. Then you start from scratch, and if you have this ambition, you don’t have the same machine under you, and this creates a level of complexity which can be difficult to manage. But we have now been doing this for seven years, and we have overcome all of these challenges. It’s time to really bring the brand out there in the market, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in the Middle East. 

What does luxury mean to you today?

For us, as the Loro Piana family, to talk about quiet luxury is like nothing new. For me, true luxury is to have the freedom to live your life in the way you want. Always being connected to something that has a true value and is authentic. The concept of luxury is really switching to being more about having time to dedicate yourself to what you like to do.

In fashion, luxury is something that has a lot of content behind it. By content, I mean craftsmanship, technology, or something that is made to be the best in its category and authentic. It is about understanding certain values that can be transferred into a product or experience that will touch someone’s emotions. This is true luxury.  

sease.it/en

Switzerland’s Dolder Grand Hotel has been one of the most iconic in the world since it first opened in 1899.

This year, the Zurich property celebrates 125 years and is marking the occasion with a series of activations, events, and offers for guests throughout the year. The historic hotel opened in 1899 as the Dolder Grand Hotel & Curhaus, an architectural marvel with magnificent views over Zurich, the lake, and the Alps. The city meets countryside resort quickly became a year-round destination for Europe’s elite, looking for the finest in luxury hospitality. Sports, entertainment and gastronomy facilities were added to the property over the years, attracting global guests, many of whom would return again and again. 

In 2008, Dolder Grand reopened after a major renovation. Now with 175 rooms and suites and a 4,000 square metre spa, it offers tranquillity, relaxation and five-star hospitality. Today, under the guidance of general manager Markus Granelli, the hotel is focusing on its next chapter, in which technology and innovation come into play, further improving the guest experience. Here we find out more about the anniversary celebrations and what’s next for the iconic property. 

Congratulations on 125 years – how would you describe the Hotel today in your own words?

Many thanks for the wishes! The Dolder Grand is a destination distinguished by three qualities. Firstly, it stands for exclusive, multi-award-winning and world-class gastronomy that is varied and innovative with ever-new and inspiring culinary concepts. Secondly, our idyllic location above Zurich offers relaxation in beautiful, natural surroundings with a delightful variety of leisure activities right on the doorstep, whilst providing effortless access to the vibrant city and its rich cultural life. Thirdly, our renowned spa, with its extensive range of facilities and treatments spread over 4,000 square metres, is the largest in Zurich.

How are you planning to mark the anniversary?

We have planned various activities. For our guests, we have launched an anniversary package called Celebrating Exceptionality, showing our appreciation for their many years of loyalty with a special gift. As a tribute to the guests who have shaped our hotel over the past 125 years, we give an insight into our guest book, which captures forgotten moments and stories through the belle époque to the 21st century.

Underlining our connection with art, we have invited renowned artists to interpret their stay in their own artistic language, resulting in a variety of individual works that perfectly encapsulate the essence of the Dolder Grand and take guests on a special journey through the Hotel.

On the culinary front, we will bring themes from the turn of the century to life for our guests at the Heritage Pop-up, and our gourmet festival THE EPICURE, will accompany our anniversary. At the 9th edition of our annual event, top chefs from all over the world will present their extraordinary creations and a wealth of exquisite culinary experiences at the Dolder Grand from 2 to 7 July 2024. Additionally, we are entering the second season with our Blooms Garden restaurant, which offers vegetarian and vegan dishes from the Hotel’s own garden.

How do you continue to honour the rich history of the hotel?

By staying true to our guiding principle: heritage and vision as well as our passion for creating an unrivalled guest experience.

After winning Hotel of the Year, how do you maintain the high standards you have set in terms of quality and service?

In a nutshell, we listen to our guests. This means we strive to develop offers that not only meet but exceed their wishes and needs.

What’s new at the hotel for this year?

Two things are especially worthy of mention. Firstly, our Canvas Bar and Lounge, with its magnificent historic features and contemporary design elements, inspiring art collection and lively atmosphere, will be refreshed. It is a wonderful place to simply be, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a drink or snack.

Secondly, we have renovated our employee restaurant, Greens, creating a comfortable atmosphere for staff and upgrading the food offerings, with dedicated employees passionate about providing an unforgettable guest experience.

What do you think is particularly attractive about the Hotel to Middle Eastern guests?

The Dolder Grand offers a wide range of facilities for guests from the Middle East who appreciate the highest level of comfort and exclusivity. They enjoy maximum privacy in an ideal location, and find our long-stay offers particularly attractive. Another highlight is our butler service – we are the only Hotel in Zurich to offer this exclusive service.

On the culinary front, Oriental Chef de Cuisine Firas El-Borji presents a wide selection of dishes from the Middle East. His craft is characterised by an almost inexhaustible variety of flavours and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients of the highest quality. Guests can dine at the exclusive restaurant Salz, the temporary Oriental Hideaway or opt for room service.

Our spa features private spa suites and separate areas for men and women, where guests can relax in peace and recharge. Finally, we also offer medical wellness services that aim to promote the holistic well-being of our guests and make the Dolder Grand an ideal retreat for guests from the Middle East. 

We also provide environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as electric vehicles and bicycles, for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. Furthermore, our guests can use the complimentary shuttle service or the exclusive limousine service with a chauffeur.

Can you tell us about the summer season at the Hotel and how it compares to the winter season?

We are a year-round establishment, offering activities that vary according to the seasons. In winter, our attractive location allows guests to enjoy wonderful winter walks or our ice-skating rink – one of the largest in Europe. In summer, a plethora of options await, including five tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, a driving range, a minigolf course and access to the public Dolder Bad swimming pool.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role today?

One of the biggest challenges in my role today is mastering the balancing act between innovation and tradition while always offering our guests an unforgettable experience—in short, combining heritage and vision. For example, we are the first hotel in Switzerland to accept payment in cryptocurrencies, and we also use innovative technologies such as robots to relieve staff and improve our service. When our hotel opened in 1899, the technical standard was a telephone and telegraph service for guests. There have been 125 years in between – and managing change over the years to keep customers happy at all times is an ongoing process that we are passionate about.

What can you tell us about the food and beverage offerings at the Hotel?

We have five restaurants that together have a total of 64 GaultMillau points and two Michelin stars – from refined oriental and Japanese cuisine to exceptional fine dining and our garden restaurant for vegetarian gourmets. Culinary Director and award-winning Chef Fine Dining Heiko Nieder is responsible for this. He delights our guests with a unique blend of traditional techniques and modern influences. From upscale cuisine to seasonal, regional, vegetarian and vegan menus, as well as creative culinary concepts, the Dolder Grand’s culinary offerings continuously demonstrate their innovative strength.

What are some of the other attractions for guests to visit?

Guests can explore our art collection, featuring over 100 pieces from various eras, and discover the Hotel’s architecture, showcasing the evolution from the Belle époque to the present day.

What would you say to readers who ask why they should visit the Hotel this year?

Experience how the Dolder Grand combines tradition and innovation for your perfect stay, and join us in celebrating our 125th anniversary! With our anniversary package, we are giving you CHF 125 as a gift to commemorate this special occasion. Come and experience for yourself what sets the Dolder Grand apart. 

thedoldergrand.com

Just three years ago, in 2021, Del Core emerged as an unknown brand when it presented its first collection at Milan Fashion Week.

This unexpected yet disruptive brand was founded by German designer Daniel Del Core, whose career started out at Gucci, working under Alessandro Michele. As a young, independent brand, starting out was always going to be a challenge, but one that Daniel was willing to take on. His vision was to create something that went beyond the norm, offering unexpected designs, silhouettes and materials. Today, Del Core has become a great success. With three stores now open globally and several impressive red-carpet moments (Amal Clooney is a fan, as well as Florence Pugh, Priyanka Chopra and Cara Delevingne), and this young brand seems to be going from strength to strength. Here, we find out more about the journey so far and what to expect looking forward with founder Daniel Del Core. 

Tell us a little about the current vision and direction of the brand.

We started to build the company in 2019, our first show was in February 2021, so it’s been around three years and I think the identity of the brand is quite recognisable and clear and with every collection, we define it a little bit more. I try to work on the evolution of the brand while being true to myself and sticking to the values that step by step, I am including in the collections. I’m trying to push this vision as far as I can, think about what I like and don’t like, and be present throughout the process. 

It’s only been a few years since you launched the brand but you have made great progress already – as a new brand, how do you compete with those who have many years of heritage?

This is for sure our biggest challenge. I think the difference between us and other brands is that we are a new, independent brand, and we popped up quite quickly. We are not part of a bigger group, so in some senses, we are limited, but in other ways, we have more freedom. It’s about trying to find the right balance and push that forward to reach our customers in the way they are looking for. It can seem very simple, but when you’re a brand that is focusing perhaps more on a niche market rather than something more commercial it can sometimes be difficult. 

How would you define the Del Core customer today?

I think our customer is someone who wants to be seen, a woman who is true to herself. I like the personalities of the women who wear our clothes. They are women who have successful careers and a certain type of lifestyle. They are not women who have minimal tastes, and it’s beautiful to see their personalities stand out. They love fashion and they are looking for something new and different, and that is very beautiful. I think the red carpet element to our brand helps because we have some amazing women who choose to wear our designs. It’s not something that we push, it’s very organic. 

What are you currently working on?

I’m a bit of a multitasker, and currently, there is a lot going on! This week, we are officially opening our boutique in New York. I’m working on the show that’s happening in September. We will release Abstract 5 soon, our pre-collection – it’s a wardrobe of our women’s lives, more day-wear pieces than red carpet. There are some other exciting things in the pipeline for next year, too, but we will know more about that soon, and I cross my fingers that everything goes well. 

What can you tell us about the Fall/Winter 24 collection?

I think what was very interesting about this collection and the show was the inspiration because I was talking about nature and that’s something that’s very close to my heart. I have spoken a lot about this idea of mutant glamour and an evolution and I think what was nice about this collection is that it was an evolution of this. My concepts are very often tied to trips that I have been on and I get inspired by different places, but for this show, I was more focused on the woman itself and the process of uncovering her. So the first few looks of the show were a little more covered and then as it progressed, there were more revealing pieces, so it almost represented the lifestyle of a butterfly and how it reveals itself. It was very fun and I think it also allows people to slowly understand the brand and get closer to my inspirations.  This is actually another challenge: to really express your inspiration and get that message across to the clients. I think this last show was a big step towards that goal. 

Now, with the Abstract 5 collection, it was more of a challenge for me because we needed pieces that were more like the basic products for our store. So, I wanted to create a clearer line between the pret-a-porter and the couture, a more elaborate part of the brand. So in that collection, you will see more of the essence of what the product for me is when I talk about my collections. 

What can you tell us about your choices of fabrics and materials?

I like to take something that’s maybe a little more classic, like classic beautiful silk or cashmere, and then give it a bit of a twist. Mixing fabrics that are different, using fabrics in different ways, and controlling them in ways to create sculptural pieces. I think the challenge is to start with high-quality materials and manipulate them. For example, in the last show, there was cashmere, which we treated in a rough way so it looks a little more alive, almost like felt, and then you touch it and are surprised by the softness of the fabric – it’s unexpected. 

Can you share a little about the brand in the Middle East and what’s in the pipeline for this year?

Dubai is one of the most important places to be as a brand today. What was really beautiful for me is that when I started the brand I immediately got the support of the people there. The press coverage is always great, people are really willing to see designs with a twist. There is a respect for freshness and a brand that’s open to experimenting, and which was something I was very surprised but happy about. I worked in Beirut for six or seven months and I knew that people are very friendly and welcoming and always positive which is a super beautiful characteristic and I have to say it was really nice to experience. 

We have started to do trunk shows and to present our products directly to the customers in the region which was really important for me to do because I like to have a close connection to my customers. There is still a story to tell which can be a challenge but I like that and by connecting with customers on a personal basis, I can tell that story, and so far, they are very happy to be part of it. 

How did you get your passion for design? 

I was always very interested in sketching, painting, and sculpting. I’m from the Black Forest in the South of Germany, but I have Italian origins. When I was growing up my parents challenged me a lot to do different activities from sports, to camping, to art – they wanted to always keep us busy. I wanted to learn Italian because my grandfather was Italian and we had many vacations in the south of Italy, in Puglia, where he’s from and that was my first introduction to Italy. I went there more I started to learn more about art, ceramics and sculptures and it became a passion, but in terms of fashion I really didn’t even know what Gucci was – my town in Germany is really small! Then one of my teachers recommended me for a place at a university in Milan, I got a scholarship, and I started studying fashion. My passion for art got really strong, and I visited museums all around Italy. I really like to understand things, especially if I don’t like something, I want to understand the ‘why’ behind it, so there is a lot of research and thought into what I do. 

What inspires you?

It is a mix of everything. I have a lot of friends working in the music field, so I look a lot at what they’re doing, and we have a lot of conversations. I like to go out into the world, I go to the jungle for 10 days at a time and explore new places, look at the colours and shapes, and try to understand the place that I’m at. I try to collect photos and things I discover, and then I bring it all back to my team and we start to create something from there. Obviously, architecture is very important to me as well, so I look at that too, especially the differences in styles of architecture from different places. When I visited Dubai for the first time, for example, I was completely blown away by what could be done in such a short amount of time, and then, when comparing that with the old part of the city, the contrast was so interesting. There is a really deep history in the country which is amazing, but then you also have these incredible new buildings. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt throughout your career?

Stick to your own mind, do what you think is right and try to challenge yourself and that’s when the lesson comes. Sometimes you need to go with the flow, and sometimes you do not. You have a dream and expectations, but what you need to understand is that you have to work a lot to achieve even a small part of that dream, you need to be prepared. If you have your own company you need to be able to multitask and to have an overall vision and understanding of where you want to go and what you want to do.  

How important to you is sustainability as a designer and as a brand? 

For me, sustainability is always a very tricky topic. We have to do our best to be as sustainable as we can, but I would be lying if I said that it’s possible to have a completely sustainable company. I think it should be a goal that we want to arrive at, and we should try to do that as much as we can. I love couture because you can be really sustainable with it because it is artisanal work, and that’s also why I push so much to create couture pieces, but obviously, the industry, in general, has many issues when it comes to sustainability as many others do, and we have to try our best to do what’s right for our planet. After all, this is our home and I think we need to pay it respect and be conscious of our actions.

Long term, where do you see your brand? 

The most challenging thing for me was positioning the brand in the right place, which I think happened in the right way. I just hope I can keep that position for the brand long term. I hope to create more workspace for other people, have a bigger team, make better products, and create our own history and maybe someday a heritage. We are a little plant that grows with time, and in the future, I hope to be a big tree. 

What would be your message to your customers in the Middle East?

The thing that surprised me the most about the Middle East is that people are really curious about the brand. I hope that will continue, and I promise to try to create the most beautiful gowns and clothes for them. It’s a journey that we all have to do together.  

delcore.com

Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection features bold colours, pop-art prints, luxe materials and unexpected combinations. 

Designed by the brand’s Artistic Director Nicolas Ghesquière, it also features a collaboration with Chinese artist Sun Yitian, whose signature pop-art-inspired style can be seen across garments and accessories. 

Dress: Leather Pull Duck Dress Shoes: Trinity Ankle Boot Bag: Go-14 MM All Louis Vuitton

Jacket: Layered Utility Jacket Shirt: Striped Knit Top Skirt: Carnation Print Ruched Skirt All Louis Vuitton

Shirt: Collar Detail Striped Knit Top Skirt: Leather Accent Check Tweed Skirt Shoes: Trinity Ankle Boot All Louis Vuitton

Shirt: Carnation Print Tailored Halter Top Skirt: Carnation Print Ruffle Skirt Shoes: Trinity Low Boot All Louis Vuitton

Bag: ALMA BB By Louis Vuitton

Bag: GO-14 MM By Louis Vuitton

Bag: Twist MM By Louis Vuitton

Bag: Atlantis MM By Louis Vuitton

Photography: Norbert Kniat at MMG Artists 
Fashion Direction: Lindsay Judge 
Model: Kenza at MMG Models
Hair and makeup: Sophie Leach 
Location: Aya Universe, Dubai

Since its beginning, Boucheron has been a brand that goes against the norm.

Its founder, Frédéric Boucheron, was a trailblazer of his time, creating jewellery designs that went against the norm and opening up women to a new contemporary style of jewels. Today, Hélène Poulit-Duquesne, Boucheron’s CEO is continuing this mantra as she leads her team in crafting jewellery that innovates and goes against the rules. 

This year the brand will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Quatre collection, a line that has become an icon in its own right thanks to its understated simplicity and versatile appeal. As Boucheron continues a year of celebrations to mark the occasion, we talk to Poulit-Duquesne to find out more about the future of the brand and what’s in the pipeline. 

Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Quatre collection – why do you think this collection has become such a modern icon?

Icons are fascinating because there is no real recipe to forge them. You don’t create an icon; it’s the clients who decide. The fact that the Quatre ring, first introduced in 2004, continues to be cherished by our customers is a testament to its enduring appeal. With its bold and urban design, Quatre is a symbol of strength and protection. I believe that those who wear Quatre embody those values, not only for themselves but also for those around them.

Quatre combines four distinct motifs from the Maison’s archives – all seemingly at odds with each other – in a single genderless design. Each code honours a different facet of our history: the Double Godron (an architectural pattern first appearing in our archives in the 1860s, and representing two rings melded into one, symbolises eternal love for Boucheron); the Clou de Paris (a recurring theme in our archives since 1911, recalling the cobblestone of Paris, particularly those of Place Vendôme); a row of diamonds (employed by Boucheron since 1892, showcasing the exceptional savoir-faire of the Maison and symbolising eternity); and the Grosgrain motif (present in our archives since the 1860s, recalling our couture heritage). 

All the pieces are crafted with historical savoir-faire and cutting-edge technologies, and we regularly launch new innovative pieces, even in high jewellery. The collection perfectly embodies our positioning as ‘‘the most stylish and cutting-edge French High Jewelry Maison since 1858’’.

What do you think is the secret to longevity with a collection like this?

The secret of the collection is that Quatre transcends time, boundaries, and genders. It embodies our conviction that jewellery and High Jewelry are genderless. Since the beginning, the collection appeals to both men and women. 

Indeed, our clients like to express their unique personalities. They value the wide range of options available in the collection, which includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and now, even a belt! Quatre has also been reinterpreted in a variety of colours, starting with 2011’s White Edition, followed a year later by the Black Edition, and by the monochrome Radiant Edition in 2013, then the vibrant Red and Blue Editions (respectively in 2018 and 2020), as well as our latest Double White Edition, launched in 2023. We have observed that our customers like to experiment with combinations. They mix and stack different designs to create looks that are entirely their own. Quatre is much more than a collection; it represents infinite possibilities for creating one’s own style. 

What is in the pipeline for the collection this year?

To kick off the celebrations, on February 29th, Boucheron organised a birthday party for Quatre at 26 Place Vendôme. Friends of the Maison came to celebrate the icon, while Vendôme’s parquet flooring and mouldings made way for disco balls and a dancefloor to recreate the legendary Parisian nightclubs of the 2000s. It was an “Iconic Night” to remember.

Our Creative Studio has also imagined new 20th-anniversary creative pieces, exploring the collection’s versatility more than ever, with creations either supple or rigid, while staying true to Quatre’s original colours. One of the standout designs for this anniversary year is notably a Quatre belt, which can transform into six other pieces (two necklaces, three bracelets and a hair jewel). 

We have also created a Quatre anniversary campaign featuring Anja Rubik wearing a special cape. A one-of-a-kind bespoke creation made with no less than 320 Quatre rings. The campaign will be broadcast all over the world in very iconic locations. 

Finally, we are celebrating our icon throughout the year with a series of ephemeral boutiques. After the first edition in Paris in February and a second one in Seoul at the end of May, the Quatre experience will travel to Shanghai in July and Tokyo in October. 

What do you think women are looking for from jewellery today? 

At Boucheron, we believe jewellery is a question of style. Our creations have always accompanied societal evolution and women’s way of living. In jewellery, we notice two different habits. Women who seek to express their style and uniqueness with bold designs who choose Quatre. Others are more attached to sentimental jewellery, to the vintage aesthetic, and prefer our second icon, Serpent Bohème. In both cases, the trend of self-gifting is growing among women who seek to celebrate their personal achievements through jewellery. 

Who is the Boucheron woman today? 

There is no “Boucheron woman”. There are unique people who find a way of revealing their personality in our creations. 

Can you give us any previews of this year’s high jewellery collection?

I cannot reveal the theme yet but what I can tell you is that this collection is emotional, and innovative and, like all our Carte Blanche collections, it pushes the boundaries of High Jewellery.  

Can you share a little about the brand in the Middle East and what’s in the pipeline for this year?

In terms of business, the Middle East is a historic and crucial region for Boucheron, which still represents a huge potential. In the region, we operate right at the very top of the market, selling to highly educated and savvy collectors. This is something I am very proud of, and that is why we will present our new Carte Blanche High Jewellery collection there next December. The specific location of this event will be unveiled soon.

In terms of jewellery, our collection Serpent Bohème collection is appreciated by customers in the Middle East, especially the most precious pieces. This year, the 20th anniversary of Quatre will be the perfect opportunity to tell the story of our jewellery icon to our clients in the region. 

How are you connecting with customers here?

By travelling to the region for our local events. The Middle East is a vibrant and innovative region, and it is changing so fast! Every time I go there, I meet inspiring, empowered women with strong entrepreneurial ambitions, reflecting the local creativity and energy I have always been fascinated by. In December, I will attend the presentation of our 2024 Carte Blanche collection. 

What’s the biggest challenge you face in your role today? 

Boucheron is the most stylish and cutting-edge French high-jewellery maison and has historically been a trailblazer in the world of high jewellery at large and in Place Vendôme, shaking things up in this traditional sector. Although we have achieved important milestones during the past nine years, my ambition as CEO is to continue developing Boucheron while keeping our “start-up” spirit and agility. 

I also want to implement a company culture where our teams feel safe, listened to, appreciated, and valued. It is fundamental for me to place the individual at the centre and make sure they can grow in a safe environment where they can truly be themselves. Fostering our company culture, and our collective intelligence, and placing people at the centre of the Maison’s philosophy will be my main mission and our main direction for the next 10 years. 

What is something you would still like to achieve with the brand?

Although we have achieved significant milestones over the past nine years, our mission is to continue to innovate, drive change, and disrupt our industry. Progress is at the heart of my vision for Boucheron, and our Maison must light the way. I am striving for the brand to continue to lead the way in many areas—creativity, innovation, sustainability—just like Frédéric Boucheron began doing in 1858. My next achievement will be to develop Boucheron’s presence in the US. 

You have great relationships with brand ambassadors – what do you look for when you are choosing a brand partner?

At Boucheron, we believe in building long-lasting relationships with individuals who share our core values. This principle guides our approach to both global and local campaigns, ensuring that our message resonates around the world. When it comes to collaborating with celebrities, whether they are ambassadors, friends of the Maison or local talents, they all embrace our ethos. This allows us to create meaningful connections with our audiences. 

The main challenge in embracing celebrities’ ambassadorship lies in ensuring consistency, both throughout the profiles selected and the iconography we create with them. We rely a lot on the expertise of our local teams, who know the specificities of local social media, their audiences, and expectations very well. We are cautious about having on-brand profiles. Most importantly, we are very picky about having profiles that share our values and purpose, and we avoid profiles that have too many collaborations on their social media as much as possible so the expression of the Maison is not lost among competitors. Thus, our ambassadors are selected for their unique style and individuality, aiming to have common elegance and tastes through their career and life or artistic choices.

As a brand you have always remained very loyal to your values and heritage – how do you balance this with moving forward to please today’s customer? 

Innovation is in the DNA of the brand. Our founder, Frédéric Boucheron, was incredibly innovative as well as being a visionary jeweller. Consequently, if we want to respect the past, we must continue to innovate and be in tune with our time. For me, it is a duty to respect and honour the past while looking to the future. Our innovativeness and creativity allow us to push the boundaries of the sector and always remain one step ahead, therefore paving the way as the forerunner in a very traditional industry. In 2020, I decided to implement a new high-jewellery strategy. As the annual collection had to meet our commercial objectives while at the same time giving room for our Creative Director Claire Choisne to express her creativity, I decided to turn it into two collections: Histoire de Style, unveiled in January, and Carte Blanche, unveiled in July.

For our Histoire de Style collections, Claire Choisne draws her inspiration from either the archives of the Maison, a key moment in Boucheron’s history, or a major jewellery theme, and reinterprets it with a twist of modernity. With their initial objective being commercial, these creations are mainly aimed at more traditional clients attracted to classic designs with a view to investment. These collections are never about copying or replicating the past, but about bringing our archives into the future with ultra-contemporary creations, and that’s how we differentiate ourselves from the competition. 

With regard to our Carte Blanche collections, the focus is on innovation and how it conveys poetry, art, and emotion. That’s why these collections appeal to clients like contemporary art lovers who are looking for innovation and emotions, and hence have a more image-related standpoint. For these collections, which are genuinely about pushing the sector’s boundaries, I completely trust Claire and her vision. I give her ultimate freedom to create and encourage her to truly explore the dreams and creative ideas that come into her mind.

Both these collections are important milestones as they promote and reflect our creativity and innovation twice a year. For a few years now, we have noticed that our Histoire de Style collections perform very well in the press, and that our Carte Blanche collections result in excellent sales, so we now have two annual High Jewelry collections that perform well for the Maison in these two crucial aspects: business and image.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are very important to you as a company. Can you share the latest on this?

Our activity is inherently sustainable as our creations are crafted for eternity and passed down through generations. This is why we feel we have a duty towards those future generations to ensure our jewellery is made in a way that contributes to building a better tomorrow. In 2022, we published our first impact report, “Precious for the Future”, which outlines our sustainable framework and initiatives across three key areas: our raw materials, our operations, and Boucheron people. The main focus is on raw materials, metals and stones, as they represent a significant part of our environmental impact. 

Since 2020, we have been using 100% responsible gold, as guaranteed by the Kering Precious Metals Platform. 95% is recycled gold, and 5% comes from selected verified small-scale artisanal mines, which are either certified Fairtrade, Fairmined, or RJC CoC, or artisanal mines meeting Kering’s strict ethical and environmental standards. In addition, we donate 1% of our gold purchases to the Kering Precious Metals Fund to support a wide variety of social, ethical, and environmental projects in key sourcing communities.

Regarding diamonds, ensuring their traceability has been a priority for us. Since 2019, we have been working on various pilot projects that led us to select Sarine’s Diamond Journey solution. This technology enables us to gain verifiable data at every step of the diamond supply chain, from the mine to the final jewel. We now offer our clients a fully digitalized custom Boucheron Diamond Certificate, providing them with assurance of their stone’s quality and origin. Since 2016, we have been working toward achieving full traceability of all our diamonds by 2025. 

Coloured gemstones are more complex to trace, as they mainly come from artisanal mines. We collaborate closely with our partners to establish responsible supply chains and improve traceability. As of 2022, more than 60% of the coloured gemstones and mother-of-pearl used in our jewellery lines are traced. 

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our network of boutiques, where we aim to reduce our environmental footprint. For all our boutique openings and renovations, we have set the ambition to align with the Kering Standards for Stores by 2030 and meet the expected level of performance across 11 priority themes. 

As part of our “Precious for the Future” approach, we also strive to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging and in 2023 we launched a new jewellery case made of only two natural and recyclable materials: aluminium and wool felt. Every stage of its life cycle has been optimised, from the choice of raw materials to their end-of-life. 

At Boucheron, we are convinced that sustainability is not just a trend, but an essential part of doing business, especially in the luxury sector. It is a journey we are on with our clients, our employees, and our partners, to build a more responsible and resilient future for all.

What message would you send to our readers about the anniversary of the Quatre collection?

For Boucheron, Quatre embodies the adventure of being yourself.  

Boucheron.com

The 2024 edition of Watches & Wonders in Geneva set new records and welcomed its highest number of visitors so far. With a sense of optimism, this year’s edition looked to the future of the industry and the new heights it could reach. The event’s overall success was unified by a common drive to share excellence and savoir-faire. 

The event welcomed over 49,000 unique visitors throughout the week, including 5,700 retailers and 1,500 journalists who came to discover the new introductions from 54 watchmaking brands exhibiting across two levels. A programme of activities including presentations, guided tours, workshops and more, were fully booked by guests before the first day of the event. Business also reached new heights, with over 10,000 retailer appointments (+25% vs. 2023) 1,800 Touch & Feel press sessions, and a significant increase in end-clients placing orders. 

But beyond the numbers, it was the spirit of Watches and Wonders Geneva that resonated with audiences. Throughout the week, the watchmaking industry demonstrated its diversity, as well as its unity around its cardinal values: innovation, craftsmanship, excellence and sharing. Interest in the event amongst a younger generation continues to grow, with numerous schools participating and strong attendance by students. Of the 19,000 tickets (vs. 12,000 in 2023), once again, 25% were sold to under-25s, with an average age of 35, identical to 2023. 

Watches and Wonders Geneva has already set the trends for the year, beginning with a return to more classic and unisex proportions, followed by the presence of bold colours and the use of interchangeable bracelets. Grand complications continue to command prominence, while the use of métiers d’art exemplifies the intersection of watchmaking engineering and decorative art. 

Chopard 

Chopard debuted a number of exciting novelties for men and women at this year’s event. The IMPERIALE is an ode to the grand hours of imperial history with two new 36mm timepieces in diamond-set ethical 18-carat rose or white gold. Both watches feature mother-of-pearl and enamel marquetry dials. These two new models highlight the beauty of the Maison’s craftsmanship and highlight skilled artisans, from watchmakers to gemsetters, from enamellists to mother-of-pearl artists, all striving to create exceptional timepieces.

The Happy Sport collection also expands this year. Available in a Lucent Steel™ case with 30 or 36 mm diameters with subtle touches of ethical rose gold, the Happy Sport is now adorned with an all-black look enhancing its glamorous charm and its sporty-chic spirit.

The L’Heure du Diamant collection gets three new timepieces featuring an in-house mechanical movement. The three new models consist of a design featuring an octagonal case – a first in the collection – adorned with crown setting; a supple gold bracelet inspired by a historical model; along with refined dials in mother-of-pearl or malachite. 

Jaeger-LeCoultre 

Jaeger-LeCoultre reinterprets the Master Ultra Thin Perpetual Calendar, featuring a subtly modernised case and dial design and a significantly increased power reserve. Four variations are offered, including a new model with a gradient midnight blue sunray dial. The watch’s movement, the Calibre 868, was fully developed and assembled in-house and features an extra-long power reserve of 70 hours. While the size of the case remains the same as the original Master Ultra Thin Perpetual calendar, its design has been subtly modernised.

The Duometre Quantieme Luaire also gets a new addition this year with the first Duometre in steel, featuring a new case design and a deep blue dial distinguished by multiple decorative finishes.

Additionally, the new Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual pushes the boundaries of inventiveness further than ever. The new Calibre 388 features an entirely new tourbillon construction: one that spins on three axes to create a ‘spinning top’ effect. Beating at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph) to further enhance chronometry, Calibre 388 also incorporates a perpetual calendar with a grande date indication.

Cartier 

Cartier’s new launches include the Privé Tortue collection, a remake of the brand’s 1912 timepiece. Resembling the curved shell of a tortoise (the inspiration for the name), the 2024 ortue has been refined, with a slimmer profile and lugs that stretch along the strap. It’s being offered in three hours and minutes models and two monopusher chronograph versions.

The brand has also revealed new additions to its Santos de Cartier line with a new sportier collection. With four new timepieces in large and medium sizes, the new watches feature steel cases with a finely graduated brown dial, with a vibrant sunray brush finish, offered on a steel bracelet with a brown leather strap in the mix as well. Additionally, another timepiece features a yellow and steel gold case with a satin-finish anthracite dial which looks dramatic when paired with the rhodium-finished dial hardware.

Hermès 

Three new watches join the Hermès lineup for 2024. The Hermès Cut is designed to celebrate simple shapes through its powerful style. It features a circular dial with sharp angles and crisply drawn lines, creating a watch with a unique identity. The balanced proportions of the satin-brushed and polished case and the gleam of its clean-cut edges accentuate its character. The watch is powered by a Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement. The seamlessly integrated metal bracelet features supple links with a rounded profile and alternating finishes, picking up the case design. In addition, a rubber strap is available in a range of eight colours drawn from the Hermès palette.

The Arceau Duc Attelé combines Haute Horlogerie and equestrian emblems for a grand complication watch that features a triple-axis tourbillon and a minute repeater. This fine expression of horology and craftsmanship highlights the capabilities of the maison as a watchmaker. It features a distinctive 43 mm polished titanium or rose gold case, a sapphire dome, and triple mirror-polished titanium carriage shaped with interlacing double “Hs”, symbolising the union of Émile Hermès and Julie Hollande in 1900. A true craftsmanship accomplishment. 

And finally, the Arceau Chorus Stellarum features exquisite miniature painting and engraving showcasing the creativity and expertise of the house. Inspired by the Chorus Stellarum silk scarf designed by Daiske Nomura, two new iterations celebrate the decorative world. characters – dashing skeleton riders astride their noble steeds – are embodied in mobile yellow gold appliques, engraved and painted by hand. Driven by a spring mechanism linked to the 9 o’clock pusher, these gothic vanities swing into action at the flick of a thumb in a smooth “on-demand impulse” animation that sees them prance around a gilded constellation created using the champlevé technique. Like a celestial painting, this new zodiac featuring symbols subtly borrowed from the Émile Hermès collection reveals the equestrian skies in a dazzling canvas of colourful lacquer-coated motifs, enhanced by applied rhodium-plated stars.

Panerai 

Panerai presented three new timepieces at Watched & Wonders. The PAM01405 is a new Submersible Tourbillon GMT Luna Rossa Experience Edition that continues the brand’s journey with the America’s Cup which began in 2017. The new edition is limited to only 20 pieces and dedicates one of the highest expressions of watchmaking expertise, the Tourbillon, to pay homage to the team in their quest for the America’s Cup. PAM01405 features a 45mm case, scaling down from previous Submersible Tourbillons, yet maximising wearability without compromising its impressive presence. At its core, the hand-wound P.2015/T mechanical calibre results from three years of dedicated development, with the assembly of the movement and tourbillon cage demanding eight painstaking hours of craftsmanship. 

Additionally, the new Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-CeramitechTM represents a strategic alliance of high performance and cutting-edge technology in the shape of a new innovative material, Ti-CeramitechTM, mirroring the ethos of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team at the apex of sailing competition. The 44mm Ti-CeramitechTM case, is inspired by a material and process originally used in high-performance competitive environments. The innovative use of ceramic-coated materials, developed through the high-demand, high-tech sailing world of Luna Rossa, represents an example of how cutting-edge technology and materials science can elevate performance in sport environments. This process, particularly the caramelisation of steel parts to significantly reduce friction, enhanced the efficiency and speed of racing boats and was a source of inspiration for Panerai. 

And lastly, the new Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio PAM01507 pays homage to the official America’s Cup races taking place in Barcelona between August and October 2024. PAM01507 will debut as a pioneering watch to feature the new Super-LumiNova® X2 on indices and hour hand, an improved grade that ensures a luminosity 10% higher than its predecessor after 180 minutes in the dark*. The new timepiece features a 42mm case made from Grade 5 titanium, renowned for its remarkable lightness and strength, being 40% lighter and 60% harder than stainless steel. Embodying the innovative spirit of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, titanium is also one of the materials used to build the Luna Rossa boat, merging resilience with cutting-edge technology, thanks to the continuous innovation by Laboratorio di Idee at the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel.  Water resistant up to 50 bar (~500 meters), this watch has been rigorously tested, subjecting it to a pressure up to 25% greater than the guaranteed water resistance value to ensure it meets Panerai’s stringent standards. 

Vacheron Constantin 

Vacheron Constantin’s Grand Lady Kalla makes returns, continuing the brand’s history of jewellery and pendant watches. A new exclusive piece is embroidered with 7 facets emerald-cut diamonds on the watch; along with diamonds, Akoya and onyx pearls on the pendant. A high-jewellery and versatile timepiece composed of 268 diamonds, for more than 46 carats. These versatile high jewellery pieces can be worn in four different ways. 

The Patrimony watch gets three new models featuring a new sunburst antique silver-toned dial, new fresh strap colours, a customisable case back and a diameter trimmed to 39 mm for the manual-winding models. Inspired by watches of the fifties, the Patrimony features the perfect balance between rounded curves and taut lines. With a new diameter, new dial and strap colours, and customisation, the collection continues to be firmly rooted in the modernity of its era with three new models. 

For the first time, the Overseas collection watches are highlighted by an intense green dial and sunburst satin-finished centre and velvet-finished flange. The watches come in 42 and 35mm with a pink gold case and strap. Each watch comes with an interchangeable bracelet that can be switched for a calfskin or rubber strap with just the click of a button. 

Van Cleef & Arpels 

This year’s highlight watches from Van Cleef & Arpels are undoubtedly its métiers d’art pieces. of dream and emotion into the art of watchmaking. Two new watches are enriching the Poetic Complications collection, two invitations to bask in the allure of the heavens: Lady Jour Nuit and Lady Arpels Jour Nuit. 

The journey continues in the Maison’s garden with the new Lady Arpels Brise d’Été watch. Our path then meanders through an enchanted forest, where the Extraordinary Dials collection embraces the Lady Arpels Jour Enchanté and Lady Arpels Nuit Enchantée creations. Finally, perpetuating the Maison’s tradition of precious objects, two original automatons – Apparition des Baies and Bouton d’Or – round out this voyage to the core of savoir-faire, uniting artistic craftsmanship and a quest for movement to enchant the hours as they tick by. 

TAG Heuer 

The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph celebrates the rich heritage of the brand with a timepiece that combines historical relevance with cutting-edge design. Designed for legibility, the new Carrera Chronograph brings forth a new and modern take on the 1963 vision, breathing new refining the design, refreshing the timeless allure of the panda chronograph look in the new Glassbox construction. The black azuré subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock contrast with the silver sunray-brushed dial, creating the signature bi-compax panda look. The addition of captivating, red-lacquered sub-dial hands further amplifies the contrast, ensuring clarity at a glance. To further elevate legibility, the watch incorporates TAG Heuer’s iconic Glassbox design, set to become a staple of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph line.

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Date is a trio of timepieces that put elegance and precision at the forefront. With a 36mm dial the newest introduction is a manifestation of understated femininity using precious materials such as 8K 5N rose gold, Mother-of-Pearl, and diamonds. These watches are a delicate dance between luxury and refinement.

The New Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph breaks the boundaries of time with the Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph, a fusion of heritage and innovation. Designed to captivate connoisseurs, collectors and watch enthusiasts with its spectacular movement and stunning design. At the heart of the TAG Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph is the newly launched TH81-00 mechanical split-seconds chronograph calibre. Crafted entirely in titanium, it is one of the lightest automatic chronograph movements ever created by TAG Heuer, in partnership with the esteemed manufacturer Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier.

Roger Dubuis 

Roger Dubuis releases three new timepieces that combine daring design, craftsmanship and innovation. he new Orbis in Machina embraces both heritage as well as modern engineering, emphasising the duality of the design, and creating a visible link between watchmaking generations. The story is told from front to back and reveals the art of tradition matched by the cutting-edge architecture of today. The name, Orbis in Machina, is a nod to the revolving nature of the tourbillon, and the circular orbit of the watch’s display. A fusion of movement and mechanical ingenuity that brings the concept to life.

The Excalibur Dragon Monotourbillon is inspired by the Year of the Dragon. Roger Dubuis has skilfully crafted the dragon using 27 individual pieces of brass – each embellished with black lacquer on the sides and a pink gold treatment on the polished top surface. In typically inventive style, the pieces are set on 25 different levels, producing a 3D vision that is full of volume and vitality. Turn the watch over and the same flowing dragon appears – this time metallised on the inside of the caseback’s sapphire crystal. Precisely matching the view from the front, this stunning addition gives the dragon full power, no matter which side you are looking from.

The Excalibur Sunrise Double Tourbillon combines powerful colour and blazing light; two unmistakable hallmarks of Roger Dubuis design. This energising creation has found inspiration in the intense illumination of a breaking dawn. Here, we meet the vision of a radiant sunrise, along with the iconic spark of passionate tourbillon watchmaking. Embellished with a vivid gradient of gemstones, this visibly assertive timepiece shows how vibrant aesthetics can be equally matched by the strength of double tourbillon mechanics.

Hublot 

The Big Bang Integrated Time Only watch now features an integrated bracelet and a 38mm dial that represents the essence of Hublot. It has all the features of a “Big Bang”: the powerful case with its two “ears” on either side, the bezel adorned with its six H- shaped functional screws, the large skeleton hour and minute hands accompanied by their seconds hand finished with the Manufacture’s signature counterpoise, all the even-numbered indices from 2 to 12 on the dial, and the rubber on the crown. But this ‘essence’ is not just limited to these aesthetic codes: Today, this essence makes it possible to reduce the diameter from 40 mm to 38 mm. 

The Hublot Big Bang MP-11 14-Day Power Reserve Blue Sapphire is the watchmaker’s latest interpretation of sapphire with a new eye-catching blue colour. Featuring a sculptural barrell movement the MP-11 resembles the ocean with a curved seven-barrel design and a 14-day power reserve. To maintain a conventional height (10.9 mm), the seven barrels are coaxial and vertical. They are not integrated into the thickness of the movement. They are physically in front of it, set at 90° to it.

To allow their 336 hours of power reserve to reach the movement, Hublot had to design a tailor-made device: a 90° transmission which uses a helical worm gear, following the principle of an endless screw. The wheel in question is clearly visible between 9 and 10 o’clock. To ensure harmony with this mechanism, Hublot has taken care to place the balance opposite it at 2 o’clock, with its rate at 4 o’clock. The Hublot HUB9011 calibre, with 270 components, is also distinguished by its patented index-assembly system and silicon escapement which protects the movement from any electromagnetic or thermal interference.

A very slowly rotating disc (one revolution every two weeks) indicates the remaining power reserve as close as possible to its energy source, directly at the head of the seven aligned barrels. Furthermore, by echoing the shape of the barrels, the sapphire crystal naturally creates a magnifying effect on this signature element of the watch. The Big Bang MP-11 can be wound manually using the large, fluted crown with a worm screw-type relief that echoes the helical gear, or an electric Torx stylus. This sculptural construction is truly worthy of the name “Manufacture Piece”, earning its place in the MP collection. 

Welcome to some of the best fashion brands showcasing stylish interiors at this year’s Salone Del Mobile.Milano

Giorgio Armani 

The Armani/Casa 2024 collection ‘Echoes From the World’ was presented at the Palazzo Orsini, the brand’s historic headquarters, during Salone Del Mobile.Milano. Inspired by the Giorgio Armani Privé collection, the offering captures the importance of fine Italian craftsmanship and captures the cultures of some of the countries that have inspired Mr Armani in his designs. The idea of the collection’s theme lets guests into the lands that inspired the collection, identifiable by nods to different aesthetic and fashion cultures. References to Europe can be found in the clean lines and the mix of light and transparency in the TROCADERO table, with its plexiglass legs and platinum-lacquered wave-textured top, and the SOFIA chairs, which fit in seamlessly, as does the new edition of the RIESLING bar cabinet in canneté plexiglass. Like a small treasure chest, the boudoir holds the jewel-like gown, sculpturally shaped and embellished with thousands of fine appliqués.

The attention to the textures and details of Samurai armour — which the designer had previously encapsulated in a historical collection inspired by Kagemusha — can be found in the sophisticated VIRTÙ cabinet, particularly in its katana-inspired handle and its tatami-effect interiors with customised graphics. In the hall of mirrors, China is depicted by delicate shades of gold: the VIVACE table, with sculptural legs like bamboo stalks and a top decorated in rosy-hued silver leaf; the VENUS console with a lacquered glass top with gold leaf embellishments on the back; the VIRGOLA bookcase with its hanging shelves; and the VISO sofa with its curved profile.

Drawing inspiration from “Arabian Nights” atmospheres are the new edition of the CLUB bar cabinet, with its blue leather interior; the pouf with its soft lines; and the screen – all upholstered in the same grosgrain fabric with plant-themed embroidery. Armani’s own panther statues return in embroidery form on the VERVE decorative cushions. Influences from Berber culture can be found in the MORFEO bed in canaletto walnut wood, upholstered in geometric-patterned velvet, and in the ESAGONO coffee tables, upholstered in fabric with special tassel appliqués. On the MIRO multifunctional cabinet, the intense blue and iridescent reflects of the lacquer is instead inspired by the garments of the Tuareg, to whom Giorgio Armani has also dedicated a historical clothing collection.

Dolce&Gabbana 

In partnership with Luxury Living Group, Dolce&Gabbana adds new additions to its Casa Collection in the form of the Dreaming collection and the Verde Maiolica pattern. 

The Dreaming collection, characterized by the purity of white and the timeless elegance of black, emerges as the latest line from Dolce&Gabbana Casa. It showcases gentle lines and embodies feelings of safety and comfort, which are prominent features of this new collection. 

Verde Maiolica by Dolce&Gabbana Casa, a fusion of intense white and green, evokes the coastal landscapes of Southern Italy. It captures the essence of the Mediterranean Scrub with its aromas and colors, celebrating the handmade craftsmanship of the region. 

The furnishings of the Dreaming collection, crafted in collaboration with Luxury Living Group, and the Verde Maiolica home accessories narrate tales of love and hospitality. They express a passion for beauty and an appreciation of the art of everyday life, presenting a distinctive Made in Italy narrative through sophisticated materials and refined design techniques. 

Balenciaga 

Balenciaga continued its ongoing Art in Stores project by way of a collaboration with American artist Andrew J. Greene. Eight original artworks from Greene’s Timeless Symbols series were exhibited at Balenciaga’s Montenapoleone store in Milan during the latest edition of Milan Design Week. 

Greene’s sculptures place familiar, manufactured objects atop stainless-steel stanchions. A concealed motor rotates each item slowly, mimicking traditional retail displays. Placed in a procession behind a glass storefront, the artworks dramatise their place within the viewer’s world. 

Alongside a handheld mirror, a shrimp cocktail, a red rose, and a mapped globe are some of Balenciaga’s signature trompe-l’œil products: the reusable Coffee Cup, the shoe-like Knife Clutch, and two styles of the glossed-leather Chips Bag.

Andrew J. Greene is a conceptual artist who lives and works in Los Angeles, California. His work examines vernacular commodity culture, grafting ordinary and antique forms from Americana onto restrained frameworks to address taste, meaning, and ideology surrounding the lives of objects. 

Following this, the works will travel to other Balenciaga stores worldwide. 

Fendi 

For the latest edition of the Fendi Casa collection, the brand experiments with new raw materials and workmanship for an eccentric and whimsical offering.  

The highlight piece of the collection features a combination of the FF logo which is rendered in three dimensions, making the new FENDI F-Affair modular sofa, designed by Controvento, seem like a puzzle of interlocking elements. The composition is pure design; inviting you to experiment with material and colour combinations; upholstery can be customised for each element.

The Sohoft sofa designed by Toan Nguyen is a more informal rendition of the Soho already in the collection. It is modular in design with the option of the fully textile version. This year. It has a more informal style, forming a striking contrast between the linear design and the soft, natural volumes, with goose-down filling. 

F-Stripes, designed by the duo Ludovica Serafini + Roberto Palomba, is yet another new sofa characterised by high-end design, linearity and great comfort, where its sophistication lies in the details: the tone-on-tone top stitching on the leather of the wide straps that embrace its volume, the linear but welcoming cushions, the feet tapering towards the bottom, the metal end pieces of the vertical structural elements embellished with the engraved FF logo. A timeless décor element offered in a palette of natural, neutral colours.

Additional home accessories continue the whimsical tone with items such as blow-up sodas, designed by Controvento, and small side tables in glossy and opaque metal designed by Toan Nguyen that fit together like shirt cufflinks, seamlessly following the rounded contours of the Sandia sofa. Two coffee tables in two different heights have also been created for the Sandia

line: tabletops created from organically shaped metal, rest on bases made of thin metal bars that trace their shape.

Among the other new entries in the collection are the Mrs Parsifal armchair, the Adrian and Audrette chairs, the Lazy Ottavia chair, and many more. 

See more at www.fendicasa.com

Louis Vuitton 

As part of Milan Design Week, Louis Vuitton unveiled a unique reinterpretation of its iconic Bed-Trunk at its Garage Traversi store in Milan. This exceptional piece draws inspiration from the very first Bed-Trunk, designed in 1865 by Louis Vuitton himself and now updated to blend tradition with modernity. Created for the design connoisseur and the elegant traveller, this new variation celebrates the Maison’s heritage – innovating while respecting traditions and savoir-faire since 1854. The exterior of the trunk is covered in Louis Vuitton’s classic Monogram Canvas, while its interior displays the bed’s sophisticated structure – an innovative combination of aluminium and beechwood that allows the Bed-Trunk to quickly and easily transform into a stable bed frame.

The mattress is split into four sections specially crafted to support and accommodate its owner in total comfort. A memory foam mattress topper covers every section, which rests on the same woven cotton straps that have been used to keep clients’ belongings safe during travel since the very earliest Louis Vuitton trunks. The mattress is covered in waterproofed cotton precisely embroidered with the classic Monogram pattern. For even more comfort, the head of the bed – with an included pillow – can be raised to the perfect angle and a small beechwood side table is attached to the edge of the trunk.

In the mid-1880s, Louis Vuitton came up with a new Bed-Trunk specially designed for explorers from around the world – an invention patented by his son Georges in 1885. The Bed-Trunk was then showcased in several universal and international exhibitions, spurring its immense success among travellers, explorers and other nomads – just as the Camp Bed-Trunk became indispensable for officers in training or on active duty.

Etro 

Etro Home Interiors’ latest collections were celebrated through an immersive journey combining the rediscovery of the 60s and 70s with the exploration of current stylistic codes. The clean lines of the furnishings contrast with the brand’s characteristic maximalism and eclecticism, evident in the mix and match of eras and styles, as well as in the use of colour and fabrics, central themes of the Etro style.

Divided into three living areas, a dining room, a bedroom, a workspace and a relaxation area, the presentation at Salone del Mobile.Milano tells stories and living concepts through an interplay of colours and fabrics. A neutral palette, ranging from delicate, dusty shades of green and pink to shades of beige enriched with wood and

gold details, characterises the first living and work area, giving it a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere. The blue room, with its strong character, combines paisley patterns and midnight blue brocades with details in shades of brown.

The pink ambience features the floral Gobelin fabric, selected from the Etro archive and characterised by an irresistible vintage charm and it is juxtaposed with pink brocade, green and orange fabrics and walnut wood.

Within the various exhibition spaces, the upholstered items, characterised by essential profiles, highlight fabrics from recent fashion shows, featuring textured materials and lush prints. Emblematic is the Quiltana collection, composed of a sofa, armchair and bed, all distinguished by cosy shapes and sinuous lines, embellished by quilting with a squared effect that recalls the capitonné style, reinterpreted with modernity.

New additions include furniture inspired by the past, enhanced using lacquered finishes and saturated colours that offer a modern interpretation. Tubular elements make up the structures and profiles of chairs, armchairs and tables, as in the Piping collection, where they are combined with wood essences and fabrics from the collection.

As far as lighting is concerned, lamps and chandeliers with totemic lampshades bring discreet yet rich accents of light into rooms. Symbolic in this respect is the Dice collection, which emphasises the sophisticated atmosphere of the stand with its minimalist lines and decorative lampshades.

Versace 

Versace opened the doors to its original Milan home and design Atelier at Palazzo Versace, Via Gesù 12, to showcase the latest Versace Home collection during Salone del Mobile, Milan Design Week, and tell some of the many rich cultural and design stories of the Palazzo via a bespoke audio experience titled, Versace Home: If These Walls Could Talk. The presentation at Palazzo Versace immersed guests into the full Versace lifestyle. 

Presented by Luxury Living Group the furniture collection centres on the brand’s signature design codes. Now iconic symbols of the House, the Medusa, Barocco, and Greca are seen across furniture, lighting and textiles. The Medusa ’95 and Greca feature on rounded

chairs and deep, expansive sofas crafted in options of leather or chenille featuring the Barocco motif. The Barocco carries through across designs, including tableware from the Rosenthal meets Versace collection. 

Polished metal in the colour of Versace gold is treated to feel fluid as the backs and arms of chairs, or strong and solid as the bordering edge of coffee tables. The collection’s standout piece is the Medusa ’95 Conversation Sofa, a design that is unmistakably Versace in its exaggerated, lavish scale, and inviting comfort. Recalling a large bed, the sofa is an island of relaxation that features fine leather trim details, surrounding chenille Barocco reclining cushions, and options of indoor or outdoor leathers.

JW Anderson 

JW Anderson presented an installation showcasing the world of artist Patrick Carroll during Salone de Mobile.Milano. Titled “Days”, the exhibition featured unique works by the artist who creates art by stretching textiles he has knitted onto stretcher bars as though they are paintings.

From his large collection of yarn, nearly all scavenged from yarn remainder shops that liquidate the fashion industry’s leftovers, Carroll forges compositions of varied texture, material, colour, and transparency, in primarily wool, linen, silk, cashmere, and mohair. He makes each work by hand on a flatbed domestic knitting machine from the 1970s at his studio in Los Angeles.

Knitted into the works are bits of text. About half the works in this show bear a single word, usually a word that names a concept–music, abnegation, pity, voices, permanence. Of the rest, some quote works of literature, some refer to already extant works of art, and some feature Carroll’s own phrases. Carroll’s shows come together across the making of them, language accreting daily to form a modular chorus. It is only in the realisation of a show that its aesthetic argument emerges.

The installation showcased 37 artworks that were available for purchase at the JW Anderson Milan store.

La DoubleJ 

LaDoubleJ presented the Dancing Plates exhibition at Salone del Mobile.Milano. In a showcase of innovation and creativity, the brand presented its new collection, “Solar”, as well as current collections of the La DoubleJ universe. The Milanese brand joined forces with viral artist, filmmaker, and creative director, Max Siedentopf to create a one-of-a-kind “Dancing Plates” installation, a machinated masterpiece of our high-vibration homeware and his unique vision.

Inspired by Eames’ ground-breaking “Solar Do Nothing” machine from 1957 – one of the first devices to convert solar energy into electricity – Max’s “Dancing Plates” plates installation uses 16 machines spinning in sync which are balanced over 50 pieces from the new Solar Collection. The moving, spinning, revolving shapes used in the original artwork are referenced here in Max’s Machine, a joyful, gyrating ode to that iconically Italian passion for gathering loved ones around a table. Surrounding this central art piece swirls La DoubleJ’s full constellation of homeware, with each wall serving as a canvas for the collections created over the past seven years.

The Solar collection is inspired by the illuminating energy of bright stars. Featuring 36 pieces of porcelains with gold accents, hand-blown Murano glassware and Como-printed linens, each item is a celebration of traditional Italian craft delivered in a vibrant, intended to elevate your entertaining state. Delivered in an enveloping palette of warm terracotta, eggy yellow, and deep indigo, the collection features more serving platters than ever before, a reflection of the intention behind its design – to be shared amongst loved ones in moments of celebration and connection. 

As we approach the summer months, we reveal the capsule collections and accessories to discover this season.

Givenchy Plage collection

Givenchy has created a capsule collection for men and women building on Hubert de Givenchy’s beachwear legacy with bold, breezy and sensual silhouettes that embody Riviera style. The collection was designed with of Le Clos Fiorentina, Hubert de Givenchy’s summer estate in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in mind, with summery reinventions of the houses’s signature pieces. The beach capsule features light linens, a print inspired by Hubert’s lemon grove and nautical or Provençal stripes across modern cuts and statement accessories. For women, the collection features crop tops, tanks, breezy button-downs and terry cover-ups, mixed with a flirty skirt and pyjama pants in linen. The Voyou bag and G-Tote are presented in new raffia editions. 

The men’s collection also centres around linen and prints, including light linen trousers and shirts, paired with separates in a matching lemon print. Japanese Seersucker, and striped organic silk are presented in summery hues of sunbaked red, cool navy, sandy beige or ecru. An exclusive graphic design called “Le Clos 52” – an Italianate nod to Givenchy’s estate and the year he opened his couture house – features on a t-shirt that pairs easily with leisurewear staples that move seamlessly from the vibrancy of urban living to the serenity of a coastal lifestyle. 

The collection is available from May 3 in Givenchy stores and online at givenchy.com

Louis Vuitton Nautical Capsule

Louis Vuitton once again honours its connections with the world of travel with a new nautical capsule collection for summer 2024. With a feminine yet elegant approach to summer dressing the collection features relaxed tailoring, casual-chic seaside ensembles with a sailing twist and marine-themed bags. The looks are decorated by black, white and navy stripes across T-shirt dresses, shirts and knitwear. A double-breasted blazer worn with shorts or a bustier paired with trousers conveys a certain polish suited to both city and coastal dressing. 

In leather goods, red leather becomes a vibrant accent, whether as the compact Coussin BB or the spacious Noé BB bucket style. The GO-14 bag, the new iconic bag that reinterprets the malletage technique originally used on the inside of trunks, also exists in red or else in navy with mignons, small knots in white embroidery that punctuate the padded leather surface. 

New silks explore nautical motifs in the spirit of Louis Vuitton. As an iconic 90 square or the BB bandeau, the LV Cordage design conjures the high seas while integrating the Monogram. Light with a distinctive look, the Sailor Bandana features both the Monogram and Damier in four lively, complementary hues. 

Loewe Paula’s Ibiza

The 2024 edition of Loewe’s Paula’s Ibiza capsule collection once again brings the fun and carefree spirit of the Mediterranean island of Ibiza, inspired by the iconic 1970s Paula’s boutique that became synonymous with island life. The collection features bright and vibrant pieces that will be perfect wardrobe additions for the summer months. 

For women, there is a sense of fluid femininity and spontaneity with a graphic edge. Some of the brand’s archival prints are now presented on dresses and shirts, while cropped tops are mismatched with asymmetrically hemmed ruffle miniskirts. Prints carry over on loose men’s shirts and bottoms, but it is stripes on oversized tops and baggy, west-coast style shorts that take centre stage in menswear. The collection features the dizzying, hyper-coloured prints of artist Douglas Abraham, whose abstract dice, teddy bear and planet motifs are applied to T-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts and swimwear. 

In accessories a new woven raffia version of the iconic Puzzle and Puzzle Fold tote, as well as the Font tote and Iraca Basket in new colours. Leather accessories embellished with tropical fruits, mixed raffia and leather pouches inspired by animals, wallets, and charms. For adding a personalised touch to bags, the collection also includes a wide selection of colourful animal pins. 

Fendi Summer Collection

Fendi’s summer collection drop for men features an array of denim fabrics with the use of a renewed FF printed fringed pattern on linen or cotton. Both Pequin and denim are featured alongside seasonal prints: FENDI Labyrinth, which emphasises the bi-colour, graphic liveliness of the collection. A picturesque graphic is inspired by the warm colour palette of the Roman sunset.

Sportif stretch cycling, swimwear and activewear styles complete the range with the animations of the collection, crossing between the casual and formal, joyfully expressing Roman insouciance.

Accessories by Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, reflect an appeal to different wearers as well as encompass the overall narrative of the collection. 

Emporio Armani Icon Collection

The Emporio Armani  Icon collection features a selection of garments that creatively reaffirms signature Emporio Armani codes in keeping with the rhythms of time. Jackets, shirts, blouses and blazers matched with soft trousers or Bermuda shorts, and loose dresses, all brought up to date in volume and materials such as linen, cotton silk blend, or denim-look cotton. 

The colour palette is equally iconic: an amalgam of sandy neutrals, light blues and intense blues. The Icon collection is available from selected Emporio Armani stores worldwide and online at Armani.com.  

Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani/Caffè offer Italian cuisine, stylishly prepared, Armani style! The city’s two elegant dining destinations offer something for everyone. 

There is nothing better than a quick break during a shopping expedition, and Armani/Caffè at Dubai Mall offers a perfect stylish location to enjoy a long lazy lunch or a coffee with friends. The Caffè’s new pronto menu is designed especially for the time-sensitive diner who doesn’t want to waste a second of retail therapy time. 

A new two-and three-course pronto menu offers a choice of either appetiser and main course or main course and dessert… or all three! Featuring a mouthwatering selection of the Caffè’s most popular dishes, you’ll be served rapido, so you’re refuelled and ready to go. Bestselling dishes include mini veal ham and mozzarella arancini, the Armani Caesar salad, Tuscan tomato soup, mushroom risotto, eggplant Parmigiana, baked salmon with lemon sauce, and dessert from the daily display.

Meanwhile, at the Armani Hotel Dubai, Armani/Deli has reopened with a new look and new menu. Armani/Deli fuses European market-style tradition with signature culinary flair to bring you a gourmet market experience in the heart of Downtown Dubai. From fresh bread and classic charcuterie to artisan cheeses and tempting pastries, the restaurant features a daily changing menu of classic and contemporary flavours inspired by Italian classics. 

Armani/Deli offers impressive views over the Dubai Fountain. Before the weather gets too hot, make the most of it by sitting on the al fresco terrace for a traditional Italian aperitivo. 

armanihotels.com 

For the first time, the Four Seasons private jet is available for private charter bookings on selected dates in 2024.

The luxury hospitality chain branded jet, which is usually only available for custom-arranged tours, is now open for private bookings, allowing passengers to tailor their own group trips, combining Four Seasons resorts around the world. 

The Four Seasons private jet experience invites passengers to book trips between August 4 to 26 and December 20 to 27, 2024 only, choosing from an array of itineraries and experiences inspired by the Four Seasons luxury lifestyle. “We are delighted to offer this extraordinary opportunity to charter the Four Seasons Private Jet for the first time, in response to the many inquiries we have received from families and groups of friends interested in custom itineraries and travelling for celebratory events,” says Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Four Seasons. “With the added bonus of Four Seasons genuine care and service in the sky and on the ground, all one needs to do is sit back and enjoy the journey with your favourite people.”

Once booked, Four Seasons team members will work with each party to create a customised itinerary, tapping into the vast network of on-the-ground experts at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. Trip suggestions include visits to the Four Seasons properties in Maui and Taormina, sports-fan-inspired trips across Europe and the United States, or winter wonderland escapes to the French Alps, Prague, Vienna and more. 

The Four Seasons private jet can hold up to 48 passengers and is staffed by ten crew members. It costs approximately $110,000 per day to rent the jet, including meals prepared by a private chef and all airport services where applicable. 

The jet features spacious leather flatbed seats, extra-large bathrooms with full-length mirrors, global Wi-Fi availability, and the most up-to-date, hospital-grade air filtration system that renews the cabin air every two to three minutes. The jet has an extended range of eight to nine hours (approximately 7,400 kilometres or 4,600 miles) for non-stop flights.

For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com.  

Istituto Marangoni and the Saudi Fashion Commission have unveiled a higher training institute in Riyadh, in partnership with The Fashion Commission.

This initiative will bring international courses specialized in fashion and luxury to the Kingdom to encourage a new generation of creatives to further expand their skills and knowledge. 

The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Culture, underlining the institute’s leadership in this endeavour. Stefania Valenti, Global Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, and Burak Çakmak, Chief Executive Officer of the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, made the announcement at a press conference in Riyadh in the presence of His Excellency Vice Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez.

Istituto Marangoni will be the first international Higher Education Group in the creative fields, focusing on fashion and luxury, to open in Riyadh. Its mission in Saudi Arabia is to catalyse fresh avenues for local talent development, women empowerment, and employment in a country undergoing rapid transformation into one of the world’s most dynamic markets for young, digitalised consumers and creatives.

Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, thanks to its active collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission, Istituto Marangoni aims to provide high-level educational support, enabling both international and local brands to develop new creative and managerial skills in fashion and luxury, fragrances and cosmetics, and visual merchandising, to support the further development of the fashion and luxury system in Saudi Arabia.

The new institute in Riyadh, to be accredited by TVTC (Technical and Vocational Training Corporation), is scheduled to open its doors in 2025. It will offer an innovative and dynamic academic curriculum designed to propel careers in fashion, business, and luxury management. The flagship program will be a 3-year Advanced Diploma available in specific core areas, such as Fashion Design, Fashion Management, Fashion Product, Fashion Styling & Creative Direction, but also in the management of Fragrances & Cosmetics and Interior Design. Students will have the option to complete the Advanced Diploma in Riyadh and gain industry experience through a 6-month internship in the final year or pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at any international Istituto Marangoni campus.

The academic offer will also include a range of courses catering to both aspiring and established professionals that are looking to enhance their skills in the areas of fashion business, digital marketing, product management and emerging technologies.. The resounding success of the distance learning course on Digital Fashion and CLO3D, offered to Saudi designers in partnership with the Fashion Commission over the past two years, serves as a testament to the market’s readiness for this type of educational opportunity.

Burak Çakmak, Chief Executive Officer of the Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, said: “As we inaugurate Istituto Marangoni in Riyadh, we herald a transformative era for local talent within the burgeoning creative landscape of our region. With demand for quality fashion education on the rise, our partnership underscores the Saudi Fashion Commission’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering creatives. Together, we embark on a journey to shape a vibrant and flourishing fashion community in the heart of the Kingdom, laying the foundation for a future where innovation thrives and creativity knows no bounds”. 

istitutomarangoni.com

The world’s tallest residential tower will soon stand high above Dubai Marina.

In a ground-breaking project between Dubai-based real estate developer Select Group and Six Senses, the ultra-luxury tower, which will be known as Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, will stand at an impressive 517 metres, making it the highest residential tower in the world. 

Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina will feature 251 residences in various sizes ranging from two- to four-bedroom deluxe residences, half-floor penthouses, as well as duplex and triplex Sky Mansions. The sky-high community puts sustainability at the forefront and features an interior design that’s a fusion of biophilia and classical feng shui, creating a unique living environment that is sure to intrigue even the most discerning buyers and investors.

The 122-storey building will combine luxury living with wellness and lifestyle experiences from cutting-edge fitness facilities to specialised longevity areas and landscaped social spaces on the 109th-floor Skydeck.

Capturing the DNA of Six Senses, where wellness is at the heart of everything they do, the building will feature impressive facilities including cardio, strength and functional gyms, virtual cycling and boxing studios, an infinity pool, ice baths, salt room, bio, Finnish and infrared saunas, sound healing room, massage suites, indoor and outdoor cinemas, and a longevity clinic providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance revitalisation.

“With the development of Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, our aim is to redefine luxury living with a central emphasis on the holistic well-being of our residents. Our commitment to excellence resonates throughout every aspect of the project, from its ultra-luxurious design to its carefully selected range of amenities, offering residents an unmatched lifestyle experience.” Said Rahail Aslam, Group CEO at Select Group. 

The development is at 25% completion and is scheduled for handover in 2028. 

sixsenses.com

Founded as a brand that would provide Emirati women with a modern alternative to the classic abaya, UAE-based brand SALFA has carved out its own fashion niche.

At the backbone of its collections, you will find the denim overcoat, which can be worn as an abaya, but also interpreted as a modern jacket by those coveting modest styles. The founders created the brand because they felt there was something missing in their wardrobes – abayas that matched their busy lives and energy – but today it has become so much more as the brand appeals to women from all walks of life. The brand focuses on selecting fabrics for their quality and gives attention to impeccable details, fine tailoring, elegant clean cuts and exquisite supple silhouettes. As the latest collection Zest of Life launches, we talked to SALFA’s founders to find out more. 

Tell us about the vision and direction for SALFA today. 

The vision for SALFA is to provide women with pieces that exude a sense of effortless, everyday luxury. Our direction is to help them feel confident in every SALFA piece they wear. 

What can you tell us about your latest collection?

The latest ‘Zest of Life’ collection is an invitation to discover the power of positivity. The collection features a series of outerwear pieces that exude a sense of effortless luxury. From structured silhouettes to flowy styles, each design is crafted with versatility and utility in mind for the dynamic woman.  

Your collections seem to focus on essential wardrobe staples – what can you tell us about this?

SALFA’s fundamental ethos is to craft pieces that are a practical addition to every woman’s wardrobe. Pieces that transcend trends and seasons, each style is designed with every woman in mind. We want every person who adorns a SALFA piece to be able to style it according to their persona. 

What are the wardrobe staples every woman should own?

A versatile outerwear piece that can be styled up or down is definitely a staple we would recommend. The SALFA signature overshirt is the perfect example of this! Styled with your favourite jeans and a white t-shirt with accessories to match; this will help elevate your look. 

Tell us a little about your design process and the choice of fabrics. 

In terms of collection design, we always align our goals with our design team to create timeless pieces that are seasonless and could integrate smoothly into every stylish woman’s wardrobe. We then focus our collection concepts to translate into feelings and storylines that articulate and are relatable to our dream woman. We focus on breathable materials that can be layered effortlessly without too much thought or effort. 

Who is the woman you design for?

We design for every extraordinary woman who leads by example. She values confidence, and self-expression, and requires a wardrobe that speaks to her bold and inspiring presence.

Your pieces are modest yet very versatile and fashionable. What are your thoughts on the modest fashion market today? 

Modest fashion is about so much more than just clothes. It’s an expression of style and individuality. It’s so great to see each individual’s take on modest fashion today and how it has evolved over the years. At SALFA, we design with our culture in mind but with a modern touch. 

Can you share a little about the brand here in the region and why it is an important market for you? 

Our region is an important market for us as our clients understand the values behind the brand. With each generation, we see how they take on modest fashion changes with a modern angle. We cater to this by ensuring we are rooted in our cultural beliefs while designing with a contemporary outlook.  

What else is in the pipeline for this year?

We are very excited to launch our newly revamped website, which will act as a platform for us to connect more with our community. It will showcase a more creative approach with styling tips and features of our favourite clients and the brand’s friends. 

Tell us about the brand on a global level and where we can expect more growth over the coming years.

We are very excited to expand our community further into the GCC through brand collaborations and launch events in different cities! 

Tell us a little about some of your highlight pieces for this year.

The highlight of SALFA is our denim outerwear, which is part of each collection, but we’re also seeing a growing love for our suits. The biggest highlight has been our long, striped blazers, which were sold out within the first week of their launch!

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a brand today?

As a small brand with a very particular vision and mission, we have noticed that we need to delegate tasks more with the other partners we work with. Something we didn’t anticipate so early on. Although it is a bit of a challenge to release our reigns on certain tasks, it is also very rewarding to see how the brand is consistently growing.

How would you like to see Arab designers supported and represented globally? 

We would like to see Arab designers and brands showcased alongside their international counterparts on international platforms. Designed with utmost attention to craftsmanship, each piece is a culmination of passion and hard work that should be highlighted far beyond our regional borders. 

What would you still like to achieve at the brand that you haven’t done yet?

We would like to expand our product line and establish our brand to be a full fashion house.  

salfadubai.ae

Since its conception in 2007, the Prada Galleria Bag has become one of the brand’s most recognisable accessories.

Its soft surface, juxtaposed with its sleek structure, makes it the ideal companion for the modern woman. Named after the brand’s historic flagship boutique, opened by Mario Prada in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913, the Galleria is reinvented each season with endless updates and twists on the classic design. 

For this season, the Prada Galleria has a new surface and shape, both inside and out. The Galleria Soft Grain features a classic lightness, while supple calfskin exteriors and nappa linings give the bag a fresh malleability. All metal hardware is gold-plated, and colours shift from the purest black to a palette of warm neutrals. Again plated in gold, micro-stud applications form an all-over treatment on the exterior. Like dots of light, they transform the surface, allying it to a language that is fundamentally Prada – studs are a form of decoration the brand has explored again and again throughout its fashion and accessories.

In an exploration of Prada’s leatherworking savoir-faire, something A&E Editor in Chief Lara Mansour Sawaya discovered a lot more of during a recent visit to the brand’s Italian factory, the Galleria is also proposed with alternating embellishments of three-dimensional floral blooms, all hand-worked, one by one, in fine leather. The planes of the bag allow flowers to erupt, either finely-coiled rosebuds or full-blown anemones, reimagined as graphic devices by Prada’s virtuoso craftspeople.

Connected intrinsically to Prada’s ready-to-wear collections, where foliate embellishments have had a presence across four decades, this decoration is both a hallmark of the brand and an expression of the superlative quality that characterises both the Made in Italy mark and the name Prada.

This season the Galleria bag is presented to the world via an exclusive campaign featuring Scarlett Johansson. The actress is pictured in New York City in images captured by director Jonathan Glazer. The still and moving images showcase Johansson as an actor, honing her art – repeating phrases with different feelings and meanings, she showcases the infinite self-transformation that defines an actor’s skill.

As Johansson exits the studio, we see the image leap from screen to reality where the intimacy of the act of performing is able to generate contrasts with a panoramic normality of everyday life. The instrument of Johansson’s everyday is the Prada Galleria, seen here as a tool of life rather than a product, a part of an everyday wardrobe. As with Johansson, its persona can transform; as with acting, it is a symbol of excellence in craft. Here, the Prada Galleria is showcased, in motion, as a fundamental facet of a woman’s reality.

The Prada Galleria is available at Prada stores globally.  

Prada.com

Al Fardan Fine Jewellery is one of the UAE’s few homegrown jewellery industry leaders.

With a heritage based on the country’s historical pearl industry, the company, which is today led by the modern mind of CEO Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, is building bridges between the history and future of the industry in the Middle East. With a rich history around pearls, Al Fardan realises that today, there is a need to reapproach traditional processes and jewellery styles in order to attract the younger generations and that’s exactly what the brand is doing. To find out more, we talk to the General Manager of Al Fardan Fine Jewellery Abu Dhabi, Iulia Al Fardan. 

Tell us about the vision and direction for Al Fardan Fine Jewellery today. 

As we navigate the future of Al Fardan Fine Jewellery, our vision remains firmly rooted in luxury as a bridge between the past and the future. Inspired by our Emirati heritage and the legacy of the pearl industry, we are committed to crafting timeless pieces that resonate across generations.

Our direction is shaped by a dedication to sustainability, ensuring that future generations can inherit not only exquisite jewellery but also a planet that thrives. We strive to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of our business, reflecting the values of the new generation.

Moreover, we recognize that luxury is evolving, and we embrace the idea of integrating it into everyday style. We aim to empower Gen Z to express their unique style and personality through our jewellery, making luxury an accessible and meaningful part of their lives. At Al Fardan Fine Jewellery, we see ourselves not just as purveyors of luxury, but as custodians of a legacy that spans generations. Our commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and sustainability will continue to guide us as we shape the future of luxury jewellery for years to come.

Can you share more about the brand here in the region and why it is an important market for you? 

The Middle East holds a special place in our hearts at Al Fardan Jewellery. It’s not just a market; it’s a vibrant hub of luxury and heritage, deeply intertwined with our brand’s legacy. Here, discerning tastes and a passion for quality craftsmanship inspire us to create pieces that resonate with the region’s cultural significance. Our connection to the Middle East goes beyond commerce; it’s a cherished home where tradition meets innovation, and where our commitment to excellence thrives.

How do you balance honouring the history of Al Fardan and continue to be relevant for today’s customers?

While we deeply respect our rich heritage, we understand the importance of staying relevant in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why we continuously introduce novel creations and materials, ensuring that our brand evolves in step with the dynamic landscape of modern luxury. As an example, we still have our traditional jewellery collections like Al Noor but have recently launched lighter, modern collections like Mira, ALFAbet and BonBons Perlée. These pieces are designed for layering, stacking and styling in ways the wearer sees fit – ensuring that within our collections, there will always be a piece to suit different generations and tastes. 

With the influence of social media and technology shaping the industry, we are committed to leading the charge towards the future of jewellery design with grace and sophistication.

Tell us about the brand on a global level and where we can expect more growth over the coming years. 

We recently re-launched our e-commerce platform and are currently enhancing our online presence to reach a wider audience. I think what makes us unique as a brand is our ability to not only integrate our own in-house collections but also offer access to pieces from international designers like Susana Martins and Terzihan. We aim to become a one-stop shop for all jewellery needs, covering the A-Z of what any jewellery connoisseur may need for their personal collection. 

Tell us about some of your highlight pieces and collections for this year.

This year, we have launched two collections that are extremely close to our hearts. First is the Mira collection, a testament to the twenty-first-century woman who is the architect of her own destiny, forging her own path with unwavering determination and resilience. The word Mira itself means female ruler, who is the embodiment of strength and resilience. The collection is comprised of earrings, rings and necklaces with delicate drop pearls and flawless diamonds which are designed to be used as tools for self-expression. 

Next, we have the Alma V collection, the 5^th-generation in our Alma series. This collection stands as a testament to our own rich history, playing into the idea of multiple generations of the Al Fardan legacy. The core pieces within the Alma collection are inspired by the traditional Dyyin (Dean), which is a woven bag worn around the neck of divers to hold the precious oysters they collect. The Alma collection is a tribute to the Emirati heritage of pearl diving, using the intricacies of the Dyyin net as the template for its delicate design by integrating its symbolic woven construction. These delicate net designs are reflected throughout the collection, adorning its elegant bracelets, rings, and earrings, all while pearls remain a consistent presence, paying homage to pearl diving in the UAE.

As a brand you have always remained very loyal to your values and heritage – how do you balance this with moving forward to please today’s customer? 

To balance tradition with modernity, we embrace a philosophy of evolution rather than revolution. While we stay true to our core values of craftsmanship, quality, and cultural significance, we are not afraid to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs and desires of today’s customers. Our clientele recognizes this too, hence loyalty goes both ways, and we always see customer retention. 

How do you feel about endorsements and partnerships as a company?

When we feel the synergy, whoever that may be, a public person or a company – we love good partnerships and endorsements. Our collaborations explore different avenues, depending on the collection and occasion. 

It’s deeply meaningful for us to consistently prioritise and foster partnerships with local talents too. Over time, we’ve undertaken numerous projects dedicated to showcasing and uplifting Emirati artists, designers, and celebrities. Through these initiatives, we aim to celebrate their creativity, contribute to their success, and showcase their unique contributions to our community and beyond.

Every Ramadan, we launch a new iteration of our Al Noor collection, featuring a personal handwritten Quranic verse by Sheikha Alyazia Bint Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, making it a cherished piece for generations to come. 

In the past, we have also collaborated with Emirati AI artists, fashion designers, calligraphers, artists, singers, actors etc. to help us create bespoke displays that tell our stories for key moments like the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. 

What does Al Fardan Fine Jewellery do to connect with its clients?

Our current strategy heavily focuses on connecting with end consumers via digital platforms. “Content is king,” as they say, and we are always making sure we invest in up-to-date and engaging content. 

We are also proudly participating in key trade events, ensuring we strategically select places where we connect with people and display our curated collections, where they will resonate most with audiences.

What’s the biggest challenge you face as a brand today?

As with most luxury brands worldwide, we constantly see an abundance of new brands and oversupply. This can confuse customers, which is why we outline our heritage and legacy whilst catering to different age groups and requirements through our collections. We find it most important to establish a relationship with both existing and potential clients to showcase how our brand differs from the rest. 

Who is your customer today, and what is she looking for from jewellery?

Our customer today is a discerning connoisseur of fine jewellery—a knowledgeable individual who values curated looks and knows precisely what she wants. She seeks jewellery that transcends trends, opting for pieces that speak to her unique style and identity.

For her, jewellery is more than just adornment; it’s a reflection of her personality and values. She gravitates towards designs that embody the timeless allure of luxury and heritage while also exuding a contemporary charm.

In addition to seeking pieces that capture her individuality, our customer places a high value on authenticity and sustainability. She seeks brands that prioritise ethical sourcing and responsible practices, ensuring that her jewellery looks beautiful and aligns with her social and environmental values.

In essence, our customer today seeks jewellery that is not just fashionable but meaningful—a reflection of her refined taste, curated style, and unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.

What else is in the pipeline for this year?

This year, Al Fardan Fine Jewellery is planning an exciting lineup of new collections, collaborations, and initiatives. We’re thrilled to introduce new designs that push the boundaries of creativity while staying true to our heritage and values.

As mentioned previously, we are expanding our digital presence to provide a seamless online shopping experience and investing in personalised services to better cater to our clientele’s unique needs and preferences.

What message would you send to our readers?

We believe that luxury is more than just material opulence. It’s a reflection of the values, stories, and aspirations that define us. Each piece we craft is imbued with a sense of history, artistry, and unparalleled beauty, inviting you to embark on a journey of elegance and sophistication. Thank you for being part of our story.

alfardanfinejewellery.com